Life Expectancy

Average Lifespan

When you got your new Chihuahua puppy it was probably love at first sight.  Chihuahua’s tiny size and expressive faces invoke an almost instant response in most of us.  Everyone loves a puppy.  One of the best things about owning a Chi is that they never really outgrow this cute little puppy stage.  Both short and long haired Chihuahuas seem to stay puppyish forever.

Owning a Chihuahua will add so much love and depth to your life that it will be hard to understand how you lived without one.  However, the harsh reality is that the average human being lives about 80 years, and the average Chihuahua lives anywhere from 10-15 years.  This means that sometime sooner than you will want, your Chi’s life will come to an end.

The oldest Chihuahua on record is hard to determine, but the data indicates somewhere between 17 and 18 years old.  The good thing about owning a Chihuahua is that they live considerably longer than a large breed dog.  Once your big dog turns 10 or 11 you are living on borrowed time.  With a Chihuahua that point isn’t reached until 14 or 15 years of age.

Extending Life Expectancy

Preventive measures can help extend the life of your Chihuahua.  The same things that are good for us are good for our Chis.  Good nutrition and exercise are key elements in any health care program.  Do your research and decide on the best food for your Chi and set up a program of daily physical activity.

Your veterinarian is an excellent source of information, as are Chihuahua clubs and the internet.  Take all the information and make your most informed decision.  Just remember that everyone has a different opinion and what works for them may not work for you.

Other preventive measures include regular veterinarian checkups and vaccination.  If your financial situation allows it, periodic bloodwork also helps to identify potential problems as early as possible.  If you are not happy with the type of care you are receiving from your veterinarian find a vet that gives you and your Chi what you need.

If a problem is identified follow your veterinarian’s advice about treatment and follow up care.  Most veterinarians are open to you getting a second opinion if you wish so take advantage of this if necessary.  There are also veterinarians who practice holistic medicine and sometime a combination of Western and alternative medicine is the best option for you.

As your Chi ages, there are steps you can take to make their life as comfortable as possible.  If arthritis is a problem there are supplements that may help.  Anti-inflammatory pain relievers used daily can make a world of difference and help your Chi feel like a pup again.  Many owners have also found that acupuncture or massage can help ease the natural processes of aging.

If you have recently brought home your Chi puppy then worrying about their age is something that is a long way in the future.  Just remember that when the time comes there are options available.  In the meantime enjoy every moment with your Chi.  Buy him or her as many Chihuahua gifts as you can, dress them up, play with them and generally share as much love as you can.

Breed Standards for the Chihuahua

What are Breed Standards?

For the purpose of judging Chihuahuas (or any dog) at a dog show, the dog is compared to a set of standards called breed standards.

All breeds of dogs recognized by national Kennel Clubs have a specific set of breed standards.

The standards describe height, weight, body structure and even discuss temperament for some breeds. 

Breeders strive to meet the standards through selective breeding of ideal breed specimens. 

For Chis the breed standards are the same for short and long haired Chihuahuas except for differences in coat expectations.

It sounds very heartless to breed Chihuahuas simply to meet an arbitrary set of standards written in a Kennel Club manual somewhere but this is not the case.  Breed standards are set out in most cases to showcase an ideal specimen.  Breeding to attain this level of dog both physically and in temperament means a healthier stock of dogs.

Think of it this way:  if a Chihuahua with a terrible overbite and overcrowded teeth also had severely luxating patellas both these traits could be passed on to puppies.  Breeding a dog with obvious health defects weakens the breed as a whole because each one of the puppies would also carry the possibility of passing on the same defective traits.  Several generations down the road the number of Chihuahuas with severe dental issues and luxating patellas would increase.

As owners, we love our Chihuahuas and find it difficult to think of their small problems as defects.  However, wouldn’t you rather have a pet with fewer health and temperament problems?  Not only do you lead a happier life with your Chi but they are happier and healthier too.

Chihuahua Breed Standards

It is important to note that different countries can have slightly different breed standards and that the following standards are a summary from the UK Kennel Club.  For a more complete listing refer to the Kennel Club website.

Chihuahuas should be small and dainty but be alert and move with briskness.  They should be intelligent and spirited but not snappy or shy.  These are general traits that should be present when the dog is being shown in the ring.

Physical attributes include a well rounded apple shaped skull and a moderately short muzzle which is slightly pointed.  The eyes should be large but not protruding and the eye color can be light if the Chi’s coat is light coloured.  The ears should be large and flaring and set on a 45^o angle to the head.  The upper teeth should closely overlap the lower teeth making a complete scissor bite.

