Whether you like it or not, your Chihuahua is bound to shed some of their hair inside your home. Naturally, long-haired Chihuahuas are more prone to shedding than their smooth-coat counterpart, but the fact is that BOTH types will shed. The most effective method for dealing with excess hair is to frequently brush your Chihuahua’s coat, as this will help prevent hair from making its way onto the flooring in your home. It’s not hard and doesn’t require a lot of time, but you need to know the proper steps to brushing a Chihuahua’s coat.
Not only will frequent brushing help reduce your Chihuahua’s shedding, but it will also keep their coat clean and tangle-free. Even if you have an otherwise lazy Chihuahua that prefers laying your lap over playing outside, their coat will inevitably produce tangles. Thankfully, giving them a quick 5-10 minute brushing will usually remove any and and all tangles that are causing problems in their coat.
Chihuahua Being Brushed
What You’ll Need
The only thing that’s completely necessary for brushing a Chihuahua is a high-quality grooming comb. Many owners make the mistake of using regular, hard-bristle combs or brushes, but this isn’t recommended as it can cause discomfort and pain for a small Chihuahua. Instead, take a visit to your local pet store and look for a soft rubber grooming brush. These are much more gentle on a Chihuahua’s delicate skin and shouldn’t cause any discomfort for them.
Alternatively, you can use a grooming glove for smooth-coat Chihuahuas without a lot of excess hair. These are padded gloves that slip over your hand and contain a velcro-like material on the interior. You run it over their coat in the same manner you would a traditional brush to capture their loose hair. In any case, the most important thing to remember is that you need a soft brush designed specifically for a dog’s delicate skin to prevent pain or discomfort. Both the padded glove and several brands of canine brushes will do the job just fine.
Steps To Brushing a Chihuahua’s Coat
After you’ve picked up a suitable grooming brush for your Chihuahua, you’ll need to take them to a nice and relaxing area of your home where there are no distractions. While some owners may want to do this from the comfort of their living room couch, others may not want to get the extra hair on their furniture. Personally, I get down on the floor with my Chihuahua to avoid getting hair on the furniture. As long as you’re on their level, they will feel more comfortable and secure.
There’s really no one specific method for brushing a Chihuahua’s coat. Just start by gently rubbing the brush from the back of their neck and working it down to their rear end. When you run into a tangle, don’t try to force the brush through it, but instead hold it the tangle with your other hand and gently try to tweak it out with the brush. Continue doing this until the tangle is removed. Depending on how much hair your Chihuahua has, it should only take 5-10 minutes tops to completely brush all of their coat. Once you’re done, remember to give them a treat with lots of petting and praise so they’ll want to do it again in the future.
How Often Should I Brush My Chihuahua’s Coat?
As stated above, the key to keeping your Chihuahua’s hair off your furniture, floor and everywhere else in your home is to brush them often. With that said, you don’t necessarily need to brush them everyday or even every other day. A good rule of thumb to follow is to brush long-haired Chihuahuas once every week and smooth-coat Chihuahuas once every other week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find they are still shedding a lot, but this is generally a good rule to follow. If you’re having trouble remembering when it’s time to brush your Chihuahua, you get a calender and mark the dates down. Alternatively, smart phone users can add an “event” in their phone, and schedule it to go off when their Chihuahua needs brushing.
Although this isn’t completely necessary, most owners will find it helpful to brush their Chihuahua before giving them a bath. If you bathe your Chihuahua in a tub, giving their coat a good brushing beforehand will help reduce the amount of hair left behind; therefore, making it easier for you to clean up after they’re done bathing.
Healthy adult Chihuahuas live an average of 15 to 20 years.
As with any breed, a Chihuahua’s lifespan varies depending on a number of different factors (see below for a complete list). Some of these factors are controllable, whereas others are outside of owners’ control. Owners should familiarize themselves with these factors so they give their Chihuahua the longest, fullest life possible.
There’s no fool-proof method for predicting exactly how long they can live, but current data suggests that Chihuahuas live an average of 15 to 20 years when properly cared for by a loving owner.
Small breeds like the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier live longer than medium-to-large breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Mastiff. Medium-to-large breeds have an average life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Does this mean all Chihuahuas live between 15 and 20 years? Not necessarily, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow.
Factors That Impact a Chihuahua’s Lifespan:
Diet – a Chihuahua’s diet will directly impact their lifespan. Owners should feed their furry four-legged friends a nutritious, well-balanced premium dog food with no fillers, preservatives or artificial flavors. Avoid the temptation of feeding your Chihuahua leftover dinner scraps, as this can lead to obesity, toxicosis and other health problems.
Weight – equally as influential in a Chihuahua’s lifespan is weight. Obese Chihuahuas are prone to a variety of adverse health conditions which may lower their average lifespan, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Underweight Chis may also experience a lower average lifespan due to malnutrition and a weakened immune system.
Healthcare – it should come as no surprise that healthcare plays a role in a Chihuahua’s lifespan as well. Taking them to the veterinarian for routine checkups will promote a long, healthy life by diagnosing illnesses early, before they progress to life-threatening ailments. Most veterinarians recommend taking adult Chihuahuas between the ages of 7 and 10 for a wellness check once a year. If you have senior Chihuahua over the age of 10, however, you should take them for a wellness check twice a year.
Genetics – “good genes” can lengthen a Chihuahuas lifespan, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to a pup’s parents if you’re looking to adopt. If the parents are healthy, energetic and happy, their pups are more likely to live a long and healthy life.
Spaying/neutering – Chihuahuas that are spayed and neutered tend to live longer than those that aren’t fixed. Neutering a male Chi before the age of year will decrease their risk of developing testicular and prostate cancers, and fixing female Chis before their first heat cycle can reduce their risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancers. Of course there are other health benefits associated with spaying and neutering a Chihuahua, such as lowered aggression levels, reduced risk of running away, and fewer pups ending up in the pound.
Vaccinations – Chihuahuas require vaccinations and follow-up booster shots to protect against potentially life-threatening disease like the parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica (kenel cough), canine influenza, distemper and rabies.
Oral Care – like most small breeds, Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems like tooth decay, tooth toss and gum disease. Some studies suggest that as many as 9 out of 10 Chihuahuas will experience dental problems. Allowing your Chihuahua to suffer from poor oral health can reduce their lifespan. Bacteria enters the bloodstream through bleeding gums (caused by gingivitis) and goes straight to the heart and kidneys.
Gender – statistically speaking, females live longer than their male counterparts. The exact cause of this longer average lifespan is unknown, but studies suggest female Chihuahuas live 1 to 2 years longer than males.
Activity Levels – keeping your Chihuahua active is crucial to promoting a long, healthy life. Whether it’s playing fetch, tug-of-war (with a toy, of course), or going for a walk around the neighbor, give your Chi plenty of daily exercise. Doing so will burn excess fat, build muscle, strengthen their immune system and ward off illness, of which impact their average lifespan.
The World’s Oldest Chihuahua
The world’s oldest Chihuahua on record (keyword being on record) is Megabyte, who passed away on January 1, 2014 at the age of 20 years and 265 days. Other than the occasional news article and blog posts, details are scare about Megabyte’s life; however, we know this full-bred Chihuahua lived 20 full years before passing away on New Year’s Day, 2014.
There have been several reports of Chihuahuas living to 20, 21 and even 22 years of age. These reports were never verified, and thus Megabyte retains his title as the world’s oldest Chihuahua.
Chihuahua Age In Human Years and Dog Years
Age In Human Years
Age In Dog Years
1
15
2
21
3
25
4
29
5
33
6
37
7
41
8
45
9
49
10
53
11
57
12
61
13
65
14
69
15
73
16
77
17
81
18
85
19
89
20
93
21
97
22
101
23
105
24
109
25
113
*this chart can be used for all dogs under 20 pounds.
Does your Chihuahua pace frantically around your feet when he hears the metal-on-metal jingle of your car keys?
Most Chihuahuas will literally jump at the opportunity to ride in a car, and with an average weight of just 3 to 6 pounds, they are the perfect size for road trips. Before allowing your Chihuahua to hitch a ride, though, there are a few things you should know to create a safe and positive experience.
Why Chihuahuas Love Car Rides
Let’s first take a closer look at why Chihuahuas enjoy car rides.
It exposes them to new people and animals. Other than the occasional house guest or postal delivery worker, the average Chihuahua doesn’t see many new faces. This lack of socialization often leads to behavioral problems like separation anxiety later down the road. By taking your Chihuahua for car rides on a regular basis, though, you can prevent these problems.
They can smell every little scent in the air. With approximately 220 million olfactory receptors in their nose, a Chihuahua’s sense of smell is approximately 1,000 to 10,000,000 stronger than ours. When riding in a car, this allows our canine companions to smell every little scent in the air, including food, flowers, grass, rain, and even the hormones of other animals.
It triggers their prey-chasing instinct. Riding in a car triggers the Chihuahua’s natural prey-chasing instinct — the same instinct that his wolf ancestors developed thousands of years ago. From a Chihuahua’s perspective in the backseat, it looks like everything around them is moving, which stimulates his instinct to chase prey.
