Why Do Chihuahuas Shake So Much? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
Chihuahuas are known for their tiny bodies, their big personality, and…shivering? This weird quirk is common in many Chihuahuas, and it usually isn’t a cause for concern. Most Chihuahuas that shake do so because of simple, non-health-related reasons.
However, shaking can also be a sign that something’s wrong, so if your Chihuahua is shaking more than normal, it’s worth being on the lookout for other signs of an accident or illness. So, why do Chihuahuas shake? Below are seven of the most common reasons for Chihuahuas to shake or shiver.
The 7 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Shake
1. High Energy
If there’s one underlying cause of the Chihuahua quivers, it’s their high energy levels. Although it doesn’t cause shaking on its own, the breed’s excess energy may make it more likely for them to shake when they’re excited or upset.
2. Emotions
Chihuahuas feel big emotions, and they feel them all over their body. Often, a Chihuahua is shaking because they’re feeling happy and excited. You can tell that the shaking is happy by your Chihuahua’s other body language and context. In other words, if your Chihuahua shakes whenever you bring out the treat jar, it’s probably just full of excitement. If your Chihuahua gets the happy shakes, there’s no reason to be concerned—it’s likey healthy and normal.
On the other hand, big negative emotions can cause shaking too. If your Chihuahua is afraid, stressed, or anxious, you might see it shake and shiver. Nervous quivering can happen in any kind of dog, but it is more common in Chihuahuas. Look for other signs that your dog is unhappy. Does it avoid eye contact? Does it tuck its tail down? Does it whine, growl, or snarl? If you think your Chihuahua shakes when it’s unhappy, you can work to socialize it more or reduce stressors to help it stay calm.
3. Cold
A third reason for Chihuahuas to shake is an obvious one if you think about it: your Chihuahua may be cold! Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with high metabolisms, and that means it is harder for them to regulate their temperatures. What might seem like a nice breeze to you may actually be way too cold for your pup. If you think your Chihuahua is shivering, try snuggling it under a lap blanket to help it warm up. Cozy dog beds, doggy sweaters, or a slightly warmer room in your house can all help your Chihuahua stay at a comfortable temperature.
4. Old Age
Just like humans, older dogs can develop tremors. Chihuahuas often live for a long time—15 years or more—so if your Chihuahua is in its golden years, it might not be surprising if it becomes a little shaky on its feet. However, tremors can also be an indication of underlying conditions (see below), so always speak with your vet if you notice these occurring.
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5. Injury
Although there are lots of normal reasons for a Chihuahua to shake, shaking can also be a sign of something wrong. This is especially true if it starts or changes suddenly. If your Chihuahua has a cut, broken bone, or other injury, one sign might be shaking. Look for any signs of pain, like crying, limping, or reduced movement.
6. Poisoning
If your Chihuahua eats something it shouldn’t, you might see shaking as one sign of poisoning. However, it’s usually not the only sign—shaking usually goes along with other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
7. Medical Conditions
Although most Chihuahuas shake for normal reasons, there are some medical conditions that can cause shaking in dogs. If you think there’s something wrong, it wouldn’t hurt to get it checked out just in case. Some causes for shaking include low blood sugar, kidney disease, or generalized tremor syndrome (GTS). If your Chihuahua’s shaking is caused by a medical condition, you’ll need to consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Conclusion
Overall, shaking can be relatively normal for Chihuahuas. However, shaking can occasionally be a sign of a bigger problem—if it seems unusual to you or it’s combined with other signs of distress, it is worth checking with your vet.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
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Chelsea Flake Mortensen is a writer with a passion for pets . She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. Chelsea has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Brigham Young University.
Chelsea loves reading, writing, sewing, and board games. She's lived in half a dozen US states and two countries. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages.