Judges also feel the dogs for body structure and marks are given for how the Chi’s shoulders are set, how level their back is, the length of their neck, musculature of the hindquarters, and how the knees look and feel.  The feet are supposed to be small and dainty and are checked to make sure they don’t turn in or out.  Judges even look at the length of the nails!

Long haired Chihuahuas should have a soft textured coat which can be flat or slightly wavy, but never tight and curly.  Short haired Chis should have a smooth soft coat which appears glossy.

As far as the variety of colours that Chihuahuas come in, all are acceptable as part of the breed standard except for Merle (or dapple) coats.  Many kennel clubs worldwide have refused to accept Merle colouring as a breed standard because it is caused by a recessive gene.  This gene is also responsible for other physical defects and it has been determined that part of the standards cannot include colouring associated with physical defects.

Chihuahuas should weigh between four and six pounds maximum.  Many pure bred Chihuahuas that make wonderful house pets weigh over the six pound limit.  This doesn’t mean that your Chi is not pedigree, it simply means that as an individual specimen they exceed the breed standards for weight.

If you are considering entering your Chi into a dog show, contact your local Kennel Club for advice and instruction.  The dog show world can be complicated for a new owner so get as much information as possible before your start.

 

Hypoglycaemia and Your New Chihuahua

What is Hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia is a fancy medical term meaning low blood sugar. 

It is a common problem for small dogs, particularly Chihuahuas, and affects puppies more than adult dogs. 

When the natural blood sugar levels drop, a Chis body attempts to get more energy by using up fat stored around the liver.

When this store of fat is depleted, your Chi will lose energy rapidly and become progressively weaker.  Ultimately this lack of blood sugar can cause coma and death.  Chihuahuas have a very small fat layer around their liver making them particularly susceptible to hypoglycaemia.

Signs and Symptoms

When you bring a new Chihuahua puppy into your home you are most likely thinking about all the good times you are going to have.  Thoughts of games, Chihuahua clothes and other Chihuahua gifts swim through your head.  Many owners even have plans for the first birthday party while their pup is still only a matter of months old! 

This is all normal and part of the excitement of getting a Chi.  However, the reality of dealing with the health issues that can sometimes come with a Chihuahua puppy are not all fun and games.  Hopefully you are one of the lucky owners who never have to worry about hypoglycaemia but just in case you do there are a few signs and symptoms to be aware of.

Many Chihuahua puppies that have a problem with low blood sugar grow out of the condition after 16 weeks of age when their liver becomes more fully developed.  Stress can be a major factor in the onset of a hypoglycaemic attack as well so once your Chihuahua puppy matures and becomes better able to handle stress the danger is lessened.

After you bring your puppy home be on the alert for signs of depression, lethargy or a sudden decrease in energy.  Some puppies will stagger and fall down and appear to be drunk or sleepy.  While this may look funny it could be the beginning of a hypoglycaemic attack.  Your pup may soon progress to seizures, followed by a comatose state and ultimately death.

What To Do If You Chi Is Having An Attack

It is vitally important to get your Chihuahua to the veterinarian immediately.  They may need to inject a glucose solution into your Chi’s vein to raise the blood sugar levels.  If your Chi is still conscious before you leave home, try rubbing a little corn syrup on his or her gums.  This will slowly be swallowed and help raise the sugar levels prior to leaving home.

Your veterinarian may want to do some diagnostic testing to make sure that your Chi is suffering from hypoglycaemia and not some other disorder such as diabetes.  It is best to know exactly what you are dealing with from the start, rather than wait until several attack have occurred.

Causes of Hypoglycaemic Attacks

Stress is a major cause of low blood sugar for Chihuahuas.  Their most vulnerable time is before the age of 16 weeks and during that time they are put through a number of stressful experiences.  Leaving their mother and siblings, going to a new home, visiting the vet for the first time, receiving vaccinations and getting their first bath and nail trim.  These may not seem like anything major to you but to a diminutive Chi they can be incredibly stressful.

Stress by itself is a problem but it also often causes Chihuahuas to go off their food.  This is a very dangerous situation.  Chi puppies need to eat several small frequent meals throughout the day to help regulate their blood sugar.  If stress causes them to miss a couple of meals this can seriously affect their sugar levels and bring about the onset of an attack.

Some people believe that puppies with a large parasite burden are also at risk for hypoglycaemia.  As the worms in their gut reduce the amount of nourishment a Chi puppy gets from its food this makes sense.  A situation similar to skipping meals is set up.  Deworming your new puppy is very important.

