Common Chihuahua Health Problems

by Sandra Dean

When you decide it is time to bring a Chihuahua into your family you are going to need to know what to expect in the way of common Chihuahua health problems so you know what to look out for and what symptoms to look for. Some problems the Chihuahua is born with and others are developed over time. But you should never hesitate to get your Chihuahua to the vet if you think something may be wrong or if you think emergency medical care for your Chihuahua is necessary.

Before you bring your Chihuahua home have a long talk with your vet about what health issues to expect from your new dog and also discuss identifying the symptoms. If you have normal behavior explained to you and then you are given the warning signs to look for you are better equipped to help your dog should something happen. Your breeder should also send you home with a great deal of information about what to watch for with your new dog and how to identify any prospective health issues.

Some Chihuahua health problems arise at birth and some develop over time but you should always be watching for any symptoms your dog may display. A common Chihuahua health problem is the inability of the material on the leg and around the knee to hold the kneecap in place. This causes the kneecap to float in and out of place and can become extremely painful for your dog. If you notice a problem with your dog’s ability to walk get them to the vet right away.

When male Chihuahua pups are born their testicles are up in their abdomen. Almost right after birth a healthy male Chihuahua will have its testicles drop from the abdomen and if it doesn’t happen at birth then it needs to happen by the time they reach adulthood. If you notice that this trait is lacking in your Chihuahua then you will want to get them to the vet right away, as this is the sign of a very serious health issue that your vet will want to take care of as soon as possible.

Some Chihuahua health problems you can see coming and some you cannot. Some health issues are difficult to see yet can be very dangerous if they are left untreated. The brain in any animal constantly has fluid going to and from it and in a Chihuahua that flow of fluid can sometimes get blocked causing a swelling on the brain.

Fluids go back and forth from the brain to the body in any animal and in the Chihuahua these fluids can sometimes get blocked causing a swelling around the brain and severe discomfort for the dog. This can usually be found with regular appointments to the vet but if you notice your dog behaving strangely then get it to the vet right away.

A Chihuahua has a series of health issues that are exclusive to it and then some that are common among toy breeds of dogs. For example, a Chihuahua shares a condition also found in breeds like a Basset Hound in that crystal can form in their urine causing blockages and major problems.

You never know and that is why regular vet appointments are so very important to the health of your dog.

About the Author:

Sandra Dean is an avid lover of the Chihuahua and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Chihuahua. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Chihuahua Health Problems plus a whole lot more.

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