Health Information

Common Health Issues Found in Chihuahuas

First and foremost, your breeder should have sent you home with your new pet and a bunch of health information in tow. Don’t be afraid to contact them in any instance if you have questions about your pet’s health. They should be willing to help you, as they will want their pet’s offspring to be well-looked after, happy and healthy.

Chihuahua’s seem to have fewer health-related issues than other breeds, mainly because of the diligence of Chihuahua breeders: They have worked hard to eliminate many health defects. Unfortunately, all pets can suffer at some stage from health problems, and Chi’s are no exception.

1. Subluxation of the patella
Basically, this translates as loose kneecaps. This can be a common issue for toy breeds. The kneecaps on the rear legs can slip out of their grooves. This can happen often or hardly at all, depending on the severity of the problem. Your pet may require surgery to fix this problem, but if it is a mild case then it is no cause for concern.

2. Hypoglycemia
This refers to low blood sugar levels, and is common in young toy dogs. More often than not, Chi’s with this issue will outgrow the problem before they leave the breeder. However this can impact upon some dogs throughout their lives. Symptoms to look out for are: glassy eyes, unsteady gait, and either limpness or rigidity. If the pet doesn’t receive treatment he can have seizures, go into a coma or even die. Treatment comes in the form of putting something sugary into your pet’s mouth and heading straight to the vet. Once your pet has been diagnosed, you will be given info about what foods are suitable for your pet to eat. Your vet will help you will this. You can even train your pet to take liquid medicine from an eyedropper: Sometimes, instead of the medicine, melt some icecream. This will make him more eager to take anything from the eyedropper. Read the rest of this entry »