Try to remember to be watchful with your new puppy and feed small frequent meals to prevent a drop in blood sugar.  Don’t overwhelm your puppy with new situations and take them to the vet if you see any signs of hypoglycaemia.

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Chihuahua Coat Colours

Does Coat Colour Matter?

If you are looking to get a new Chihuahua you may be wondering what colour is the best. 

It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a puppy or adult Chi, there are many things to consider and coat colour is just one of them.

Short and long haired Chihuahuas come in a huge array of coat colours and with one exception it doesn’t matter which colour you chose.  However, merle coated Chis are thought to have increased health risks due to the gene responsible for this colouring.

Merle Chihuahuas

This coat pattern was not found in Chihuahuas until the last couple of decades and many people feel that it only came about due to mixed breeding with other breeds.  If this is the case then buying a purebred merle Chi means it is not truly purebred.  Somewhere down the genetic line there is another breed in evidence.

More evidence of this theory is that most merle coated Chihuahuas are larger than average.  The thought is that this larger size is a recurrence of the genes from the larger merle breed which was used originally to start the merle coat.

The other problem with merle coated Chihuahuas is the increased incidence of deafness and blindness.  This has something to do with the merle gene whitening the coat and the pigment inside the ears and eyes.  Deafness and blindness can occur when only one parent is a merle so there is no safe way to breed this coat colour.

The health risks associated with this coat colour has led to many kennel clubs around the world banning this colouring from dog show competition.  The merle coat is not a recognized breed colour forcing breeders wishing to breed show dogs to stop breeding for this coat colour.

Other Coat Colours

Chihuahuas can come in five main colours:  black, chocolate, fawn, white and blue.  Among these colours there are numerous combinations of colours and markings.  A marked coat means a solid colour with a few markings or the face or body.  A splashed coat means patches of colour on a white body.

If you would like a black coloured Chihuahua there are a number of common variations to choose from.  Black and tan, black and white, black tricolour (black and tan with white markings) and black spots on white are the basic combinations.  Even within these combinations two Chihuahuas can look entirely different depending on the placement of the markings and the percentage of each colour present in the coat.  Black Chihuahuas have dark noses and eyes and have the advantage of not showing tear staining on their dark faces.

Chocolate or brown Chihuahuas are often classified as fawn depending on the darkness of their coat so owners can often get confused.  A good rule of thumb is that if your chocolate Chi has a black nose or toenails they are fawn because the chocolate gene blocks black pigment.

Chihuahuas in the chocolate classification have the same variations as those in the black group:  chocolate and tan,   chocolate and white, chocolate tricolour (chocolate and tan with white markings) and chocolate spots on white.

Fawn Chihuahuas can be cream, fawn, gold or red depending on the depth of the colouring.  There are also variations within this classification such as fawn with white.

Solid white Chihuahuas are quite rare and usually have some other colour marking or splashes on their coat.  They can also have a variety of nose and toenail colours ranging from black to pink to beige.

Chihuahuas classified as blue in colour are actually grey.  Some blue Chis are more prone to hair loss and because of this many breeders choose not to breed for this colour.

Most people chose their Chi because they fall in love at first sight.  Facial expression often wins out over any colouring involved.  Finding a Chi to welcome into your home depends on many factors but hopefully you have a better idea of available colours.

Seizure Disorders and Your Chihuahua

Introduction

Seizures are not an uncommon occurrence among dogs much to the dismay of many owners.  Called seizures, fits, or convulsions they represent a sudden burst of neurologic activity in the brain.  Sometimes the activity affects only one area of the body such as one leg, but most often this burst of activity affects the entire body.

Signs and Symptoms

If your Chi has a seizure disorder, you will begin to recognize the signs that indicate the start of your dog’s seizure.  Most dogs become nervous or agitated and begin to tremble.  With small dogs like Chihuahuas they often display these same signs when nothing is about to happen so deciding when a seizure is imminent is difficult.

Often these initial signs are followed by a stage where your Chi will become unresponsive to you or to his or her surroundings.  The trembling then gets worse and if your Chi is standing he will fall down and begin to paddle his legs and convulse.  Your little one may salivate and clench his teeth.  The whole thing will last on average a couple of minutes but to a frightened owner these minutes can seem like hours.

After the seizure is over your Chi can remain disoriented for quite some time and will often continue to pant.  Don’t be surprised if your Chihuahua seems abnormally sleeping after a seizure as well.

Other Medical Conditions

There are other medical conditions that owners often mistake for seizures.  Middle ear disorders which cause a distinct head tilt, vomiting and even loss of balance are not uncommon.  If your Chi has a heart or respiratory disease they may be prone to fainting spells which are often mistaken for a seizure. 