It’s an activity Chihuahuas share with their owner. Riding in a car isn’t a solo activity for Chihuahuas; it’s an activity they can share with their owner. And being that Chihuahuas are social animals, most enjoy car rides.
Don’t Allow Your Chihuahua to Roam Free
Most people are aware of the dangers of texting while driving, but did you know that driving with an unrestrained dog also increases the risk of an accident?
According to a survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Kurgo, 84% of respondents take their dog on road trips but do not use a restraint, while 29% admit to being distracted by their dog while they drive. Common reasons for not using a restraint include “My dog is calm,” “I never considered it,” and “I’m just taking my dog on short trips.”
Regardless of your Chihuahua’s disposition and how far you are driving, you shouldn’t allow your canine companion to roam free in the car for the following reasons:
Driving with an unrestrained Chihuahua is a distraction. Without a restraint, your Chihuahua can distract you by jumping in your lap, licking your face, or simply getting into things he shouldn’t be — and taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds increases the risk of an accident by 24x, according to a distracted driver study published in the Journal of Transportation Safety and Security.
Your Chihuahua may bump the gear shift. If your Chihuahua accidentally bumps the gear shift while you are driving, it can send your car’s transmission into neutral, park or reverse.
An unrestrained Chihuahua can obstruct your gas and brake pedals. Being the world’s smallest dog, a Chihuahua can easily wiggle his way onto the floorboard, preventing you from reaching the gas or brake pedals.
An unrestrained dog is a flying projectile during an accident. A 5-pound Chihuahua in a crash at 30 mph will exert approximately 150 pounds of pressure, turning him into a flying projectile that can injure him, you or other passengers in the vehicle.
Your Chihuahua can escape after an accident. Hopefully this never happens, but your Chihuahua can run away after an accident if he isn’t restrained.
Your Chihuahua can interfere with first responders after an accident. Even if he doesn’t run away, your Chihuahua can still interfere with first responders after an accident if he isn’t restrained.
You might get ticketed. Allowing your Chihuahua to roam free in your car could land you in trouble with the law. In Hawaii, for instance, it’s against the law to drive while holding a pet in your lap. In New Jersey, motorists who improperly transport animals could face up to $1,000 in fines, and in extreme cases, animal cruelty charges. Even if you live in a state that doesn’t have a law prohibiting driving with an unrestrained dog, this activity may still fall under general distracted driving laws.
Choosing a Restraint
There are several ways to restrain your Chihuahua in the car, including the use of a crate, seat beat harness, barrier and booster seat.
#1) Crate
Confining your Chihuahua to a crate is a safe and effective way to restrain him while you drive. After coercing your Chihuahua into the crate, place the crate in the back seat (never the front seat) and fasten it to the seat. You can do this by threading the seat belt through the crate, or by using a special strap like the Kurgo Carrier Keeper. Either way, you need to secure the crate so it doesn’t move around.
When choosing a crate, make sure it’s just large enough for your Chihuahua to stand up and turn around, but not so large that he’ll slide around as the car moves.
Keep in mind that most dog crates sold at pet stores are made of cheap plastic or aluminum materials, neither of which handle well under the stress of a crash. To reduce the risk of serious injury to your Chihuahua during an accident, consider investing in a stronger and more durable travel crate. The Center for Pet Safety and Subaru of America recently conducted a study to determine the “crashworthiness” of pet travel crates, which you can find here.
#2) Seat Belt Harness
A second restraint option is a special harness that attaches either directly to the seat belt or a tether connecting to the seat belt. You place your Chihuahua into the harness and then connect the harness to the seat belt. Seat belt harnesses still provide some wiggle room, though it’s not enough for your Chihuahua to escape or otherwise cause an accident.
A good seat belt harness should feature strong webbing material and a heavy-duty buckle (not plastic or nylon). The harness should also wrap around your Chihuahua’s body to evenly distribute the force of impact.
Like crates, many seat belt harnesses are made with cheap materials that can break during a crash. The Center for Pet Safety conducted a crash test study of several popular seat belt harnesses for pets, which you can find here.
#3) Barriers
Typically used in SUVs, wagons and hatchback vehicles, a barrier is a third option to consider. It creates a partition between the front and rear sections of the vehicle so you can confine your Chihuahua to the back.
There are two main types of pet barriers for cars:
Metal: Made of either steel or aluminum, metal pet barriers fasten to the floor and ceiling with pressure mounts.
Mesh Fabric: Made of a lighter and weaker synthetic fabric, mesh barriers fasten to the floor and ceiling with straps.
Although it will keep your Chihuahua out of your lap while you drive, a barrier alone offers minimal protection from injury during a crash. If you plan on using a barrier, either restrain your Chihuahua in a crate or tether in place him with a harness.
#4) Booster Seat
A booster seat is a box-shaped travel accessory that provides a comfortable sitting area for your Chihuahua. They typically feature a soft interior lining, as well as straps or an opening for the seat belt to secure it in place.
Booster seats offer little-to-no protection from injury, unless the Chihuahua is also anchored in place. Only use a booster seat if both it and your Chihuahua are safely anchored in place. Some models like the Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat feature a separate tether to secure the dog. If your booster seat doesn’t have this attachment, purchase a separate seat belt harness to use with it.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness
Some Chihuahuas experience motion sickness when riding in cars just like we do. According to a Pfizer Animal Health study, 17% of all dogs (7.2 million) suffered from motion sickness (kinetosis).
The biological mechanism behind motion sickness remains unknown, though some experts theorize that it could be attributed to conflicting sensory signals in the brain. When riding in a car, a dog’s eyes tell him that he’s stationary while everything around him is moving. His inner ear, however, senses motion. Perhaps these mixed signals trigger a response by the dog’s vestibular system, making him sick.
Symptoms of motion sickness in dogs include:
Panting
Yawning
Licking lips
Vomiting
Restlessness
Listlessness
Whining
Shaking
Diarrhea
Reluctance to enter car
Because true motion sickness is triggered by motion, no conventional method is 100% effective at preventing it. If your car is moving, his senses will be affected, which can lead to motion sickness.
Rolling you car windows down may offer some relief by allowing your Chihuahua to smell the outside air. Stopping periodically and allowing your Chihuahua to walk around can help as well. You can also reduce the risk of vomiting by not feeding for your Chihuahua for at least two hours before the trip.
Medication is another option to consider if your Chihuahua frequently experiences motion sickness when riding in cars. Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate may offer relief but can be sedating. Currently, the only drug approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent motion sickness in dogs is Cernia, which is not sedating. Nonetheless, it too caries the risk of side effects, including lethargy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, drooling, and allergic reactions in rare cases. Talk with your veterinarian to learn more about the treatment options for motion sickness.
Motion sickness typically occurs more frequently in puppies than adult dogs, so your Chihuahua may grow out of it.
How to Prevent Car Ride Anxiety
While most Chihuahuas jump at the opportunity to go for a car ride, others aren’t so enthusiastic. According to a survey of more than 2,000 dog owners conducted by ThinderShirt, 5% of all dogs suffer from car ride anxiety.
If your Chihuahua suffers from car ride anxiety, it can make otherwise routine and necessary trips to the veterinarian or groomer difficult. Instead of entering the car on his own free will, your Chihuahua may seek cover under the bed, forcing you to play an unwanted game of hide-and-go-seek. And once you finally get him in the car, he may exhibit symptoms such as panting, drooling, restlessness, shaking and vomiting.
Here are some tips to ease your Chihuahua’s car ride anxiety:
Let your Chihuahua sit in the car while it’s parked. Using treats, coerce your Chihuahua into the car while it’s parked and sit with him for 5 to 10 minutes every day. Without the added stimuli of actually traveling, your Chihuahua will become more relaxed and comfortable in the car.
Don’t force your Chihuahua into his crate or seat. This will only amplify his car travel anxiety while making it ten times harder to fix. Instead, place a treat down where you want your Chihuahua to sit. This will also give you the opportunity to restrain him while he’s relaxed.
Provide your Chihuahua with familiar objects. To create a sense of familiarity, place one of your Chihuahua’s favorite toys and a blanket in his seat.
Drive short distances first. Acclimate your Chihuahua to car travel by driving short distances first and gradually increasing the distance of your trips thereafter.
Make car travel a positive experience. The key to easing your Chihuahua’s car ride anxiety is to promote a positive experience. If you scold your Chihuahua for barking or having an accident in the car — something that’s bound to happen sooner or later — he’ll associate this negativity with car rides. On the other hand, if you reward your Chihuahua with a treat before and after the trip, he’ll view car travel as a positive experience.
Make frequent stops. When driving long distances, stop every 2 to 3 hours so your Chihuahua can stretch his legs, drink water, and do his business.
When making pit stops, always use a leash to walk your Chihuahua. Even if he’s well-trained, other animals, sounds or people may frighten your Chihuahua and cause him to run away.
If you plan on driving long distances with your Chihuahua, you should bring the following items.
In-car restraint (see above)
Identification tag
Contact information of both your veterinarian and a vet in the area to which you are traveling
Treats
Medication
Small bag of food
Several bottles of water
Food and water bowls
Blankets
Bed
Toys
Backpack or travel bag (great for keeping these items together)
Do you take your Chihuahua for car rides? Let us know in the comments section below!
