Chihuahuas shake. In fact, Chihuahuas shake so much, sometimes it seems like they shake all the time. For the most part, it’s completely normal. However, shaking can also be a symptom for some health problems.
So, how do you know a Chihuahuas shake is a “normal” shake or if your Chihuahua shaking is indicating a health problem? Honestly, it can be difficult to tell the difference. We compiled a list of the most common reasons behind “normal” shaking and the most common health problems that may cause your Chihuahua to shake. However, if reading through these different scenarios you are still unsure why your Chihuahua is shaking, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.
What causes “normal” Chihuahua shaking?
Cold:
Did you know, shaking is a normal body function that aids thermal regulation? This means, Chihuahuas, people, and other animals will shiver as a way to increase their body temperature when cold. Chihuahuas, as a breed, are adapted to warmer climates. Their small size does not allow them to retain their body heat well, and they have relatively thin coats. Due to these things, they need warm winter clothes. Our favorites include Fitwarm Pajamas or the Hurtta Jumpsuit.
Heating Pads can also be a great way to keep your Chihuahua warm, but make sure the heating pad is on only when you are home and that your Chihuahua does not chew on either the pad or the cord.
If you notice that your Chihuahua shakes when sleeping, cold can absolutely be one of the reasons why. Is your fan on? Or the AC? Maybe try letting him sleep on a heating pad or in pajamas to see if that helps him stay warmer at night.
Excitement:
While all breeds get excited or overly stimulated from a variety of situations, it is not uncommon to see this emotion show itself as shaking in your Chihuahua. Simply put, their tiny bodies seem to be unable to contain to much excitement without some physical display…sometimes this comes in jumping around or barking, but more often than not, it appears as shaking!
Anxiety or Fear:
Stress, whether it is in the form of a new experience, a change of environment, or a little scare, can also cause your Chihuahua to shake. While we have this listed as a “normal” shake, because a little stress is not harmful, too much stress can absolutely affect your Chihuahua’s health. So, if you notice your Chihuahua shaking due to anxiety or fear, you should try to identify what is causing your Chihuahua concern, and help your Chihuahua feel more comfortable with that stimulus.
Genetics:
Anything that you would associate as a breed trait is oftentimes something that has been purposefully (or accidentally) been bred into the breed through generations and generations of selective pairings. In this case, the “Chihuahua shake” is a clear breed trait known to be a normal characteristic of the small breed.
What types of health problems cause Chihuahuas to shake?
Hypoglycemia:
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. About 10% of Chihuahuas have this condition. Hypoglycemia is not life threatening as long as you take the proper precautions. Most veterinarians will recommend breaking your Chihuahua’s meals up into small meals that you give throughout the day. Feeding your Chihuahua small amounts more frequently helps their bodies maintain a better sugar level. You can also give small amounts of Karo syrup if they seem to be having a hypoglycemia “attack”. However, “junk food” and sugary treats should be avoided. Typically, Chihuahuas who suffer from this condition will shake first thing in the morning with no obvious explanation as to why.
Distemper:
Distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs that are not current with their vaccinations, have been vaccinated improperly, or possibly were just suffering from a weakened immune system at the time of exposure. Dogs diagnosed with Distemper will have a variety of symptoms including (please take your Chihuahua to a veterinarian immediately if they are experiencing any of the following): eye and nose discharge, fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting. In addition, Distemper can cause neurological signs like tremors and uncoordinated movements. Treating Distemper generally involves hospitalization where a veterinarian can give life-saving supportive care. Treatment may also include antibiotics, airway dilators, physical therapy, and fluids to help manage dehydration.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS):
This syndrome is also known as Steroid Responsive Tremor Syndrome or “white shaker dog syndrome”. It was first noticed in small, white dogs such as the Maltese and West Highland White Terriers, but it can occur in dogs of any size, breed, or color. The causes of this syndrome are unknown. The signs of GTS start between nine months and two years of age. Treatment generally consists of steroids.
