The Chihuahua is a miniature dog, ideal for keeping in an apartment. Unlike most decorative breeds, these dogs are generally in good health. On average, they live up to 12-15 years, but there are also centenarians who live up to 20 years. However, the owner should be aware of the signs of possible Chihuahua diseases. Our article is devoted to a description of their features.
Chihuahua diseases: symptoms and treatment
Why does a Chihuahua tremble?
In general, for representatives of this breed, especially smooth-haired ones, trembling is a common condition. However, if your pet is shaking more or more often than usual, this is also worth paying attention to.
The dog may be shivering due to the cold
So, if the baby only trembles during walks, this means that he is freezing and it’s time for him to get dressed.
Sometimes trembling is a sign of nervous feelings. For example, if the dog has misbehaved and expects punishment or is afraid of something else. When frightened, the dog may still tuck its tail. Nervous tremors are a common occurrence and there is nothing dangerous about them.
However, in some cases, shaking can be a sign of illness. It is important to pay attention to it in time. Usually, if the shaking is unhealthy, it will be accompanied by other symptoms.
Diseases accompanied by tremor:
- hypoglycemia;
- poisoning;
- allergy;
- kidney diseases.
Additional information to answer the question why a dog is trembling can be found in the article on our website.
Video - Why do Chihuahuas tremble?
General signs of diseases
To notice that a dog is unhealthy, it is usually enough to take a closer look at its behavior and condition. It is worth paying attention to the following manifestations:
- lack of appetite or poor appetite for more than 24 hours;
- temperature is too high (38-39 degrees);
- diarrhea and vomiting;
- constipation;
- frequent sneezing, coughing;
- sudden weight loss;
- uneven breathing;
- itching, dandruff, parasites;
- bloated stomach;
- convulsions;
- discharge from the eyes, ears or nose;
- constant strong thirst;
- uncontrolled urination;
- lameness;
- lethargy, apathy, fatigue.
If you suspect a disease, contact your veterinarian
If any of these signs occur, you should take your dog to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Skin condition
If a dog eats bad food or poor quality water, it may develop allergic reactions, especially to dry food. And a shampoo that is not suitable for some reason can become a source of dandruff on the skin. Also, dandruff can appear not only from inappropriate shampoo, but in most cases from stressful situations. Another cause could be a hair mite. Dandruff, redness, allergic manifestations are the first sign that the dog’s body lacks vitamins, or rather vitamin A. But in especially severe cases, you cannot cope on your own, and vitamin A will not help. It is imperative to contact a veterinarian who will urgently prescribe the correct treatment. Do not deviate from the instructions and recommendations prescribed by your doctor.
Genetics
Patella dislocations and hip dysplasia in Chihuahuas can be caused by hereditary abnormal joint structure. Similar non-inherited defects are less common. With this pathology, even in childhood, the puppy begins to limp. In such a situation, the veterinarian prescribes an x-ray for an accurate diagnosis. Therapy or surgery is prescribed.
Sometimes heart pathologies, eye diseases, skin diseases, undescended testicles, and so on can be hereditary. For this reason, it is very important to purchase a puppy from reliable manufacturers in specialized nurseries with a good reputation. Responsible and respectable breeders do not allow dogs with hereditary defects to be bred.
Patella dislocations and hip dysplasia in Chihuahuas may be caused by hereditary joint abnormalities.
Attention! If the puppy is nevertheless purchased from your own hands, it is advisable to conduct a full veterinary examination so that if there are any pathologies, they can be treated as early as possible. In some situations, surgery may be required.
Health difficulties
The disease can be hereditary or acquired.
Genetic disease cannot be prevented. Other diseases can be affected initially. Despite good care, the animal may get sick. Genetic diseases:
- Dislocation of the knee joint;
- Hydrocephalus;
- Cryptorchidism.
This knee joint problem is common in Chihuahuas. The violation consists of incorrect construction of the elbow joint. The pathology manifests itself in childhood. The puppy will tuck its paw when walking. If a pregnant female is obese or has jumped from a height, the puppy may have a congenital dislocation.
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Hydrocephalus is an incurable disease. Otherwise called dropsy of the brain. Often develops due to birth trauma. A sick animal has an enlarged head that throws back or tilts. Coordination of movements is impaired, vision decreases.
Cryptorchidism is typical for males. In sick dogs, the scrotum does not form correctly. Animals are excluded from breeding.
Commonly acquired diseases:
- Eye diseases;
- Epilepsy;
- Viruses;
- Skin problems;
- Obesity;
- Infestation with parasites;
- Allergy;
- Problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- Musculoskeletal disorders.
Representatives of Chihuahuas differ in the large size of their eyes. Dogs are prone to developing keratoconjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, and eye loss. Eye diseases need proper treatment, otherwise your pet may lose vision. Changes in the color of the cornea, eye discharge, swelling, itching are reasons to consult a veterinarian.
