Does your Shih Tzu shake and tremble? If the answer is yes, then you’re likely wondering what might be causing it.
Well, look no further! In this blog we will explore 12 potential causes of shivering in your beloved Shih Tzu companion – and provide some helpful hints to help you determine what’s wrong.
Read on for more!
Why Is My Shih Tzu Shaking
There could be a few reasons why your Shih Tzu is shaking. One possibility is that your Shih Tzu is feeling scared, anxious, or excited. Another possibility is that your Shih Tzu is experiencing a seizure. Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons, including problems with the brain or spinal cord.
If you notice that your Shih Tzu is shaking and appears to be having a seizure, it is important to call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Let’s read on to explore the potential causes of shivering in your beloved Shih Tzu companion and provide some helpful hints to help you determine what’s wrong:
1. Fear or anxiety- A dog’s natural reaction to fear or anxiety can be to shake.
If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you know it can be a bit concerning. But why is your Shih Tzu? Is something wrong?
The truth is that there are several reasons why your Shih Tzu might be shaking.
It could be due to fear or anxiety, or it could be a sign of something more serious.
This could be due to a loud noise, an unfamiliar person or animal, or even just being in a new environment.
If your Shih Tzu is trembling due to fear, it’s important to remain calm and reassuring. Speak softly and offer treats if possible.
2. Temperature-Related- A dog’s body temperature can be affected by a variety of things, including weather conditions and medications.
If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you may be wondering why.
It could be due to a number of reasons, but the most common cause is temperature-related.
Shih Tzus are small dogs with thick fur coats that can make them prone to overheating.
When the temperature rises, your Shih Tzu may start to shake in an effort to cool down.
This is especially true if they’ve been playing or exercising for a long period of time and their body temperature has risen too high.
3. Physical activity- A dog who is physically active will likely be more active and shake more than a dog who is not.
If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you may be wondering why.
It could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most common cause is physical activity.
Shih Tzus are small dogs with big personalities, and they love to play!
When they get excited, they may start to shake or tremble. This is usually a sign that your Shih Tzu is having fun and enjoying themselves.
It’s important to make sure that your Shih Tzu gets plenty of exercise, so they can stay healthy and happy.
If you notice your pup shaking more than usual, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough physical activity.
Make sure to take your Shih Tzu for regular walks and playtime sessions so they can get the exercise they need.
You should also make sure that their diet is balanced and nutritious, so they have the energy to keep up with their active form.
4. Infection- If a dog is sick, their body will react by shaking. If you’ve noticed your Shih Tzu shaking, it can be a cause for concern.
While some trembling is normal, excessive shaking could indicate an underlying health issue.
Shaking is a common behavior in Shih Tzus, but it’s important to understand why your pup might be trembling.
One of the most common causes of shaking in dogs is an infection or illness.
If your Shih Tzu has been exposed to something that could make them sick, they may start to shake as a result.
This could be anything from an upper respiratory infection to something more serious like distemper or parvovirus.
5. Food- Some dogs get excited or scared when they see or smell food, which can cause them to shake.
6. Predatory instinct- Some dogs, especially hunting dogs, may shake in order to intimidate or scare their prey.
If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you know it can be a bit concerning.
But don’t worry – there are several reasons why your pup might be trembling and most of them are totally normal!
One of the most common reasons why a Shih Tzu might be shaking is because they’re excited about something – like food!
If your Shih Tzu starts trembling when it’s time for dinner, that’s a good sign that they’re looking forward to their meal.
This type of shaking is usually accompanied by other signs of excitement, like wagging tails and barking.
7. Disease- If a dog has a disease, their body will react by shaking.
If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, it can be a bit concerning. After all, dogs don’t usually shake for no reason!
Shaking can be caused by a number of different things, including fear, excitement, and even illness.
If your Shih Tzu is trembling due to fear or excitement, it’s likely nothing to worry about.
However, if your Shih Tzu is shaking due to an underlying medical condition, it’s important to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
One of the most common causes of shaking in dogs is vestibular disease.
This condition affects the inner ear and can cause dizziness, loss of balance, and trembling.
It’s usually seen in older dogs but can affect younger pups as well.
If your Shih Tzu is shaking due to vestibular disease, they may also have other symptoms such as head tilt or circling behavior.
8. Pain- If a dog is in pain, it may shake to try to get the pain away.
If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you know it can be a bit alarming. But why is your pup trembling? Is something wrong?
The good news is that there are several possible explanations for why your Shih Tzu might be shaking.
It could simply bea sign of excitement or fear, but it could also be an indication of pain.
