Why is my Chihuahua panting and shaking? Is it because he/she sat on my lap throughout the horror movie I watched last night or is it something more serious like Chihuahua hypoglycemia?
If you’re a shaking or panting Chihuahua mum or dad, you’ll know the type we mean. It’s a tremble that grips your little pooch sometimes from the tips of their ears and often through the rest of its whole body.
So why are so many Chihuahuas shaking (and sometimes also panting)? Why does it happen and is something wrong? As it happens Chihuahuas shiver, tremble and pant for several reasons that range the gamut from quirky to worrisome.
The solution may be as simple as a hug but it could also require a vet visit (which ironically can cause more shakes). But let’s not drag our paws. Without further ado, here are several top reasons for Chihuahuas panting and/or shaking.
In this article
1. Excitement or fear
Like all dogs, Chihuahuas’ emotions can run high. They’re a small dog with big feels. No wonder we have an entire article dedicated to how to tame an angry Chihuahua. They get stimulated and don’t have much body mass to house it all so it can sort of run off the radar. In other words fear or excitement can cause Chihuahuas to shake.
This can be triggered by any number of things, from anticipating a vet visit, meeting a fellow canine or seeing you arrive home. You can see how some of these are good shakes and some are nervous ones. Hey, if your Chihuahua shakes when he/she’s happy and excited, why not put on a great tune and shake right along with them?
On the other hand, if it’s a case of your poor pooch running sky-high nerves, try giving them a hug. You could chat to your vet about calming medication or try out things like pheromone treatment. Some dogs also feel calmer inside of a dog crate – read about whether or not to crate train your puppy.
Injury or pain can also trigger shakes in a Chihuahua. If you're unsure or suspect your dog is hurt, take them to see your vet so they can assess the real cause.
2. High metabolism
Another reason your pint-sized pooch can shake or pant is high metabolism. Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities, sometimes they just can’t keep it all in. Not only are they on the small dog breeds list, but they’re the smallest dog breed on the planet!
Due to their high energy low body mass ratio and fast metabolism, Chihuahuas burn three times as many calories as other dogs. The knock on ‘side-effect’ of this exuberant metabolism is often seen as shaking in Chihuahuas.
3. They’re cold (or hot)
While some dog breeds, like the Labrador are prone to obesity, Chihuahuas’ problems lie on the other end of the spectrum. They’re small and lean and because of their high metabolism / low body mass, these get cold fast.
Of course Chihuahuas might be panting and shaking when they’re hot too. Panting is a normal dog behaviour that’s similar to the way humans sweat. It helps them humidify the air to make up for having very few body parts that sweat.
Back to why Chihuahuas shake when they’re cold… These little guys tend to feel the chills even when we’re snug as a bug. They’re like that one friend who always wears a jersey – even on hot days. Thankfully there’s a quick fix to a Chihuahua shaking from cold.
Shopping for an online doggo jacket just got easier with our list of favourite dog jackets. We’ve also included some great dog beds, blankets and tips to keep your pet warm.
We’ve all heard of dogs panting when they’re hot and Chihuahuas are no different except that they may also shake. But as you can see, shaking can be caused by several things.
Always regulate your dog's temperature so they don't get too cold or overheat. They can't remove clothes themselves or tell you when they're feeling stuffy so it's up to you to check. If you dress up your pet, do so responsibly.
4. Chihuahua hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Chihuahua hypoglycemia or low blood sure is another reason for shaking and panting. It’s also linked to their super speedy metabolism which can cause a sudden drop in blood sugars. If your Chihuahua is a picky eater, its dietary preferences can affect blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is also a common cause for Yorkshire Terrier shaking.
Chihuahua hypoglycemia can cause more than shaking. Lookout for loss of appetite, drowsiness, lethargy, coordination issues, and seizures. Hypoglycemia is a medical condition that requires proper management. It can quickly go from being a minor concern to being life threatening.
Seek out professional advice from a vet if you suspect hypoglycemia as the cause of your Chihuahua shaking or panting. With proper lifestyle changes, hypoglycemia can be easy to manage. That way your pooch will have a great quality of life and fewer scary shakes. A vet can also help rule out the possibility of diabetes in dogs.
Shaker syndrome in dogs often gets mistaken for hypoglycemia and also causes shaking (tremors). It's also known as generalised tremor syndrome (GTS) and commonly affects dogs with whites coats. The cause isn't always known, but vet treatment is a must.
5. Poisoning
Another reason for Chihuahuas panting or shaking can be poisoning. It’s very easy for dogs to accidentally ingest something rotten or toxic because they snuffle and taste most things lying around. Read about avoiding and treating accidental ingestion and dog choking.
And again, Chihuahuas’ high metabolism and low body weight means toxins affect them faster than most other dogs. It’s a sure reason to be aware of what’s lying around on walks in the park and even at home. Many lovely human foods (like avo and raisins) are toxic to dogs.
Here’s a quick list of what dogs should never eat:
- Things that can poison your pet
- Poisonous plants to keep away from pets
- Xylitol toxicity in dogs
- Chocolate is toxic to dogs
- Essential oils and cats and dogs
- Karaka berries and dogs
Besides panting and shaking, be on the watch if your Chihuahua has other accompanying symptoms. Dog vomiting, limping or diarrhea could also mean poisoning so get your pooch to the vet.
Insure your precious Chi … and other pets
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Your policy pays 100% of the fees up to your defined limit and less any excess for unexpected vet visits, medicine and more. Depending on which plan you choose, you can get a defined limit of between $5,000 and $20,000 – imagine that! If your Chihuahua is panting and shaking for a medical reason, not going to the vet could be more costly for your pet’s well being and safety.
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