Healthy adult Chihuahuas live an average of 15 to 20 years.
As with any breed, a Chihuahua’s lifespan varies depending on a number of different factors (see below for a complete list). Some of these factors are controllable, whereas others are outside of owners’ control. Owners should familiarize themselves with these factors so they give their Chihuahua the longest, fullest life possible.
There’s no fool-proof method for predicting exactly how long they can live, but current data suggests that Chihuahuas live an average of 15 to 20 years when properly cared for by a loving owner.
Small breeds like the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier live longer than medium-to-large breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Mastiff. Medium-to-large breeds have an average life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Does this mean all Chihuahuas live between 15 and 20 years? Not necessarily, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow.
Factors That Impact a Chihuahua’s Lifespan:
Diet – a Chihuahua’s diet will directly impact their lifespan. Owners should feed their furry four-legged friends a nutritious, well-balanced premium dog food with no fillers, preservatives or artificial flavors. Avoid the temptation of feeding your Chihuahua leftover dinner scraps, as this can lead to obesity, toxicosis and other health problems.
Weight – equally as influential in a Chihuahua’s lifespan is weight. Obese Chihuahuas are prone to a variety of adverse health conditions which may lower their average lifespan, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Underweight Chis may also experience a lower average lifespan due to malnutrition and a weakened immune system.
Healthcare – it should come as no surprise that healthcare plays a role in a Chihuahua’s lifespan as well. Taking them to the veterinarian for routine checkups will promote a long, healthy life by diagnosing illnesses early, before they progress to life-threatening ailments. Most veterinarians recommend taking adult Chihuahuas between the ages of 7 and 10 for a wellness check once a year. If you have senior Chihuahua over the age of 10, however, you should take them for a wellness check twice a year.
Genetics – “good genes” can lengthen a Chihuahuas lifespan, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to a pup’s parents if you’re looking to adopt. If the parents are healthy, energetic and happy, their pups are more likely to live a long and healthy life.
Spaying/neutering – Chihuahuas that are spayed and neutered tend to live longer than those that aren’t fixed. Neutering a male Chi before the age of year will decrease their risk of developing testicular and prostate cancers, and fixing female Chis before their first heat cycle can reduce their risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancers. Of course there are other health benefits associated with spaying and neutering a Chihuahua, such as lowered aggression levels, reduced risk of running away, and fewer pups ending up in the pound.
Vaccinations – Chihuahuas require vaccinations and follow-up booster shots to protect against potentially life-threatening disease like the parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica (kenel cough), canine influenza, distemper and rabies.
Oral Care – like most small breeds, Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems like tooth decay, tooth toss and gum disease. Some studies suggest that as many as 9 out of 10 Chihuahuas will experience dental problems. Allowing your Chihuahua to suffer from poor oral health can reduce their lifespan. Bacteria enters the bloodstream through bleeding gums (caused by gingivitis) and goes straight to the heart and kidneys.
Gender – statistically speaking, females live longer than their male counterparts. The exact cause of this longer average lifespan is unknown, but studies suggest female Chihuahuas live 1 to 2 years longer than males.
Activity Levels – keeping your Chihuahua active is crucial to promoting a long, healthy life. Whether it’s playing fetch, tug-of-war (with a toy, of course), or going for a walk around the neighbor, give your Chi plenty of daily exercise. Doing so will burn excess fat, build muscle, strengthen their immune system and ward off illness, of which impact their average lifespan.
The World’s Oldest Chihuahua
The world’s oldest Chihuahua on record (keyword being on record) is Megabyte, who passed away on January 1, 2014 at the age of 20 years and 265 days. Other than the occasional news article and blog posts, details are scare about Megabyte’s life; however, we know this full-bred Chihuahua lived 20 full years before passing away on New Year’s Day, 2014.
There have been several reports of Chihuahuas living to 20, 21 and even 22 years of age. These reports were never verified, and thus Megabyte retains his title as the world’s oldest Chihuahua.
Chihuahua Age In Human Years and Dog Years
Age In Human Years
Age In Dog Years
1
15
2
21
3
25
4
29
5
33
6
37
7
41
8
45
9
49
10
53
11
57
12
61
13
65
14
69
15
73
16
77
17
81
18
85
19
89
20
93
21
97
22
101
23
105
24
109
25
113
*this chart can be used for all dogs under 20 pounds.
Degenerative arthritis (AKA osteoarthritis) is a common and oftentimes painful joint condition that affects as much as 20% of the Chihuahua population. Chihuahuas suffering from this condition may exhibit signs of general discomfort and weakness around their joints, making it difficult for them to walk normally. While there’s no cure for canine arthritis, there are ways to slow down its progress and help deal with pain management. Whether you believe your Chihuahua is suffering from this condition or not, it’s recommended that you educate and familiarize yourself with canine arthritis.
Some owners brush off their Chihuahua’s arthritis as a non-concerning issue. The good news is that it typically doesn’t result in any life-threatening complications. However, the bad news is that arthritis can be a painful and even debilitating condition that makes it difficult for a Chihuahua to easily move around. As a loving and caring owner, it’s up to you to make sure your Chihuahua is healthy and happy.
Arthritis Symptoms and Signs
Think your Chihuahua is suffering from arthritis? As previously stated, it’s a degenerative condition that becomes worse the older they are. Chihuahuas in the early stages of arthritis may not exhibit any symptoms at all, making it difficult for owners and even professional veterinarians to diagnose. On the other hand, older Chihuahuas in advanced stages of arthritis will likely exhibit a variety of more easily identifiable symptoms.
Here are some of the symptoms and signs that your Chihuahua may be suffering from arthritis:
Yelp in pain when you pick them up.
Holding one or more legs up as they walk.
Less likely to jump up on the couch or other furniture.
Spending more time in their bed rather than running around the house like they normally do.
Sudden, unexplained weight gain.
Lowe levels of physical activity and endurance.
Loss of interests in toys and other forms of play.
Chihuahua In Recovery
Diagnosing Arthritis
If your Chihuahua is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. While these are all common signs associated with this common joint problem, they don’t necessarily mean your Chihuahua is suffering from arthritis. The only way to determine if your Chihuahua is truly suffering from arthritis is through a thorough examination from a qualified, professional veterinarian. This is typically done through physical examinations along with an X-ray.
The earlier you can diagnose arthritis in your Chihuahua, the better. As previously stated, it’s a degenerative condition that gets worse over time. Waiting until your Chihuahua is yelping in pain before seeking treatment will make the condition more painful and difficult to deal with. This is why it’s important to take your Chihuahua to the veterinarian for a thorough examination from the moment you suspect arthritis is troubling them.
Treatment Options For Chihuahuas Suffering From Arthritis
When it comes to arthritis, it’s best to take a proactive approach to slow down its progress. You can’t give your Chihuahua a magic pill to make their condition go away, but you can dramatically slow its progress, which should be your primary goal. If you aren’t doing so already, incorporate glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate into your Chihuahua’s diet. These compounds are known to have a positive impact on joint health in both animals and humans. When used together, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate both reduce the degradation of joint cartridge and help to build it at the same time.
You should also be aware of your Chihuahua’s weight, as obesity may speed up and worsen the effects of arthritis. The additional fat causes a greater amount of pressure on their joints, which then leads to arthritis. If your Chihuahua is overweight, you should work on changing their diet and incorporating more physical activity into their daily routine. See more about helping an obese Chihuahua lose weight here.
Surgery should only be used as a last resort to treat arthritis in a Chihuahua. Depending on the type of arthritis your Chihuahua has and where the most problematic areas are, surgery could do more harm than good. For this reason, it’s recommended that you exhaust all of the other forms of treatment before considering surgery. However, in severe situations, surgery could be used as a last resort.
Arthritis treatments are generally designed to either treat the pain or the joint problem itself. Treating the joints is necessary to slow the progress of arthritis down, while treating the pain is done to increase the Chihuahua’s quality of life. These are both essential steps towards dealing with arthritis.
Physical therapy could also be a viable form option for treating arthritis in a Chihuahua. Allowing them to swim around works out there muscles without placing pressure on their joints. Depending on the specific type of arthritis your Chihuahua is suffering from, this could alleviate slow down its destructive progress.
Chihuahua Laying On The Couch
Arthritis pain management options (note: always talk to your veterinarian before administering any medication to your Chihuahua):
Install carpet flooring as opposed to slick hardwood or laminate. Surfaces such as these may place a greater strain on your Chihuahua’s joints. Alternatively, you can also lay out area rugs where your Chihuahua commonly travels.
Talk with your veterinarian about placing your Chihuahua on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Aspirin. When a proper dosage is administered, it can prove helpful in relieving some of their pain and joint inflammation.
If your dog gets on the bed or couch, consider using a ramp or padded doggie stairs so they don’t have to jump.
Make sure your Chihuahua is well hydrated with a 24/7 access to fresh water.
If you’ve noticed your Chihuahua licking, scratching or chewing himself excessively, he could be suffering from an allergies.
Affecting up to 27% of all dogs, allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases in Chihuahuas. Some Chihuahuas develop allergies seasonally, whereas others experience them year-round. Unfortunately, owners often mistake the symptoms of a reaction to other conditions like mange or ringworm, resulting in ineffective treatment.
