|
Home 
Dog
Breeds
Chihuahuas
Chihuahua Health Risks
Chihuahua Health Risks
Learn about the specific health risks and health needs
of chihuahuas.
by Michael J. Warren
June 19, 2004
Although Chihuahuas are usually healthy, they do have special
health considerations, both as puppies and as adults. For
puppies, starting at birth through age sixteen weeks, you
should be aware of some potential health issues.
Chihuahuas, among other small breeds, often develop "reverse
sneezing," which can be caused by excitement, soft palate
problems, dust and pollen, cold air, or a collapsed trachea.
Your Chihuahua may sound like it is gasping or huffing for
air, honking like a goose, or wheezing.
Another Chihuahua health risk is hypoglycemia, as Chihuahuas
have a very small fat reserve around the liver. This problem
can happen at any age, although small, young Chihuahua puppies
have a higher potential for developing hypoglycemia.
Chihuahuas (just like people) need essential fatty acids,
which are good fats like Omega 3 and Omega 6 that help build
cell membranes in the body. Without them, the body's chemical
structure will not function as well. Omega 6 is one fatty
acid that cannot be made by your Chihuahua's body. Therefore,
you should ensure your Chihuahua is getting Omega 6 in its
diet for optimal health.
To determine if your Chihuahua has a deficiency in fatty
acids, check its skin to see if it is flaky and if the coat
is dull, greasy, or has a course texture. If you notice these
things, you can be relatively certain your Chihuahua is not
getting enough essential fatty acids.
Other Chihuahua health problems you may notice that may be
attributed to a lack of or reduction in essential fatty acids:
- Arthritis or arthritis-like conditions
- Behavioral disturbances
- Disrupted healing process
- Dry nose
- Eczema-like skin eruptions
- Foul odor coming from the coat
- Fragility
- Heart and circulatory problems
- Hindered growth
- Impaired learning abilities or vision
- Kidney or liver degeneration
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Male sterility
- Miscarriage
- Regular hair loss
- Vulnerability to infection
- Weakness
Don't forget that Chihuahuas have a tendency of becoming
obese. To maintain proper Chihuahua care, keep your dog on
a healthy food, decrease treats, take your dog for a walk,
and provide regular weigh-ins to ensure correct weight is
being maintained. Obesity is a major cause of coronary heart
disease and if your Chihuahua is allowed to live with excess
weight, its health or lifespan could be dramatically reduced!
With its immune system not yet fully developed, problems
such as worms, parvovirus, myocarditis, or coccidian can spread
through contaminated feces. Without being vaccinated, your
puppy has a greater risk of getting sick. Puppies love to
sniff around the ground and can easily get into something
they should avoid.
- Michael J. Warren
For more detailed information about Chihuahua health
and general Chihuahua care, please see "The
Ultimate Chihuahua Care Handbook," an invaluable resource
for both new and current Chihuahua owners.
|
