There are several reasons why your Chihuahuas shake, including emotional or physiological reasons. If you notice that your chihuahua is shaking, note their behavior and the environment before deciding what steps to take next.
Dogs can shake for many reasons. Usually, a dog will shake when it’s nervous or angry, but sometimes they just don’t have enough energy in their body, and some breeds need to shake out their muscles to release tension.
The chihuahua is a tiny dog that belongs to the toy group of dogs. This type of dog is small enough to fit into your purse or pocket, but they are courageous and alert despite its size. Chihuahuas can be confused with other types of toy breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, Maltese terriers, and Pomeranian dogs because they all have similar characteristics and look alike. Chihuahuas can shake when they become overexcited or anxious due to their smaller size, which makes them appear more energetic than other breeds like German Shepherds, who can't move around.
So, Why Do Chihuahuas Shake?
The shaking can be alarming to owners, but it is not a sign of illness. It is most commonly seen in Chihuahuas who are feeling threatened by the environment or the people around them.
Chihuahuas are shaking dogs, and it is their way of communicating that they are feeling threatened. The Chihuahua will raise their tail and shake it to let other animals know they feel threatened and need help. This behavior is called "tail flagging."
The other reason for a chihuahuas shaking is due to stress. If a chihuahua is feeling threatened or nervous, the shaking could be an autonomic response to make them seem bigger and more intimidating in front of potential predators or attackers.
Indeed, there are many reasons why your Chihuahua might be shaking, such as low blood sugar, being cold, high metabolism, being upset, or nervous. Other possible reasons could be a medical condition called generalized tremor syndrome (GTS), allergies, or injuries.
If you're seeing your Chihuahua shaking, it's essential to understand whether or not that shaking is regular--which generally depends on the root of the trembling.
5 Possible Reasons Why Your Chihuahua Are Shaking
There are many reasons why Chihuahuas shake, some of which might be unclear:
1- The chihuahua has a higher metabolism.
Chihuahuas have a fast metabolism due to the small size of their stomachs. Their faster metabolism causes them to burn calories three times as fast as other larger breeds of dogs.
Chihuahuas are known for their high metabolism and shake when they are excited about something or frightened. Many people might not realize that just because you’re not uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean your Chihuahua couldn’t possibly be either. The high metabolism is related to the quick way they metabolize their body temperature. When it is cold, your dog might feel the effects more quickly than other dogs.
2- Chihuahuas shake from the cold
Chihuahuas cannot handle cold temperatures well. Due to their small body, Chihuahua can't generate enough heat, making them one of the world's smallest dogs. In order to keep them warm, owners often buy clothes to make sure they stay comfortable. Some of the clothes might not fit right, but as long as they get the job done, it doesn't matter. It's easier to keep your Chihuahua warm when you're buying clothing.
You need to let the Chihuahua wear clothes in inclement weather, or they will get cold.
To ensure that your Chihuahua doesn’t start shivering when it’s a bit colder, ensure they have warm clothes. If their shivering is visible, grab the clothes as fast as you can. To keep your Chihuahua safe in the springtime, autumn, and winter, you need to follow these few tips.
Make sure that your Chihuahua wears clothing to avoid getting cold, and put them in a jumper/jacket/sweater (depending on its size). If there's time, you can hold the dog to keep them warm. Dry the dog with a towel or hairdryer if it rains as soon as possible.
When maintaining temperature in your home, use a system that can maintain a consistent and favorable temperature for your Chihuahua. Provide your dog with a warm and soft bed and some blankets. Make their sleeping space further away from windows and doors to reduce the cool breeze they would feel.
3- How anxiety and fear manifest in chihuahuas
Chihuahuas aren’t usually scared easily. However, some situations could cause your Chihuahua to be scared, for example, when it becomes startled.
Animals feel emotions and physiological reactions to the way they are treated. It is essential to take into account their feelings when dealing with them for either safety or ethical reasons.
