Taking Care of Your Chihuahua's Health

Taking Care of Your Chihuahua's Health

It is important as a dog owner to know about his dog's health conditions to better take care of his dog. Chihuahuas are generally long lived and is a healthy breed of dog but, it does have specific health issues to note. Patellar Luxuation, eye problems, hypoglycemia, heart disease & tooth and gum ailments are some common genetic problems that Chihuahua owners should be concerned with.

Dislocation of the kneecap (Patellar Luxation) is a common Chihuhua health hereditary problem shared with other small breeds of dog. Patellar luxation can become serious and might cripple the dog if not treated at the early stages. Although the Patellar Luxation condition is minimal in young dogs but it gets worse over time.

Dogs with patellar luxation commonly stops and cries out in pain as he is running. The affected leg will be extended backwards, and the dog is unable to flex it back into the normal position momentarily.
Symptoms of patellar luxation become obvious only as the dog ages, therefore it is important to bring your Chihuahua for regular checkups for signs fo patellar luxation.
As Patellar luxation is an inherited trait, dogs with the condition are advised not to be bread as patellar luxation can be a painful experience for both owner and dog.

Hypoglycemia is a word you should familiar yourself with if you keep Chihuahua as a pet. Hypoglycemia can be caused by stress, illness, lack of food, or by using up stored energy without it being replenished. This is a condition where the Chihuahua’s blood sugar level drops to an extremely low level. This happens when levels of glucose drop quickly, the dog's body and brain are deprived of essential nutrients.

Chihuahuas with hypoglycemia might experience weakness, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death. Some dog breeds, including the Chihuahua, are genetically predisposed to formation of cystine crystals which are crystals formed out of amino acid called cystine. This is usually found in the urine and can eventually lead to stone formations in kidneys and bladder. These stones can cause irritation and infection to your Chihuahua.

Cystinuria signs usually includes blood in the urine, difficulty and pain in urinating, and small frequent amounts of urine. Therefore it is important to note your Chihuahua's habits. If a stone completely obstructs the urethra, it blocks the outflow of urine.
However, this is more common in male dogs than female, and may cause kidney failure, vomiting, depression, or loss of appetite.

Ultimately, it is important to spare an extra minute each day for your Chihuahua as your Chihuahua's health lies in your hands.