Something as simple as doggy dreams can also be mistaken for a seizure.  If your Chi is paddling their legs or even whimpering in their sleep this is not unusual and occurs more when your dog is a puppy.

Disorders That Cause Seizures

Chihuahuas are susceptible to hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar which can lead to seizures.  Other medical problems such as low calcium levels, encephalitis and high blood ammonia can also cause convulsions.

Another thing to consider if you suspect that your Chi is having a seizure is whether or not they have been exposed to a toxin of some sort.  Perhaps they have ingested something poisonous such as rat poison. 

Heat stroke can also cause seizures in dogs.  Small dogs, dogs with heavy coats, or flat nosed breeds are particularly susceptible to heat stroke.  The other obvious reason for a seizure is a head injury. 

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Don’t wonder and question when to seek veterinary care.  If your Chi has experienced a seizure you shouldn’t take it lightly.  You should take your chi to the vet to determine the underlying cause immediately.

Your veterinarian will probably request bloodwork and diagnostic testing to discover what is causing your Chi’s seizures.  Once the underlying cause is determined medical treatment can be undertaken to control the seizures.  Sometimes vets will prescribe valium to be given rectally in the event of a prolonged seizure.

It’s hard to say who is more upset by a seizure – you or your Chi.  Ignoring the problem does not make it go away.  Responsible dog ownership is more than buying Chihuahua gifts and clothing.  Caring for your pet, whether it is a short or long haired Chihuahua, means providing adequate medical attention when necessary.

Hydrocephalus and Chihuahuas

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus literally means “water on the brain” and is a condition associated with several small breed dogs, including the Chihuahua.

Whether you own a short or long haired Chihuahua doesn’t make a difference as both types of the breed are equally prone to the disorder.

Hydrocephalus is usually something a Chihuahua is born with and if the condition is severe enough the puppy may be born dead or live only a short time after birth. 

In this disorder there is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain. 

This causes increased pressure inside the skull which can enlarge the head and cause severe pain to the dog.

Signs and Symptoms

There are some telltale signs of hydrocephalus to watch out for but diagnosis must be done by a professional to rule out any other disorder.  Usually a Chi with hydrocephalus has an abnormally large head for their body size and the eyes will be wide-set and protruding (most Chis have large eyes but protruding eyes will show a lot of white at the corners of the eyes).

Hydrocephalus puts pressure on the brain and results in abnormal brain development and activity.  Watch for mental and physical slowness, blindness, abnormal behaviour, seizures or your Chi walking in circles.  Other symptoms include slow growth rates, lack of coordination and eyes that turn outwards (as opposed to cross-eyed).

Chis with hydrocephalus often have soft spots in their skull bone.  There is another condition called a molera where Chihuahuas have one soft spot on their forehead much like a human baby has an open skull at birth.  Chihuahuas with moleras do not have hydrocephalus but a Chi with hydrocephalus may have several moleras.  Moleras have often been misdiagnosed as hydrocephalus by many owners and even a few veterinarians.

Treatment

If you have been given a diagnosis of hydrocephalus for your Chi puppy the prognosis is often grim.  However, the disorder occurs is varying degrees of severity and if your Chihuahua has a mild case they may live with the condition for quite a while.

Hydrocephalus cannot be cured but there are a couple of treatment options.  Medications including steroids can be prescribed with varying degrees of success.  The option to treat depends on the severity of the hydrocephalus and whether or not your Chi is in pain.  Prolonging a painful situation for your Chi with little or no hope of helping the condition is cruel.

In some cases surgery is an option.  A shunt can be placed in the head to improve drainage of fluid from the brain.  The success rate of this surgery is low and may not prolong your Chihuahua’s life span.  The other deterrent to undergoing surgery is cost.  A veterinary specialist will probably have to perform the surgery and it can prove to be very costly. 

What Are Your Options?

If your Chihuahua puppy has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus you have few options.  You need to weigh the possible benefits of treatment or the risk of surgery against your Chi’s particular situation.  Ask yourself if your Chi is in pain and whether or not it is cruel to prolong that pain.

If you got your chi puppy from a reputable breeder they need to be made aware of the diagnosis.  They may need to remove one or more dogs from their breeding program to prevent this condition from occurring in future litters.  Breeders will often offer to refund your money or replace your puppy with another one.  Unfortunately this does little to ease your pain.

The unfortunate reality of a diagnosis of hydrocephalus is that euthanasia is often your only option.  Choosing to do what is best for your little one needs to take precedence over your feelings or sense of loss.

