Communication among humans can be verbal or non-verbal. When we feel cold or sick, it is either we tell our fellows about it or we grab a jacket to let them know that we don’t feel well.
But in the case of dogs and even other animals, they can only communicate with us through their body language and reactions. As dog owners, these are some of the important points we have to observe and understand as we take care of them.
Yorkies, for example, show love and affection to their owners by licking their faces or by gazing at them. When they sniff your behind or snuggle beside you when you are asleep, it is a general indication that your Yorkie feels comfortable and safe. Despite their Napolean characteristics, they can still be playful and mushy.
Why is Your Dog Trembling, Shivering, and Panting?
However, there are some instances when we cannot help but feel scared and worried whenever we see them shaking or shivering. Since for us humans, it can be an indication of a health issue, there are a number of possible explanations why your Yorkie is acting strange and shaking.
- Hypoglycemia
- Low body temperature
- Severe pain
- Feeling afraid or overexcited
Hypoglycemia
One of the things to watch out for in your Yorkies, especially for younger ones is them being prone to hypoglycemia. It is a severe health condition where Yorkies have low blood sugar which can be triggered by not eating and being stressed or over-excited about something.
This condition can make puppies shake and tremble and this is difficult to decode because this can also mean that they feel cold or scared of external factors, where in fact, there is already a threatening condition happening inside them due to an imbalance of sugars in the bloodstream. especially for the older Yorkies (3 months and older). Moreover, Yorkies who have diabetes may experience shaking after taking insulin.
Another possible sign of hypoglycemia is their lack of energy followed by sudden shaking and trembling. It will be uncontrollable shivering that happens from one part to the entire body. You may also check if your Yorkie feels weak, dizzy, and having trouble walking. These are also considered possible signs of hypoglycemia.
If your Yorkie exhibits this condition, he/she should be given medical attention immediately. Your pet needs to be checked by a veterinarian right away if the shaking persists. Otherwise, your Yorkie may suffer from seizures, pale gums, a drop in temperature, or even comatose. If left untreated, the condition can be really fatal. Hypoglycemia is a severe illness and should be taken seriously.
What to Do About It?
Honey is said to be a useful aid in the event that you think your Yorkie is suffering from Hypoglycemia. By rubbing a little honey against your dog’s gums, they can already stabilize their state.
Of course, the most important and immediate solution is to bring your Yorkie to a veterinarian immediately so an IV solution can be utilized. It can stabilize his/her blood sugar levels.
Moving forward, observe the proper transition when you are going to introduce changes in their food. New environments, new people, and even new food can cause stress to them, which in turn, can cause them to be hypoglycemic. Stay with them as they undergo any transition too. Your support can make a big difference.
Here’s another Yorkie article you’ll enjoy: A Guide to Pet Insurance for Your Yorkshire Terrier
Low Temperature
Unlike other dogs, Yorkies and even Yorkie poos do not have double coats. They cannot stand colder temperatures; thus, they are more susceptible to cold environments. Their body does not have enough insulation as other breeds do.
Thus, when they feel cold due to a decrease in their core body temperature drops, dogs like Yorkies, including Teacup Yorkies, randomly yelp and shake. This is an automatic reflex intended to warm up muscle groups around vital organs like the lungs, liver, and heart. Hence, as dog owners, being familiar with the signs of hypothermia, which include, lethargy, shivering, and trouble breathing and knowing is a must.
What to Do About It?
When the air is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) it is time to put a warm layer of clothing on your Yorkie. Make sure that any protective winter clothing like jackets and sweaters are available. The apparel should make your Yorkie feel comfortable and well-fitted. Most importantly, don’t leave your dog outside for long periods of time during cold months.
Here’s another Yorkie article you’ll enjoy: Yorkie Throwing Up? What Do You Do? Everything You Need to Know About Dog Vomiting
Severe Pain
Like older people, as dogs get older, some develop tremors in their hind legs. Sometimes, the tremors may be in the front legs, as well. These tremors usually don’t affect how your dog moves or walks.
It’s easy to assume that symptoms like shaking legs are due to your dog “just getting older.” But it is also important to ask why your dog’s front leg shakes when sitting for example. Trembling can also be a sign of other issues such as pain in some parts of the body.
What to Do About It?
This pain may be more common for Yorkies since they are smaller breeds. Tremor syndrome among Yorkies can also manifest health issues in their internal organs. If your Yorkie seems to be shaking for no reason, he may be injured, or he may have generalized tremor syndrome. If you cannot identify what really is the problem, bring your Yorkie immediately to the veterinarian so they can be treated properly.
Here’s another Yorkie article you’ll enjoy: Understanding Yorkie Diabetes – Owner’s Guide To A Happy Pet
Other Reasons for Dog Shaking
Feeling Afraid or Scared
In all ways, fear arrives. When presented to a new person, one Yorkie may shake, and another may do just fine with that, but tremble when held up in the air.
Many new puppies shake when being picked up and this can be resolved by approaching a puppy from the side before gently bringing him onto your lap. Of course, moving your Yorkie away from anything or anyone that causes him/ her to shake is a must. Nothing is more important than helping your Yorkie cope and feel safe around you.
Feeling Overexcited
Dogs can be overstimulated especially when they see you coming home. They cannot even help but urinate sometimes due to the extreme happiness of being with you. Since your pet cannot control this, only you can help him calm down by being calm when you see them too. Ask them to sit and relax before you play with them may also help.
Is Shaking Bad for Yorkies?
Though shaking can be a result of the height of their emotions, Yorkies should still be brought to the veterinarian especially when the shaking is associated with other alarming symptoms. Prolonging this shaking act in your Yorkie can result in severe medical conditions like chronic kidney failure, brain diseases, or seizure disorders. Cliche may sound, but preventing these serious illnesses is definitely better than curing them.
Here’s another Yorkie article you’ll enjoy: Watch out for the Weight of Your Yorkie
Conclusion
Though it is helpful that you get basic ideas as to why your Yorkie shakes or trembles, it is still advisable to bring him/her to the veterinarian to determine the main reason why they act that way. It can save you time, money, and energy to identify their health status in the very first place. Most importantly, needless to say, paying attention to these very important matters can save your Yorkie’s life.