If you scold them, they may start to shake because they know that you disapprove of their behavior. Remember that discipline is necessary for training and interacting with your dog. Though it will recognize emotional shifts between you, your dog loves spending time with you.
Having a sad facial expression and sudden gestures indicates that you are not happy. Other kids may be scared around bigger dogs when they see an unhappy face from you.
Never let your Chihuahua around a big dog if they are shaking due to fear.
If you feel your puppy is experiencing anxiety, offer them reassurance that everything will be okay. Make them feel loved and secure. If you're feeling anxious because of an uncomfortable or hostile environment, change it as soon as possible. If you plan on ignoring your dogs for a long time, try walking them before and focus on not giving them attention when you come back home.
During the process of relocation, it's essential to make your chihuahuas accustomed to their new surroundings and get comfortable with you not being around. They may prefer to be alone at first.
4- Low Blood Sugar In Chihuahua
Chihuahuas can start to shake and act lethargic when they have low blood sugar. Treatment early enough will help ensure healthy living and reduce the risk of troublesome side effects, including seizures.
Mildly low blood sugar leads to shaking, while a more severe case may lead to confusion, drowsiness, and fainting. However, the condition is easily remedied by simply eating food or drinking a carbohydrate-rich drink such as a sports drink. It’s a popular myth that dogs should only eat 2-3 times a day. Try spreading their food 3-5 times a day and make each meal smaller than usual, but with the same amount of food. One essential thing you need to do is buying a dropper and filling it with sugar water. This is a crucial step if you notice your chihuahua showing signs of low blood sugar.
Some Reasons Why Chihuahuas Shake?
This condition can affect any dog, despite its size. It’s also called steroid-responsive tremor syndrome. Unfortunately, it’s harder to diagnose because it looks like anxiety or hypothermia.
Chihuahuas older than nine months and younger than two years experience this condition. It can only be remedied by a trip to the vet. Try to discover the reason for the shaking first by giving your veterinarian a thorough rundown of your dog’s symptoms and actions.
Other causes of shaking include:
- Allergies
- Excitement
- Nausea
One of the most typical causes why Chihuahuas shake and shiver is because they are cold, and it's their way of getting warm. With a moderate weight of just 2-4 pounds, Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog species, so they are more susceptible to weather changes and fall victim to hypothermia. Just like we instinctively shiver when outside, so do Chihuahuas.
You ought to be asking yourself, "why does my Chihuahua shake?" Maybe they have started to shake more than usual, or you may want to know why Chihuahuas shiver in the first place. AnimalWised has the details.
Misconceptions about the Average Chihuahuas Metabolism
When a high metabolism Chihuahuas are excited or anxious, it is more likely to shiver due to the quick loss of body heat. Even if the animal doesn't feel cold externally, it might still be cold.
Chihuahuas are sensitive to cold weather, especially with their lack of body fat. If temperatures go below 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit, the dog will shiver and should be kept with a sweater or wrapped in a blanket. Though Chihuahuas are known for being nervous, this is likely due to the shivering. Chihuahuas are typically sociable and well-tempered, so they may not be intimidated as quickly as other breeds of dogs.
How Do I Stop My Chihuahua From Shaking
Chihuahuas require socialization and training when they are young. Otherwise, they may grow up to be maladjusted and fearful; this is mostly true for those who shake. Neglect the needs of your Chihuahua, and he will become anxious, then shake as a result of his anxiety.
There are many different reasons why a chihuahua might shake, though it typically isn't anything to worry about. The causes are varied and include being excited, chilly, nervous, sad, anxious, and injured. Don't be afraid to go see the vet afterward. If your Chihuahua is constantly shaking, it could signify they’re trying to tell you something. If it isn't a chronic issue, just keep an eye on them and figure out what they might want.
It's cute to watch your little Chihuahua shakes, but sometimes these symptoms indicate something serious might be going on. If your dog starts shivering, keep an eye on the symptoms and their body language to determine the underlying cause of this behavior.