Housebreaking Your Chihuahua

Introduction

Housebreaking your new Chihuahua puppy literally means training them to do their bathroom duties in a specified area.  Some owners like to train their Chis to use absorbent puppy pads, newspaper or litter boxes.  Think of these as the very first Chihuahua gifts you will buy.  Most of us, however, like our pets to do their business outside in the yard if possible.

Location and Frequency of Toilet Breaks

The key to housebreaking your Chi is to allow for frequent potty breaks.  This doesn’t mean every couple of hours which might seem often to you – it means every 30 to 60 minutes.  Try to imagine how tiny your Chi’s bladder is and then you will realize how little it can hold while they are still learning to use those muscles properly.

The other factor to know is that your Chi will recognize his or her bathroom area by smell so it is important to take your Chihuahua to the same place every time.  If you use a litter box make sure to put a little of the old litter into the newly cleaned box so that it still smells like a bathroom to your pup.  When using newspapers or puppy pads, touch the new one to the urine soiled old one to pick up a tiny bit of the odour.

By consistently providing frequent bathroom breaks to the same area your Chi puppy will quickly get the idea of where to go.  When your Chi is doing his or her business say your command word.  This is a word that you want your Chi to associate with potty time.  “Pee pees” “Hurry up”, “Go toilet”, or “Jobbies” – it’s doesn’t matter what your word is but repeating it when your Chi is going potty will help later when you want him to go on command. 

When your Chi does use the designated spot, make sure you praise him or her lavishly.  They should come away from the exercise knowing that they did a good thing.  They will want to repeat that behaviour to receive more praise.

Confinement and Scheduling Help Training

Dogs are neat and tidy little creatures and they will avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep and eat.  If you keep your Chi confined to a crate, small exercise pen or blocked off area of your kitchen they will try to “hold it” until they have a chance to go potty elsewhere.  This encourages them to use your designated spot only.

Confinement doesn’t mean putting your Chi away and ignoring them.  A small space offers comfort to a puppy and you should provide some area that they can call their own.  Giving them a space to rest and be safe when you are unable to watch them is beneficial in many ways besides housebreaking.

Try to be aware of a schedule for your Chi’s potty breaks.  Most Chis will have to go to the bathroom about 30 minutes after eating.  Make sure you take them to their spot at this time.  When they wake up from a nap, in the morning and before bed are other definite times that you should offer and encourage a potty break.

Punishment

Never punish your Chi for having an accident.  Small puppies are physically unable to hold their bladder for long periods of time, so expect an accident or two.  If you catch your Chi in the act of going to the bathroom, clap your hands loudly.  This will startle them enough to stop and then quickly grab them and take them to their spot to finish the deed.

If you find an area in your home that your Chi has used as a bathroom, do not react.  Your Chi has forgotten all about that accident and will never understand that your anger has anything to do with the mess.  Clean the area thoroughly and try to be more diligent about offering breaks.

The housebreaking period is short in comparison to the life of your Chi.  Try to keep calm and remain consistent and it will be over before your know it.

Deworming Your Chihuahua

Types of Worms

There are several different types of worms that can affect your Chi but roundworms and tapeworms are the most common so we’ll concentrate on these two parasites in this article.  As a good Chihuahua owner you will want to know what these parasites are and how to treat them.

Roundworms are most often described as short pieces of spaghetti.  They can grow up to four inches in length and live in your Chihuahua’s intestines, living off the food you feed your pet.  One of the most important things to know about roundworms is that puppies can be born with them.  If the mother dog is infested they can pass through to the puppies before they are even born.  Most puppies have some roundworms present.

Tapeworm has a more complicated lifecycle than roundworms.  Tapeworm has to go through another host (a flea for example) before infecting your Chi.  Fleas are a major irritation for your pet but more importantly, as a host for tapeworm they can infect your Chi if eaten.  Therefore it is very important to keep your Chi flea free.  Tapeworms can grow up to two feet long and attach themselves to an animal’s intestinal wall and feed off blood.

Signs and Symptoms of Infestation 

If you have just brought home your new Chi puppy you are probably very excited.  Thoughts of the fun you are going to have often overwhelm the more practical side of dog ownership.  Buying Chihuahua clothes and seeking out Chihuahua training tips are more exciting than the thought of deworming.  But don’t overlook the signs and symptoms of parasite infestation.

