Chihuahuas and Old Age

by Tara M. Clapper, Contributing Writer

Chihuahuas start to show age after about a decade of life. While most live 13-15 years, they can live up to 18 years in good health. Dogs experience many of the same health problems and signs of aging that people can reach later in life including weight gain or loss, tooth loss and difficulty seeing or hearing.

Signs of Aging

Because Chihuahuas are usually pretty small and energetic, it's easy to forget that they age just like dogs and other animals. As your dog ages, it's important to be aware of the signs. A change in stage of life can represent a need for an altered diet, vet check-up and activity level.

Common signs of aging in dogs include:

• Lethargy
• Limping
• Change in amount of food consumed

Common Problems for Senior Chihuahuas

Some of the signs of aging can point to medical conditions frequently experienced by older Chihuahuas. These include:

• Joint sensitivity and arthritis
• Cavities and periodontal disease (particularly if your dog eats table scraps or wet food)
• Dry skin
• Loss of senses
• Back problems (such as slipped discs generated after years of leaping onto furniture)

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Healthy

You can help your Chihuahua live a long and happy life by keeping his weight in the appropriate range (as determined by your pet's veterinarian). Your dog's vet may also recommend dietary supplements and a change to senior dog food, which is formulated to provide nutrition for older dogs.

Even if your senior Chihuahua doesn't have dental problems, it's a good idea to save for a dental cleaning to prevent pain and sensitivity. Regular cleanings can prevent further problems.

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