12 Most Common Chihuahua Health Issues

91 Comments

1. Hi, I am a little worried about my Chihuahua. She started to get heavy and I have been trying to be careful what I feed her. I made her dog food. I get the ground turkey and boil it. Then I puree corn, peas, greenbeans, and sometime spinach. I then add mashed up boiled egg. I also add a little dry food (for over weight dogs) and give her a supplement to be sure she gets everything she needs. She has regular visits to her Vet. Any tips that might help me. She isn’t really a big eater. I also give her occasional treats. Thanks for your time.

   Debbie

   • I would suggest eliminating the corn and using only grain free treats. My little Annie Beck eats about 1/4 to 1/2 cup total per day. She weighs 3.5 pounds. She has dry food for small breed available to her 24/7.

     • Good advice Sallie.

   • I have the same issue, my girls are on hills science diet , metabolic..1/2 cup per day…broken down into 3 meals..with a quarter cup cheerios for bed time snack…they do well..try it. They get weighed every Saturday…weight fluctuates only by a few ounces. This diet was set for us by my vet.

   • I ve been cooking for my Chi since I Heard about the dogs dying from the canned dog food. I give her sweet potato she gets meat usually a good piece of sirloin or even filet mignon because I can make smaller pieces and cook as I need she gets vegetable string beans, broccoli, no corn unless it’s creamed corn she gets beans she gets, Potatoes pasta I mix of a righty of different things for her as needed but a small little half a teaspoon of pumpkin every day to keep her bowels regular she is now 15 and doctors are amazed how healthy her blood work is and how great she looks she’s not overweight at all she does get nutritional chow for neuro aging. It doesn’t take long to make things for them and keep in the fridge and the coolest place so doesn’t go bad I have a little container where I keep all her food separate they have a little compartments she needs three times a day. Hope this helps but the best thing you can do is feed her and cook for her or him as more nutrient value in it anyway then the canned crap nu
     Nushka

     • I’ve been doing that a little more lately too. I split an egg among the 3 of them. And they do get a little bit of kibble too. And I take a serving of food from The Farmer’s Dog (home delivered human grade meat and veggies) and split that among the 3 of them. They love it and are doing very well on it.

     • @Cathy, I got a Sample of the farmers dog I’m debating whether I should get it. She loves it I mix a little with her kibble for dinner she has Royal Canine I don’t know how much to give her a farmers dog and how do you order it because it seems like they come in such a large quantity my dog is seven months old and weighs 4 pounds pounds

       • Since you are mixing it with a kibble, just use 1-2 tablespoons of the food. I try to keep my dogs meals at around 1/2 cup total. We haven’t gotten Farmers Dog in awhile but if I remember correctly you can tell them when setting up that you are using this food along with another so they won’t send you as much. The good thing though, is you can always freeze the food and delay your next shipment until you use up what you have.

   • Talk to your vet..they’ll put you on a good diet for your dog. I don’t do grain free, heard to much about that, I do stay away from corn. Ingredients should start with meat first.. I don’t google anything as that can be deceiving..

2. Hi Debbie, Are you over feeding her? Chis only need 35 calories per pound of body weight a day. And that’s if they are getting some exercise too. I know for me with the dry food I feed my dog, it works out to 1/4 cup in the morning and 1/4 cup in the evening. That’s not much.
   Also I think I would skip the corn and peas. They are high in carbohydrates with not a whole lot of nutrition compared to the other stuff.

3. Ozzy is a 4.5 pound Chi and Pom mix. I worry about his teeth. As a puppy, he had 7 teeth removed, As a 3 year old adult, his teeth are crooked and spaced unevenly. My concern is tooth decay and gum problems. He will not let me brush and his breath does not smell pretty. He eats only Wellness Core food and treats (no table food) and I use V-Oratene Drinking Water Additive (Enzymatic brushless oral solution).. He also goes for a yearly dental cleaning / exam. Is there anything else I can do to ensure he keeps his teeth (products, etc.)?

   • It sounds like you are doing everything you can Pamela. Does Ozzy like to chew? If so, I’d suggest getting him some chew toys and treats like Greenies, Nylabones and antlers

   • I have all four of my Chis’ teeth cleaned once a year. It’s expensive but they’re worth it! (They won’t tolerate me brushing them either, and they all use chew bones daily. It’s a breed thing.)

