Chihuahua Health Problems and Solutions
Chihuahuas have fewer health problems then many breeds, however there are still some health problems to be aware of. Here are some of the common health problems found in Chihuahuas along with their solutions.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is when your Chihuahua has a low blood sugar level. It is common among Chihuahua puppies up to 3 months old, however most Chihuahua puppies grow out of it by the time they are old enough to leave the breeder at 8 to 12 weeks of age. But for some it can stick around for their whole lives. The effect of Hypoglycemia can be seizures, coma, or death. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia are shakiness, diluted pupils, staggering or a glassy, dazed look.
To treat hypoglycemia put some sugar on his tongue, or rub some Karo syrup on his gums, and head straight to the Veterinarian. Once you are award of it, you can prevent it by feeding your puppy his daily ration of food in smaller portions more frequently throughout the day to keep his blood sugar levels even. He should not eat sugary snacks (as they cause spikes, then lows, in his blood sugar levels) and he should only be feed high quality dog food.
Luxating Patella
Luxating patella, also known as trick knee, is a disease where the patella (the kneecap in the rear legs) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. This can happen rarely or more frequently - depending on the severity in your dog.
If you Chihuahua only suffers a mild case of patella luxation, then he can live a normal life without anything to worry about. If the condition is more severe, he may need surgery whereby they will deepen the groove that the kneecap sits in so that the kneecap stays in place.
Tracheal Collapse
Collapsing trachea is where your Chihuahua's windpipe (the organ he uses to breath) collapses making it difficult for her to breath. It usually occurs in Chis five years of age or older. Symptoms include sudden outbursts of coughing, shortness of breath, gagging while eating or drinking, and quickly becoming exhausted when physically active.
Fortunately, trachea collapse can be effectively treated, 70% of the time, with medicines prescribed by your Veterinarian. In those rare cases where medicines are not effective, surgery may be necessary to have stent inserted which keeps the Trachea open.
Obesity
You must be careful not to make your Chihuahua fat by overfeeding him. Obese Chihuahuas are prone to dying at an earlier age, joint injuries and tracheal collapse. The symptoms are a fat Chihuahua! You should be able to feel your Chihuahuas ribs through his skin, but not see them. The treatment is to see exercise your Chi more frequently and possibly put him on a special fat reduced dog food.