Why does my new puppy shiver/shake a lot?

Question

I just bought a 6 week old chiuahwah (sp?) and he got a little wet today and I wrapped him in a towel, but he was shivering a lot. is this normal? what should I do?

Answer 1

he was cold and nervous. he needs some time to get used to u. dont worry, its normal.

Answer 2

First and foremost let me say, that this baby is way to young, to have been taken from it's mom and it's siblings. Most puppies can be adopted out at 8 weeks, but Chihuahuas need to stay with their mom and siblings until they are at least 12 weeks old. This is the period of time when they learn different things from their mom, that will have alot to do with their temperaments and behavior, when they get older. It will take some time for him to adjust being away from his mom and brothers and sisters, and also adjust to a new environment. Shaking is one of the Chihuahuas traits. They also shake of course, when they are scared, or cold. That's one of the reasons you see them dressed up in sweaters most of the time, because the get cold so easily and not just to look cute in clothes. I have bred Chihuahuas for a long time now and am the proud owner of #10 of my own. I never let mine go until they are at least 12 weeks old, at the earliest. If there is any way, you can give the chihuahua back to the mom, for a few more weeks, it would really be the best thing for him. If not, the only thing you can really do is to make sure he stays warm, give him tons of love, affection and playtime and give him some time to adjust to a whole new world. Good Luck! I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hello, Yes it is perfectly normal for your little Chihuahua to shake when wet. My daughter bought one about 4 years ago and experienced this shortly after. You can reduce this shaking a lot by several ways. Besides drying them off after getting them wet...we found that alot of touch sooths them...we also found that putting a sweater on when it is cold or even breezy needs to be done too. They need alot of interaction with you and other people which is important to start when they are very young... this way they become more friendly which reduces their normal nervousness they are born with. Touch...being held by you and others....alot of playing with but not to the point of getting them mad or you develope a yappy nippy dog soon. My daughters dog over the years has develope into a more calmer sweet and friendlier chihuahua. No biting, nippy, yapping or a whole lot of barking at any noise she hears either. Good Luck

Answer 4

It's normal
he's just cold and a bit scared of the water.
What you could do is keep him somewhere warm
in a cozy sweater or blanket, so he can feel better,
if he still shivers, that's okay to because he's just saying he's still a bit cold or scared.

Answer 5

Jen is right. Little dogs shiver a lot for no reason. I have a female toy fox terrier (5 pounds full grown) who shivers all the time. I think it's because little dogs have so much nervous energy.

Answer 6

Small dogs shiver A LOT. For no reason. Even when it's 90 degrees outside. Get used to it.

Answer 7

Sounds okay if there are no other symptoms. Sounds like he just got a chill. My dogs usually shiver after a bath until warmed up. Just observe the pup and make sure. If the shivering does not stop in areasonable time then call the Vet. But it sounds okay.

Answer 8

Chihuahuas get cold very easily, especially when they are wet. They're small and don't have much body mass to regulate their own temperatures.

Wrapping him in a towel or blanket and drying him is a good idea. Keep him warm and dry, he'll be o.k.

Answer 9

He was probably a little cold but our vet told us that chihuahuas shake a lot & not to worry about it. He's fine.

Answer 10

hes just cold keep it warm by a little sweater for it at pet smart

Answer 11

chiwaasduxwahz (sp) are known for doing this, so don't be worried because its natural. My parents have one and it does this too.