Every dog owner wants their pet to be healthy, cheerful and active.
And the fact that a Chihuahua suddenly begins to tremble always worries and even frightens the owners of these small dogs.
First of all, they begin to think that since the pet is trembling, it means that he is sick.
In fact, Chihuahuas can shake not only from illness, but also from many other, very different reasons.
Why might a dog tremble and how can it be helped in this case?
Possible causes of trembling in Chihuahuas
Dogs of the dwarf breed have plenty of reasons to tremble. The reasons are conventionally divided into safe and dangerous, which require an immediate visit to a veterinarian.
Reasons that do not cause concern include:
- cold;
- stress;
- overexcitement;
- estrus;
- pregnancy;
- excess energy.
Sometimes tremor is a symptom of serious diseases, such as:
- hypoglycemia;
- eclampsia;
- otitis;
- renal failure;
- allergy;
- poisoning.
Chihuahuas often tremble for no reason due to the metabolic characteristics of the toy breed. Small dogs are extremely active and curious, and quickly consume heat. The reason lies in the accelerated metabolism inherent in decorative dog breeds. The body cannot cope with an overly “active life position” and, as a result, the dog begins to shake.
Fright
Another reason why a Chihuahua trembles is some kind of emotional shock. When a pet experiences fear, its body begins to tremble. Looking at the dog, you can easily notice how it begins to shake. The reason may be a meeting with a large dog that poses a real danger, or with any unfamiliar object. The pet may remain in a state of fear for some time until the irritating factors are eliminated.
Some dogs have the habit of asking to be held by their owner as soon as they feel something is wrong. Others begin to quickly run away, not caring at all whether they will then be able to find their way home and return back.
Walking in cold weather is one of the reasons for shaking
Owners of large breeds smile at owners who wrap their “kids” in warm clothes. Today, the clothing and footwear industry for our little brothers is actively developing. And this is not a tribute to fashion. Tiny dogs have an insufficient ratio of fat to muscle tissue to heat their bodies. This is why Chihuahuas constantly tremble, even if it is not relatively cold outside - the body is trying to warm up.
Caring owners keep blankets, jackets and other clothes for their Chihuahuas in their wardrobe. In winter, in the off-season, in rainy and windy weather, the duration of the walk should be reduced. When outdoors, it is important to provide your dog with moderate physical activity. If you don’t want to play and run with your pet, throw a stick, a toy, or a ball to keep the animal in motion. After walking in the rain or swimming, dry your dog's coat with a hairdryer.
Severe stress
Why does a Chihuahua tremble? This can happen as a result of severe stress. For example, the experiences associated with visiting a veterinary clinic are sometimes so pronounced that the pet becomes restless, constantly whines and shakes. After all, it’s not just people who tend to get nervous. Animals are also capable of experiences.
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Unlike a person, a dog cannot explain his own fears to himself and consider the situation from different angles in advance. All the dog has is the ability to actively experience an alarming event. In most cases, this is enough for the owner to pay attention to her condition.
Psychological causes of shaking
Dogs experience emotions. Negative emotions are stress. The Chihuahua breed is overly emotional. The departure of a beloved owner, the arrival of a new family member in the house, a move, a visit to the veterinarian, even strict notes in the owner’s voice provoke exciting feelings. If your Chihuahua is shaking and has its tail between its legs, it may be due to stress.
According to the observations of veterinarians in clinics, dogs of different breeds behave approximately the same in the face of uncertainty at the doctor's office. But, if a representative of more “seasoned” breeds can whine, try to run away, but does not tremble, the Chihuahua dog shakes like a “leaf”.
Positive emotions also cause tremors. Anticipation of a treat or a walk, praise from the owner, or returning home from work are possible causes of trembling in a decorative dog.
An animal can also “pound” due to an excess of energy. It is for this reason that a Chihuahua puppy shakes most often. An unvaccinated puppy is prohibited from going outside, and it is not possible to use up the accumulated energy in the house.
Vaccinations
Getting vaccinated is not a mandatory procedure, but it is still better to get them to prevent diseases. It will be much more economical and easier than treatment. Below is a vaccination schedule for Chihuahuas by age:
- The first vaccination is given at two months. It is done to prevent enteritis, plague, leptospirosis and parainfluenza and other diseases. The drug Nobivak Lepto is suitable for her.;
- The second vaccination is given at three months. This is prevention against the same diseases for which the vaccine was given at two months.;
- The third vaccination is given at three months. The same Nobivak Lepto is used. After the third vaccine, this drug needs to be administered only after a year.;
- The last vaccination is given a year. This time the vaccine is against rabies. For this purpose, the drug Eurican LR is used.
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Physiological causes of trembling in Chihuahuas
During estrus and pregnancy, body trembling in Chihuahua bitches is a common occurrence. The reason is a hormonal surge. If the dog is active, body temperature is within normal limits, and appetite is not impaired, do not worry. The shaking will go away when the event that caused it ends.
During the postpartum period, the dog often shakes due to hormonal imbalance. Electrolyte metabolism is disrupted in the body of a female who has recently given birth. Lack of elements such as potassium and magnesium causes shaking. Metabolic disorders in dogs are detected based on a biochemical blood test. In this case, you cannot do without a visit to the veterinarian. The disorder is referred to as "puerperal eclampsia"
In males, trembling provokes sexual desire. Emotional and physiological reasons are mixed here:
- excitement at the sight of a “person” of the opposite sex;
- influence of hormones.
