So I’ve been reading up on Chihuahua health problems, and it’s kinda wild how many issues they can have. Heart disease is the leading cause of death, and they’re also prone to obesity, dental problems, and even tracheal collapse. My Chihuahua is still young, but I wanna make sure I’m doing everything right. Anyone got experience with this?
Yeah, my Chihuahua had some dental issues early on. Their small mouths make them super prone to gum disease. I started brushing his teeth daily, and it helped a lot.
Crosby said:
Yeah, my Chihuahua had some dental issues early on. Their small mouths make them super prone to gum disease. I started brushing his teeth daily, and it helped a lot.
Oh wow, I didn’t know their small mouths made it worse. What kinda toothbrush do you use?
@Rory
I use one of those small dog toothbrushes with soft bristles. You can also try a finger brush if your pup doesn’t like the regular one.
Obesity is a big one. People overfeed them 'cause they’re tiny, but even a little extra weight can mess up their joints and heart.
Zephyr said:
Obesity is a big one. People overfeed them 'cause they’re tiny, but even a little extra weight can mess up their joints and heart.
Yeah, I’ve heard that. How do you keep yours at a good weight?
@Rory
I just make sure to measure her food and limit treats. Also, short daily walks help keep her active.
Hypoglycemia is scary too, especially for puppies. My pup had a low blood sugar episode once, and it freaked me out.
Nova said:
Hypoglycemia is scary too, especially for puppies. My pup had a low blood sugar episode once, and it freaked me out.
Wait, what are the symptoms of that?
Nova said:
Hypoglycemia is scary too, especially for puppies. My pup had a low blood sugar episode once, and it freaked me out.
Wait, what are the symptoms of that?
They get weak, shaky, and kinda out of it. If it gets bad, they can have seizures. Small, frequent meals help prevent it.
Tracheal collapse is another thing to watch out for. If your Chihuahua has a cough that sounds like honking, it could be that.
Davi said:
Tracheal collapse is another thing to watch out for. If your Chihuahua has a cough that sounds like honking, it could be that.
Oh dang, I didn’t realize coughing could mean that. How do you treat it?
@Rory
Weight management helps, plus meds if it gets bad. Some extreme cases might need surgery, but hopefully not.
Heart disease being the leading cause of death is so sad. Regular vet checkups are a must for early detection.
True said:
Heart disease being the leading cause of death is so sad. Regular vet checkups are a must for early detection.
Yeah, I wanna make sure I catch any issues early. Do you know what signs to look for?
@Rory
Lethargy, coughing, and trouble breathing are big ones. If you notice anything off, def get a vet check.