Why Do Chihuahuas Shake

Chihuahuas are known for their small size but also for their constant shivering. Chihuahua owners have noticed weird behavior like shivering and trembling. But why do Chihuahuas shake? For a new Chihuahua owner it can be an alarming situation to see his dog in this condition. 

The Chihuahuas mostly shake due to some reasons. The reason can be psychological or emotional. So, if your dog is shivering then observe his environment and his general behavior. By giving him care you can control his shaking.

In this guide you will find all things about why do Chihuahuas shake. We will explain the reasons for Chihuahua shaking and its solution in this article. So, let’s dive in!

Why do Chihuahuas shake?

The first theory tells us that Chihuahua shake is due to their small size. Because of their small size they have a high surface area to body weight ratio, meaning they can easily get cold.

The psychological and emotional behavior can also become the reason for Chihuahuas shivering. Here are some reasons which will help out you about why do Chihuahuas shake:

High Metabolism

Chihuahuas are tiny dog breeds,  because of their fast metabolism they produce a lot of energy. These dogs burn 3 times more calories than other dogs. So dogs can start shivering or shaking. They can get cold easily due to their fast metabolism and start shaking. 

They are cold

The main reason for Chihuahua shaking is that they are cold. As you know they are small dogs with low body weight and burn their energy quickly due to fast metabolism. So if you don’t feel cold they can be cold, even in Australia!

It can also happen when your home is a bit cold. Provide them with a warm climate to reduce their cold. Invest in a warm jacket and buy them an extra blanket the shivering could ease soon.

Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar can also be the reason for Chihuahua shaking. Typically, people think that this is a common problem in a Yorkshire Terrier, but it’s not uncommon in Chis as well. Because they are both small dogs and have fast metabolism so their blood sugar levels can be reduced easily. Especially in picky eaters dogs. 

Aside from shaking some other symptoms also include loss of appetite, drowsiness, lethargy, coordination issues and seizures. If not properly treated  the blood sugar level  can be fatal. 

Excitement or Fear

The Chihuahua can shake because of some psychological issues like fear and excitement. So, if your dog shakes when you bring out their dinner bowl, when you get home, and when they expect a walk then it’s normal.  

When they meet with other dogs or  they feel separation anxiety they shake. Basically, when a Chihuahua feels frightened or anxious they start shaking. It also can be seen in other breeds but most common in Chihuahuas. 

Other medical conditions

Chihuahuas can also shake due to medical conditions. It’s important to know the reason for their shaking. 

For example, it could be generalized tremor syndrome (GTS). Or shaking due to allergy, illness, injury or dog poisoning. 

Chihuahua have small bodies. If they eat a toxic plant or ingest something which is harmful then they can be ill than a large dog breed. Same in the case of things which can cause allergy in dogs.  

Dogs owners have to avoid things like chocolate toxicity, xylitol and other dogs that can be toxic to pets. So if you have a Chihuahua you must be careful because they are very sensitive dogs.

Old Age

Old age dogs can also be the cause of Shaking. It’s a normal aging process, the shaking starts when the dog reaches about 10 years old. If the dog has been outside in the cold then they feel difficulty in keeping balance. 

Make sure you have enough space for the dog to sleep or walk and don’t let them be more cold or warm than your old Chihuahua. 

Why is the Chihuahua shaking more than usual?

Chihuahuas are an active dog breed which means they can get excited from time to time this can cause shaking that is a sign of anxiety in dogs. 

Further, they shake due to many reasons like cold weather and stress. Exciting about something is the most common reason for Chihuahua shaking. If your dog is showing some other symptoms like vomiting, change in behavior, seizures or breathing fast then take your pup to the vet as soon as possible.

Methods to comfort a Shaking Chihuahua

Let’s discuss most effective methods of comfort a shaking Chihuahua:

Help to burn their energy

Increasing the exercise of Chihuahuas can reduce the shaking if they shake due to excitement and end the energy.  Most Chihuahuas require about 30 to 45 minutes daily exercise.  They enjoy playing games with their owners and love to go on long walks. Avoid any hard activity due to their delicate bones.

Build their Confidence

Many Chihuahuas shake while struggling if they do not feel secure. Confident Chihuahuas are happy Chihuahuas and they shake less. The most effective methods of building up confidence in your Chihuahua are socialization and basic obedience training. 

Warm them

The Chihuahua has a fast metabolism which can make it difficult to stay warm in the cold weather. Some Chihuahuas need to wear sweaters when the temperature is below 65 degrees, and especially in cold months. We also suggest that you have a cozy blanket on a chilly winter evening.

Assess by a Vet

As we mentioned above the Chihuahua shakes when they have some medical issues. Many of the dogs can also experience a change in appetite, weight changes, lethargy, disinterest in their favorite activities and even gut upset. We suggest you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you find your dog shaking and have above-mentioned diseases. 

Read more: Chihuahua Puppies

Final Words 

Chihuahuas are known for their small size but also for their constant shivering. The Chihuahuas mostly shake due to some reasons. The reason can be psychological or emotional. So, if your dog is shivering then observe his environment and his general behavior. By giving him care you can control his shaking.

There are some reasons which can cause the Chihuahua shaking including due to feeling of excitement, when they fear or excited, due to cold breed, low blood sugar, old age and other medical conditions.

You can comfort your shaking dog with help to burn their energy, build their confidence, warm them and get them assessed by a vet.

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