I am thinking of adopting a small mixed breed terrier at the local
shelter. She is about one year old and looks to be in good health
except she shakes like she is cold all the time. The shelter people
tell me it is just from fear, but I don't want to adopt a dog with
health problems. Is this shaking something serious?

Hi yabaric,

I'd like to address your attention to the Disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

"Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers
are general information, and are not intended to substitute for
informed professional medical, or other professional advice."

Without seeing the dog it's hard to say what is going on, but most
likely it is scared.

Most all shelters have a vet that has checked out the animal.  Be sure
to ask the shelter if the dog has been seen by their vet.  If not, you
might want to reconsider.
  
Generally, little dogs do shake and tremble when they are scared or
upset, or even excited in a happy way. Also, little dogs can get
chilly quickly and she just might be cold.
 
Now, if the doggie appears healthy to you and the shelter personnel
have told you she is eating well, and acting normal, and their
veterinarian has given the dog a clean bill of health - the dog is
good to adopt. The dog will be spayed, and be up to date on all her
vaccinations.

If you do adopt, you'll want to take her to your veterinarian to get
checked out.  Sometimes shelter dogs have fleas or ear mites, and she
might even have kennel cough.  These are things that are treatable.

Also, if you do decide to adopt - hopefully the dog will be getting a
lot more exercise.  At the shelter she's in a crated area with little
chance to work of doggie tension with activity, toys and interesting
things to keep it occupied.

=================================================

Shaking and shivering in small dogs
http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dtremor.html 

Question:
"Dear Dr. Mike, I've always been curious...why do little dogs shake/shiver. 
99 does it a lot, always has.  She seems to be doing it more lately
and I was wondering if it could be a sign that she is starting to feel
ill.  She is a nervous sort of dog and I've often wondered why it
occurs.  I've seen other small dogs do it too."
  

Answer: 
"I do not know why many little dogs shake and/or shiver frequently. It is a 
frequently observed phenomenon and several people have asked this question 
over the years. I suspect that there are several reasons, such as fear, 
sensitivity to cold, nervous energy, anticipation of an desired activity 
--- many of the same things that can cause people to be restless, anxious 
or to shiver from fear or cold."



Keyword search:

trembling and shaking little dog
why do little dogs shake
small dog shakes
small dog trembles


Best regards,
tlspiegel