In this article, we’re going to explore the following topics about Chihuahua allergies:
What causes allergies in Chihuahuas
What happens during an allergic reaction
The different types of allergies
Symptoms of an allergic reaction
Testing methods to diagnose allergies
Medication and treatment for allergies
Overview of Chihuahua Allergies
Allergies are characterized by an overactive immune response to one or more foreign objects. When a foreign object to which a Chihuahua is allergic (allergen) enters his body or makes direct contact with his skin, the Chihuahua’s immune system responds by producing an excessive amount of antibodies; thus, causing an allergic reaction.
Antibodies are normally harmless; in fact, they play an important role in a healthy immune system by neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses. If a Chihuahua becomes an infected with bacteria or a virus, his immune system will respond by sending antibodies to attack the pathogen.
Some Chihuahuas, however, experience a hypersensitive immune response to otherwise harmless substances like pollen, dust and food ingredients.
With allergies, the Chihuahua’s immune system “thinks” it’s being invaded by a pathogen, so it produces an excessive amount of antibodies to attack the substance. The antibodies attach themselves to the allergen to form a cell mast. When the cell mast collapses, it releases powerful chemicals like histamines and prostaglandins, which causes skin inflammation, redness, itching and other characteristic symptoms of an allergy attack.
Symptoms of Allergies in Chihuahuas
The symptoms of an allergic reaction vary depending on the way in which the Chihuahua’s immune system responds to the allergen. Some Chihuahuas may only sneeze, whereas others may scratch their skin and lick their paws. Additionally, the severity of these symptoms typically increases with age, which is why it’s important to provide proper treatment.
Here are some common symptoms of an allergic reaction:
Pruritus (severe itching)
Scratching
Excessive hair loss
Skin redness
Skin inflammation
Dry, flaking skin
Sneezing
Runny eyes
Rubbing face with paws
Paw licking
Whining/whimpering
Reverse sneezing
Scooting bottom across floor
Secondary skin and ear infections
When food allergies are to blame, a Chihuahua may also exhibit gas, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and slowed growth.
Can Chihuahuas Develop Allergies Later in Life?
Some owners assume their Chihuahua is safe from allergies just because they’ve never experienced an allergic reaction. The truth, however, is that no dog is born with an allergy; it’s a condition they develop over time. Most allergies in Chihuahuas, for instance, manifest between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. Prior to this time, the Chihuahua won’t experience any adverse reactions when exposed to the allergen.
What Causes Allergies?
Both generic and environmental factors play a role in the development of allergies. If a sire or dam has allergies, the pup is also more likely to develop allergies. Therefore, many veterinarians and breed experts caution against breeding Chihuahuas that suffer from allergies.
Exposure to allergens at an early age can also sensitize pups to the respective allergens, increasing the risk of allergies later in life. If a Chihuahua pup is frequently exposed to dust mites, for example, he’s more likely to develop dust mite allergies as an adult.
The Different Types of Allergies in Chihuahuas
There are four primary types of allergies from which Chihuahuas may suffer.
Allergic Chihuahuas typically have two or more allergies, which are triggered my multiple allergens. If a Chihuahua is allergic to fleas, for instance, he may also have a food allergy.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is the most common type of allergy from which Chihuahuas suffer, accounting for roughly half of all dermatological cases seen by vets. While most Chihuahuas experience some degree of itching from flea bites, those suffering from FAD will experience more severe and intense itching — and it only takes a single bite to trigger this reaction.
When a flea bites a Chihuahua, it draws blood while simultaneously injecting a small amount of saliva into the skin. Flea saliva contains over 15 allergenic chemicals and compounds that may trigger an allergic reaction. If a Chihuahua is allergic to one or more of these compounds, he will scratch and chew himself profusely, especially on the skin right above his tail.
You can typically diagnose FAD by monitoring your Chihuahua’s environment for fleas. If you discover fleas in your home and notice your Chihuahua scratching and chewing himself, he’s probably suffering from FAD, in which case you should take steps to eliminate these pests from your home.
Tips for eliminating fleas in your home:
Keep relative humidity below 50%
Set your thermostat to 74 degrees Fahrenheit or below
Wash your Chihuahua’s beds, blankets and other bedding with hot water
Bathe your Chihuahua twice weekly
Brush your Chihuahua’s coat using a flea comb daily
Vacuum floors daily
Maintain a clean landscape by mowing grass and brush
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) around beds and high-traffic areas
Treat your Chihuahua with a flea preventative medicine
Rinse and repeat these steps until the fleas are gone
Keep in mind that only 5% of a typical flea infestation consists of adult fleas. The remaining 95% are pupae, larvae and eggs. So, if you see 50 adult fleas in your home, there are probably 950 other fleas waiting to develop.
#2) Inhalant
Also known as atopic dermatitis or simply atopy, inhalant allergies are the second most common type of allergies in Chihuahuas. They are caused by airborne compounds like tree pollen, weed pollen, grass pollen, mold, fungi and dust mites. Upon inhaling an allergen, the Chihuahua will experience intense itching throughout his body as well as upper-respiratory symptoms like sneezing and runny eyes.
Inhalant allergies can be seasonal, or they can be year-round. If a Chihuahua is only allergic to ragweed pollen, for instance, he may only experience symptoms during summer and spring. If he’s allergic to mold, on the other hand, his symptoms may persist throughout the year unless mold is eliminated and controlled in his environment.
Dust Mites
According to DVM360, 30% to 80% of all dogs with allergies are allergic to dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae). With an average length of just 0.008 to 0.012 inches (0.2–0.3 mm), dust mites are too small to see with the naked eye. If you were to look at them under a microscope, however, you’d see tiny eight-legged bugs that resemble a fat-bodied spider.
Dust mite allergies are triggered by a digestive enzyme found in their feces (Peptidase 1). Dust mites feed on the dead skin cells of humans and animals as well as certain types of mold. And being that we shed roughly 1.5 grams of skin daily, finding food isn’t a problem for these pests. Over the course of 10 weeks, a single dust mite can produce up to 2,000 particles of allergenic feces.
Just how common are dust mites in the home? Statistics show that a used mattress can contain up to 10 million dust mites, while a single square foot carpet can contain up to 1,000 dust mites.
Dust mite allergies aren’t limited strictly to pets. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it’s one of the most common triggers of allergies and asthma in people. So, if you suffer from year-round allergies, dust mites could be to blame.
Tips for controlling dust mites and other inhalant allergens in your home:
Keep relative humidity below 50%
Turn on bathroom exhaust fan when showing or bathing
Keep windows and doors shut
Install a High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) air filter, replacing it every 60 to 90 days*
Install an air purifier
Vacuum floors with a HEPA vacuum cleaner*
Leave your shoes at the front door
Store your Chihuahua’s food in a sealed container
When mowing your lawn, bag and dispose of grass clippings away from house
Wash pet bedding as well as your own bedding weekly
Wash curtains and drapes
Clean windows and windowsills
Dust furniture and hard surfaces with a damp washcloth
*HEPA filters are designed to filter at least 99.97% of all airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. To put that number into perspective, 0.3 microns is roughly 0.000011811 inches.
#3) Food
Accounting for roughly 10% of all canine allergies, food allergies are the third most common allergy in Chihuahuas. Also known as food hypersensitivity, it’s characterized by an overactive immune response to one or more ingredients found in food. Like other allergies, the Chihuahua’s immune system wrongfully identifies the ingredient as being a foreign invader, resulting in the various biochemical reactions and subsequent allergy symptoms.
The most common food allergens, in order of occurrence, include:
Beef (accounts for roughly one-third of all food-related allergies in dogs)
Dairy
Chicken
Wheat
Egg
Lamb
Soy
Corn
Pork
Rice
Fish
Rabbit
Yeast
Beware of Food Additives!
While most food-related allergies are triggered by the ingredients listed above, some are caused by additives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, propyl gallate, monosodium glutamate (MSG / E621), artificial dyes and trans fat.
Treating Chihuahua Food Allergies with a Novel Diet
Medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids may offer some relief of food allergies, but it only masks the symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause. As long as your Chihuahua consumes the ingredient to which he is allergic, he will continue to exhibit allergy symptoms. Therefore, you need to identify the problematic ingredient by introducing your Chihuahua to a novel diet.
A novel diet consists of proteins and carbohydrates that your Chihuahua hasn’t previously consumed in his diet. If your Chihuahua usually eats a beef and rice food, for instance, try transitioning him to rabbit and sweet potato food. If symptoms don’t improve after two to three months, try a different food consisting of a new protein and carbohydrate. During this trial period, avoid feeding your Chihuahua treats, chews, rawhides or table food.
The goal of a novel diet is to find the right combination of proteins and carbohydrates that doesn’t trigger an allergic reaction. Once you’ve found a combination that works, you can gradually add other ingredients to your Chihuahua’s diet until his nutritional needs are met. With that said, you should never starve your Chihuahua when introducing him to a novel diet. If he’s not eating a new food, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance
Not all adverse reactions to food are caused by allergies. Chihuahuas can have a food intolerance, which is characterized by an adverse reaction by the digestive system instead of the immune system. Because it’s not associated with an immune response, traditional allergy medication is ineffective at treating a food intolerance.