     • Give them raw carrots and dry dog food, things that are crunchy. No dog needs teeth cleaning each year❗

4. My concern is my 12 years old 2.5 pound Chihuahua has ALWAYS had a dripping/running nose. Her Vet has told me to use Children’s Benadryl, Which did work but I had noticed she just stands around a lot. So I took some and wow I was in la-la land. She has had this problem from the first day I got her which was when she was 6 months old. Her vet says her breathing is good. But now that I have stopped giving her the Benadryl she is so playful and so full of life I am wondering if I can just keep wiping her nose. When she sneezes a lot of mucus comes out. Her diet is hard food and I do cook for her, sometime ground sirloin, chicken, turkey and all with a lot of veggies. She does love her veggies. Any input would be appreciated. And I thank you for your time.

   • I take Benadryl when I can’t sleep so I know why your Chi is in la-la land. Yeah you should be able to keep wiping her nose but if you notice it getting too dry, you might want to put a little coconut oil on it.
     One thing that may be messing with her allergies is the dry food. Check to see if there are any grains in it. Dogs were never meant to eat grains and some are sensitive to it.

   • My 10 yr old chihuahua has had a drippy nose for about 5 yrs, just watery drips. I have taken him to several doctors and they think I’m nuts because it doesn’t drip when I am there. They prescribed benadryl but I know that is strong. I give him another antihistamine when it is especially bad, mostly just at night.

     • I wonder if he’s allergic to something in your house? It sounds like it since his nose doesn’t drip when he is at the vet’s.

       • Hi, Thanks! I never saw your response… His nose does drip other times when we are out. Just the few times i have taken him to the vet to explain and try to get input, it doesn´t drip.

   • Dogs pick up our problems if they get into our kleenex or lick us. Sometimes they get those things from us, or family.

5. my chi has started to get sick,vomiting, but when he does it’s just a small bit and its yellow. I changed his food and only give him sugar snap peas and carrots foe treats. He was fine for about a week, but was sick again during the night..just one time..what would be the next step..he has had X-rays and blood work. Everything came back ok.

   • What did your vet say to do Janet? Something is upsetting his tummy. If it was just one time after you changed his food, maybe he’s ok now. If it continues, you may want to experiment with his food again or make his food at home where you can monitor what’s going in it.

6. Hey I’m concerned about my 9 month old Chihuahua she is 9 lbs and 9oz hey belly keeps swelling the vet had her on antibiotics and it worked for a couple of days and then her belly started to swell back up and I know she’s not pregnant because she’s a inside dog and I don’t have any male dogs so what could be wrong

   • Does she act like she’s in any pain Amy? I can’t imagine what could be wrong but maybe it’s time for another trip to the vet.

     • My male chihuahua had the same problem, the vet says his liver and heart are enlarged. Please have you baby seen by a vet.

       • Grain free foods can make a dogs heart and liver swell. I’ve read a lot about this on line.

   • Amy, I am Amy too! My chi was 6 months old when she started getting fat in her belly. At 9 months I took her to the vet. They thought maybe a liver shunt. Before she was 2 years old she was diagnosed with cushings disease. She drinks a ton of water and has a large belly. She is on medicine but she won’t live too much longer. She has a lot of issues. She is the youngest dog my vet has ever diagnosed. Her skin is flaky and cracking and she has lost most of her fur. She eats a lot but has lost so much weight, except in her belly, that she has no muscle mass and I can feel every bone in her back and ribs. I love her to death though. She has also lost the use of her back legs. She did have an osteotomy on her hip and she still never could walk right. Now she wears diapers. But, she is my honey and I will always take care of her. In July she will be 3 years old. Have your vet check for cushings disease.

     • My bobby has massive belly he’d 10 .just had him to vet’s x-ray scan blood results inconclusive.he will not poo. Doesn’t like walking.eats like he is possessed.drinks too much stands staring into space. His stomach is solid all the time.lies down and won’t move unless motivated

       • OMG, poor little Bobby. He definitely sounds like something major is wrong with him physically.

7. Hi, my name is Mona and my Chiquaqua, Queenie, has a swollen eye. She keeps it closed. When I try to clean it, she is in a lot of pain. What do you think it is?

   • She could have an injury or infection Ramona. Either way she needs to see a vet as soon as possible.

