Three Health Issues That Chihuahuas Have

Spread the love

Chihuahuas are beloved companions, but they’re prone to specific health problems. Understanding three health issues that chihuahuas have helps owners provide better care and catch problems early.

1. Dental Disease

Dental disease is the most common health problem in Chihuahuas. Their small mouths create overcrowding, trapping food and bacteria between teeth.

Warning signs include:

Bad breath
Red or swollen gums
Difficulty eating
Loose or missing teeth
Yellow or brown tartar buildup

Without treatment, bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys. Studies show that 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by age three, with small breeds like Chihuahuas at highest risk.

Prevention steps:

Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste
Provide dental chews approved by your vet
Schedule professional cleanings annually
Monitor for changes in eating habits

2. Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of position. This condition affects up to 20% of Chihuahuas and ranges from mild to severe.

Severity grades:

Grade 1: Kneecap slips out occasionally, returns on its own
Grade 2: Kneecap dislocates more frequently, causes intermittent limping
Grade 3: Kneecap stays out most of the time, noticeable lameness
Grade 4: Kneecap permanently displaced, leg cannot straighten

Common symptoms:

Sudden limping or skipping steps
Holding one leg up while walking
Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
Yelping when the knee pops out

Mild cases may only need weight management and joint supplements. Severe cases require surgery to realign the kneecap and prevent arthritis. Early detection improves outcomes significantly.

3. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is dangerous for Chihuahuas, especially puppies and adults under four pounds. Their fast metabolism burns glucose quickly, and small meals don’t provide lasting energy.

Risk factors:

Puppies under six months old
Very small or teacup Chihuahuas
Stress or excessive exercise
Missed meals or inadequate feeding
Illness or infection

Emergency symptoms:

Weakness or lethargy
Trembling or shaking
Confusion or disorientation
Seizures
Loss of consciousness

Immediate treatment: Rub honey or corn syrup on gums and contact your vet immediately. Prevention requires feeding small, frequent meals throughout the day—at least three to four meals for puppies and small adults.

When to See a Vet Immediately

Recognizing three health issues that chihuahuas have means knowing when to seek emergency care.

Call your vet right away if you notice:

Seizures or collapse
Inability to walk or stand
Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness
Refusal to eat for more than 12 hours
Continuous crying or signs of pain
Bleeding gums or loose teeth
Sudden behavioral changes

For hypoglycemia, administer sugar and contact your vet even if symptoms improve. For severe limping from patellar luxation, avoid letting your dog jump or run until examined. Dental infections can escalate quickly, so any facial swelling requires same-day attention.

How These Health Issues Can Affect Chihuahua Behavior

Understanding three health issues that chihuahuas have helps explain behavioral changes that might otherwise seem puzzling.

Dental disease impacts:

Irritability when touched near the face
Reluctance to play with chew toys
Decreased appetite or selective eating
Increased aggression due to chronic pain

Patellar luxation causes:

Reduced activity levels
Anxiety about jumping or playing
Protective behavior toward affected leg
Sleep disturbances from discomfort

Hypoglycemia leads to:

Sudden personality changes
Unusual clinginess or withdrawal
Confusion or seeming “spacey”
Aggressive responses when handled

Pain and discomfort make Chihuahuas defensive or withdrawn. Owners often mistake these behaviors for stubbornness or poor training when medical issues are the real cause. Regular vet checkups catch problems before they affect quality of life.

Preventive care for all three conditions: