7 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Shake
This breed is practically synonymous with shaking — here’s why.
In This Article:
Is It Normal for Chihuahuas to Shake? Common Reasons Chihuahuas Shake How to Stop Your Chihuahua From Shaking When to Talk to a Vet About a Shaking Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are famous for several characteristics: their tiny size, prominent personalities, and tendencies to tremble. If you’re a Chihuahua parent, you've probably seen your pup shake or shiver, even when it’s not cold. Usually, that doesn’t mean anything serious. But learning the reasons why that can happen will help you tell the difference between normal trembling and a problem that needs to be looked at by your veterinarian.
Is it normal for Chihuahuas to shake?
Yes, shaking can be part of the Chihuahua’s normal physiology and temperament. Because they are the smallest breed of dog, they have a faster metabolism and less body fat. Their temperature can fluctuate, making them more prone to physical trembling. But that’s not always the cause. Shaking could also stem from stress, pain, or medical conditions. If your Chihuahua has other symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, lethargy, or disorientation, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away.
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Common reasons Chihuahuas shake
1. Temperature sensitivity
A drop in temperature, even a mild one, can cause shaking or shivering. This is their way of generating heat. They have thin coats and very little body fat, making them very vulnerable to the cold.
What you can do:
If you’re taking a walk or you’re in an air-conditioned environment, cover your Chihuahua with a sweater or blanket.
Keep your pup’s bed cozy and away from drafts and tile floors.
Fleece-lined bedding or heated pads can be helpful during the winter months.
If shaking occurs with other symptoms, you should see your vet.
2. High metabolism
Chihuahuas have one of the highest metabolic rates among dogs. This helps burn calories rapidly, but can also cause their bodies to produce more heat and energy. Trembling or quivering muscles can be the manifestation of excess energy.
What you can do:
Small, frequent meals can help your Chihuahua stabilize their energy levels.
Dehydration can make things worse, so be sure to keep them well-hydrated.
A Chihuahua’s tiny body relies on a steady supply of fuel, so don’t skip meals.
3. Anxiety and stress
Chihuahuas are known for being nervous little dogs, even though they’re very intelligent. Vet visits, new people, loud noises, or even just being separated from their pet parent can cause anxiety. This breed shows fear or stress by shaking.
What you can do:
Reassuring them with gentle petting can offer comfort.
Positive reinforcement can help build confidence when they’re in a new situation.
Activities such as food puzzles, calm routines, and other forms of enrichment will reduce anxiety.
If the anxiety is really severe and nothing is helping, consult with your veterinarian about behavior therapy or calming supplements.
4. Excitement and overstimulation
The trembling that you see in a Chihuahua may not always be about fear. It could be pure excitement. Chihuahuas can get so excited about seeing you after work, seeing a new toy, or anticipating a treat that their little bodies have trouble containing their big emotions.
What you can do:
Practice calm greetings to decrease overstimulation.
Reward good behavior.
After play, encourage relaxation and quiet time.
5. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Because Chihuahuas are small and have a fast metabolism, they are prone to hypoglycemia, which is a sudden drop in blood sugar. If you see shaking, weakness, confusion, or even seizures, that could indicate hypoglycemia. Puppies are particularly susceptible to this because their energy stores are limited.
What you can do:
Feed them small meals or snacks throughout the day.
Keep corn syrup around for emergencies. Speak to your vet about how to use it.
Do not skip meals, and do not over-exercise your Chihuahua during play sessions.
If shaking is accompanied by a wobbliness, listlessness, or collapse, seek veterinary help immediately.
6. Reactions to medications
Your dog could react to a new medication that has trembling as a side effect. Some of these medications include pain relievers, steroids, or sedatives. This is not an indication that it’s an unsafe drug, but something that your vet should evaluate.
What you can do:
Monitor your dog closely if you’ve started a new medication.
Tell your veterinarian if there’s any new or worsening shaking.
Do not change dosages or stop medications without talking to your vet.
7. Age-related factors
There are other causes of shaking in senior pets. As they age, their muscles weaken, and their nervous systems become less stable. They may also have arthritis pain, age-related tremors, or generalized tremor syndrome (also called white shaker dog syndrome).
What you can do:
Have your dog checked regularly for early detection of age-related diseases.
Look into orthopedic bedding to help relieve pressure on joints.
Older dogs like predictability, so maintain a consistent routine.
Talk to your vet about joint or nerve health supplements.
How to stop your Chihuahua from shaking
How to stop your dog from shaking will ultimately depend on the cause. Still, here are some things you can do to address shaking or try to prevent it.
Keep your dog warm.
Prevent hypoglycemia by feeding them frequent, balanced meals.
Avoid loud noises or chaos, so they can relax in a calm environment.
Relieve anxiety and excess energy by providing them with regular activity.
Routine checkups can catch health issues early.
Behavioral support can improve confidence in nervous dogs through desensitization and training.
If you take all these measures and your Chihuahua is still shaking, there may be a medical condition that requires your veterinarian's attention.
When to talk to a vet about a shaking Chihuahua
Although occasional trembling is normal, if any of the following occur, contact your veterinarian:
Sudden, severe, or continuous shaking
Lethargy, vomiting, weakness, or loss of coordination
Loss of appetite or thirst
Shaking that begins after a new medication or vaccination
New tremors or pain signs in a senior Chihuahua
If any of these occur, your veterinarian can run tests such as glucose checks, complete bloodwork, and neurological exams to determine if the shaking is behavioral, metabolic, or medical in origin.
Bottom line
A Chihuahua can shake for many reasons, from a change in temperature to excitement, stress, aging, or an underlying illness. Most of the time, it’s harmless, and you can easily manage the shaking. However, if the shaking is persistent or severe, it should not be ignored. Make sure you provide attentive care and regular vet visits to ensure that the shaking remains nothing more than a typical quirk.
FAQs
How do you calm a shaking Chihuahua?
Try creating a warm, safe, and quiet environment while holding or wrapping your dog in a soft blanket. Speak softly and decrease noise or chaos. If the shaking is related to stress, routine desensitization training and pheromones can help.
What are the symptoms of anxiety in Chihuahuas?
Trembling, pacing, whining, barking, hiding, destructive chewing, and refusing to eat can all be signs of anxiety. Some Chihuahuas will show signs of separation anxiety, such as clinging to their pet parents. Training, predictable routines, and vet-approved calming aids can decrease symptoms.
Are Chihuahuas always cold?
Chihuahuas have thin coats and low body fat. Even a slight temperature change can make them shiver. Keep them warm with clothing, blankets, or heated beds.
What is shaker syndrome?
Shaker syndrome is also called generalized tremor syndrome. It is a neurological condition that causes full-body tremors. It usually occurs in small, white dogs, but it can also occur in dogs of any color. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed to be an inflammatory issue in the central nervous system. It can be treated successfully with steroids prescribed by your veterinarian.
References
Lowrie, Mark. “Guide to Tremor and Twitch Syndromes in Dogs and Cats.” In Practice, vol. 43, no. 1, Jan. 2021, pp. 4–17. bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/inpr.3opens in new tab.
O’Neill, Dan G., et al. “Demography and Commonly Recorded Clinical Conditions of Chihuahuas under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK in 2016.” BMC Veterinary Research, vol. 16, no. 1, 12 Feb. 2020. link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12917-020-2258-1opens in new tab.
Srinarang, Pattarawadee, et al. “Dystroglycan 1: A New Candidate Gene for Patellar Luxation in Chihuahua Dogs.” Veterinary World, vol. 11, no. 9, Sept. 2018, pp. 1277–1284. www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.11/September-2018/13.htmlopens in new tab.
