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Why does my Chihuahua shake? Is it cold, scared, or something else?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why do Chihuahuas shake?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on January 16th, 2017

Not all Chihuahuas shake, and since shaking chronically and excessively can be a sign of a medical issue, any shaking in your Chihuahua should be discussed with your veterinarian. It may be a sign of pain, especially spinal pain or abdominal pain. If there are no medical issues, your Chihuahua may be shaking because he is cold, or because he is a bit nervous or scared. Many Chihuahuas need clothes, especially in cold climates. Limit loud noises and introduce your Chihuahua slowly to new people and situations in order to build his confidence.

For more facts and characteristics about Chihuahuas, visit PetCoach's breed page:

www.petcoach.co/breed/chihuahua

51Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 4th, 2018
There could be many reasons on why dogs shake. It can be nerves, cold, pain, etc. If Paquito is not exhibiting any signs of pain, I would question if there is something that is making him anxious in your home or he may be cold.

If you are unsure if he is in pain I would recommend a physical examination with your veterinarian. To see if it is nerves you can try (although may not always work) a thundershirt. This can not only provide comfort but warmth.
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on October 26th, 2017
Yes, shaking in dogs is usually a sign of pain. I recommend a veterinary exam to see if there is a reason Buddie is shaking. Chihuahuas can have back problems, luxating patellas and other orthopedic issues that may be causing discomfort. Your veterinarian will check his legs and back and may recommend an X-ray. They may try Buddie on some pain medication also to see if the shaking resolves. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Buddie.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My 11-year-old chihuahua is shaking. Should I be concerned now?

Minnie could be shaking because she's cold or it could be a sign of pain. Toy breeds like chihuahuas can also be notorious for shaking due to anxiety or nervousness. I would keep an eye on her for now. If this isn't a usual behavior for her and it continues or increases over the next day or two, I would take her into the vet for a health check. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my Chihuahua suddenly scared, shaky, and stiff then fine?

Any abrupt behavioral change is a good excuse to get him in to see your vet. He may be starting to develop a medical condition that should be investigated but it's so early that the only symptom he is displaying is this strange behavior. There may be something happening periodically that is making him uncomfortable of the feeling comes and goes, but either way, it should be looked into by your vet. Your vet will do a thorough exam, possibly some x-rays and/or bloodwork, as indicated. Based on these results your vet will have a better idea what is going on and be better able to advise you as to what action should be taken.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my Chihuahua shaking and acting anxious or in pain suddenly?

Shaking and/or trembling can be a sign of anxiety or pain. I would recommend evaluating the environment Sissy is in and see if there is anything new or unusual that could be causing her stress/anxiety. If everything is normal then I would be concerned that Sissy is painful/uncomfortable for some reason. If this behavior continues for more than a day or so or Sissy stops wanting to eat or drink, then you should probably have her checked out by your veterinarian. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My chihuahua is sleeping more and hiding. Is she sick or just cold?

You are correct that she could be cold, especially if the weather has suddenly turned that way. and she now wants to hide under blankets all the time. Chihuahuas are small dogs and can easily get cold, and I would recommend putting a sweater or coat on her to see if that helps her stay warm. If she had a cold, I would expect to see some respiratory signs as well, such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose. Try putting a sweater or coat on her to see if that helps, and if it doesn', then take her into the vet for a health check if she's still lethargic.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog keeps shaking. What could be causing it and when to worry?

Ignacio could be shaking because he's cold, nervous, scared, or in pain. I would make sure he is warm and comfortable, and that he is eating and drinking normally. Keep him quiet tonight and if he's still shaking in the morning, I would have him seen by a vet for a health check.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my chihuahua trembling, panting, restless, but calms in my lap?

I'm wondering that since Diego can get into your lap and calm down, that he's having some issues with anxiety. If it was something else, like an illness, he wouldn't stop the behavior even when in your lap. I don't think this is an emergency, but if he does keep up the behavior (even if it stops when he's in your lap), I would take him into his vet during normal business hours for a health check. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my chihuahua shaking head, scratching ear, and yelping?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to something stuck in his ear or an ear infection. I would recommend having Frank examined by a veterinarian. The vet can look into Frank's ear to make sure nothing is stuck in the ear canal and to see if there are signs of an ear infection. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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