Symptoms of a food intolerance are often similar to a food allergy, with affected Chihuahuas experiencing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and bloating. Because of these similarities, many owners mistakenly believe their Chihuahua suffers from a food allergy when they really have an intolerance. However, one noticeable difference is that food allergies typically cause itching as well, whereas food intolerance only cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
A food intolerance can progress to a food allergy if left unaddressed. If you believe your Chihuahua suffers from a food allergy or an intolerance, you should introduce him to a novel diet to identify the problematic ingredient or ingredients. Once you’ve found the ingredient that triggers your Chihuahua’s adverse reaction, you can eliminate it from his diet.
#4) Contact
Contact allergies are the least common type of allergies in Chihuahuas. As the name suggests, they are triggered by direct skin contact with the respective allergen, resulting in localized symptoms at the point of contact.
Contact allergens may include antibiotic creams, nickel, chromium, leather, rubber, wool and plastic.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis vs Irritant Contact Dermatitis
There’s also irritant contact dermatitis, which is caused by direct contact with irritating plants, chemicals or substances. Irritant contact dermatitis, however, isn’t associated with an allergic reaction, nor does it require a period of sensitization. Rather, all Chihuahuas will experience a negative skin reaction when exposed to the irritating substance. Exposure to bleach-based cleaning products, road salt and solvent chemicals are common triggers of irritant contact dermatitis.
Allergy Testing and Diagnosis
The single most effective solution for preventing allergy attacks is to remove the allergen from the Chihuahua’s environment. If your Chihuahua is allergic to nickel, for instance, you should avoid using leashes, collars, dog bowls or other pet products containing this metal. Or if he’s allergic to ragweed pollen, monitor the pollen count in your area and keep your Chihuahua indoors — with the occasional outdoor bathroom break — when ragweed levels are high.
To do this, however, you must first identify the specific allergen that triggers his attacks. Only then can you eliminate the allergen from his environment. Implementing a hypoallergenic novel dietary trial can help owners identify and avoid food-related allergens (see above). For inhalant and contact allergies, the following testing methods are available.
Serum Testing
Serum testing involves taking a sample of the Chihuahua’s blood and testing it for allergen-specific immune globulin E (IgE) antibodies. The suspected allergen is added to the blood sample, and if the Chihuahua is allergic to that allergen, IgE antibodies will bind to it.
There are two primary serum tests available: RAST (radioallergosorbent) and the newer ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Both tests use a similar process, though the latter is said to be more accurate. Serum testing takes several weeks to complete, with an average cost of $200 to $300.
Intradermal Skin Testing (Recommended)
Also known as prick testing, intradermal skin testing is the recommended method for diagnosing allergies in Chihuahuas. Studies show it’s 75% accurate at identifying allergens in dogs, making it far more effective than RAST and ELISA testing. The Chihuahua is sedated and partially shaved to expose his skin, after which the veterinarian carefully injects up to 70 different possible allergens into his skin. If the Chihuahua is allergic to one of these allergens, a localized reaction will occur.
Not all Chihuahuas are suitable candidates for intradermal skin testing, however. If your Chihuahua’s skin is severely damaged — from scratching, infection or inflammation — the veterinarian may recommend serum testing instead. Intradermal skin testing also requires the Chihuahua to stop taking antihistamines, corticosteroids and other allergy drugs for at least several weeks prior to the test.
Additionally, owners of Chihuahuas that compete in the show ring are often reluctant to use intradermal skin testing, as it requires a substantial area of the Chihuahua’s body to be shaved.
Intradermal skin testing is typically performed within just a few hours, with an average cost of $250 to $300.
Hair and Saliva Testing
There are also hair and saliva tests available to diagnose allergies in Chihuahuas. You collect the hair and/or saliva sample from your Chihuahua and then ship it to the company’s lab for testing. Unfortunately, it’s the least accurate testing method and often results in false positives. Because of this, neither the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) nor the European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD) recommend hair and saliva testing to diagnose allergies in dogs.
Hair and saliva tests take a few weeks to complete, with an average cost of $75 to $150.
How to Treat Allergies in Chihuahuas
While there’s no vaccine available to prevent allergies in Chihuahuas, there are treatment options available to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks, including omega-3 fatty acids, antihistamines, corticosteroids, immune modulators, immunotherapy, biotin, yucca root, probiotics, essential oils and medicated shampoos.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids work by reducing inflammation in the body, which is a characteristic symptom of an allergic reaction. There are several different types of omega-3s, including ALA (alpha linoleic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). While all omega-3s may offer some relief of allergies in Chihuahuas, EPAs are the most effective for allergies. EPAs are commonly found in fish and fish oil, whereas DHAs and ALAs are found in vegetables and grains.
In addition to feeding your Chihuahua food containing fish, you can also increase his intake of omega-3s with supplements, such as those offered by Nordic Naturals and Nutramax. Most veterinary experts recommend a dosage of 20 to 50 mg omega-3s per pound of body weight.
Don’t confuse omega-3 with omega-6 fatty acids, because only the former reduces inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids have the opposite effect by promoting inflammation and potentially worsening the Chihuahua’s allergies. Nonetheless, Chihuahuas need both omega-6s and omega-3s at about a 10:1 ratio for proper immune function.
Omega-3s work best when used in conjunction with other allergy medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benedryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlortimeton), hydroxyzine (Atarax) and ceterizine (Zyrtec) may offer relief of allergies in Chihuahuas by blocking the release of histamines. Once administered, the drug binds to the Chihuahua’s histamine receptors, weakening the histamine reaction associated with allergies.
The most common side effect of antihistamines in Chihuahuas is drowsiness.
Dosage for the antihistamine diphenhydramine is 1 mg per pound of your Chihuahua’s body weight, administered two to three times per day. If your Chihuahua is reluctant to consume liquid diphenhydramine, try the tablet form. You can make tablets more palatable by covering them in a small amount of peanut butter or regular butter. Just remember to choose diphenhydramine that doesn’t contain other drugs like pseudoephedrine or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
However, antihistamines are only effective in about 30% of Chihuahuas, and they typically only work when taken before an allergic reaction occurs. But just because one antihistamine is ineffective doesn’t necessarily mean they all are. If your Chihuahua has taken an antihistamine daily for at least week without experiencing any relief of his allergies, switch to a different antihistamine. Through trial and error, you can often find one that works for your Chihuahua’s allergies.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that suppress the immune system’s response to allergens, similar to the way in which antihistamines work. Antihistamines, however, only block the release of histamines, whereas corticosteroids target multiple chemicals associated with allergies, including histamines, prostaglandins and other chemicals. Because of this multi-pronged approach, corticosteroids are one of the most effective types of canine allergy medication on the market.
While effective at treating allergies, corticosteroids carry a risk of many short- and long-term side effects, including aggression, increased thirst, increased hunger, increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, liver dysfunction and infection. Side effects can be minimized by tapering your Chihuahua down to a lower dosage, as per your veterinarian’s instructions.
Corticosteroids are available in oral, injectable and topical forms. Injectable corticosteroids are the most effective but also have the greatest risk of adverse side effects, whereas topical corticosteroids are the least effective and have the lowest risk of adverse side effects. Oral corticosteroids fall somewhere in the middle, offering a harmonious balance between strength and safety.
The same drugs are often found in both oral and injectable corticosteroids, including betamethasone, dexamethasone, flumethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone and triamcinolon. Topical corticosteroids include clobetasol propionate, hydrocortisone, mometasone and triamcinolone.
Immune Modulators
Immune modulators are drugs used to treat and manage allergies by regulating the immune system. They are fast acting, effective, have mild side effects — nausea, vomiting and diarrhea — and don’t cause dependency. Symptoms are improved in about half of all Chihuahuas treated with immune modulators.
Although rare, immune modulators may cause liver problems and anemia. Routine blood analysis is required for long-term use of immune modulators to monitor the Chihuahua’s white blood cell count and liver enzymes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the immune modulating drugs Apoquel (oclacitinib) and Atopica (cyclosporine) for use in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, both of which work by inhibiting the production and release inflammatory cytokines. Apoquel and Atopica offers relief of all types of allergies.
Apoquel should only be given to Chihuahuas over 12 months of age and weighing at least 6.6 pounds. Atopica should only be given to Chihuahuas over 6 months of age and weighing at least 4 pounds. Both drugs require a prescription from your veterinarian.
Immunotherapy
A relatively new treatment for canine allergies is immunotherapy. Also known as hyposensitization, it involves injecting small amounts of the substances to which your Chihuahua is allergic under his skin, with the goal of desensitizing your Chihuahua to the respective allergens. As the Chihuahua is exposed to the allergens, his immune system begins to correct itself by developing a tolerance to them; thus, reducing the risk of future allergy attacks being triggered by the allergens.
According to Banfield, reports show that immunotherapy has a 50% to 80% success rate when used to treat allergies in dogs. However, it can take up to five months before any noticeable change in symptoms occurs.
