Health Problems with Chihuahua
Being a small dog, it’s not a surprise that owners experience a lot of health problems with Chihuahua dogs.
Chihuahuas can be very fragile and besides being prone to health problems, if these problems are not dealt with, it can make your Chihuahua’s life very difficult, and sometimes may even be fatal.
Below are some examples of common health problems with Chihuahua dogs to properly inform owners so they know how to handle things if their pet ever comes down with one.
Because of its weak bone structure, one of the more common health problems with chihuahua dogs is Patellar Luxation, or kneecap dislocation. Some chis acquire the disease through genetics (it is hereditary), while some get it as a result of hip dysplasia, or the continual degeneration of its pelvic bone. If left untreated, it can severely impede the chis ability to move, resulting in possible lameness. Aside from these two conditions, the chi is also prone to fractures as a result of falling or overexertion. Owners must always keep an eye out on their chis when they’re running about so they don’t accidentally fall off a high table or a cabinet.
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is one of the more common health problems with chihuahua dogs, as well as several other breeds of the toy dog category. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include depression, general muscle weakness, collapsing, seizures, shivering, disorientation and drowsiness. Hypoglycemia firsts appears when a Chihuahua is still a pup, and some pups outgrow the condition as they grow older. The few unfortunate ones who will have it all their lives need maintenance care in the form of a special diet that is made up of foods rich in protein and carbohydrates.
Chihuahuas are prone to eye problems as well and unlike other health problems with Chihuahua pets, these must be treated as they can become worse if left alone. Scleritis is one of the more serious diseases to hit this breed and can happen as a result of toxioplasmosis, which is a parasitic disease. A dog with Scleritis will experience inflammation in the sclera that covers the entire eyeball. If left untreated, the inflamed membrane covering the eyeball will cause it to harden, rendering that eye useless and must be taken out. Chihuahuas are also prone to inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctivitis. These two diseases are caused mostly by ticks, viruses and bacteria, so a good way to prevent these is proper hygiene and cleaning your chi’s living quarters frequently. Unlike all other eye health problems with Chihuahua pets mentioned above, Progressive retinal Atrophy cannot be cured and a chi with this condition will gradually lose sight as a result of retinal degeneration. This is a genetic condition, so there is no way to prevent it either.
What are the most Common Health Problems with Chihuahuas?
One of the many very common health problems with chihuahua pets, as well as all other dog breeds is the reverse sneezing attack. This is not dangerous, but can cause quite a distress for both pet and owner. Sometimes when the chihuahuas drinks too fast or strains against its leash, its palate becomes misaligned for awhile and it makes worrisome sounds similar to sneezing, honking or snorting. Simply massaging the neck area will help relieve this problem, as is pinching the dog’s nose so it breathes through the mouth.
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