     • Ok, thank you so much

8. Hi i have a 12 year old chihuahua she getting up in age. How can you tell if a tooth is loose or going to fall out.

   • You can feel if they are loose if your dog will let you put your finger in her mouth Christina. But really getting checked by a vet is the best way. They know what they are doing.

9. My 5 year old long coat Chi still has his upper baby teeth. He has regular vet visits. She says she has never seen this before. Have you? What causes this ?? He has two sets of teeth on the top.One up in the gums.

   • This is common with Chihuahuas. Those baby teeth need to be removed. They will destroy the adult teeth by being to close and keeping food in between the two teeth. I cant believe the vet had never seen this! Both of my chis had this and their parents and siblings had this!!

10. My 1 year old Chi Charlie is always shivering …..I have a doggie shirt that I put on him but he still seems to still be cold ….what can I do to help him ?
    Also I feed him dog food but I also give him some people food too like for example …. cooked chicken , white rice , and the crust off my sandwich but I don’t know what the foods are that I can’t or shouldn’t feed him ….can you give me a list of the things he can’t have ?

    • Lorrie, read this article on things to keep away from your Chi. It losts a lot of the foods and other things too that are dangerous: https://ilovemychi.com/20-dangerous-things-to-keep-away-from-your-chihuahua/
      I also have an article about Chi shivering here: https://ilovemychi.com/why-do-chihuahuas-shiver/

11. I have a 9 year old female chi that has a large tumor on her left breast ,it is hard ,but opened under ,she cleans it continually, tender,I can’t afford a vet.,so been using tumeric, tea tree oil, Epson salt soaks,any suggestions would be helpful sesi,s mom

    • Cheryl, my terri-poo had that and it was cancerous. She really needs to see a vet. See if you can work out a payment plan with them or try Care credit but please get her to a vet before it’s too late. We have an article on what you can do if you can’t afford vet care here: https://ilovemychi.com/what-to-do-when-you-cant-afford-vet-care/

    • Please Cheryl try to save money or call and ask vets in your area maybe pro bono work on your baby it is cancer . its very uncomfortable to you little one .

12. Hi

    I have 3 chi’s, one of which suffers more than the others from sinus, I manage this with homeopathic sinus tablets and it works a charm. I put one or two, depending how bad it is at the time, into a bit of peanut butter and he gobbles it up.

    Another issue I have is my other chi has doubled in weight since being sterilised. I know this is common but managing her weight is really difficult especially with other dogs around. I give her 20g of pellets twice a day and add gem squash (a low calorie vegetable found in South Africa) just to fill her up. She isn’t putting on any weight but she certainly isn’t losing any. Any dieting tips for her please?

    Thanks so much

    • Hi Hengie, Your chubby girl sounds like me. I don’t eat much and I can go on very low calorie diets but won’t lose anything until I add exercise to it. So since you really don’t want to cut her calories any lower, you might want to add some more play time and walks to her routine. If you need ideas on playtime games, here is an article: https://ilovemychi.com/indoor-games-to-play-with-your-chihuahua/

13. I have an around 2yr old 6lb white chiwawa whose red part of his wewe that keeps coming out often then swelling and is painfully stuck. What experience or advice does anyone have to help my little boy with his swollen private?

    • Shelley check out this post on this problem: https://www.prouddogmom.com/dogs-penis-stuck/

      • Jack is such a proid boy lol?

14. He is so proud?.

15. I’m happy to see so many Chihuahua being loved dearly . My little girl had surgery yestersay shes 21 years old . I got her when I was young and didnt know the extreme importance of having her spayed regretfully she had mammery tumors and she will need one more surgery . Ive cooked for her for many years chicken boiled or baked but shes terribly picky its chicken or nothing Ive offered her almost every vegtable but shes stubborn and spoiled . Other than the tumors she has had a few teeth removed but hey shes 21 give the old girl a break . She is still spunky and playful and looks to have a grin on her face at all times . I always say if you do not know her youd never believe the sweet spirit she holds in a tiny body so much personality .I dread the day she gains her wings . Shes my heart .

    • Wow, 21 years old! You must be doing something right. I’m glad she got through the surgery okay.