Before immunotherapy can be performed, an allergy test is needed to identify the exact compounds to which your Chihuahua is allergic. Once these compounds have been identified, a series of injectable shots containing the antigens will be prepared. Most dogs begin at a lose dosage, with the veterinarian gradually increasing the dog’s dosage every six weeks until a maintenance dose is achieved.
When performed under the guidance of a veterinarian, adverse side effects of immunotherapy are minimal, consisting only of localized allergic reaction at the site of injection. Immunotherapy can be performed at your veterinarian’s office, or you can inject the shots into your Chihuahua at home.
However, the first few injections should be performed at the veterinarian’s office so he or she can monitor your Chihuahua for signs of rare but serious side effect known as anaphylaxis. Assuming your Chihuahua experienced either no adverse reaction or a mild adverse reaction, your veterinarian may allow you to perform the injections at home, which significantly reduces the cost of immunotherapy.
Because their immune systems are still developing, immunotherapy is most effective when performed on younger Chihuahuas with allergies. A senior Chihuahua may experience little-to-no relief from immunotherapy.
Biotin
Vitamin B7, or what’s more commonly known as biotin, may relieve some of the symptoms associated with allergies in Chihuahuas. This water-soluble vitamin performs a variety of functions, including fat synthesis, regulating metabolism, cardiovascular health, digestion, nervous system function, skin health, coat health and more.
According to a 1989 Swiss study of 119 dogs suffering from dermatitis, itching and other skin problems, biotin was effective in 91% of dogs. For 60% of the dogs, it completely eliminated their symptoms.
Because biotin is water-soluble, it doesn’t have any adverse side effects. If your Chihuahua consumes too much, he willy simply pass the excess through his urine. However, it can take up to three months for any noticeable change in your Chihuahua’s symptoms to occur.
Biotin is found in eggs, legumes, whole grains and fish. Alternatively, you can give your Chihuahua a biotin supplement. Biotin supplements should be given on an empty for maximum absorption.
Yucca Root
Typically sold as supplements or powder, yucca root consists of finely ground roots of the yucca plant (family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae). It contains a plethora or beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, beta-carotene, phosphorus and vitamin B.
While used to treat many ailments, yucca root is particularly effect at treating allergies thanks to its naturally occurring glycosides known as saponins. These saponins work by relieving inflammation, which of course is a characteristic symptom of allergies. Yucca root is also used to treat arthritis, digestion problems and hip dysplasia.
Yucca root is perfectly safe for Chihuahuas, though the plant from which it comes is not. The yucca plant (see photo to the right) is mildly toxic to dogs and may cause nausea and diarrhea. Therefore, only the root should be given to Chihuahuas as a supplement.
Probiotics
Not all bacteria to which Chihuahuas are exposed are harmful. Some, in fact, are actually beneficial to their health.
Chihuahuas have millions of good bacteria living in their gut, which are responsible for breaking down food, fighting harmful pathogens, creating vitamins and supporting a healthy immune system. When these bacteria colonies are eliminated or otherwise disrupted, it can lead to digestive distress, malnutrition, infection and even allergies. Probiotics, however, are used to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut and protect against conditions such as these.
The term “probiotics” refers to any bacteria or yeast that promotes good health when ingested. Natural sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and other fermented foods. Because most of these foods contain other ingredients that aren’t well tolerated by dogs, it’s recommended that you give your Chihuahua a supplement instead. Available in both capsule and liquid form, the latter of which requires refrigeration, probiotic supplements contain the same beneficial bacteria found in the gut.
Probiotic supplements for dogs typically contain the same beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract, some of which include:
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactococcus lactis
Enterococcus faecium
Bifidobacterium lactis
Lactobacillus casei
Bifidobacterium breve
When choosing probiotics for your Chihuahua, check the label to determine what strains it has and how many living bacteria are in it. Some probiotic manufacturers guarantee a minimum amount of live bacteria when consumed before a specified date.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are used to treat itching, inflammation, pain and other symptoms of an allergy attack. Some even contain anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, making them particularly effective at treating and preventing skin infections caused by allergies.
Essential oils can be applied directly to your Chihuahua’s skin or emitted as a breathable vapor into the air via a diffuser.
Some of the most commonly used essential oils include:
Lavender: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties
Peppermint: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and pain-relieving properties
Myrrh: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties
Lemongrass: heals damaged skin and protects against fleas, ticks and other insects
Helichrysum: Antiseptic and pain-relieving properties while also healing damaged skin
Niaouli: an alternative to tee tree oil, niaouli oil has antihistamine, antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties
You should only choose therapeutic-grade oils, as aromatherapy-grade oils may contain irritating and potentially harmful added chemicals.
Additionally, you should dilute the essential oil with a base oil like olive oil. Unless it’s formulated for dogs, most store-bought essential oils are too strong for our canine companions. Therefore, it’s recommended that you dilute it to 20 parts base oil to every one part essential oil. For every one drop of essential oil, for instance, you should add 20 drops of base oil.
Medicated Shampoo
Finally, medicated shampoo can relieve your Chihuahua’s allergies by moisturizing his skin, neutralizing itching, and removing topical allergens, oil, bacteria and yeast. A hypoallergenic shampoo containing miconazole and chloroxylenol, for instance, inhibits microbial growth to protect against secondary skin infections, whereas shampoos containing emollients like aloe vera and coconut oil moisturize and protect against dryness.
Some shampoos have an anti-pruritic effect, neutralizing the itching caused by allergies. If your Chihuahua suffers from intense itching, try a hypoallergenic medicated shampoo containing colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal has been used to treat skin ailments for thousands of years, with some of its first recorded uses dating back to Ancient Egypt. It consists of finely ground oatmeal (Avena sativa) that’s suspended in a liquid for maximum absorption. In addition to supplementing your Chihuahua with beneficial nutrients like protein and vitamin E, colloidal oatmeal soothes and protects against itchy skin.
When bathing your Chihuahua with a medicated shampoo, use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water promotes microbial reproduction and inflammation, which can worsen your Chihuahua’s symptoms.
Secondary Infections
Unfortunately, allergic Chihuahuas are susceptible to secondary skin and ear infections for two reasons:
Allergies cause Chihuahuas to scratch themselves profusely, resulting in open, infection-prone wounds.
Allergies are often treated with corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system, weakening the Chihuahua’s ability to fight off infection.
Secondary infections can be caused by pathogenic bacteria or yeast (fungi). When a bacterial infection occurs, you may notice localized redness, inflammation and pus-filled lesions. Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar but are also accompanied with a distinct foul odor and greasy fur.
Treatment for Secondary Infections
Don’t ignore a secondary infection, as they often require prescription medication to treat. If you believe your Chihuahua is suffering from a secondary infection of the skin or ears, take him to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
After taking a culture sample (if needed), your veterinarian can determine what type of pathogen is causing the infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat bacterial infections, while anti-fungal drugs are used to treat yeast infections. Medicated shampoos may also be prescribed to treat a secondary infection.
However, antibiotics can also make your Chihuahua more susceptible to yeast infection. Chihuahuas have colonies of good bacteria in their digestive skin and on their skin that help to protect against pathogenic yeast. Antibiotics eliminate all types of bacteria, both good and bad. So, even if antibiotics clear up a bacterial infection, it creates the ideal breeding grounds for a yeast infection.
Elizabethan Collar
If your Chihuahua has a secondary ear infection, you may want to use an Elizabethan collar. Also known as the cone of shame, this cone-shaped device wraps around your Chihuahua’s neck to prevent him from scratching his ear or face, which could otherwise worsen his infection. An Elizabethan collar can also stop your Chihuahua from biting and chewing a secondary skin infection on his body.
An Elizabethan collar isn’t going to stop your Chihuahua’s ear from itching; it only prevents him from scratching it. Most importantly, you need to treat your Chihuahua’s allergies to stop the itching. Even if a secondary infection clears up, it may return unless your Chihuahua’s allergies are properly managed.
The Bottom Line on Chihuahua Allergies…
As an owner, it’s heartbreaking to see your Chihuahua suffering from allergies. It may begin with him occasionally gnawing his tail, only to progress to constant self-inflicting wounds. Aside from the pain and discomfort this creates, this can also lead to secondary infections. A bald patch of fur can quickly turn into an open, bleeding wound; thus, increasing the risk of a bacterial or yeast infection.
Whether your Chihuahua is suffering from flea, inhalant, food or contact allergies, there are ways to treat and manage his condition. However, you should discuss all possible treatment options with your veterinarian to determine which method is best suited for your Chihuahua. If your Chihuahua suffers from mild seasonal allergies, antihistamines and allergen control may be recommended. If he suffers from severe food allergies, a novel dietary trial may be recommended to identify the problematic ingredient. A licensed veterinarian can help you identify the underlying cause of your Chihuahua’s allergies and offer recommendations on how to treat it.
Does your Chihuahua suffer from allergies? We’d love to hear your story in the comments section below!
It’s not uncommon for Chihuahuas to pick up ticks when they are running and playing outside. Once a tick falls into their fur, it will bite down and begin feasting on the Chihuahua’s blood. Ticks will fall off in 2-4 days when they are full of blood, but most veterinarians advise owners to remove ticks manually. If you’ve noticed a tick on your Chihuahua, remove it by following the steps listed here.
