You may know that chihuahuas are the smallest dogs on the planet. They do have a lot of interesting traits, and one of them is shaking. Why do chihuahuas shake? Well, as you can see, there are a lot of reasons for that. Below, we are going to explain all of them. This is not a huge issue, and in most cases, it is completely harmless, so you don’t have to worry about it. But you need to know the reasons why this happens.
15 Reasons Chihuahuas Shake Most Of The Time
1. Very High Metabolism
These are small dogs, 2-4 pounds in weight. They have a small stomach and a very fast metabolism. As such, they burn calories three times faster than any other dog. Why do chihuahuas shake? The most common answer is high metabolism, as you were able to see. They will usually shake when scared, excited, or when they are cold. All dogs will shake in these cases, but chihuahuas will do it more quickly and more intensely due to their high metabolism.
2. Chihuahua Is Excited
Well, chihuahuas are excited, and you can notice them shaking. It will start immediately, and it can last for minutes. The most common time you can notice this is before dinner. There is nothing serious here, and you don’t have to worry about it. All you have to do is give food to your pet and wait until he gets what he wants. He will stop shaking soon. Your pet may shake when you come home from work. He is excited to see you, and once again, there is no need to worry about anything here.
3. Due To Age
Old dogs will shake more than adult dogs and puppies. This is common for all dog breeds, but once again, it is more pronounced in chihuahuas. There are not a lot of things you can do. It is ideal if you can provide a lot of physical activity and time for your old dog.
4. Due To Anxiety
All dogs can suffer from anxiety, but chihuahuas are masters in this field. They can be anxious, or better said, become anxious, without any major reasons. For instance, you can see them become anxious when new faces come to your home, due to separation anxiety and many other reasons. Chihuahuas are known for this, so you may want to prepare for it if you are planning to adopt this dog breed.
5. Your Pet Is Cold
Well, it is obvious. All dogs and all living creatures will shake when they are cold. But chihuahuas will shake sooner and at a higher temperature than other pets. This happens because they are very small and do not have a lot of body fat to protect them from the cold. While it is mandatory to keep your pet warm, keeping chihuahuas warm is even more important.
6. Due To Poison
Yes, your pet can be poisoned. All dogs must avoid chocolate, so chihuahuas must not eat it either. Pesticides, antifreeze, and countless other things can poison your pet as well. If this happens, he or she will show certain signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, weakness, seizures, and similar symptoms. It is mandatory to take him to a vet immediately! Chihuahuas are very small dogs, so they need a small amount of poison to end up poisoned.
7. GTS
GTS stands for generalised tremor syndrome, and it affects puppies. Puppies aged 2 months to 2 years are most commonly affected by this syndrome. Scientists do not know why it happens, and there is no cure for it. It can affect all dog breeds, not just chihuahuas, so keep that in mind. It is not a very common syndrome, but one that is very problematic. Luckily, it doesn’t affect older dogs.
8. He Is Upset or Nervous
An upset or nervous dog will shake and chihuahuas are well-known for this. They can be easily upset and they are very aggressive. When things mix up, he will start shaking. A dog can be upset due to countless things. Keep in mind that you should provide a lot of physical activity and take your pet to play with other dogs. This is ideal in order to keep them relaxed and calm at all times. 30 minutes outside per day is more than enough for your pet needs.
9. Canine Distemper
This is a huge problem and it is a viral infection. It affects puppies and adult dogs who were not vaccinated. You can also see tremors, coughing, fever, nose and eye discharge when this condition is present. That’s why it is important to take your pet to a vet on a regular basis and use all vaccines recommended by the expert. Chihuahuas are sensitive and delicate dogs so vaccines are a must.
10. Allergy
All dogs are prone to allergies, and there are countless examples of why and when this can happen. Chihuahuas are also prone to all kinds of allergens, so they can shake and will show other signs when this happens. Shaking is one of the most common signs and one that will be noticed immediately. You will have to take your pet to the vet as soon as you start suspecting an allergy. Some of these are very dangerous.
11. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar levels are very low. It can happen to all dogs, and in general, 10% of chihuahuas end up with it. You will notice shaking most of the time, or at least when the blood sugar level is too low. You will want to feed your pet 3 times per day, small meals of course. If he starts shaking excessively, give him sugary water right now.
12. Seizure
All kinds of seizures can cause your pet to shake. These are neurological disorders, and they are hard to treat. Luckily, most of them can be treated. You will also notice that your pet has muscle twitching, collapsing and that he has mouth foaming and drooling. If you notice a combination of these signs, take him to the vet immediately. If the condition is detected sooner, the treatment will be more successful.
