Shaking/tremoring 8 mo. old

Question
I have an 8 mo. old beagle.  Until this morning when we let her out of her kennel, she has been a very active, good-eating puppy.  But since 8am (which is late for her) she hasn't played or wanted to do much of anything but lay on the couch.  She did urinate this morning and wanted to ride in the car to school.  Her body shakes like she has a chill and seems to have small body spasms (which have stopped since she fell asleep about 15 mins. ago).  Do I wait to see if her conditions change?  This is my first house dog (I grew up on a farm).  she is my husband's dog and he said to wait it out.  Do you think she might have eaten something?  She has been destroying her toys and we try to throw them out as soon as we see she has gotten them apart.  I did notice she tore the rug she sleeps on.  I'm clueless and nervous.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
A common cause of lethargy and fever (which can cause shaking) in puppies is a virus.  Another possibility would be having gotten into a toxic substance or poison.  Either one can be serious but as there is not a direct cure for a virus if she has one and it would be late to induce vomiting for a toxin I would suggest watching her very closely.

If she ceases eating and drinking, begins vomiting, or in any other way seems to worsen I would suggest bringing her to your veterinarian.  Hopefully it is just a mild virus that will pass in a couple days but if she does not improve it would be very good to have her fully examined.

Best of luck to you and your canine companion.