Allowing a tick to remain on your Chihuahua will leave them vulnerable to disease and infection. Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is one such disease that’s transmitted to both dogs and humans through tick bites. Although transmission only occurs in about 1% of bites, Lyme disease is both painful and dangerous, especially in a small Chihuahua. The good news is that you can drastically reduce the chance of infection by removing ticks from your Chihuahua within 24 hours of attachment.
Inspect Your Chihuahua For Ticks
Check your Chihuahua for ticks by slowly running your hand against their fur so you can see their skin. If you run your hands across a tick, it will likely feel like a small, hard bump. Perform a close inspection of any bumps you find to determine whether or not it’s a tick (see image to the left). Ticks are small arachnids, meaning they have 8 legs, and they are usually either black or brown in color.
Some Chihuahuas — especially the smooth-coat varieties — are easier to check for ticks than others. A visual inspection is oftentimes enough to identify ticks lingering on a smooth-coat Chihuahua. For long-coat varieties, though, you need to run your hands through their fur to feel for any ticks. A grooming brush or comb may also help with identifying ticks on your Chihuahua.
Check Your Chihuahua For Ticks
Step #1 – Preparation
Before you start pulling and tugging away at the tick, you’ll need to gather some items. Gather a pair of tweezers, some latex gloves and some triple antibiotic ointment. Also, fill a disposable cup with a couple inches of isopropyl rubbing alcohol (used to kill the tick). Make sure all of these items are in place and proceed to the next step.
Step #2 – Removal
Sit down in a well lit room and gently pull back your Chihuahua’s fur to locate the tick. Use your tweezers to grab the tick’s head as close to your Chihuahua’s skin as possible. Ticks forcefully attach themselves to their host, so you’ll need to clamp down hard with the tweezers to remove it. With their head clamped in the tweezers, pull the tick directly out and away from your Chihuahua’s body. Don’t jerk or twist the tick, but instead pull it directly out in a straight motion.
Step #3 – Disposal
Contrary to what some people may believe, flushing a tick down the toilet does not always kill it. Rather than flushing your tick down the toilet or throwing it in the trash, place it inside a disposable cup of isopropyl rubbing alcohol, which will kill it within seconds. Please remember to only use a disposable cup to avoid spreading germs into your normal drinking cups. Let the tick sit in the rubbing alcohol for at least 20-30 minutes before flushing it down the toilet.
Step #4 – Cleaning & Rewarding
Once you’ve removed the tick from your Chihuahua, cover the wound with a small amount of triple antibiotic ointment. You can expect the area to remain red and slightly swollen for up to 2 weeks, but using antibiotic ointment will speed up the healing process while reducing the chance of infection. However, you should only use a very small amount, as some Chihuahuas may attempt to lick it off.
Lastly, give your Chihuahua a treat as a reward for everything they’ve endured. Removing ticks from a Chihuahua is typically painless, but it’s still a traumatizing experience that they don’t fully understand. Rewarding them afterwards with a treat will make them forget about this unpleasant experience.
Tick Warnings and Tips For Chihuahua Owners:
Closely monitor the tick bite area over the next 2 weeks for signs of infection.
Soak the tweezers in a ‘fresh’ cup of rubbing alcohol after removing the tick.
Baby ticks are as small as the tip of a pen.
Products such as FrontLine Plus is effective at killing both fleas and ticks.
Don’t attempt to remove ticks with a hot match, as this will only encourage it to bite down harder while secreting more saliva into your Chihuahua.
Never pull a tick from your Chihuahua using your bare hands. Instead, use a pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool.
Potty-training is an essential process that every owner must go through with their Chihuahua. Unless you plan on keeping your furry four-legged friend in a fenced-in backyard (not recommended), you’ll have to teach them to use the bathroom outside the house and not inside. Unfortunately, however, Chihuahuas have a notorious reputation for being a breed that’s difficult and downright stubborn to housebreak. In fact, some owners throw in the flag and simply lay out pee pads for them instead. The truth is that practically any Chihuahua, no matter how old they are, can be potty-trained when it’s done correctly and under the right circumstances.
Although Chihuahuas can be successfully potty-trained at any age, it’s recommended that you start as soon you bring them into your home, preferably when they are still a puppy. During the first 6-12 months of a Chihuahua’s life, their brains are developing at a rapid pace; therefore, they will naturally catch on to routines and consistency. You can use this to your advantage by instilling the basic potty-training commands in your Chihuahua’s head. When they learn these principles at an early age, it will stay with them well into their adult years, making the potty-training process easier for the both of you.
Chihuahua Potty-Training – Where Should I Start?
Two Housebroken Chihuahua Puppies
It’s easy to feel lost and confused when you first bring your Chihuahua home. You’re busy preparing their bed, making sure they have food and water, and you’re probably playing them with, too. While all of this fine, you need to place potty-training at the top of your list of priorities. As stated above, it’s crucial that you begin teaching them the basics of where using the bathroom is acceptable and where it’s not.
Before you start attempting to potty-train your Chihuahua, you’ll need to pick up a few basic items first. These items are necessary to encourage good behavior, as well as prevent bad behavior. Here are the things you’ll need:
1-2 boxes of small milk bone treats for rewarding good behavior.
A crate that’s just large enough for your Chihuahua to stand up and turn around in.
A small, comfortable bed with a couple soft blankets.
A soft, non-abrasive collar with a leash that’s at least 10-feet long.
Note: This isn’t an entire list of everything you need to own a Chihuahua, but rather a list of items that will come in handy when potty-training your Chihuahua.
Potty-Trained Chihuahua
Potty-Training Basics
One of the key factors to successfully potty-training your Chihuahua is letting them know when they do something bad. When you see them do their business on the floor inside your home, quickly walk over to them and immediately say “No!” or “Bad boy/girl!” You should never physically spank or hit your Chihuahua, as this may injure them and make it more difficult to train them. Instead, stick with a strong verbal statement, letting them know that what they did is unacceptable. Chihuahuas are quite emotional, and verbally telling them “no” while pointing at them is all it takes to get the message across.
No matter how hard you try to prevent it, accidents will happen. It’s an inevitable part of owning any indoor dog, regardless of breed, so don’t expect your Chihuahua to be any different. After you see them peeing or pooping inside the house, tell them “No!” and walk them outside. While you’re walking them, say something along the lines of “go potty” or “go pee-pee,” as this will help them associate the words with the actual behavior. It may take some time, but remain patient and wait for them to do their business. When they are good and use the bathroom outside, give them a milk bone treat along with lots of petting and praise as a reward for their good behavior. Treats go a long ways when it comes to potty-training and obedience training, so use them to your advantage.
Another little trick I’ve learned that helps to potty-train a Chihuahua is to always take them to the same place outside to do their business. Chihuahuas have a keen sense of smell and will be able to tell where they’ve used the bathroom before. When they come across an area where they’ve already used the bathroom, they will notice the scent and assume it’s okay to use the bathroom here again. You can begin walking your Chihuahua to other parts of the yard once they are older and fully potty-trained, but stick to a designated area during their early puppy years.
Chihuahua Crate Training
Some owners are under the impression that forcing a small Chihuahua to stay cooped up inside a crate is cruel and inhumane. After all, how fun can it be to remain stuck inside a crate where you can barely move around? The fact is, however, that a crate gives your Chihuahua their own personal space in which they can call home. There’s a certain sense of security they begin to feel and associate with their crate, and chances are they grow to enjoy being inside it. As the owner of three Chihuahuas myself, I frequently find my Chis hiding in their crates even with they are allowed to roam the house free.
The reason why crates are such an effective potty-training tool is because you can confine them to it anytime you’re unable to watch them. Instead of “hoping” your Chihuahua doesn’t use the bathroom inside the house, you can rest assured knowing they are safely confined to their crate. Naturally, most Chihuahuas won’t use the bathroom in the same crate where they sleep and rest. If they have to use the bathroom, they will try to hold it until you let them outside. This works in your favor, as it lets your Chihuahua develop the skills necessary to hold their pee until you take them outside. Just remember to never leave a Chihuahua in a crate for long periods of time.
Potty-training is an essential process that every owner must go through with their Chihuahua. Unless you plan on keeping your furry four-legged friend in a fenced-in backyard (not recommended), you’ll have to teach them to use the bathroom outside the house and not inside. Unfortunately, however, Chihuahuas have a notorious reputation for being a breed that’s difficult and downright stubborn to housebreak. In fact, some owners throw in the flag and simply lay out pee pads for them instead. The truth is that practically any Chihuahua, no matter how old they are, can be potty-trained when it’s done correctly and under the right circumstances.
Although Chihuahuas can be successfully potty-trained at any age, it’s recommended that you start as soon you bring them into your home, preferably when they are still a puppy. During the first 6-12 months of a Chihuahua’s life, their brains are developing at a rapid pace; therefore, they will naturally catch on to routines and consistency. You can use this to your advantage by instilling the basic potty-training commands in your Chihuahua’s head. When they learn these principles at an early age, it will stay with them well into their adult years, making the potty-training process easier for the both of you.
Chihuahua Potty-Training – Where Should I Start?
