Why Do Chihuahuas Tremble?

Why Do Chihuahuas Tremble?

Last update: 03 May, 2018

Chihuahuas are known for their small size and their pointed ears and tails. Everyone who sees them falls in love with them because of their unique look and charm. However, they do have one not-so-nice characteristic — Chihuahuas tremble.

Why do they do that? Is it a good thing? Is it bad? If you have a Chihuahua, if you are going to adopt one, or if you have just been wondering, you’ll enjoy this article.

Chihuahuas tremble. Why?

There are different reasons why Chihuahuas might tremble, but don’t worry, none of them are very serious. These are the most common:
Chihuahuas tremble.
  • Low blood sugar. First of all, because of their small size and fragile anatomy, chihuahuas tend to have low blood sugar levels. This gives them tremors that can be a little scary. Don’t worry, it will pass in a few minutes. But if your dog shakes a lot, it’s best to talk to your vet. He will give you medication to regulate his blood sugar. Never give your dog sugar under any circumstances.
  • Excitement. These dogs have intense feelings and emotions. If they know you’re about to feed them, or take them out, or if you’re just going to play with them, they may get so excited they tremble.
  • Fear. If your dog is adopted and trembles often for no apparent reason, it could be out of fear. He may have been mistreated or abused, and that’s why he is scared all the time. The solution: love and patience. It may take time, but if you show him with sweet words and love that there is nothing to fear, it’ll go a long way.
  • Cold. In addition, because of their low body heat, Chihuahuas are often cold even when we feel hot. For example, if you take him outside in the summer and then you go in the house with the air conditioner on, the drastic change may make him tremble.
  • Nerves. As we’ve said before, Chihuahuas have very intense feelings, and the same thing happens with their nerves. They may feel nervous without any explanation; nothing strange is happening around them. When this happens, they may cry. But the best thing to do here is to pet them and speak gently.
  • Breed. Yes, Chihuahuas tremble because they’re Chihuahuas. Why? Because despite their tiny size, they have big personalities. Think of it this way: their strong character and personalities do not fit into such small bodies. Thus, they have a lot of energy in a very small area, and the best way to get rid of some of it is through shaking.
A Chihuahua with big ears.
  • Earaches. This will be an easy tremor to identify. They often happen in addition to normal tremors. These ones are very likely to be stronger than usual and also accompanied by sudden head movements. If you see these signs in your Chihuahua, go to the vet right away.
  • Energy. Lastly, their fast metabolism (they have a speedy metabolism, one reason they’re so skinny) makes Chihuahuas accumulate energy, resulting in trembling. How can you fix this? Very easily — look for exercises or activities to help him vent that excess energy. Just let him run around outside and you’ll see the tremors vanish.

As you can see, there are many reasons why Chihuahuas tremble, but they are easily identifiable. Keep an eye on it, and if you see anything out of the ordinary, go to the vet right away.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.