Category: Small Dogs

Chihuahua Health 101: Common Health Problems Among Chihuahuas

9/9/2016

by Tara M. Clapper, Contributing Writer

Chihuahuas make loving and affectionate pets. They're generally low-maintenance and even rather inexpensive to feed due to their small size. However, health problems may be a major concern and expense of Chihuahua ownership. Here are some common health problems experienced by Chihuahuas and ways to avoid them when selecting or interacting with your Chihuahua.

Poor eyesight. Like most toy breeds, some Chihuahuas have problems with their eyes. At first, you may notice your pet experiencing trouble when seeing during specific times of the day (just in daylight or just at night). Eventually, this can progress into total blindness.

Collapsing trachea. Many new Chihuahua owners are terrified upon hearing a Chihuahua cough rather violently. The severity of it shakes the dog's entire body. This is caused by a collapsing trachea. With this condition, a dog has trouble breathing when active or excited (and Chihuahuas love to bounce around and get very happy when their owners come home). Dummies.com suggests that smokers cease smoking around Chihuahuas because the smoke settles near a Chihuahua's height (the smoke can worsen difficult breathing).

Petellar luxation. This condition describes disruption in the hind legs around the knee. When this occurs, the kneecap can slip. This causes lameness and pain (your dog may yelp or have trouble walking). Veterinarians can treat severe cases with surgery.

Hypoglycemia. As with people, dogs can be hypoglycemic. This is especially prevalent in small dogs like Chihuahuas. Hypoglycemic dogs may experience loss of appetite and seizures. You can try to control hypoglycemia by feeding your Chihuahua a sugary food when the dog exhibits symptoms (syrup, honey or vanilla ice cream), but avoid chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Providing more meals in smaller portions may also help your pet.

When selecting a Chihuahua, keep these items in mind. Teacup Chihuahuas and smaller members of the breed are often at increased risk for health problems. Look for a social and active member of the litter or consider a Chi mix to avoid health problems.

If your Chihuahua exhibits any concerning behaviors or if you believe your dog may have a health problem, consult a veterinarian.

This overview is not meant to be used for diagnosis and is informative in nature only.

This post was originally published on Examiner.com as Chihuahua Examiner. Republished with permission of the author.

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Chihuahuas 101: Long or Short Hair?

9/9/2016

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by Tara M. Clapper, Contributing Writer

So you want to share your time with a Chihuahua. Congratulations! Chihuahuas are wonderful companion pets and lap dogs. Known for their loyalty and attachment to one individual, Chihuahuas are generally pretty low-maintenance but do require a great deal of attention and attendance to possible health issues.

Chihuahuas (or "Chis" as they are known affectionately to their owners) come in two varieties: long and short hair. Here are some things to consider when deciding between these types.

Allergies. Many people are allergic to dogs. The actual cause of the allergy is pet dander. Both long and short hair dog varieties produce dander. Some allergy sufferers learn that they are more allergic to one type of hair than the other, so preference may depend upon the person. To reduce allergic reactions to Chihuahuas, maintain their coats and brush them frequently. Vacuum often, especially around short haired dogs. Chihuahua owners suffering from allergies should also train their dogs--while it's usually innocent for a small dog to jump up and climb on a person, a Chihuahua can inadvertently trigger an allergy attack if too close to the face.

Environment and climate. Chihuahuas come from Chihuahua, Mexico. They've adapted to that type of environment--often warm, hot and sunny. They're also small dogs and they get cold very easily. If you're in a hot climate, it may be more practical to own a Chihuahua with short hair. Conversely, dogs with long hair do better in colder environments. Regardless, it's always best to keep an eye on your dog during hot or cold weather conditions to ensure her comfort and safety--bring some extra water along when traveling in hot months, and during cold seasons don't forget the Chi sweater!

Maintenance. If time and money are a concern, consider the maintenance costs of your new best friend. Chihuahuas incur vet costs like any other dog, but they eat comparatively little, they are easy to entertain and if you own a short hair, grooming is simple. You can brush the short hair dog at home. Depending on the demeanor of the dog, you may wish to take the long hair Chi to the groomer on occasion, but generally you can brush their coats at home, too. Occasionally, long hair Chihuahuas will encounter additional problems--matted fur, feces stuck on tail or weeds and outdoor objects tangled in the fur.

Aesthetic. Most Chihuahuas are adorable, but what type of dog do you prefer? Long hair Chis are sometimes considered cuter, especially as puppies, because they are fluffier and softer to the touch.

Before purchasing a Chihuahua, do some research on the advantages and disadvantages of each coat; also discuss the options with other members of your family.

Do you prefer long or short haired Chihuahuas?

This post was originally published on Examiner.com as Chihuahua Examiner. Republished with permission of the author.

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Chihuahua Dental Care 101

9/8/2016

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by Tara M. Clapper, Contributing Writer

Chihuahuas and other small breeds are especially prone to dental problems. While dogs have heartier teeth than humans, they're still afflicted by dental problems such as gingivitis and plaque. Diet and prevention can help your dog maintain healthy dental hygiene without costly trips to the vet.

Chihuahua dental problems do increase your pet health care costs. Additionally, they can create discomfort for your dog. Here are some ways to recognize, prevent and treat dental decay in Chihuahuas.

TLC

Chihuahuas are small, but they have needle-like teeth that hurt when they bite. You can prevent bites and frustration by helping your dog get used to the ritual of tooth-brushing. Begin by petting your dog and touching her mouth. Eventually, touch your Chihuahua's mouth and teeth.

Before you attempt to brush your Chihuahua's teeth, let her smell, inspect and lick the toothbrush and toothpaste. Remember, your dog's primary sense is his sense of smell; he'll be more comfortable with the objects after a proper introduction.

This practice can also deter food aggression and will help you safely retrieve any forbidden or harmful objects from your dog's mouth.

Good Dog, Bad Breath

If your Chihuahua has bad breath, it means she's past due for a brushing. As in humans, lingering bacteria in the mouth causes a nasty, unpleasant odor. While 'dog breath' is normal, particularly odorous breath is indicative of potential decay.

Your dog's family, friends and veterinarian will also appreciate the lack of odor after brushing has occurred.

Diet

It's true that wet food and table scraps can increase bad breath and lead to poor dental health in dogs. Consult your veterinarian concerning your Chihuahua's diet.

Ultimately, senior Chihuahuas may need to eat wet food because of the fragility of their teeth. More wet food and table scraps means more brushing for your dog. Wet food and table scraps can also lead to obesity in Chihuahuas.

Brushing Teeth

Many pet owners dread brushing their animals' teeth, but over time it becomes a manageable process. A finger brush (available from your vet or most pet stores) is most effective--especially on a Chihuahua since her mouth is small. Don't forget to use toothpaste for dogs as well.

As you brush your Chihuahua's teeth, provide treats and positive reinforcement, rewarding the dog for allowing you to brush his teeth.

Major dental infections can lead to serious health problems in pets and people. If you notice an abscess or if your Chihuahua experiences pain, it's time for a trip to the vet

This post was originally published on Examiner.com as Chihuahua Examiner. Republished with permission of the author.

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Chihuahua Health 101: Common Health Problems Among Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas 101: Long or Short Hair?

Chihuahua Dental Care 101

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