Why Does My Yorkshire Terrier Shake? Causes and What to Do

Yorkshire Terriers often shake or tremble—sometimes it’s normal (cold, excitement, nerves) and sometimes it’s a sign of pain or illness. Because they’re small and have a single coat, they get cold easily; they’re also prone to low blood sugar and stress. This guide covers common causes, what you can do at home, and when to get the vet involved.

Last updated: February 2026 · Reading time: ~7 min

Quick Answer

Yorkies shake for many reasons: cold (most common in small, single-coated dogs), fear or anxiety, excitement, pain, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or other illness. If the shaking is brief and situational (e.g. during a storm or when you get home), it’s often behavioral or cold-related—warm them up, reduce stress, and keep routines calm. If it’s frequent, unexplained, or paired with lethargy, vomiting, collapse, or confusion, see the vet promptly. Senior Yorkies may shake from arthritis, cold sensitivity, or cognitive changes.

Common Reasons Yorkies Shake

Cause	What you might see	What to do
Cold	Shivering outdoors or in drafty rooms; small body, thin coat	Bring inside, use a sweater or coat, warm bedding; limit time in cold.
Fear or anxiety	Shaking with loud noises, strangers, or when left alone	Remove or reduce trigger; safe space; avoid punishing. For ongoing anxiety, see vet or trainer.
Excitement	Trembling when you come home or before food/play	Normal; keep greetings calm; use training to reinforce calm behavior.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)	Weakness, shaking, wobbling, collapse, confusion	Emergency: offer a small amount of honey or syrup on gums; then vet. Prevent with regular small meals.
Pain or illness	Shaking plus limping, whimpering, not eating, or lethargy	Vet visit to find and treat cause (e.g. arthritis, injury, infection).
Old age	Shaking when standing or walking; stiffness; sensitivity to cold	Vet check; senior care (diet, warmth, soft bed, pain management).

Cold and Small Breeds

Yorkies have a single coat and a tiny body, so they lose heat quickly. Shivering is the body trying to warm up. In cold or wet weather, keep outdoor time short and use a small-dog coat or sweater. Indoors, avoid drafts and give a warm, comfortable bed. If your Yorkie often shivers in normal house temperatures, mention it to the vet—there may be a metabolic or weight issue.

Fear, Anxiety, and Excitement

• Fear/anxiety: Shaking during storms, around strangers, or when left alone is common. Provide a safe, quiet place; don’t punish. Gradual exposure and positive reinforcement can help; for severe anxiety, the vet may suggest behavior plans or medication. A certified trainer can help with separation or noise issues.
• Excitement: Many Yorkies tremble when excited (e.g. greeting you). It’s usually harmless. Reward calm behavior and avoid reinforcing frantic greeting so it doesn’t become the norm.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Toy breeds like Yorkies are at higher risk of hypoglycemia, especially puppies, underweight dogs, or those who skip meals. Signs include shaking, weakness, wobbling, lethargy, and in severe cases collapse or seizures. If you suspect low blood sugar: rub a small amount of honey or corn syrup on the gums and get to the vet. Prevention: feed small, frequent meals and a quality diet; avoid long gaps without food.

Pain and Illness

Shaking can be a sign of pain (e.g. arthritis, injury, dental pain) or illness (infection, organ disease, neurological issues). If your Yorkie shakes and also limps, refuses to eat, vomits, seems weak, or is less active, see the vet. Don’t give human pain relievers; the vet can prescribe safe options.

Senior Yorkies and Shaking

Older Yorkies may shake more because of:

• Arthritis or joint pain — see Yorkie arthritis symptoms and senior care.
• Cold sensitivity — keep them warm with bedding and a supportive bed.
• Cognitive decline — confusion or disorientation can go with trembling; the vet can advise.

A vet check is recommended for any new or worsening shaking in a senior dog.

What You Can Do at Home

Situation	Action
Cold	Bring inside; sweater/coat; warm bed; limit cold exposure.
Stress/fear	Safe space; reduce triggers; calm routine; consider trainer or vet if persistent.
Excitement	Keep greetings low-key; reward calm behavior.
Possible hypoglycemia	Small amount of honey/syrup on gums if conscious; then emergency vet.
Unknown or ongoing shaking	Vet visit to rule out pain, illness, or metabolic issues.

Keeping a consistent routine, feeding well, and ensuring warmth and safety often reduce stress-related shaking. If in doubt, a vet check is the safest step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my Yorkie to shake when excited?

Yes. Many Yorkies tremble when excited (e.g. when you come home). It’s usually harmless. You can reinforce calmer behavior with training and treats.

When should I worry about shaking?

Worry and see the vet if shaking is new, frequent, or comes with lethargy, vomiting, not eating, collapse, confusion, or obvious pain. Brief shaking in cold or during a known stressor is often normal.

Can cold cause my Yorkie to shake?

Yes. Yorkies get cold easily. Use a sweater or coat in cold weather and provide a warm bed. If they shiver often indoors, mention it to the vet.

What if my senior Yorkie has started shaking?

Schedule a vet visit. Shaking in seniors can be due to pain (e.g. arthritis), cold sensitivity, or other illness. See senior Yorkie care for general guidance.

This article is for general guidance only. If your dog is shaking severely, weak, or collapsed, seek veterinary care immediately.

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