Why do small breed puppies shake more than large ones?

Small and toy breeds are more prone to low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, which can cause shaking, weakness or lethargy, particularly if a meal has been missed. Their smaller body reserves make this a genuine and specific risk that larger breed puppies are less prone to.

Is it normal for puppies to shake when excited?

Yes, a full-body tremble triggered by excitement or mild overstimulation is common in puppies and usually settles once they calm down. It is only worth worrying about if it does not stop, or if it comes alongside other signs like weakness or vomiting.

What should I do if my puppy is shaking and won't stop?

Check whether they are cold, and warm them up if so. If shaking continues alongside weakness, wobbliness or lethargy, particularly in a small breed, contact your vet promptly rather than waiting to see if it passes on its own.

Can teething cause a puppy to shake?

It can cause a mild trembling around the jaw in some puppies, usually alongside increased chewing and some drooling. This is generally a normal part of teething rather than a cause for concern, but persistent full-body shaking is a different matter and worth a vet check.

Should I feed my puppy more often if they shake between meals?

For a small or toy breed puppy prone to low blood sugar, more frequent small meals through the day, rather than two larger ones, can genuinely help prevent the dips that cause shaking and lethargy. Your vet can advise on a suitable feeding schedule for your puppy's breed and age.

Can stress or a change of environment make a puppy shake?

Yes, a new home, a car journey or an unfamiliar place can all trigger anxious shaking in a puppy still building confidence in the world. Gentle, gradual exposure to new experiences generally helps a puppy grow out of this over the following weeks and months.

Why is my puppy shaking?

Shaking or trembling in a puppy is often something ordinary — being cold, excited, or a little anxious — but it can also point to something that needs prompt attention, particularly in small or toy breed puppies, where low blood sugar is a genuine and specific risk. The pattern and the puppy's overall behaviour matter more than the shaking on its own.

Usually not urgent

This is common and often manageable at home — but see a vet if it persists, gets worse, or comes with other changes.

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The ordinary causes

Cold is one of the most common reasons a puppy shakes, especially a small or short-coated breed on a chilly walk or after a bath. A warm, dry puppy who stops shaking once they have settled somewhere cosy is very unlikely to be showing anything more than that.

Excitement and mild anxiety both cause a similar full-body tremble in plenty of puppies — meeting new people, hearing a loud noise, or simply being overstimulated can all trigger it. This kind of shaking usually settles once the trigger passes and the puppy calms down on their own.

The one to specifically watch for in small breeds

Toy and small-breed puppies — Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and similar breeds are particularly known for this — are prone to low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, which can show up as shaking, wobbliness, weakness or sudden lethargy. It is more likely if a meal has been missed or after a lot of play or excitement.

This is genuinely important to know rather than dismiss, because it can develop quickly in a very small puppy. If your puppy is shaking alongside weakness or unusual sleepiness, offer a small amount of something sugary if they will take it on the way to the vet, and treat it as something needing prompt attention rather than waiting it out.

Other causes worth ruling out

Teething can cause a mild trembling in the jaw area in some puppies, generally alongside chewing more than usual and some drooling, and this is a normal if slightly uncomfortable phase rather than a concern. Pain from an injury or illness can also cause shaking, particularly if it is localised or your puppy is reluctant to move normally.

A rare condition sometimes called generalised tremor syndrome, or "shaker syndrome", causes persistent full-body tremors in some puppies, more often reported in small breeds with white coats, and needs a vet to diagnose properly rather than being assumed at home.

When to see a vet

See your vet promptly if shaking comes with weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, vomiting, or if it does not settle once your puppy is warm and calm. Any shaking in a small or toy breed puppy who has missed a meal, alongside sleepiness or unsteadiness, should be treated as needing quick attention rather than watched overnight.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your puppy — if in doubt, a phone call to your practice costs nothing and can rule out the more serious causes quickly.

What can help with the ordinary causes

For a puppy who shakes when cold, a well-fitted coat on winter walks and a warm, draught-free place to settle indoors both make a genuine difference, particularly for short-coated or small breeds who lose heat quickly compared with a larger, thicker-coated dog.

For a puppy who shakes from excitement or mild anxiety, calm, predictable routines and a comfortable space to retreat to when things feel overwhelming — a visitor at the door, a firework, a busy household — help more over time than trying to soothe the shaking in the moment. A calming aid or a snug, familiar bed can support that, but they work alongside good routine rather than instead of it.

What can help

Things we stock that owners commonly use alongside a vet’s advice — not a substitute for it.

Dog Calming Ear Muffs For Fireworks & Thunder

A soft stretchy snood that wraps snugly over your dog's head and ears to muffle fireworks, thunder and loud noises. Helps nervous dogs feel calmer during storms, travel and grooming.

£11.99

Fast UK delivery

Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs

A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

From£16.49

Hooded Dinosaur Dog Raincoat

A waterproof hooded dog raincoat with a fun dinosaur spine and yellow fins. It features full-coverage legs, a reflective strip and a built-in D-ring for a lead, keeping smaller dogs dry and visible on wet walks.

From£29.99

Dog Sports Jacket For Medium & Large Breeds

A sleek zip-up sports jacket with full leg sleeves and reflective trim, designed to keep medium and large dogs warm and dry on cold-weather walks. Easy-fit and snug at the cuffs.

From£24.99

Common questions

Why do small breed puppies shake more than large ones?: Small and toy breeds are more prone to low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, which can cause shaking, weakness or lethargy, particularly if a meal has been missed. Their smaller body reserves make this a genuine and specific risk that larger breed puppies are less prone to.
Is it normal for puppies to shake when excited?: Yes, a full-body tremble triggered by excitement or mild overstimulation is common in puppies and usually settles once they calm down. It is only worth worrying about if it does not stop, or if it comes alongside other signs like weakness or vomiting.
What should I do if my puppy is shaking and won't stop?: Check whether they are cold, and warm them up if so. If shaking continues alongside weakness, wobbliness or lethargy, particularly in a small breed, contact your vet promptly rather than waiting to see if it passes on its own.
Can teething cause a puppy to shake?: It can cause a mild trembling around the jaw in some puppies, usually alongside increased chewing and some drooling. This is generally a normal part of teething rather than a cause for concern, but persistent full-body shaking is a different matter and worth a vet check.
Should I feed my puppy more often if they shake between meals?: For a small or toy breed puppy prone to low blood sugar, more frequent small meals through the day, rather than two larger ones, can genuinely help prevent the dips that cause shaking and lethargy. Your vet can advise on a suitable feeding schedule for your puppy's breed and age.
Can stress or a change of environment make a puppy shake?: Yes, a new home, a car journey or an unfamiliar place can all trigger anxious shaking in a puppy still building confidence in the world. Gentle, gradual exposure to new experiences generally helps a puppy grow out of this over the following weeks and months.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.