What health problems and grooming tips are common for Chihuahuas?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Chihuahuas can be great pets! They tend to be a little anxious about their feet and mouths sometimes, so diligent practice at home is very helpful to the veterinary team. (Of course some chihuahua's could care less and are happy to see us!) From a medical standpoint, I will note that they are prone to significant dental disease. Usually from age 2 or 3 on, they will need a professional, anesthetised dental cleaning with the veterinarian every 9-12 months. The only exceptions I have seen to this are the chihuahuas whose teeth are brushed 4-6 times weekly. If you can commit to that, you can save yourself the frequent dental cleanings. Chihuahua's may be slightly more prone to heart murmurs later in life, though this infrequently causes a problem. Otherwise, they tend to be very healthy, long-lived dogs (I would estimate my average chihuahua patient lives to about 14) and are a great choice! Best wishes to you and your fur family!

Chihuahua are typically healthy dogs but a few common problems associated with the breed include patella luxations, collapsing trachea, and dental disease. The best thing would be to have him examined by a vet for a check-up to identify any abnormalities. I also recommend having him neutered.

The tooth is likely loose due to severe dental disease. Old chihuahuas commonly have badly diseased teeth and lose many, if not all, of their teeth. Unfortunately, you are not able to do much about this at home. He needs the loose tooth removed by a veterinarian and probably needs some other teeth removed. They can also clean the remaining teeth and help protect them from getting diseased. It also sounds like there is a skin disease. This could be due to an allergy, fleas, mites or infection. It would also be good to have the vet diagnose the skin problem, so he can get the best treatment and finally not have those scabs anymore. Aquaphor is safe for the skin and good for wounds, but could be toxic if ingested, so be careful to not put it on areas of the body that he can lick. I understand that Charlee is allergic to shots (I assume you mean vaccines), but this would not preclude him from getting treatment for his teeth and skin. Any veterinarian should be able to help you with these problems and it's going to be the best thing you can do for him. Dental disease is a painful condition, so I'm sure he'd be much happier with those diseased teeth out and healthy skin.

Congrats on your new adoption! Brushing his teeth daily with a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs is the best way to keep their teeth and gums healthy. You can purchase this toothpaste at your vet or at a pet store. Chews can also be used , they just aren't an effective substitute for brushing. I would enroll chino in a dog training class to work on basic obedience, socialization and confidence as soon as you can.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. I find heelers to be hardy dogs. I have seen obesity and subsequent joint problems. Mainly I see behavioral issues. They are very intelligent dogs and need both physical and mental stimulation. If an owner is unable or unwilling to provide this, problems can result. Labradors are powerful chewers and will eat anything. I see a lot of foreign objects ingested that require surgical removal. As far as the chiweenie, dental disease will be a huge issue with that breed combination. I would start brushing her teeth daily now so that she becomes accustomed to it. You should also plan on her first professional dental cleaning (under anesthesia) around one year of age. If you commit to her oral health it will make a huge difference for her in the longterm. The other problem that could arise is back pain. Having a longer back, could make her more prone. Keeping her at a healthy weight is the best prevention. Congratulations on your new dogs and I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I'd bath him monthly and continue the brushing. I would also add in an Omega 3 fish oil. Below are links to the brands I like. It isn't a common complaint I receive about Chihuahua's so it could be whatever the other breed he is mixed with. http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?view=grid&w=nordic%20naturals&visitorID=&cartcount=0&wishcount=0&division=dogs https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24403 https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ I hope this helps!

Chihuahua teeth are a bit prone to dental disease and I totally understand your difficulty in trying to brush them. Would a children’s toothbrush work any differently ? If not you could try dental biscuits such as t/d from Hill’s. There is a very useful on line video that explains how these biscuits works. Alle these measures should aim at postponing the inevitable dental procedure, but it will come a day when she will need a deep cleanse. To reassure you, you must know that I have carried several dental procedures in elderly Chihuahuas .. some of them with heart disease too. They all went very well, it is important to have the best anaesthetic equipment and a skilled veterinary technician and supporting staff by your side. It is a routine procedure and I have never had any problems so far ! Sending Lucy lots of cuddles ! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.