13. Internal Bleeding or Injury
Chihuahuas are very small pets so they can end up injured all the time.Some of the accidents can cause internal bleeding and injuries that are hard to notice. Keep in mind that your pet may also have black diarrhea, pale gums, bruises, and weakness. It is best to take him to a vet after any type of accident. Chihuahuas are delicate pets; hence, they can end up severely injured in no time, even when other dogs wouldn’t.
14. Ear Infections
This is more common than you may believe. A simple thing like excessive earwax production can cause shaking and shivering. You will see a dog that has his head tilted and is shaking excessively. He may also rub his head against a wall, furniture, or something else. You need to take him to a vet immediately. This is not something that will go away by itself.
15. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a huge problem for all dogs and there is no cure for it. Shaking is one of the symptoms. You will also notice bloody eyes, ammonia smell, weakness, ulcers in the mouth, pale gums, shortness of breath and so much more.Sadly, there are not a lot of things you can do here. Yes, there are treatments that can prolong the lifespan, but they are not extremely effective.
When To Take Your Pet To The Vet
As you were able to see, not all reasons require you to take the pet to a vet. But some of these do. In general, if your pet shakes when he is happy, excited, or scared, you don’t have to do anything. This will typically last a few minutes or even 20 minutes, but it will stop and your pet will not shake anymore.
But, if your pet is shaking for hours or days and there are no apparent reasons such as dinner, you came home from work, or something similar, you will need to look closely. Are there any other signs that are visible? For instance, your dog is drooling or has a fever.
Your pet is too tired, and he refuses to move and play with you. Your pet has a fever. In general, all of these signs suggest that your pet has some major issue and that you need to take him to the vet. If there are no other signs, it usually means that shaking is harmless and you don’t have to do anything about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Chihuahua shaking so much?
Chihuahuas may shake due to a variety of reasons including cold temperatures, anxiety, excitement, or underlying health issues. It’s essential to observe the context and additional symptoms to determine the exact cause.
How can I calm my shaking Chihuahua?
Providing warmth, comfort, and a safe space can help calm a shaking Chihuahua. If the shaking is due to anxiety, gentle petting, soothing voice reassurances, and anxiety-relieving products can be helpful.
Should I be worried if my Chihuahua shakes often?
If the shaking is occasional and can be attributed to identifiable factors like cold or excitement, it might not be a concern. However, if it’s frequent, intense, or accompanied by other symptoms, consulting a vet is advised.
Can I prevent my Chihuahua from shaking?
Prevention depends on the cause. Keeping them warm, ensuring they feel safe, and addressing health issues can reduce shaking. Regular vet check-ups to identify and manage health concerns early are also crucial.
Is shaking common in all small dog breeds?
While many small breeds can be more prone to shaking due to similar physical characteristics like Chihuahuas, the intensity and frequency can vary. It’s always best to observe and consult a vet if concerned.
What health issues could lead to my Chihuahua shaking?
Health issues like hypoglycemia, allergies, and neurological problems can lead to shaking. It’s crucial to observe additional symptoms and seek veterinary care for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Can training help reduce my Chihuahua’s anxiety and subsequent shaking?
Yes, socialization and behavioral training can significantly reduce anxiety levels, leading to decreased shaking. Professional trainers or vet-advised home training routines can be effective.
My Chihuahua shakes when it’s not cold, what’s happening?
Shaking isn’t solely attributed to being cold. Emotional factors like anxiety or excitement, or even health issues can lead to shaking. Identifying the specific triggers or consulting a vet can provide clarity.
How do I know if my Chihuahua’s shaking is a sign of a serious health issue?
Consistent, unexplainable shaking, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes warrants immediate veterinary attention to diagnose and treat potential health issues.
Can diet influence my Chihuahua’s shaking?
Yes, an improper diet, allergies to certain foods, or the presence of toxic foods can lead to shaking among other symptoms. Ensuring a balanced, appropriate diet is essential for your Chihuahua’s overall well-being.
The Final Word
Why do chihuahuas shake? There are 15 main reasons why they do this, and most of them are harmless. You can see a dog shaking occasionally and when he is excited about an instance. There is nothing to worry about, and you can enjoy time with your pet. But if your dog is shaking and there are other symptoms present, you will need to take him to the vet. Treatment may be needed.
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