Seeing your beloved Shih Tzu trembling can be scary, but shaking doesn’t always signal a serious problem. Sometimes it’s just cold weather or excitement, while other times it could point to something requiring veterinary attention. Understanding the difference helps you respond appropriately and keep your furry friend healthy.
This article provides general information only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your Shih Tzu’s shaking persists, worsens, or comes with other symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
1. Cold Temperatures
Shih Tzus have beautiful long coats, but their small bodies lose heat quickly in chilly environments. When temperatures drop, their muscles contract rapidly to generate warmth, causing visible trembling.
This natural response is especially common after baths or during winter walks. A cozy sweater or warm blanket usually solves the problem within minutes, restoring your pup’s comfort.
2. Excitement Or Anxiety
Emotional highs and lows trigger adrenaline rushes that make dogs shake. Your Shih Tzu might tremble when you grab the leash for walkies or when thunderstorms roll through the neighbourhood.
These tremors typically stop once the exciting or stressful situation passes. Calming techniques like gentle petting, quiet spaces, or anxiety wraps can help your pup feel more secure during overwhelming moments.
3. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Small breeds like Shih Tzus are prone to blood sugar crashes, especially puppies and senior dogs. Missing meals or excessive activity without proper nutrition causes energy levels to plummet dangerously.
Shaking often accompanies weakness, confusion, or wobbly walking. Offering a small amount of honey or corn syrup on their gums provides immediate relief, but veterinary evaluation remains essential for recurring episodes.
4. Pain Or Discomfort
Dogs can’t tell us when something hurts, so trembling becomes their distress signal. Injuries, dental problems, arthritis, or internal issues might cause your Shih Tzu to shake while trying to cope with pain.
Watch for additional clues like limping, whining, appetite loss, or reluctance to move. Prompt veterinary examination helps identify the source and provides appropriate pain management for your companion.
5. Generalized Tremor Syndrome
Sometimes called white shaker syndrome, this neurological condition causes full body tremors in small breeds. While originally identified in white dogs, any colour Shih Tzu can develop this mysterious disorder.
The shaking typically starts between one and two years of age and responds well to corticosteroid treatment prescribed by veterinarians. Most affected dogs improve significantly within weeks of beginning medication.
6. Toxin Ingestion
Chocolate, xylitol, certain plants, and household chemicals poison dogs and frequently cause trembling among other symptoms. Even small amounts of toxic substances can trigger severe reactions in tiny Shih Tzus.
Shaking combined with vomiting, drooling, seizures, or collapse requires immediate emergency care. Keep poison control numbers handy and never wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
7. Seizure Activity
Seizures range from dramatic full body convulsions to subtle trembling episodes called focal seizures. Your Shih Tzu might shake in just one area or seem momentarily confused and disoriented.
Epilepsy, brain tumours, or metabolic disorders can cause seizure activity in dogs. Recording videos of these episodes helps veterinarians diagnose the problem and determine appropriate treatment plans for managing the condition.
8. Nausea Or Digestive Upset
Stomach troubles make dogs shake just like humans get shaky when feeling sick. Eating spoiled food, dietary changes, or gastrointestinal diseases cause nausea that triggers trembling.
Your Shih Tzu might also drool excessively, refuse food, or vomit alongside the shaking. Mild cases often resolve with bland diets and rest, but persistent symptoms warrant veterinary attention to rule out serious conditions.
9. Old Age And Muscle Weakness
Senior Shih Tzus often develop trembling in their legs as muscles weaken with age. Arthritis, neurological changes, and decreased muscle mass contribute to these shaky movements.
While age related tremors aren’t usually dangerous, they affect quality of life and mobility. Supplements, appropriate exercise, orthopedic beds, and veterinary management help keep elderly dogs comfortable during their golden years.