Roundworm infestation with your puppy can show a number of symptoms.  Dull coat, lack of energy, and a pot bellied appearance are outward signs to look for.  If your Chi has a large roundworm burden they may vomit worms or pass them out with a bowel movement.  These worms are often alive so don’t be alarmed if you see a squiggling mass – make sure to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to get appropriate dewormers.

If your Chihuahua has tapeworms you are most likely to notice the worms in the stool or on your pet’s rear end.  Unlike roundworms which look like spaghetti, tapeworms look like flattened grains of rice.  This is actually only a segment of the mature worm which breaks off and passes through your Chi’s system.

Dewormers

When your veterinarian prescribes a dewormer it is important to know that not all products treat all types of worms.  Also depending on what country you live in, the available dewormers may be different.

Both liquid and tablet dewormers are available for treatment of roundworms.  Panacur, Interceptor, and Strongid are common products used in the treatment of roundworms.  Check with your vet about their suggested schedule of deworming for your Chi puppy.  Due to the fact that puppies often are born with roundworms they are treated multiple times before the age of six months.

Drontal is usually the only option available for the treatment of tapeworm.  It tends to be more expensive than other products so unless you suspect tapeworm infestation another product is usually prescribed.  If tapeworm is suspected it is also important to get on a flea control program because most pet dogs are infected with tapeworm by eating host fleas during grooming.

Dewormers do not stay in your pet’s system for any length of time.  They do their job and then pass through.  If the worms are at different life stages inside your Chi the dewormer will only kill the adult worms present in the gut.  Treatment two weeks later with a second dose of dewormer will kill any worms that have developed since the first treatment and a second treatment is often recommended.

Both roundworms and tapeworms pose a threat to you as a pet owner.  Make sure to wash your hands after handling your Chi’s feces and get on a regular schedule of deworming and flea control.  Protecting yourself and your family from parasitic infestation is extremely important.

 

Vaccinations for Your Chihuahua – Rabies

Introduction

There are a number of contagious respiratory infections that can afflict your Chihuahua and all fall under the commonly used term of “kennel cough”. 

This name came about because many cases start when your little one goes to a boarding kennel. 

The stress of kennel life and the increased exposure to other dogs increases the chances of any dog developing a respiratory infection.

Two of the most common forms of respiratory diseases are Parainfluenza and Bordetella.  Although the viruses are different both produce similar symptoms and for most owners a cough is a cough.  Hence the term kennel cough gets thrown around more than is necessary but it does describe the diseases quite well.

Symptoms of Contagious Respiratory Diseases

There are differences between Parainfluenza, Bordetella, and other respiratory infections that a veterinarian can determine.  For you as a Chihuahua owner, the symptoms will seem remarkably similar. 

Most respiratory infections involve a dry, hacking cough.  Your Chi may sound like they are choking or have something lodged in their throat.  This cough is usually non-productive, meaning that your Chi will not cough up any fluid.  This lack of spit or phlegm is what makes it seem that something is stuck in the throat.

Sometimes your Chi may develop a runny nose or eyes, and in more severe cases they may have difficulty breathing.  Thankfully Chihuahuas are not a flat-faced breed like Pugs where breathing issues become more of a problem just because of their squashed nasal passages.

If your Chi has “kennel cough” you may also notice that the cough gets worse when they become excited or physically active.  A fever may also be present but unless you usually take your Chi’s temperature at home you will be unlikely to notice this change.

Treatment

After confirming that your Chi has developed a respiratory infection your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.  This will depend on how bad the infection is.  If the infection seems mild you may be advised to keep your Chi away from other dogs but wait out the illness.  However, most of the time antibiotics are given.

Make sure to finish the entire course of the antibiotics, even if your Chi appears to be completely back to normal.  Just like with human medicine, completing a course of antibiotics is important to prevent the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

If your Chi’s cough is so severe that they have been vomiting they may become dehydrated.  Your vet may want you to increase how much water your Chi drinks or they may give fluids subcutaneously (under the skin) to help hydrate your pet.

Vaccination

Parainfluenza vaccination is often given as part of the Distemper/Parvo vaccine.  This combination vaccine is given three times to puppies and then annually after that.  The vaccination for Bordetella is given separately and can be injected or given intra-nasally (up the nose).

If you enjoy going to the dog park, or get together regularly with other Chi owners to show off the latest in Chihuahua clothing, or even if you are getting Chihuahua training tips in a doggy class it is important to make sure your Chi is vaccinated against respiratory infections.

Most of the time you can’t be certain which of the dogs your Chi comes in contact with are vaccinated.  The best course of action is to make sure you protect your Chi to the best of your ability with a regular vaccination schedule.

Vaccinations for Your Chihuahua – Distemper/Parvo

What are Distemper and Parvovirus?

