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Chihuahua Health Guide

The world's smallest dog breed with a big lifespan—but their tiny size creates unique health challenges.

14-18

Years Lifespan

2-6

Pounds

High

Dental Risk

#33

AKC Popularity

Dental Care is Critical

Chihuahuas have extremely high rates of dental disease due to their tiny, crowded mouths. Dental problems can cause pain, tooth loss, and serious infections affecting the heart and kidneys. Daily brushing and regular professional cleanings are essential—not optional.

Small Size, Big Health Needs

Chihuahuas' tiny size creates specific health vulnerabilities that require attention:

  • Dental disease: Nearly universal without proper care
  • Luxating patellas: Kneecaps that slip out of place
  • Heart disease: MVD and other conditions common
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, especially in puppies

Major Health Conditions

1. Dental Disease

Very high risk

Chihuahuas have tiny mouths with crowded teeth, leading to severe dental problems. Most will have significant dental disease by middle age without intervention.

Why it matters:

  • • Causes pain and difficulty eating
  • • Leads to tooth loss
  • • Bacteria can spread to heart/kidneys
  • • Jawbone deterioration

Prevention:

  • • Daily tooth brushing
  • • Dental chews/toys
  • • Regular professional cleanings
  • • Annual dental exams

2. Luxating Patella

Very common

The kneecap slips out of its groove—extremely common in Chihuahuas. Can range from occasional to constant, causing pain and arthritis over time.

Signs:

  • • Skipping or hopping
  • • Holding leg up momentarily
  • • Sudden lameness then normal
  • • Stiffness

Management:

  • • Maintain healthy weight
  • • Joint supplements
  • • Limit jumping
  • • Surgery for severe cases

3. Heart Disease

Common

Chihuahuas are prone to heart problems, particularly mitral valve disease (leaky valve) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Heart murmurs are common findings.

Signs:

  • • Coughing, especially at night
  • • Exercise intolerance
  • • Rapid breathing
  • • Fainting

Management:

  • • Regular vet exams
  • • Cardiac screening if murmur detected
  • • Medications when needed
  • • Many live well with treatment

4. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Puppies especially

Tiny Chihuahuas can't store much glucose. Puppies and very small adults can develop dangerous low blood sugar if they don't eat regularly or are stressed.

Emergency Signs:

  • • Weakness, wobbling
  • • Trembling, shivering
  • • Confusion, disorientation
  • • Seizures, collapse

First aid: Rub corn syrup on gums, then get to vet immediately.

Prevention:

  • • Feed small, frequent meals (3-4x daily for puppies)
  • • Keep corn syrup or honey available
  • • Don't let puppies skip meals
  • • Reduce stress

5. Tracheal Collapse

Small breed risk

The windpipe weakens and collapses, especially when excited or pulling on a collar. Causes a distinctive honking cough.

Signs:

  • • Honking, goose-like cough
  • • Coughing when excited
  • • Exercise intolerance
  • • Blue gums (severe)

Management:

  • • Always use harness, not collar
  • • Keep lean
  • • Cough suppressants
  • • Surgery for severe cases

6. Hydrocephalus

Breed risk

"Water on the brain"—fluid buildup in the skull puts pressure on the brain. More common in apple-head Chihuahuas with domed skulls.

Signs:

  • • Domed, enlarged skull
  • • Open fontanel (molera)
  • • Seizures
  • • Circling, head pressing
  • • Difficulty learning

Treatment:

  • • Medications to reduce fluid
  • • Surgery in some cases
  • • Mild cases may be managed
  • • Severe cases have poor prognosis

Chihuahua Care Essentials

Daily Priorities

  • Brush teeth daily: The most important thing you can do for your Chihuahua
  • Use a harness: Never a collar—protects their delicate trachea
  • Regular meals: Small, frequent meals prevent hypoglycemia
  • Protect from cold: They chill easily—use sweaters in cool weather

Emergency Signs:

  • Trembling, weakness, confusion (hypoglycemia)
  • Seizures
  • Severe breathing difficulty
  • Collapse or fainting
  • Blue or pale gums

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifespan of a Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas typically live 14-18 years, with some reaching 20+. Good dental care and healthy weight are key for longevity.

Why do Chihuahuas have so many dental problems?

Their tiny mouths have crowded teeth, making them prone to dental disease. Daily tooth brushing and regular cleanings are essential—not optional.

What is luxating patella?

The kneecap slips out of place—very common in Chihuahuas. Signs include skipping or holding a leg up. Severe cases may need surgery.

Do Chihuahuas get heart disease?

Yes, they're prone to MVD and PDA. Heart murmurs are common. Many Chihuahuas with heart disease live well with medication.

What is hypoglycemia in Chihuahuas?

Low blood sugar is common in puppies and tiny adults. Signs include weakness, trembling, and seizures. Feed small, frequent meals and keep corn syrup available.

What is a molera?

A soft spot on the skull where bones haven't fused—like a baby's fontanel. Many Chihuahuas have them lifelong. Protect their head from trauma.