16. I am scouring the web in search of answers to what is wrong with my little Sadie. Sadie is my 6 year old 4lb Chi. Well, she is a boney 3.5lb at the moment. She has lost a full pound in the last month or so. She eats just as ferociously as always and I’ve been as liberal with her treats as I can, but no change. This sudden weight loss with seemingly no explanation catapulted me to the vet. Other symptoms include sporadic lethargy, upset stomach, extra nervousness with yawning, stretching and paw licking. She sometimes will press her head into my hand as if it relieves some pain or indicates something I don’t understand. All of the symptoms above have been happening on and off for about a year aside from the weight loss which is recent. Also a lot of extra reverse sneezing and coughing. First vet visit we received a prescription for anxiety. This helped a little but I knew did not fix whatever was causing the trouble. Next trip (different vet) blood work revieled mild anemia and a possible infection. As finances are a concern, we treated her with an antibiotic but did not locate the source of infection. She responded beautifully and seemed back to her old self until about a month ago . We returned to the vet and found she lost 1 pound since her vusit 9 months ago. Physical exam is good and blood work shows a slightly elevated white count but did not concern the vet. They gave her an antienflamatory which doesnt seem to be helping. I can’t bare to see her sad and so thin but I also can’t afford to keep going to the vet for nothing. I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on these strange and concerning symptoms.

    • Sadie is such a cute little girl!
      I can understand your frustration and worry. She sure has a lot of different symptoms. I wish I had the answers for you.
      One thing really concerning is the head pressing. That can indicate a neural problem or some kind of toxic poisoning. Does your vet know about the head pressing?

17. My chi is very overweight. She gets same food as mama. Mama is 9lbs. Baby is 20 lbs. Biggest problem is that Bella (baby) leaves balls of round, hard feces all around the house. I try to watch when she goes out but can never catch her using bathroom. What could be wrong?

    • Has her poop always been hard or is this a recent development?
      It sounds like she may have a thyroid issue. Get it checked by a vet. If it is hypothyroidism, it’s a relatively inexpensive pill they take once or twice a day to get it under control.

18. My 14 year old Chihuahua, Toby, has been diagnosed with “Old Dog Distibular” syndrome (or disease). He’s been on small dosages of steroids for 10 day increments, plus an anti-inflamitory from his Vet! There’s nothing more can be done right now, but provide love and care for him.? Bless his heart, it’s just one day at a time. I’ve had him since he was eight weeks old!??

    • Poor little guy! What a great pet parent you are for doing what you can to keep him comfortable.

19. Hey there, my sweet old lady Chi is 13 years old and 2.2 lbs. Here recently she has started yelping or like a quick, screeching cry, randomly in the middle of her sleep. At first I thought it might be bad dreams but the more I researched it, seems like maybe she is having a seizure. I always go right over to her and comfort her softly when it happens. It is happening more frequently these days. Is there anything I can do for her?

    • I’d try some CBD oil before bed. It’s been shown to help with some seizure cases. I give my elderly dog the King Kanine brand but there are some other good brands out there.

20. I have a 16 year Chihuahua. I give her to eat dry food but I mix with water to make it soft as it has few teeth.. She is satisfied of the food but I wish to make some homemade treats which it can be made soft. Can you send me recipe please. I will be very happy to make it as my little chi has a very sensitive stomach.
    Thanks
    And regards Doris

    • I don’t have any soft treat recipes Doris but that sounds like a great blog post idea. I’ll do some research and write an article about it.

21. Hi. I was wondering if anyone knew about the problem I’m having with my teacup chi. Any help would be appreciated!!

    • What’s the problem?

      • This is a side view. Idk if my other comment went thru. She has trouble getting around. Her toes are like they have no muscle in them. She looks like she is walking on her ankles. So to speak.

        • Has she always been like that? If so it’s probably a deformity she was born with. If it’s something recent you need to get her to a vet as soon as possible.

    • She has trouble walking. Her toes don’t seem like they have any muscles in them. It looks like she is walking on her ankles so to speak.

22. This is a side view

23. I rescued my little Ollie in October 2019 and they told me he was 10 yrs old. He plays like a puppy and loves to be chased by my larger wirehaired terrier. He never asks to come up on the furniture or tries himself which I thot was due to his being tiny. After one round of chasing, he started limping and then I noticed he was holding his back left leg up and had difficulty going up the one step to get outside. Sounds like patellar luxation according to the description given.

    The rescue didn’t observe this problem in the 2 wks they had him in foster care. But I don’t want him to be in pain so guess a visit to the vet is required. The first time it happened about a month ago, he was lying down that evening but was fine without limping the next morning. Does it sometimes slip back and forth on it’s own? Since it’s the weekend, I’m just observing him for signs of pain and not letting him out the steps. Will call the vet’s office Monday.