Epilepsy is neurological in nature. It manifests itself as convulsive attacks, sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness. Pathology can be congenital or acquired. It cannot be fully cured, but the course of symptoms can be controlled. For this purpose medications are prescribed.
Without favorable conditions, the Chihuahua breed is regularly susceptible to colds. The animal may suffer from a cough and runny nose. The dog must be protected from cold and drafts. The dog needs warm clothes and an insulated bed. Older dogs may develop tracheal collapse. A spasm occurs and the trachea accumulates mucus. Symptoms include hoarse breathing, coughing, choking, and restless behavior.
Dogs can become infected with distemper, viral hepatitis and other viruses. Animals need timely vaccination.
Representatives of the breed often experience dandruff. The prerequisites will be improper care, poor nutrition, stress, allergies. To prevent skin problems, vitamin A is prescribed.
The formation of a round belly indicates obesity. A typical problem for the breed. Obesity leads to diabetes and hypertension. Do not overfeed your pet. The food should contain low carbohydrates.
Infection with parasites is dangerous for any dog. Worms, fleas, ticks and other parasites can carry the infection. It is necessary to use prophylactic agents against parasites and get vaccinations.
A dog can be allergic to food, medicine, vitamin supplements, chemicals, clothing, or plants. Signs of an allergic reaction include tearing, redness of the skin, itching, dandruff, shedding, and discharge from the nose and ears. The allergen is detected by monitoring the pet's condition or by medical testing.
Animals often have gastrointestinal problems. The pet may suffer from constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. To rule out serious diseases, diagnostics are carried out at a veterinary clinic.
Individuals of the breed are distinguished by weak musculoskeletal systems. Excessive physical activity leads to dislocation and fracture. The dog will change its gait and will press or withdraw its paw. Arthrosis and arthritis develop with age.
Hydrocephalus
Chihuahuas are the only dogs that are born with an incompletely formed skull. They, like human newborn babies, have a fontanel. The cranial vault is finally formed only by three to four months of age. This feature predisposes the breed to hydrocephalus. It may also be due to heredity.
Chihuahuas are the only dogs that are born with an incompletely formed skull.
Symptoms of the disease are noticeable in puppies from two months. When choosing a puppy, pay attention if he often throws back and tilts his head, or becomes dizzy. Convulsions are possible.
Treatment is carried out only by a doctor. Drugs are needed to reduce intracranial pressure, and sometimes surgery.
Epilepsy
The first manifestations of epilepsy are observed between the ages of 9 months and 3 years. Before an attack, the dog gets nervous and looks for a secluded corner. A convulsive attack may be accompanied by severe salivation and involuntary bowel movements. The duration of the attack is about one and a half minutes. With age they become more frequent. The disease, unfortunately, is incurable, but you can live with it. The doctor will prescribe medications to suppress seizures and select their dosage.
Epilepsy is incurable
On a note! Any noticeable seizures in a dog, even mild ones, is a reason to immediately contact a veterinarian, as this may be the first manifestation of epilepsy. You can read more about this disease in dogs in our article .
Epilepsy in Chihuahuas
Epileptic seizures are disorders of the nervous system. Characterized by recurrent (periodically recurring) episodes. It can occur in dogs of all ages, regardless of gender. Veterinarians claim that female dogs have a more stable nervous system, and therefore suffer from epilepsy less often than male dogs. There is evidence that dogs of the mini Chihuahua breed get sick more often.
Digestive system
Digestive problems can result not only from poor nutrition, but also from hypothermia. Another common cause is overeating. Under no circumstances should a Chihuahua be overfed or fed with “goodies” from your table. Both of these ultimately lead to obesity. Obesity in Chihuahuas is a cause of chronic digestive problems, heart disease and, ultimately, a significant reduction in life expectancy.
Obesity is a common condition in Chihuahuas.
Symptoms:
- diarrhea;
- vomit;
- lethargy;
- poor appetite.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a consequence of overeating, poisoning, allergies to certain foods, worms or infection. If we are talking about overeating or poisoning, the dog’s intestines are cleansed before starting therapeutic procedures. To do this, you will have to force her to drink a spoonful of castor oil. During treatment, strong tea is added to the pet's drinking water. In case of a food allergic reaction, it is necessary to exclude the product that caused it from the diet. For this reason, any new foods are introduced into the diet gradually, one at a time, so that you can immediately determine what exactly led to the reaction.
Diarrhea can be a consequence of overeating, poisoning, allergies
Attention! If the cause of diarrhea cannot be determined and eliminated, you should consult a veterinarian. Sometimes severe diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious infection.
Constipation
Constipation can occur, for example, due to dry food, coarse fiber, too strong broth, or bones. In most situations, constipation can be eliminated without visiting a veterinarian. In the easiest case, it is enough to feed the dog kefir. Other common remedies are castor oil, vegetable oil (you will have to give it forcibly) or an enema. On the recommendation of a veterinarian, lactulose-based medications can be used. To avoid frequent constipation, you should monitor your pet’s diet.
