The Chihuahua is a dog breed that can live for 16 years. However, Chihuahuas have environmental and genetic health problems whose symptoms need to be noted by their owners in order to be treated. Therefore, these serious and not so serious health problems need to be observed, and cured so as to ensure your dog’s well being. If you have a Chihuahua, it is essential that you have knowledge of the common diseases known to this breed listed below.
Hypoglycemia in Chihuahuas
This is a general health problem for younger Chihuahua breeds. Essentially, it is brought about by low blood sugar and is mainly caused by burning off energy excess of what the breed can take. The Chihuahua has a small stomach; as such, he or she is not able to take up much food, hence the burn out. Glassy eyes, a staggering gait in movement and rigidity or limpness are the main symptoms of this condition. If not caught early and treated, the dog is likely to develop disorientation, seizures, unable to have muscular coordination, shiver, unconsciousness and subsequent death. To treat this condition, what you need to do is give the dog several small meals everyday. Avoid sugary treats when you do this as it may lead to ruining the food schedule you have for the dog or cause fast weight gain leading to obesity.
This disorder is characterized by knee cups getting lose or what is medically termed slipped stifles. When this health condition occurs, the knee cups of the hind legs tend to slip out of their groove. Depending on how severe the problem is, it happens repeatedly. The cause of this condition is either genetics, or it may be caused when your Chihuahua jumps from high levels causing an injury caused by stress imposed on the patella or obesity. In very severe cases, the only remedy for this condition is surgery.
Obesity in Chihuahuas
As mentioned earlier, Chihuahuas have small stomachs that cannot accommodate much. Therefore, in case you over feed them, they tend to gain weight fast. Obesity may lead to further complications such as; diabetes, and joint problems due to their inability to maneuver their weight caused by the previously discussed luxating patella. Therefore, it is important that you limit treats and amount of food you give your dog. Taste Of The Wild is a good example of dog food that will not make your dog obese.
The Chihuahua breed has a very small mouth and this is the sole reason for teeth problem. In effect, you will find that there is overcrowding of teeth that result in plaque, food remains building up in the teeth. Consequently, there is premature loss of teeth. This teeth problem can be solved professionally as well as at home through regular cleaning of your dog’s teeth. Failure to which, buildup of bacteria in the body can lead to liver failure, kidney and heart damage.
Heart conditions common to the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua dog breed is prone to a variety of heart disease problems. As such, in case you find that your Chihuahua is coughing, ensure that you visit your veterinarian as this is the first sign of a heart problem. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), is a genetically caused heart disease in this breed. In case your dog has bluish gums instead of pink, this is a symptom of PDA. Endocardiosis is another heart disease in Chihuahuas that is a heart valve disease. This valve disease may get worse if your dog has a dental disease as the bacteria in the mouth may circulate to the heart valves causing this condition to worsen. Therefore, provide proper oral care and regularly brush your Chihuahua’s teeth.
This health condition in your Chihuahua can be caused by environmental factors as well as genetics. It happens when fluid accumulates in the brain. Essentially, the symptoms are a domed head that is larger than the average size. Additionally, you will find small or large sized soft spots on the head known as moleras. The morelas is similar to the soft spot found on the top part of an infant’s head. However, in the case of this dog, the morelas does not harden as the dog grows. Some Chihuahuas may display these as symptoms while they are still puppies or when the symptoms may show when they are older. However, if the case is mild, they live long.
Male Chihuahuas predisposed to Bladder stones
Male Chihuahuas are predisposed to develop cystine bladder stones. It is characterized by problems in urinating; therefore, ensure you visit the veterinarian. Medication such as potassium citrate helps raise the urine pH; thereby, reducing the acidic nature of the urine.
Collapsing of the Trachea
The cartilage rings that hold the airway to and from the lungs open is normally very fragile for Chihuahuas. As such, it is imperative that you keep pressure off your pet’s throat. Use a harness instead of a collar. In case your pet dog develops a collapsing trachea, ensure you employ a Supplement with glucosamine. It helps keep the air way lining moist.
Sometimes the Chihuahua may develop stains caused by tears around the eyes. This may be solved using Eye clear. For additional grooming for your dog, you can trim your pet’ snails to avoid them clacking on the floor when they run around the house as Chihuahuas are very active dogs.
In case you find symptoms in your Chihuahua not listed here, it is advisable to visit your veterinarian to get further information for your Chihuahua pet.