Why Do Chihuahuas Shake?

Chihuahuas are small dogs known for shaking and shivering, so much so that inexperienced owners often worry that a more serious health issue is behind this behavior.

They often rush to the vet only to discover (very often) that there is nothing wrong 😜

So, what exactly causes Chihuahuas to shake and shiver?

If you are curious about why your adorable Chihuahua (toy or standard) acts this way, keep reading as we take a closer look at the causes of Chihuahua shaking.

➡️ Check out our article on Chihuahua barking as well.

Cold: The Main Reason

One of the most common reasons why Chihuahuas shake and shiver is simply because they are cold 🥶!

With an average weight of only 2kg, the Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, making them more sensitive to the effects of cold weather.

Just as we instinctively shiver in cold weather, Chihuahuas do the same from nose to tail. It is their way of speeding up blood circulation throughout their body to avoid hypothermia.

As autumn and winter seasons arrive, you should pay attention to your Chihuahua’s comfort level. Obviously, they cannot speak to let you know when they are cold, so it is up to you to monitor their body language.

If your Chihuahua shakes and shivers in the morning, evening, or when going outside, it is likely because they are cold.

You can put an end to this behavior by warming up your pet and providing thermal protection against the cold like a blanket (click on the photo below👇) or simply some dog clothing (sweater, coat, jacket, bodysuit, etc.).

🐶 What you can do to warm up your dog

• At home, dress your little friend in a sweater, hoodie, or coat (see our collection of clothing adapted for small dogs).
• Outside, during your daily walks together, you can dress them in a warm and secure dog harness (such as the warm “Yeti” model below).

• Place a space heater a few feet in front of their bed (never leave it running unattended).
• If you go for walks when it’s raining, dry their whole body and paws thoroughly with a soft towel when you get home.
• Place extra throws and blankets in your little four-legged love’s cozy nest.
• Hold your Chihuahua against your chest or in your arms when traveling to provide extra warmth (and even more cuddles) 🥰
• Increase your home thermostat to a warmer and more comfortable temperature during certain hours of the day.

Your Chihuahua Shakes Due to Anxiety

Whether puppies or adults, like many other small dogs, Chihuahuas tend to shake and shiver when they are anxious or scared.

Before becoming an adult, a young Chihuahua puppy might sneak into another room to go to the bathroom… and you might find them hiding at the back of their bed, shaking and whining uncontrollably.

This is because they know they weren’t supposed to do their business inside, and they are anxious and nervous about your reaction. 😅

Even if you don’t physically punish your Chihuahua (you should NEVER do that), the mere stern tone of your voice saying “no” is enough to trigger a shaking and shivering reaction.

Chihuahuas can also shake when larger, more intimidating dogs are nearby.

If they aren’t used to being around this new dog, they will naturally be scared and somewhat distant.

This is generally typical canine behavior; shaking is a sign that they are scared, and it can lead them to lash out if they feel threatened or cornered.

Excitement and Shaking

Regardless of their coat (short or long hair), Chihuahuas also shake when they are excited and can’t contain themselves.

After you give them treats, they will likely shake and get excited as soon as you approach with little snacks 😊

This type of excitement is a good thing and does not require any special treatment or attention from the owner of this small dog.

In fact, it’s quite fun to see your Chihuahua so happy and excited about something as simple as a treat (they might start running around and shaking uncontrollably).

Just remember to give them treats in moderation (for dogs, rewards should be given lightly, otherwise you run the risk of them gaining weight and becoming obese).

Hypoglycemia and Shivering

It is estimated that 10% of the Chihuahua breed suffers from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), making it a common health issue for this small companion dog.

Some of the symptoms include lethargy, lack of energy, and uncontrollable shaking. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to very serious seizures.

Fortunately, it is quite easy to treat. The key is to spread your Chihuahua’s meals throughout the day. If you only give them one or two large meals, try giving them 4 to 5 small meals with the same amount of food.

You can also keep a dropper filled with sugar water on hand in case of an emergency. When your Chihuahua starts showing symptoms of hypoglycemia, just have them swallow a small amount of sugar water.

Allergic Reaction and Shivering

Finally, your Chihuahua’s shaking and shivering can be the result of an allergic reaction.

Have you noticed this behavior after giving them a new type of food or treat? Perhaps it comes from their resting place, like their bed?

If so, stop giving them that food immediately or move them away from their current environment and monitor their condition closely.

If they don’t stop shaking or if other symptoms start to appear, call the vet quickly for professional advice.

Allergic reactions should not be taken lightly. In most cases, they go away on their own, but some of the more serious cases can lead to life-threatening complications.

Talk to your vet about the pros and cons of an allergy test to determine if it is beneficial or not.

Final Thoughts

In general, shaking in this dog breed is not serious (it’s a dog that isn’t as fragile as it seems), but these reactions still deserve attention to the slightest unusual signs from your pup.

In this sense, don’t forget to always ask for advice from your vet, who knows your affectionate and sociable dog well.

To conclude, tell us in the comments below if your little watchdog often shivers, and at what times of the day their tremors occur 😉

– The DoxieLife team – We are fans of dachshunds but remain in love with all dog breeds 💚🐶

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