Distemper and Parvovirus are both serious diseases which can affect your Chihuahua and in both cases death can be the end result.  The two diseases are often discussed together because they are most often vaccinated together.  Distemper and Parvo are given as a combination vaccine three times when your Chi is a puppy and then usually annually after that.

Distemper affects the nervous system and many body organs.  Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and discharge from the eyes and nose.  In the final stages of the disease your pet may experience convulsions and paralysis. 

Parvovirus is a gastrointestinal disease which causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.  Unlike other tummy upsets that plague all dogs from time to time with Parvo the intestinal lining becomes damaged and infection spreads into the bloodstream. 

The Seriousness Factor

In terms of seriousness Distemper and Parvovirus are both incredibly serious diseases and you should be aware of the consequences to your Chi.  Young puppies are the most vulnerable to these two diseases because they don’t have strong enough immune systems to fight the infection.  The most vulnerable point in a puppy’s life is when the initial immunity they received from their mother is wearing off but they haven’t yet developed their own antibodies.

Small dogs like Chihuahuas are often particular susceptible to a fast decline when disease strikes.  Their small body size means they have less fluid to lose before dehydration from illness becomes a critical concern.

The lesson to learn here is that no matter how cute your new Chi puppy is and how much you want to show him or her off – resist the urge.  Your new Chi should not be in contact with other dogs until they are fully vaccinated and protected from contagious illnesses.  The exception to this rule is to socialize your Chi only with dogs that you are 100% certain are up to date on vaccines.  Your Chi will still be absolutely adorable in three months time and that’s when you can dress them up in some funky Chihuahua clothes and show them off to everyone.

Transmission

Almost all dogs will come in contact with Distemper sometime in their life.  It is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids – so dog to dog contact of almost any form can spread the disease.  To make matters worse it can also be spread through airborne droplets expelled from an infected dog, such as by a sneeze. 

Parvovirus is spread through infected fecal matter.  Many owners believe that if their little one is too fastidious to touch another dogs poop then they are safe.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Parvo is an incredibly resistant virus and can survive on surfaces for months, both inside and outside.  This means that even if the feces have been cleaned up from the local park, traces of the virus can remain in the grass for months waiting to infect your unsuspecting and unvaccinated Chi.

Vaccination

Vaccination against both Distemper and Parvovirus begins at about eight weeks of age.  Two follow up booster vaccines are given roughly one month and two months after the first dose.  Your Chi will not be considered fully protected until all three doses have been given.

Usually the vaccines are given in combination but can be administered separately if you or your veterinarian has concerns about giving them together.  Most of the vaccines are licensed for one year but there are also three year vaccines now available so discuss the choice with your vet.

The last thing to know about protecting your Chi from these two diseases is that titre testing is available.  Titre testing involves testing a blood sample to check the level of antibodies your dog has to Distemper and Parvovirus.  If there are enough antibodies then your dog can skip vaccinations for that year.  However, in terms of cost if you run the blood test and then find that vaccines are still needed you have effectively doubled your annual vaccination cost.  Many owners simply decide to vaccinate annually and forgo the titre testing.  However, the option is available if you chose to take advantage of it.

Vaccinations for Your Chihuahua – Rabies

History of Rabies

Rabies is one of the oldest known viruses and dates back to 2300 BC.  The first vaccine against rabies was used in the 1800s.  Throughout history this deadly virus has caused terrible pain and suffering to its victims.

Pet owners today are incredibly lucky to have a relatively risk free way of protecting our beloved little ones from this virus.  The widespread acceptance of regular vaccination against rabies has reduced the number of rabies cases significantly.

Symptoms of Rabies

Everything you have ever seen in the movies or television about rabies where the victim is acting wild and frothing at the mouth is completely true.  Should your Chihuahua become infected with the virus they will start by becoming feverish and feeling generally unwell.

In the later stages of the virus you will notice personality changes, agitation, fear of water, an increase in aggression levels and paralysis of the head and neck area.  Once this paralysis sets in your Chi will be unable to swallow and this leads to the classic foaming at the mouth symptom.  Once these symptoms are seen death usually occurs within one week.

Transmission of the Rabies Virus

Rabies can be transmitted to your Chi through the saliva of an infected animal.  This usually means that the rabid animal needs to bite your pet.  However, if your Chi is often off-leash and comes across the remains of a rabid animal they may become infected if they ingest any of the body.

This sounds quite gruesome but dogs will be dogs – even the little ones – and Chihuahuas are just as prone to finding something nasty and eating it as a German Shepherd.  Don’t assume that your Chi is too picky or finicky to get into this type of trouble. 