If your Shih Tzu is shaking due to excitement, you’ll likely notice that they are wagging their tail and may even be panting.
This type of trembling is usually accompanied by other signs of happiness, such as jumping up and down or running around.
It’s important to remember that this type of shaking is normal behavior for a Shih Tzu and should not be cause for concern.
On the other hand, if your Shih Tzu is trembling due to fear or anxiety, you’ll likely notice that they are not wagging their tail and may even be cowering.
This type of trembling is usually accompanied by other signs of distress, such as hiding or barking. If your Shih Tzu is shaking due to fear or anxiety, it’s important to take steps to help
9. Fear of the dark- If you have a Shih Tzu, then you know that they are incredibly loving and loyal companions.
But sometimes, their behavior can be puzzling – like when your Shih Tzu is shaking uncontrollably for no apparent reason.
If this has happened to your pet, it could be due to fear of the dark.
Fear of the dark is a common issue among Shih Tzus, and it can be quite distressing for both you and your Shih Tzu.
It’s important to understand why this fear exists so that you can help your pet cope with it in a healthy way.
The first thing to know is that fear of the dark is a natural instinct for many animals, including Shih Tzus.
This fear can be triggered by loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or even just being in an unfamiliar place at night.
10. Emotional health- Lack of love, neglect, over-exposure to stress.
If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you know it can be a bit concerning.
Shih Tzus are known for their loving, loyal personalities, but they’re also prone to anxiety and stress.
If your Shih Tzu is shaking, it could be a sign that he is feeling overwhelmed by something in their environment.
It could be something as simple as a loud noise or an unfamiliar person, or it could be something more serious like separation anxiety.
11. Genetics – Genetic disposition, inbreeding, and other genetic issues. If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you may be wondering why.
It could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is genetics.
Shih Tzus are known for their adorable little faces and fluffy coats, but they also have a unique trait that can cause them to shake.
This is known as the “Shih Tzu Shiver” and it’s caused by their genetic makeup.
The Shih Tzu Shiver is an involuntary shaking of the head, neck, and shoulders that usually occurs when the dog is excited or anxious.
It’s a common behavior in Shih Tzus and can be seen when they are playing, greeting people, or even just walking around.
The cause of this shaking is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to their genetic makeup.
Shih Tzus have a unique gene that makes them more prone to this behavior than other breeds.
If your Shih Tzu is shaking, it’s important to remember that it’s normal and nothing to be concerned about.
12. Handling- being handled improperly, being over-handled. If you’ve ever seen your Shih Tzu shaking, you know it can be a bit concerning.
In fact, some of them are actually quite normal and even cute!
One common reason why your Shih Tzu might be shaking is because they’re excited.
This can happen when you come home from work or when you give them a treat.
It’s their way of expressing joy and happiness. If your Shih Tzu is shaking because they’re excited, there’s no need to worry.
Another reason why your Shih Tzu might be shaking is because they’re cold.
This breed has a thick coat that helps keep them warm, but if they’re in a cold environment or have been outside for too long, they may start to shiver.
If this is the case, make sure you bring your Shih Tzu inside and give them a cozy blanket to snuggle up in.
What To Do To Help My Shih Tzu Stop Shaking
The following is what you can do to help your Shih Tzu stop shaking:
- Crate your Shih Tzu when you are not home.
- Feed your Shih Tzu regularly and give them plenty of water.
- Train your Shih Tzu properly.
- Provide your Shih Tzu with plenty of exercises.
- Provide your Shih Tzu with toys that they can play with.
- Try to keep your Shih Tzu calm and quiet when they are stressed.
- Get your Shih Tzu spayed or neutered.
- Provide your Shih Tzu with a comfortable bed.
- Get your Shih Tzu vaccinated.
- Make sure your Shih Tzu is kept up to date on their vaccinations.
- Try to find a Shih Tzu that is similar to your dog in temperament.
The Benefits Of Stopping My Shih Tzu Shaking
The following are the benefits of stopping your Shih Tzu from shaking:
- Reduced anxiety for both me and my Shih Tzu.
- Reduced risk of injury for me and my Shih Tzu.
- Reduced risk of separation anxiety for my Shih Tzu.
- Reduced risk of environmental allergies for me and my Shih Tzu.
- Reduced risk of destructive behavior from my Shih Tzu.
- Reduced risk of illness for me and my Shih Tzu.
- Reduced amount of work I have to do to keep my Shih Tzu groomed.
- Reduced risk of my Shih Tzu becoming overweight.
- Reduced risk of my Shih Tzu developing arthritis or other joint issues.
- Reduced risk of my Shih Tzu becoming bored and destructive.