    • Yeah it can slip back and forth and be fine one day and not so good the next.
      Let us know what the vet says.

24. Pennut she would not have it any other way but to be at the bottom of my bed next to my feet sleeping I have been with Dogs all my life and this give them joy to sleep with master to be cuddled up beside she knows when I get so she can take my warmest spot in bed. And she knows when I get out of bed if I don’t come back to come looking for me. And the reason why my dog would shake is when she gets in trouble and she knows she’s done something wrong.

    • They definitely do like sleeping with us.

25. When I took my Chihuahua for her checkup they did blood work on
    her. We were going to get some dental work done. I was told her
    triglycercides were high. What causes that and how should it be treated. I had been feeding her Cesar and Blue dry food.
    I would like to know if the blood work should be redone before
    I start her on any special food from the vet.Any suggestions?
    Thank you
    Twyla

    • I’m not knowledgeable in this area but I found a great article that answers your questions here: https://www.capitalgazette.com/lifestyles/ph-ac-vet-1202-20141202-story.html

26. My 6 year old female long hair Chihuahua is very social she loves having a house full of people. When her and I are alone she just seems to mope around and she has no interest in playing with toys. I worried should I be?

    • No I wouldn’t be worried. It sounds like your chi is an extravert and a little social butterfly. Just like an extraverted person, they are happiest with lots of people around

27. My chihuahua is a puppy and his chest cavity is sticking more out than usual. Is this something I should be worried about. He is very active and happy and does not show any sign of pain or discomfort.

    • Probably nothing to be worried about. Puppies are growing and things can look odd at times during their growth spurts. Just mention it to your vet the next time you take him.

28. My 6 lb chi seems to be scared or something she trembled I figured she cold but she will not let me sleep, she just wants to be carried, vet took tests organs all healthy just had a little fever and was given some gastrointestinal food. But she stills acts weird especially at nite I can’t take it anymore, I’m so worried and can’t afford more tests

    • Where does she sleep Gen?

29. My baby wasn’t even 4 years old and she died of sweet syndrome.went from healthy chi to had to be put down in a week.

    • I’m so sorry Marsha. 4 is way too young to lose a fur baby. I haven’t heard of sweet syndrome before What is it?

30. Mine is having essential tremors and vet keeps claiming they will lead to sezures and I can find no research that says so. I like him but disagree with him on that and have stopped the meds because they don’t help. Any advice is welcomed.

    • I don’t know about that but if you check the comments people have left on our seizure post, you may find an idea there that might stop the tremors. https://ilovemychi.com/a-chihuahua-owners-guide-to-seizure-disorders/

31. my Chi keeps dragging his butt across the floor and chewing at it. He has had his anal glands extracted tice in a month but he is still doing it. Also he quit jumping up on the couch and chair he make you pick him up now, he also will not go down the steps to the lawn to do his business. Can somesone please tell me what is going on with him?
    Another thing his bloodwork came back good.

    • Karen, is a vet the one who extract the anal glands. I know if they aren’t extracted properly, it can cause more problems with them.
      How old is your dog? The nor wanting to jump may be a joint issue.
      I’d get your vet to check out both of these problems.

32. I have a white an black chi . She has started getting red spots in her skin. We thought it was her being nervous but it has stayed this time for a few months now. Tried all kinds of shampoos. Nothing works. The vet wants to give steroids but long use kills there kidneys. I had a friend that lost her dog from kidney failure caused by using steroids. Any one has any information out therr

    • Is she scratching at her skin Sandy? It sounds like an allergic reaction to something. Maybe her food. What are you feeding her?

33. My best friend was a Lil six year old white long haired. He was my soul mate. He loved me more than anything and I He. But he passed away from heart disease and trachea collapse. I miss him daily

    • I’m so sorry you lost him Amanda, especially so young.

34. Ive lost my little chi to mvd 3 days ago only 7 he was heart broken

    • Oh no David! I’m so sorry. 7 is really young for a chi. What happened?

35. Rice & White cream gravey. Good for my dog ? Also with long green beans? Would love recipe for our Chihuahua.

    • I would go light on white gravy and rice as it’s high in carbs and fat though a little is okay. Green beans are good for them. Here is the recip I use for my dogs: https://ilovemychi.com/my-homemade-dog-food-recipe/