Protecting Your Chi

Making sure that your Chihuahua doesn’t fall prey to this deadly virus can be summed up in one word -- vaccination.  When you take your Chi puppy to the vet for their first vaccines you will be educated about which vaccines your puppy needs and how often.  Puppies usually receive a series of three vaccines at about 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.  The rabies vaccine is most often given at the 16 week visit.

The rabies vaccine will need to be given again one year after the first dose.  After this second injection the vaccine is effective for 3 years.  Keeping up to date with the vaccine every three years ensures your Chi protection against the rabies virus.

There are always questions about vaccines especially in how they apply to small dogs like Chihuahuas.  Vaccines come in premeasured doses or vials and it is true that a Great Dane and your little Chi will receive the same amount of vaccine.  Drug companies have to complete rigorous testing to make sure that the amount of vaccine administered is safe for all sizes of dogs but many owners are still concerned.

The best source of information about the rabies vaccine is your veterinarian.  They can tell you which vaccine they use and perhaps even provide data from studies to help address any concerns you may have about your Chi receiving the vaccine.

In the end, all the evidence in the world may not make any difference because in most areas you have no choice but to vaccinate your Chi against rabies.  This horrible virus can affect all mammals including humans and because of the public health risk, it is often the law that your pet be vaccinated.

We all love our little Chihuahuas.  They have such spunk and personality they are hard to resist.  We love to dress them up in Chihuahua clothes, buy them fancy Chihuahua collars and other Chihuahua gifts.  We care for them by buying the best foods and grooming their coats until they shine, especially long haired Chihuahuas.  All these things pale in comparison to the love we show when we get our Chi vaccinated regularly.  When dealing with rabies, prevention is the only course of action.

 

Vaccination for Your Chihuahua – Lyme and Giardia

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is fairly uncommon but cases do occur every year so it is good to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Your Chihuahua can get the disease from the bite of a tick, but don’t panic because not all ticks carry the lyme bacterium.

Check with your veterinarian about the occurrence of lyme disease in your area. 

Many studies have been done in various parts of the world to see what the occurrence rate is for lyme disease. 

Sometimes the percentage is as low as 1% of ticks carrying the bacterium.  The chance of your Chi picking up a lyme infected tick can be relatively low.

As a Chihuahua owner you are lucky.  Chis aren’t usually known for crashing through the bush and spending hours out in the country.  Chis are so popular with their owners because they like to stick close to home and spend time with us.  However, the possibility exists that your little pooch can come in contact with a tick in long grass at the local park.

The life cycle of a tick is a bit confusing and involves several seasons of feeding on mice and deer before reaching the mature stage which attaches to your pet or you.  If you find a tick on your Chi make sure to remove it.  Weekly grooming helps you find ticks that can be hidden in your Chi’s fur coat, especially for long haired Chihuahuas. 

Some people think you should burn ticks with a match or pull them out with tweezers but the best way is to pick up a little tool called a “tick twister” at your local pet store or veterinarian.  A “tick twister” allows you to remove the tick easily and keep it alive.  If you wish to test the tick for lyme disease it must be alive so this is important. 

Symptoms to watch out for include lethargy, fever and lack of appetite.  Unfortunately if your Chi develops these symptoms it can be a sign or a whole range of illnesses.  The standout sign for lyme disease is limping.  If your Chi has picked up a tick and develops any of these symptoms make sure to tell your vet when your Chi had the tick because symptoms develop two to six months after getting the tick.

Giardia

Giardia is also known as “beaver fever” and like lyme disease is a doggy disease that can affect people as well.  Symptoms include general stomach upset, diarrhea, gas, cramps and nausea.  Your Chi can pick up the parasite by drinking out of puddles or ponds tainted with fecal matter from infected animals.

Chihuahuas and other small dogs are prone to becoming dehydrated from the diarrhea and vomiting associated with Giardia.  Getting veterinary care is important to stop the symptoms and rehydrate your pet before they become truly ill.

It is very important to know that if your Chi is diagnosed with Giardia it can spread to you.  Practise good hand washing techniques especially when doing pooper scooper duty.

Vaccination

There are vaccines for both Lyme and Giardia and depending on your risk factors you and your veterinarian may decide to vaccinate.  There is some controversy about whether the Giardia vaccine actually prevents the disease.  What is certain is that it helps prevent your Chi from shedding the disease which protects you and your family.

Both vaccines are licensed for one year and continued annual vaccination is needed to ensure that your pet (and your family) stays protected.