Jerry H, Glendale AZ
We just got a 3-year-old Chihuahua from the rescue shelter 2 weeks ago. Why does he always shake? He doesn't seem to be afraid of us and likes to play with me and our other dog."
Dear Jerry:
Thanks for writing – sorry about the delay. Maybe your dog has stopped shaking by now? I’m glad to hear that he is not afraid of you and likes to play.
When I see a Chihuahua in an exam room, it is usually shaking. I assume it is because he is scared to be at the veterinarian. But they can also be a little nervous on their own – maybe because they know they are so little?
Chihuahuas can shake when they are excited, or when they need more food. Smaller dogs can run low in blood sugar if not fed often enough (at least twice a day).
Some people put sweaters on their Chihuahuas and they shake less. They don’t have a very thick coat of hair and can get cold easily. You could try that and see if your dog seems more comfortable.
Dr. Gail
We just got a 3-year-old Chihuahua from the rescue shelter 2 weeks ago. Why does he always shake? He doesn't seem to be afraid of us and likes to play with me and our other dog."
Dear Jerry:
Thanks for writing – sorry about the delay. Maybe your dog has stopped shaking by now? I’m glad to hear that he is not afraid of you and likes to play.
When I see a Chihuahua in an exam room, it is usually shaking. I assume it is because he is scared to be at the veterinarian. But they can also be a little nervous on their own – maybe because they know they are so little?
Chihuahuas can shake when they are excited, or when they need more food. Smaller dogs can run low in blood sugar if not fed often enough (at least twice a day).
Some people put sweaters on their Chihuahuas and they shake less. They don’t have a very thick coat of hair and can get cold easily. You could try that and see if your dog seems more comfortable.
Dr. Gail