Respiratory system
Problems with the respiratory system can become a complication or consequence of an untreated cold. In addition, they can develop due to infection, heredity, obesity, heart pathologies and inhalation of harmful substances (cigarette smoke, gasoline exhaust, dust, household chemicals).
On a note! Coughing, uneven breathing, shortness of breath, and restless behavior may be signs of tracheal collapse.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other drugs depending on the cause of the disease and its stage.
Trembling as a symptom of illness
The causes of dog tremors are not always harmless. In some cases, trembling and shaking are a symptom of diseases that are dangerous to the health of the animal.
Hypoglycemia
Occurs when blood glucose levels drop below acceptable physiological limits in dogs. The disease is common in representatives of miniature breeds due to their hyperexcitability. In addition to tremors, the following symptoms indicate dysfunction:
- abnormal lethargy of the animal;
- refusal of usual food and treats;
- causeless vomiting and diarrhea;
- pallor of the mucous membranes;
- convulsions and spasms - in extremely severe cases.
If the owner notices such symptoms, then the first aid is to make the dog drink some sweetened water. Two teaspoons of sugar per 100 grams of liquid is enough. And immediately to the clinic!
Hypothyroidism
A hormonal disorder that causes disruption of the thyroid gland. If the dog is lethargic, does not respond to external stimuli, does not eat, the body temperature is low, always becomes sleepy and the animal is trembling, hypothyroidism is possible. This endocrine pathology is diagnosed only on the basis of a comprehensive examination in a clinical setting.
Otitis
Inflammation of the external auditory canal. It has a different nature of occurrence, from a foreign body entering the ear to hormonal imbalance. Accompanied by an increase in body temperature. The dog behaves restlessly, whining, as if it cannot find a place for itself. If your Chihuahua is flattening its ears and shaking, make sure it is not an ear infection. Only a doctor can prescribe adequate treatment after finding out the nature of the disease.
Kidney failure
The kidneys remove toxins from the animal's body and maintain water balance. Violation of their functions leads to the accumulation of harmful substances. Trembling in a Chihuahua is a primary sign of kidney disease. If kidney failure is diagnosed at an early stage, then there is a high probability of coping with the disease with the help of a corrective diet. An advanced disease requires long and difficult treatment.
Allergy
If your Chihuahua dog is shaking, constantly scratching itself, and its eyes are red and running, this is probably an allergic reaction. Give the animal an antihistamine. Symptoms will go away or improve after a couple of hours. If this does not happen, contact your veterinarian.
Poisoning
If the dog's trembling persists for an hour, or the animal behaves strangely, the first step is to rule out poisoning. The condition is extremely life-threatening for the pet. If there is convulsive twitching of the paw muscles, immediately contact a veterinary clinic - strychnine poisoning is possible.
In one case or another, a qualified veterinarian will help you to reliably find out why your Chihuahua is shaking. The breed is so delicate and vulnerable that it is better to go to the clinic for a minor reason than to develop a serious illness and put the pet’s health and life at mortal risk.
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What to do
To help a dog, the owner must first observe its behavior. It should be noted under what circumstances a Chihuahua begins to tremble and at what time of day. If possible, you should avoid situations that cause your pet to experience extreme stress and nervousness.
To help your dog cope with anxiety, you need to take him in your arms, stroke him and try to calm him down in a calm, gentle tone.
From a young age, it is necessary to take a decorative dog for walks, where it can adapt to the world around it. For normal and rapid socialization, you need to hold the baby in your arms and show him other animals, passers-by, cars. Thanks to this, the pet will understand that he has nothing to be afraid of on the street.
You can consult a zoopsychologist. It will also help the small dog adapt to its new environment. Perhaps the doctor will prescribe a sedative for the Chihuahua, for example, “Cat Bayun”.
If the dog is constantly cold, then the owner needs to warm it up. For walks, you can choose suitable dog clothes: overalls or a sweater. After a walk in the rain or snow, be sure to dry your pet with a hairdryer. This will not only warm him up, but also prevent a possible cold.
If the baby is cold and at home, then you need to insulate his lounger or house with an additional blanket. You can also install a heater for extra warmth. But in this case, you need to make sure that the Chihuahua does not get close to him. Do not leave the device turned on unattended.
If the owner has suspicions that his decorative dog is sick or poisoned, then he must urgently go to the hospital and take all the tests: blood, feces, urine. Perhaps even undergo an ECG and ultrasound. The veterinarian will examine the animal and prescribe treatment.
If a Chihuahua has low sugar levels in the body, then you need to choose a suitable diet, do not give the dog sweets and starchy foods, and do physical exercise. If your pet eats ready-made food, then you need to switch to a higher quality brand of food.
If a nursing bitch has eclampsia, then you need to give her foods containing calcium or add mineral supplements containing calcium and phosphorus to her food.
If you notice signs of allergies in your Chihuahua, remove suspicious foods from its diet or replace dry food. In any case, when you doubt the diagnosis or cannot help your dog cope with tremors yourself, consult a doctor.
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