Although Chihuahuas are a fairly ancient breed, they were fairly rare in the US until the early 1900's. It's not only dangerous, it's also just bad etiquette! There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Chihuahuas are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Keep Fido Cool Keep a close eye on Fido! As your local animal clinic, we're here to help. Purrs are truly precious! Again, if you notice one or more of these behaviors in your cat, be sure to rule out health problems before assigning stress as the cause. Offer your sleepy pet lots of beds and comfy napping spots. Be sure to offer her plenty of playthings. Unkempt Fur Cats with arthritis often have trouble bending and stretching to groom themselves. Fido can get quite a workout in just running around the house on those little legs! If you think about it, many stairs are taller than Fluffy! Some dogs are quite reactive, while others get uneasy around children, simply because children are often, by nature, a little loud and excitable. This is especially the case if shes licking certain areas, such as her belly or legs. Fido can wear almost any color. Most pets outgrow the tendency to hypoglycemic reactions, but its important to control an affected pets blood sugar while hes young. Its important to determine if your pooch has nutritional issues or health problems. Its also great stress relief to be able to pet your dog or cat during a meeting. Ask your vet for more information. Fido can easily knock over a candle thats on a low table, either by smacking it with his tail or knocking into the table. You might also see these traits: She is a loyal and alert member of the family that demands attention at all times. By knowing about health concerns specific to Chihuahuas, yourLowell Animal Hospital team can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. If your feline buddy is acting unusually aggressive, she may have arthritis. Fido and Fluffy like to keep a very close eye on their owners. Unfortunately, your Chihuahua is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Beds Our feline friends are all unique individuals, but they have at least one thing in common: a love of naps. Offer him a plain burger instead. Even the tiniest dogs need to learn proper manners, just like any other pup. Our furry friends are delighted to be able to spend more time with their humans! Ask your vet for recommendations. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Originating in Mexico, Chihuahuas were bred for companionship. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Use a can that closes securely, and pick up trash and leftovers as soon as everyone is done eating. Sensitivity With arthritic cats, sometimes one joint or area is affected more than others. Over time, they can thin and lose elasticity, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. Water Bowls In summer, Fluffy and Fido should always have water outside. If arthritis sets in, you may notice your furry buddy having trouble jumping onto your bed or couch. Well perform an annual glaucoma screening to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible. As it turns out, social media has also had quite an effect on Fido and Fluffy. As a general rule, its always best to rule out medical problems beforehand so this is another instance where a vet visit is warranted. Fluffy will need regular exams, as well as vaccines and parasite control. Spend time with Fluffy and pay attention to her. Food Dont let your pup have grapes and raisins; chocolate; avocado; alcohol; garlic and onions; raw dough or yeast; pitted fruits; and meat on the bone. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Chihuahuas. Hydrocephalus most often occurs when the skull bones dont fuse properly after birth. Usually occurring between six and nine months of age, LCP causes pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, and often requires surgery. According to breed standards, they should weigh no more than 6 pounds, though it's not uncommon for some to be a little bigger than that. When a pet has a visible wound or injury, such as a severe limp or a deep cut, then its obvious that they need emergency care. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. One thing that may surprise you is the fact that Chihuahuas can be quite long-lived. In fact,16th-century conquistadors noted seeing many small dogs with thin coats. The trachea, or windpipe, is made up of rings of cartilage that look similar to the ridged hose of a vacuum cleaner. Shell feel better, and so will you! Chihuahuas are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. In Chihuahuas, these cartilage rings are sometimes weak or incorrectly formed. Fluffy will also need more assistance with her beauty regime as she ages. Offline Petworking Much networking is done online these days. It's also important to realize that sometimes dogs engage in pica due to mental or emotional issues, such as stress, fear, or loneliness. The unofficial holiday was created to help homeless pets get adopted. With this breed, its also important to set up ramps or steps in your home from the time your pet is a puppy to save him a lifetime of stressing his neck when jumping on and off the furniture. Veterinary Care Our feline overlords tend to be fairly hardy, but they do need great health care to thrive. However, as your pet ages, she'll become less bouncy. You can also find many social media accounts made by celebrities for their own pets. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. We all know that growls and bared teeth are bad, but those aren't the only signals Fido gives off. This may go beyond Fido's natural need to chew. This condition can cause sudden spinal-cord injuries in the neck. Fireworks Bring pets indoors before the fireworks start. The females pelvis may be too small to pass the puppies heads and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Fido may enjoy some doggy ice cream, or some sodium-free broth cubes. Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking); hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Increasing hip pain at less than a year old, Slow or stunted growth; sometimes seizes after eating, Dry, scaly, sometimes itchy, hairless patches on face or paws, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping; rapid breathing at rest, Bruises easily or bleeds a lot from even small wounds, Unwilling to jump, cries when moving head. Plus, a lawn that has been treated with chemicals or pesticides is definitely not safe for your pooch to eat. Just like people, cats can be prone to developing arthritis as they age. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Chihuahuas. If your dog has a heart murmur or outward signs suggesting heart problems, well perform testing to determine the severity of the disease. Make sure Fido has suitable toys and playtime, and spend lots of quality time with him. However, sometimes the red flags are a bit more subtle. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Unfortunately, Chihuahuas can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! Even liking photos or posts made by local shelters will help. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from luxating further. Do you have questions about your pet's health or care? Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. You should also only bring Fido or Fluffy in to places that are safe and appropriate for them. Fido is balancing several careers: he works as a guide dog, service dog, actor, rescue pup, athlete, therapist, cattle herder, police dog, and bedbug sniffer, to name just a few. If Fluffy is panting, however, she is either dangerously hot or very ill. KCS is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs, and well conduct a tear test on your pet. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. There are even some pets that qualify as bona-fido social media celebrities, such as Azuki, the impossibly cute hedgehog. Keep an eye out for anything that seems out of the ordinary for your four-legged friend. Difficulty Going Up And Down Stairs Stairs can be challenging for our feline pals. Pets start as many as 1000 house fires every year. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), and redness in the whites of the eyes. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. Here are some signs to watch for: Trouble Getting Up And Down When Fluffy is a kitten, she'll be quite lithe and active, and may easily jump from the floor to the back of your chair. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Pets Online Quite a few of our furry friends have their own social media pages. If you do burn candles, keep them in thick holders, in spots that your furry pal cant get to. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This painful condition develops when the tendons and ligaments that cushion and connect Fluffy's bones get worn out. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Chi looking and feeling her best. Uncharacteristic Behavior Pets are all unique, and so they can react differently when they dont feel well. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. Many dogs are absolutely terrified of the noise and commotion, which makes them prone to bolting. Reduced Appetite Your fuzzy pal should always be interested in dinner. Note how many pets you have, and where they are likely to hide. Water Hydration is crucial to your feline pal's survival, but its also important for her overall health. Although the actual algorithms are still quite mysterious, liking a post usually helps it achieve more visibility, so that more people see it. Vomiting/Diarrhea Just like people, pets sometimes get the occasional upset tummy. A local vet offers some insight on this below. Yikes! According to the CDC, there are about 4.5 million dog bites in the US every year. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Garbage Garbage is one concern: it could contain things like skewers, toothpicks, and bones, which are definitely not safe for your furry friend. We will describe the most common issues seen in Chihuahuas to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. You might notice that your pet, while running, suddenly picks up a back leg or skips and hops for a few strides. That works out to about 1 out of every 73 people! If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, we may be able to prescribe medications that could prolong your pets life for many years. Normally a dogs immune system keeps the mites in check, but some breeds, like your Chihuahua, may develop an overabundance of these mites. Socks and underwear are two common items. Pet-calming products may also help. Weight Changes Sudden weight gain or loss is also a warning sign. Dog Bite Prevention Week starts April 10th. Take Your Pets To Work Week starts June 20th! Difficulty Urinating This one should always warrant an immediate trip to the vet, as it can be indicative of life-threatening blockages. Pets with heart valve disease (sometimes called mitral valve disease) have a heart murmur. Chemicals Chemicals, such as lighter fluid and torch fluid, are also unsafe. Shallow or labored breathing is also very concerning, as is coughing, rasping, or wheezing. If your animal companion is vomiting violently, throwing up continuously, or dry heaving, call your vet right away. We are open 7 days a week! Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Cats all have their own tastes, so pay attention to what your feline buddy prefers. Gas Stoves This one isnt going to be much of an issue for people with smaller pets. Your Chihuahua is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. They are wonderful companion pets for several reasons: However, no dog is perfect! If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy may lose her teeth and be in danger of damage to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Dogs normally begin to lose their primary ("puppy") teeth at around 4 months of age. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. Supervise Children And Dogs Never leave young ones alone with a dog! Dark or bloody urine is also a sign of trouble. Sunscreen July 4th can be a scorcher! A local vet lists some ways to prevent dog bites below. Well periodically test his urine for telltale signs indicating the presence of kidney and bladder stones, whuch in addition are very painful! Keeps Missing the Litter Box Marking their territory is something cats do to feel safe and secure. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. As a result, the trachea can collapse and become too narrow, leading to coughing or difficulty breathing. Painful gums, bad breath, and adult tooth loss can result if untreated. Understand Doggy Body Language You may have heard people say that dogs attacked without warning. However, that's usually not the case. Dont worrywell show you how! The exact cause of this condition is still not completely understood, but it is thought to be caused by a reduced blood supply to the hip, which causes the femoral head (the top of the thigh bone) to become brittle and fracture easily. Puppyproofing is also a must. The content provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Chihuahuas. If Kitty starts to make a habit of relieving herself outside of the litter box, she may feel stressed. Copyright 2021 | All Rights Reserved | Call us, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, today! Food Proper nutrition is the foundation of any good pet care routine. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. While most grass isn't dangerous in and of itself, many plants are. Chihuahua Appreciation Day is coming up on May 14th. Of course, this behavior may point to another more serious health issue, so be sure to have Kitty checked out by a vet. Chihuahua's are little pups with big reputations. Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Cities and Zip Codes served by Lowell Animal. However, she has also dabbled in therapy, comedy, modeling, politics, espionage, smuggling, and retail. While arthritis isn't curable, it can be managed. That's quite old for a dog! If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, well test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. Your vet may recommend changing Fido's diet, or putting him on medication and/or supplements. Use cups or bottles with lids at your desk, set your screen lock time to under a minute (in case your cat walks over your keys, and get used to your kitty smacking most of your pens onto the floor. We also would recommend choosing a background that contrasts with your pet's fur unless, of course, you have a black cat and you are going for that 'kitty void' look that only shows Fluffy's eyes. Fido may be trying to soothe an upset stomach, or he may be trying to address a nutritional imbalance, which may have manifested as a craving. Lethargy/Withdrawal We know, many of our furry patients are couch potatoes by nature. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. While buying Fluffy's food isn't rocket science, there are things to consider. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. A local Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some advice on this below. The same goes for when your cat is stressed. The Fourth Of July is just around the corner. A Good Cause You dont need a special occasion to post adorable pet pictures. That doesn't mean your kitty is entirely self-sufficient, though. Your Chi is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). Well control the pain with medication, although surgery may also be recommended. In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. Read on as a veterinarian lists some common signs of stress in cats. And if shes throwing up hairballs more than usual, this may be due to excessive grooming. Reduced Interest In Play Fluffy is very playful, which is always a delight to watch. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Grooming Most cats are pretty good about keeping themselves clean. Well keep this risk in mind during your pets visits, recommend early testing for the condition, and discuss effective treatment options if symptoms develop. Happy Fourth Of July! Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions, Fragile and easily injured due to small size, Bold and fearless, may attack much larger dogs, Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Chihuahuas and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms of KCS include a dull, dry appearance or thick discharge from the eyes, squinting, and pawing at the eyes. This is called patellar luxation. Many of these have presets that work very well at taking animal photos. One reason for that is because they are very easy keepers. Fluffy also isnt safe, as she likes to climb to high spots and can easily put her tail too close to a flame. Contact us, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, anytime! These are common signs of patellar luxation. However, if Fluffy seems even drowsier than usual, mention it to your vet. Aggressive Behaviors If your cat goes from being a cuddler to a furry ball of fury, stress may be the cause. However, that doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of time walking your canine pal. He might then kick his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. Love Love is that special ingredient here. Glaucoma is a medical. Keep your canine companion leashed or in fenced areas. As for Fluffy, well, hunting has always been her line of expertise. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Owners of affected pets report that training is also more difficult. You'll need to decide whether to feed wet food, kibble, or both. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hydrocephalus is usually diagnosed early in life, but is occasionally diagnosed in adult dogs as well. Stiffness Arthritis can seriously impact your cute pet's mobility. Her small size also makes her an excellent traveling companion. If Fido or Fluffy just dont want to eat, there may be something going on. Contact us anytime! To check for this problem, well conduct a liver function test in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia. Emergencies and walk-ins are welcome during doctor hours. It isnt usually going to be an emergency If Fido snacks on your lawn. Outward signs may be mild or severe, including coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, and weakness in the hind limbs. Cats are extremely popular pets. Just dont put glass bowls on wooden decks. Today, July 15th, is Pet Fire Safety Day. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Do you have questions about your dog's health or care? You may notice your cat really struggling to get from one floor to another. They were officially welcomed into the ranks of the AKC back in 1904. You may also want to set a box out for the furball. Toys/Enrichment Fluffy can't spend all of her time sleeping. The health care chart included in this care guide will list the specific conditions we will be monitoring for. Retained puppy teeth crowd the incoming adult teeth and can trap food and hair between the teeth causing cavities and infections. Greet the pup in a friendly voice as you are doing this. Changes in water consumption are also concerning. Kitty Must-Haves A clean litterbox is at the top of this list! Fluffy will also appreciate scratching posts, kitty furniture, catnip, and, of course, the occasional empty box. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good timeits more convenient for you and easier on your friend too. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. If Fido is extremely scared of the noise, put him in a quiet, comfy spot, and turn a radio on to mask the noise. She may also flinch, withdraw, move away, or even hiss or bite. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. Chis are very sensitive to cold, so a warm winter wardrobe is necessary. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). This results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of all dogs. Its far too easy for dogs to walk through something, or get it spilled on their fur, and then ingest it by licking it off. This results in too much blood being carried to the lungs, causing fluid build-up and strain on the heart. Animals that are nervous, aggressive, sick, pregnant, or very young or old will be more comfortable staying home. Contact your vet if you notice any of these red flags in your kitty! This is one area where taking some basic precautions can really make a difference. One of the best things you can do for your Chihuahua is to have her spayed (neutered for males). Thyroid issues, diabetes, and malnutrition are a few possibilities. Chihuahuas are susceptible to a condition called patent ductus arteriosis, or PDA, in which a small vessel that carries blood between two parts of the heart does not close as it should shortly after birth. (Tip: groom your furry pal gently, using a soft brush.) Pets With Jobs Many of our animal companions already have jobs of their own. As one can imagine, these things are definitely not safe for your furry friend. Sometimes your Chihuahua's kneecap (patella) may slip out of place. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Contact us, your animal clinic, today. Call your vet immediately if you know or suspect your dog has eaten something he shouldnt have. If you have more than one kitty, and/or let your furry buddy go out, put out extra water bowls. Most cases of tracheal collapse are mild and can be treated symptomatically with medication. A Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some insight on this below. You may change a pet's life with a few keystrokes! However, longhaired kitties do need some help here. Grass One of the most common forms of pica is eating grass. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, if he cries for no apparent reason, or if he tries to turn or lower his head when you pick him up, he may be in severe pain, and you should call us immediately!