The Chihuahua is the smallest among the AKC registered breeds, weighing around two to six pounds.
Despite their size, chihuahuas are full of life and energy. They are alert and swift-moving and extremely protective of their own family.
The Chihuahua can live for a long time, often achieving 16 or more years of age. However, they are susceptible to several health problems that are common to small breed dogs.
If you are thinking of getting a Chihuahua, you need to know about the common health problems that may affect this dog breed.
Of course, not all Chihuahuas will be affected by the common health problems as described below, but just keep in mind that they are more prone to these illnesses.
Common Small Dog Health Problems
The Chihuahua is susceptible to several health problems that commonly affect small breed dogs, such as:
Dental Problems
Small breed dogs such as Chihuahuas tend to have tooth and gum diseases. Understandably so because their mouths are so small! Their teeth are overcrowded, making it easy for dental problems to arise.
For example, food tends to be trapped between the teeth. This causes plaque and tartar buildup. If untreated, overtime this can result in periodontal disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as premature tooth loss.
Keep your Chihuahua’s teeth clean by daily brushing and regular dental check-ups. Also avoid snacks rich in starch and sugar.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, which is a state of abnormally low blood sugar, is one of the most common Chihuahua health problems. This can cause problems to the nervous system, resulting in seizures and even coma.
A hypoglycemic attack may happen without much warning. Sometimes, a dog with low blood sugar level may show signs of lethargy, weakness, restlessness, and tremors.
Treating a dog with a hypoglycemic attack takes quick action.
The reason is, even a mild case of hypoglycemia can deteriorate quickly and can result in permanent brain damage. The best way of course is to prevent it from happening by taking various precautions.
So be sure to visit this page to see how to prevent hypoglycemia in dogs and what you can do to treat a dog with a hypoglycemic attack.
Tracheal Collapse
This condition occurs primarily in older small breed dogs, particularly Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles. Obese dogs are especially vulnerable to this health problem.
The trachea (windpipe) is made up of rings of cartilage. Tracheal collapse occurs because the tracheal rings do not possess normal rigidity.
This results in the collapse of the trachea wall as the dog inhales. The collapse of the trachea wall leads to a narrowing of the windpipe.
The typical sign of this problem is a goose-honk cough, sometimes with gagging and harsh breathing. The symptoms are made worse by stress and exertion. Coughing may also occur when the dog eats or drinks.
Bronchodilator drugs can treat mild to moderate symptoms. Also, do not expose your Chi to stressful situations that may trigger coughing episodes.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. It is advisable to use a harness (not collar) on a chihuahua to protect the dog’s throat and airway.
Chronic Valvular Disease
Small and toy breed dogs (such as Chihuahuas) are predisposed to this common heart disease of unknown cause. Dogs with this heart disease have degenerative changes in their heart valves. Specifically, the leaflets of the valves grow thick and the shape become distorted.
As a result, the free edges of the valves cannot make contact. This causes lowered valve function and cardiac output.
The hallmark symptom of chronic valvular disease is a loud heart murmur heard over the left side of the chest.
The disease is chronic and progressive, and if left untreated, can develop into congestive heart failure.
Other Chihuahua Health Problems
Other health problems that Chihuahua dogs are prone to include:
Luxating Patella
This is a leg problem that is common among Chihuahuas.
Luxating patella is a congenital disease in which the alignment of the bones and joints of the hind leg is abnormal. This results in a displacement of the patella to the side of the joint.
The main symptom of luxating patella is an intermittent hopping on the limb when the patella pops out of place. Depending on the severity of the problem, dogs with luxating patella may need surgical correction.
Hydrocephalus
If you have a chihuahua, you will notice that he has a soft spot on the top of his head. It is called a molera. This is not a health problem, just a breed characteristic.
However, Chihuahuas with an exceptionally large molera are prone to a condition called hydrocephalus. This is caused by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain.
Puppies under 9 months old are more prone to this condition, although some dogs may not show symptoms until they get older.
Hydrocephalus causes seizures, partial or complete blindness, dementia, and eventual death. Some dogs with a mild case of hydrocephalus may survive and grow into adulthood.
Treatment involves the use of corticosteroids and diuretics to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Sometimes surgery is necessary.
Chihuahuas with an exceptionally large molera are prone to a condition called hydrocephalus. The cause is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain.
Shivering
This is in fact not a health problem but if you have a Chihuahua, you may notice that your Chi tends to shiver or tremble, especially under stress or excitement.
Toy and small breed dogs have a higher rate of metabolism, causing them to lose body heat faster than other bigger dogs. Shivering is a way to help generate body heat.
Chihuahuas should always be protected against the cold, so be sure to keep your Chi warm with sweaters and blankets in the cold season.