Kefir can help treat constipation in dogs
Disease Prevention
Taking care of your pet's health and prevention will help prevent Chihuahua diseases. You need to follow some simple rules:
- do not expose your pet to hypothermia, otherwise not only a cold may appear, but also problems with the lungs;
- try to protect your dog from falls, jumps from heights, mechanical and household damage, which can cause problems with bones and joints;
- take care of adequate physical activity for your pet; you need to keep your dog occupied only with feasible exercises;
- nutrition is the root of the problem of many diseases, so watch your dog’s diet;
- do not neglect caring for your pet’s teeth;
- Do not forget that timely contact with a veterinarian can save the dog’s health and life.
Always remember that you are responsible for those you have tamed. Carefully monitor your pet's well-being, and you can protect it from dangers and diseases.
The cardiovascular system
Heart failure is most common in older Chihuahuas. This disease can be fatal, so special attention should be paid to its first signs in order to begin treatment measures on time.
Symptoms:
- dyspnea;
- cough;
- uneven, shallow breathing;
- bluish color of the gums and tongue (appears in later stages).
Heart failure is most common in older Chihuahuas.
Respiratory system
Problems with the respiratory system can become a complication or consequence of an untreated cold. In addition, they can develop due to infection, heredity, obesity, heart pathologies and inhalation of harmful substances (cigarette smoke, gasoline exhaust, dust, household chemicals).
On a note! Coughing, uneven breathing, shortness of breath, and restless behavior may be signs of tracheal collapse.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other drugs depending on the cause of the disease and its stage.
Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse can be either an acquired problem (due to obesity) or a congenital pathology, which can cause not only serious breathing problems, but also the death of the dog. Softening of the tracheal rings leads to its narrowing. With the development of the inflammatory process, mucus begins to accumulate in the trachea. The dog experiences attacks of suffocation, coughing, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. The animal behaves restlessly and rushes about. The dog needs to be treated comprehensively: a special diet to eliminate obesity in parallel with medications to relieve inflammation. Timely treatment often allows the problem to be completely eliminated.
Related article: How to properly keep and care for a Chihuahua
Teeth and gums
Teeth are one of the weak points of this breed. It is important to regularly check their condition and start caring for them from an early age. Baby teeth may not fall out on their own, in which case they must be removed, otherwise the dog will develop an overbite. Fractures of the lower jaw are common. Caries, pulpitis, etc. are common.
Teeth are one of the Chihuahua’s vulnerable spots.
Prevention
To avoid dental diseases, she has her teeth brushed once a week. Plaque is removed at the veterinary clinic approximately once a year.
Treatment
Treating seizures with medication can cause more harm to your dog than not treating them. Medications are prescribed by a veterinarian if convulsions last more than five minutes and occur several times a month. Don't self-medicate!
Follow the schedule and dosage of medications, create a healthy environment around your four-legged friend, change the diet, do not overfeed the miniature animal, and take it for a walk more often.
Eyes
The most common cases are progressive retinal atrophy, keratoconjunctivitis (dry eyes), glaucoma, and cataracts. Swelling, lacrimation, purulent discharge, redness, inflammation are signs of such diseases. Another possibility is loss of eyeballs due to the structure of the skull. This is possible in small puppies due to injury. In such a situation, urgent veterinary attention is needed.
Retinal atrophy in dogs
To prevent eye diseases, you should regularly examine and wipe with a cotton swab dipped in tea infusion or saline solution.
Keratoconjunctivitis
With this disease, the cornea of the eye becomes inflamed and interferes with the production of tears. As a result, the eye dries out. The result can be decreased vision and even blindness. The causes of the disease can be different - heredity, injury, infection, problems with the immune system, consequences of unsuccessful treatment of other diseases.
Keratoconjunctivitis
Symptoms:
- dull, reddened eyes;
- discharge from the eyes;
- irritation.
If your dog blinks frequently, rubs its eyes with its paw, or has difficulty opening its eyes after sleep, you should immediately consult a doctor. In advanced cases, surgery may even be necessary. In milder cases, the veterinarian will prescribe drops to moisturize the eyes and stimulate the production of natural tears.
Demodicosis
The causative agent of this disease is the scabies mite. The disease is contagious.
Attention! Ticks that cause demodicosis are dangerous not only for dogs and other pets, but also for people.
Demodectic mange in a dog
Signs of demodicosis are hair loss, severe itching, sores on the skin, and the animal does not eat well. If a dog is diagnosed with this disease, a course of treatment will be required, which will be prescribed by a doctor. This can be a series of injections and/or external remedies (ointments, creams to fight parasites and heal the skin). The apartment urgently needs to be thoroughly cleaned and the dog bedding must be disinfected or destroyed.
