Dogs in the Spotlight: Chihuahua
While they derive their name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua, Chihuahuas roots can be traced all the way back to the early Toltec empire that covered much of the northern and western regions of Mexico. Despite almost disappearing after the fall of the Toltecs, Chihuahuas retained popularity throughout the years. This isn’t surprising, given they’re known to be great companion dogs and do well as family pets. Their diminutive size makes them easily travel with, but it can make them prone to snapping at strangers or small children if they feel threatened.
Size, build, and appearance
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog. Weighing in at a mere eight pounds or less, and standing just seven to nine inches tall, these little dogs prove there’s more to a dog than just size. They’re easily recognizable by their small stature, dainty appearance, and large pointy ears. They have an apple-shaped head, pointy snout, lean jaws, and full eyes. A curved tail hovers above their back, which is slightly long for their height. Their body is sturdy, sinewy, and leans slightly forward, enabling a swift, springy gait.
A Chihuahua’s coat can be either short and glossy or long and soft, solid or spotted, and they can come in almost any color.
Lifespan
Like many smaller breeds, Chihuahuas have a long lifespan. They can live anywhere between 12 – 20 years, but the general lifespan tends to be between 15 – 20. Because of their longevity, they often experience periodontal disease, which is linked to heart disease and the leading cause of death in Chihuahuas. It’s just one more important reason to care for your dog’s teeth.
Personality traits
Even though they’re considered lap dogs, Chihuahuas are full of energy and like to be occupied. Like many small dogs, they can be prone to barking and snapping when threatened. They can also be a bit dominant and try to control their owners somewhat. However, they’re also very loyal, affectionate, like to have attention, and enjoy being with their owners. Some Chihuahua owners report that their dogs are very sensitive to their emotions, and will try to console their owners if they are sad or upset.
Health-related complications
As delightful as their personalities are, breeding has left Chihuahuas with some less-than-ideal health conditions. Some of these are hereditary, which is why it’s important to look for a reputable dog breeder or to consider stem cell banking; others can be triggered by wear-and-tear or trauma. including:
Collapsed Trachea
Often described as a “goose-honk”, a collapsed trachea refers to a narrowing of the airway and results in coughing bouts that often gradually become worse with age and exercise. A variety of conditions can cause it. Some, like obesity, can be managed by lifestyle changes. Others may require more aggressive treatments; the condition can typically be managed with different medications or cough suppressants.
Dental problems
Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems, in large part because of their longevity. While dental problems themselves aren’t life-threatening, they’re still quite significant. Cavities or rotting teeth can be painful, and periodontal disease is linked to heart problems. But a simple brushing on a regular basis will help minimize the odds of developing dental problems.
Because of their longevity, they often experience periodontal disease, which is linked to heart disease and the leading cause of death in Chihuahuas. It’s just one more important reason to care for your dog’s teeth.
Heart complications
Chihuahuas are prone to a number of heart conditions, which can shorten their lifespans. Some, like murmurs, aren’t necessarily life-threatening but can impede activities like exercise. Others can be more serious, like heart disease, is the leading cause of death in Chihuahuas, but can often be minimized by tending to other treatable conditions, like periodontal disease.
Obesity
When you’re as small as a Chihuahuas, a little weight gain can make a huge impact. For this reason, they’re prone to being overweight. Watching your pup’s dietary intake and getting plenty of exercise can help your dog stay fit and trim, and increase its lifespan.
Osteoarthritis
Another condition that is often prevalent in smaller breeds because of their long lifespan is osteoarthritis. This occurs when the cartilage between joints wear, and bones begin to rub together. This bone-to-bone contact is painful and makes it difficult for your little pooch to exercise.
Patellar luxation
A common condition in many small breeds, patellar luxation occurs when the bones that form the knee joint don’t align properly, and the kneecap is dislocated from its normal position. Over time it leads to limping, and if left untreated, can lead to lameness. It can be addressed with a variety of treatments ranging from supplements to surgery. It isn’t life-threatening but can reduce your dog’s quality of life.
Hypoglycemia
This occurs when a dog’s blood sugar drops to lower-than-usual levels and remains there for an extended period of time. Hypoglycemia doesn’t usually become a problem, but while rare, it can be fatal if not addressed.
Hydrocephalus
In some instances, a Chihuahua can be born with Hydrocephalus, which is a condition in which spinal fluid builds up in the brain. Many Chihuahuas with this condition die before they’re four months old, but if detected early, can be treated intervention that includes a shunt to divert fluids and steroids.
Please note that this blog is intended to inform only and is not intended as a tool for diagnosis. If your pet is suffering from any of the above conditions, please consult with a veterinarian.
Medical breakthroughs for furry friends
The good news is that there is a lot you can do to treat or manage common health conditions in Chihuahuas — and new advancements for health support are showing even more promising results.
One extraordinary breakthrough is regenerative medicine. Stem cell therapies utilize your pup’s own stem cells to help alleviate conditions that may slow them down as they age. Stem cell therapies have been shown to improve the quality of life of dogs with issues like chronic dry eye and skin conditions, age-related conditions like osteoarthritis, diseases that affect kidney, bowels, and spine, and injuries like torn ligaments and tendons. To reap the benefits of stem cell therapy, these precious stem cells can easily be collected and banked during the spay/neuter procedure.
If you have your heart set on a Chihuahua, don’t be swayed by fear of health conditions. There is a lot you can do to decrease health risks, like working with a reputable breeder, managing your dog’s weight, keeping them active, banking stem cells, and other non-traditional treatments, like supplements or acupuncture.
Learn more about regenerative medicine and its potential for increasing the happy, healthy years you and your Chihuahua spend together.