Poisoning:
Several toxins or poisons can cause tremors or shaking in dogs. Common substances that are poisonous for dogs include chocolate, cigarettes, antifreeze, insecticides and Xylitol (the sugar substitute found in many chewing gums). Signs of poisoning can vary but may include tremors, weakness, disorientation, depression, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you think that your Chihuahua has ingested a toxic substance and they are exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Pain:
If your Chihuahua suddenly starts shaking violently or you notice the shaking is specific to a certain part of his or her body, it may be a sign of pain. For example, dogs will frequently shake their heads or scratch their ears if they have an ear infection.
If your Chihuahua is shaking more than usual or if your Chihuahua begins shaking uncontrollably, please consider contacting your veterinarian immediately. Changes in “normal” behavior are typically the biggest indicator of a health concern.
Amazing article!!! Chihuahuas are such special dogs, my heart aches for them sometimes when they get into the hands of owners who keep them almost as toys and don’t realize that it’s still an animal who has their special needs. Shaking seems to be really common with them and I love that you took your time to explain the possible causes of it!
I’ve seen chihuahuas shake. Thanks for explaining why. I always assumed it had to be cold or fear.
Our former dog was a Yorkie and he was a big time shaker. He would shake when he was cold, but also from anxiety. Fortunately, he liked to wear sweaters and he also loved to be picked up and held, which did seem to calm his anxiety.
Our little Chi is 4.5 pounds and he will shake at times when it’s cool. Chihuahua’s are heat seeking missiles – literally! Our little guy will try to scurry in my sweatshirt when he’s cold – little bugger!
This is great information. It’s important for people to know the difference between normal and concerning.
Interesting post, thanks as it is something I have sometimes asked myself having had a chiweenie before Layla
I have noticed that Chihuahuas seem to shake more than some of the other small dogs I’ve known. (None as small as Chis, though.) It is interesting to see all the reasons that might cause a dog to shake. We noticed my sister’s Pug shook a lot when she was in pain or stressed.
Great post. Chihuahuas are also prone to the same disease as the Cavaliers-Chiari-like malformation (CM) & Syringomyelia (SM). Thanks for sharing this post.
We will have to update the article with this information! Thanks Tonya!
GREAT ADVICE and info! I am sure this can be the same for other breeds as well. I know our Lyla has stress and anxiety issues and she gets shaky when feeling stressed. I do worry that I could misread that later down the road if a more serious issue arose so I always keep my eye on if her shaking changes in any way, or if she begins to shake for different reasons, or at different times. Thank you for shedding some light on reasons why pets shake, even if not a chihuahua 🙂
These dogs are so small and tiny I am not surprised that they shake from cold, I would too if I was stick thin 🙂 (who wants to be a frozen super model eh?)
I wonder if you could make your pro’s and con’s into a printable sheet so Chi owners can keep it on the fridge for easy reference? Something like this is so important for owners to be able to read!
Well done!
That’s a wonderful idea! Thank you!
What a great, thorough post! I definitely didn’t know about some of these causes. Henry shakes in the cold or when I am about to leave for work and he is anxious. I can’t help but scoop him up!
Yeah in our case it’s almost 100% cold or excitement. Cold because … well we live in Ottawa Canada … where you know … -40 is not that uncommon come February and March. But mostly I have come to associate it with him being super happy and excited. Like when he sees that we have arrived at his favourite snow shoe trail or when I take his airline approved carrier out and he “sings the song of his people” he’s so happy for the new adventure. Only 1-2 did I realize it was hypoglycaemia. He’s 3.5 pounds so we do have to be careful ….
I’d never heard of GTS, so thanks for that. Great post and information!
This is something I’ve wondered about. The few times I’ve met a Chihuahuas they’ve always been shaking. Makes sense that it was probably from excitement – because really, whenever anyone meets me they get excited LOL!
But of course if you have a Chihuahuas it’s important to make sure they don’t have a health issue that is the cause.