How to Understand Chihuahua Health Problems

Chihuahuas, a member of the AKC toy group since 1904, have come to be known as "purse dogs" thanks to the movie Legally Blond. Their popularity climbed after the blockbuster Beverly Hills Chihuahua and this contributes to their over-breeding, which in turn contributes to a deluge of health problems. Dogs that are not carefully and responsibly bred pass on genetic defects. Learn how to recognize common Chihuahua health problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Glucosamine-chondroitin supplements
  • Dog food
  • Sugar
  • Veterinarian
  • Harness
  • Saline solution
  • Dog sweaters or jackets
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Instructions

    • 1
      Surgery is sometimes recommended for luxating patella.

      Observe your Chihuahua when she is walking. Patella luxation, or kneecap dislocation, is the most common Chihuahua health problem. Your dog's back legs won't move quite right. The severity of patella luxation can vary from occasional, mild lameness to a constant, crippling and very painful case. Immediate treatment is recommended because untreated patella luxation can cause arthritis and permanent lameness later on.

    • 2
      Hypoglycemia is a problem in Chihuahuas.

      Know the symptoms of hypoglycemia. A Chihuahua's small size makes him prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Chihuahuas are energetic little dogs who easily burn off more calories than they take in. Signs of hypoglycemia include weakness, seizures or convulsions, a staggering walk, lack of muscle coordination, restlessness, comas and, in extreme cases, death. Treatment involves putting some sugar in your dog's mouth, calling your vet and heading for the clinic. You can prevent hypoglycemic attacks by feeding him several times a day.

    • 3

      Press lightly on your dog's trachea to see if it brings on a cough. Take notice if your dog coughs and chokes when walking on a leash. A collapsing trachea is common in the Chihuahua breed because they have fragile cartilage rings holding open their airways. Always use a harness instead of a collar on your Chihuahua dog. Symptoms of a tracheal collapse include coughing, exhaustion and a shortness of breath. If you believe your Chihuahua is suffering from a tracheal collapse, call your vet immediately so she can treat the condition with medication.

    • 4
      Chihuahua's going under anesthesia are at a particularly high risk.

      Look into your dog's eyes. Chihuahuas are low to the ground and have large eyes that are prone to injuries. Washing your Chihuahua's eyes with a few drops of saline solution should take care of minor eye injuries. If your dog's injury is more severe, you need to take your dog to your vet as soon as possible.

    • 5

      Examine your Chihuahua puppy's head. Some Chihuahuas have a molera, which is a soft spot on the top of the head much like a newborn baby's soft spot. Although the molera is not considered a defect in the Chihuahua breed, you must handle and pet the head very gently because this is an area where the skull has not fully closed.