Two Housebroken Chihuahua Puppies
It’s easy to feel lost and confused when you first bring your Chihuahua home. You’re busy preparing their bed, making sure they have food and water, and you’re probably playing them with, too. While all of this fine, you need to place potty-training at the top of your list of priorities. As stated above, it’s crucial that you begin teaching them the basics of where using the bathroom is acceptable and where it’s not.
Before you start attempting to potty-train your Chihuahua, you’ll need to pick up a few basic items first. These items are necessary to encourage good behavior, as well as prevent bad behavior. Here are the things you’ll need:
1-2 boxes of small milk bone treats for rewarding good behavior.
A crate that’s just large enough for your Chihuahua to stand up and turn around in.
A small, comfortable bed with a couple soft blankets.
A soft, non-abrasive collar with a leash that’s at least 10-feet long.
Note: This isn’t an entire list of everything you need to own a Chihuahua, but rather a list of items that will come in handy when potty-training your Chihuahua.
Potty-Trained Chihuahua
Potty-Training Basics
One of the key factors to successfully potty-training your Chihuahua is letting them know when they do something bad. When you see them do their business on the floor inside your home, quickly walk over to them and immediately say “No!” or “Bad boy/girl!” You should never physically spank or hit your Chihuahua, as this may injure them and make it more difficult to train them. Instead, stick with a strong verbal statement, letting them know that what they did is unacceptable. Chihuahuas are quite emotional, and verbally telling them “no” while pointing at them is all it takes to get the message across.
No matter how hard you try to prevent it, accidents will happen. It’s an inevitable part of owning any indoor dog, regardless of breed, so don’t expect your Chihuahua to be any different. After you see them peeing or pooping inside the house, tell them “No!” and walk them outside. While you’re walking them, say something along the lines of “go potty” or “go pee-pee,” as this will help them associate the words with the actual behavior. It may take some time, but remain patient and wait for them to do their business. When they are good and use the bathroom outside, give them a milk bone treat along with lots of petting and praise as a reward for their good behavior. Treats go a long ways when it comes to potty-training and obedience training, so use them to your advantage.
Another little trick I’ve learned that helps to potty-train a Chihuahua is to always take them to the same place outside to do their business. Chihuahuas have a keen sense of smell and will be able to tell where they’ve used the bathroom before. When they come across an area where they’ve already used the bathroom, they will notice the scent and assume it’s okay to use the bathroom here again. You can begin walking your Chihuahua to other parts of the yard once they are older and fully potty-trained, but stick to a designated area during their early puppy years.
Chihuahua Crate Training
Some owners are under the impression that forcing a small Chihuahua to stay cooped up inside a crate is cruel and inhumane. After all, how fun can it be to remain stuck inside a crate where you can barely move around? The fact is, however, that a crate gives your Chihuahua their own personal space in which they can call home. There’s a certain sense of security they begin to feel and associate with their crate, and chances are they grow to enjoy being inside it. As the owner of three Chihuahuas myself, I frequently find my Chis hiding in their crates even with they are allowed to roam the house free.
The reason why crates are such an effective potty-training tool is because you can confine them to it anytime you’re unable to watch them. Instead of “hoping” your Chihuahua doesn’t use the bathroom inside the house, you can rest assured knowing they are safely confined to their crate. Naturally, most Chihuahuas won’t use the bathroom in the same crate where they sleep and rest. If they have to use the bathroom, they will try to hold it until you let them outside. This works in your favor, as it lets your Chihuahua develop the skills necessary to hold their pee until you take them outside. Just remember to never leave a Chihuahua in a crate for long periods of time.
Purebred Chihuahuas are categorized as either long-coat or smooth-coat (AKA short coat). Contrary to what some people may believe, these aren’t actual breeds but rather varieties of the Chihuahua. If you’re thinking of adding a new Chihuahua to your family in the near future, it’s important to understand the differences between long-coats and smooth-coats. While their appearance is likely the most noticeable difference, there are some other unique features associated with each of these varieties. Knowing what features and characteristics the different Chihuahua varieties have will help you make the most educated decision possible.
Long-Coat Chihuahua
Before we start, it’s important to note that the breed standards for both the long-coat and smooth-coat Chihuahua variety are the same with a few exceptions. The AKC states that all Chihuahuas, regardless of their coat, must meet a certain criteria. You can visit the official AKC website for a more descriptive outline of these standards, but some of them include a weight of no more than 6 pounds, well-rounded head (apple-shaped), full and round eyes, slightly-arched neck, lean shoulders and muscular hindquarters. So what differences are there in the breed standards between the two varieties?
Long-Coat Breed Requirements
Soft-to-the-touch fur coat.
Fur can be either be straight or naturally wavy.
Undercoat preferred.
Fur should remain strong and prominent all the way to the tip of the tail.
Excess hair around neck (AKA ruff) is preferred.
Smooth-Coat Breed Requirements
Short fur coat that’s close to their body.
Glossy
Soft texture
Excess hair around neck (AKA ruff) is preferred.
Excess hair on tail is preferred.
The criteria listed above is simply the official breed standards set by the AKC. If you’re looking to register your Chihuahua with them or allow them to participate in an AKC-sponsered show, you’ll need to make sure they meet all of the specifications. Start by determining whether your Chihuahua is a long-coat or smooth-coat variety and then work your way down through the requirements. Remember, the breed standards are the same for both varieties with the exception of the listed requirements previously mentioned.
Long-Coat Chihuahuas
Whether you own a Chihuahua or not, you’ve probably seen or at least heard of the long-coat variety before. As the name suggests, they have a much longer coat of fur than their counterpart, the smooth-coat Chihuahua. The long-coat variety tends to soft and semi-fluffy coat of hair, and they may or may not have an undercoat.
One might assume that long-coat Chihuahuas require more grooming and maintenance, but this isn’t always the case. If you do a little searching online and at some of the various Chihuahua forums, you’ll probably notice how most owners agree that long-coat Chihuahuas shed less than their smooth-coat counterpart. This can be somewhat confusing given the fact that they have more fur, so why is it that they shed less? One of the reasons is simply because their fur stays more securely on their body, which then prevents it from falling off. Long-coat Chihuahuas that lack an undercoat will also naturally shed less than long-coat Chihuahuas with an undercoat. Of course this doesn’t mean a long-coat variety isn’t going shed at all, but they are a smarter choice for owners who are concerned with keeping their floors cleaned.
While long-coat Chihuahuas do in fact shed less, they also pick up more grass, dirt and debris from being outside. The extra fur on their body acts as a magnet to anything they come into contact with. If you allow your long-coat Chihuahua run and play outside for long periods of time, they will likely drag in leaves and debris on their coat. You can minimize this, however, by brushing their coat before letting them back in the house.
Smooth-Coat Chihuahua
Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas
On the other side of the fence so to speak is the smooth-coat Chihuahua. It should go without saying that this variety possesses a much shorter and smoother fur coat. The fur rests directly directly on top of the Chihuahua’s skin, creating the appearance that they have little-to-no fur. Smooth-coat Chihuahuas can be found in a variety of colors, from white and black to brown and grey.
Something that you need to be aware of is that smooth-coat Chihuahuas will in fact shed more than long-coat Chihuahuas. If you plan to own a smooth-coat Chihuahua, be prepared to spend extra time grooming them and cleaning the floors in your home; otherwise, you’ll find their fur stuck to you anytime you sit down on the living room furniture. This can certainly be an annoyance, but it’s easy to deal with their shedding once you learn the basics. Visit the link for a more detailed guide on how to minimize your Chihuahua’s shedding.
Although smooth-coat Chihuahuas shed less than long-coats, grooming them is actually easier and less time-consuming. All Chihuahuas will need to be occasionally groomed, but smooth-coat varieties can go for a longer period of time without it. The short coat on their body prevents build-ups of dirt and debris, and it also doesn’t get tangled up like that of a long-coat’s.
In Conclusion…
The choice between a long-coat and smooth-coat Chihuahua is one that only you can make. Both of these varieties can make wonderful loving pets for the family when raised in a healthy environment. As long as you raise your Chihuahua with lots of love, attention and care, they will grow up and offer you the same level of respect you gave them. The length of their fur coat has absolutely no affect on their personality or characteristics.
How Often Should I Brush My Chihuahua’s Coat?
Most people are aware of the dangers of texting while driving, but did you know that driving with an unrestrained dog also increases the risk of an accident?
There are several ways to restrain your Chihuahua in the car, including the use of a crate, seat beat harness, barrier and booster seat.
While most Chihuahuas jump at the opportunity to go for a car ride, others aren’t so enthusiastic. According to a survey of more than 2,000 dog owners conducted by ThinderShirt, 5% of all dogs suffer from car ride anxiety.
According to DVM360, 30% to 80% of all dogs with allergies are allergic to dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae). With an average length of just 0.008 to 0.012 inches (0.2–0.3 mm), dust mites are too small to see with the naked eye. If you were to look at them under a microscope, however, you’d see tiny eight-legged bugs that resemble a fat-bodied spider.
While most food-related allergies are triggered by the ingredients listed above, some are caused by additives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, propyl gallate, monosodium glutamate (MSG / E621), artificial dyes and trans fat.
Also known as prick testing, intradermal skin testing is the recommended method for diagnosing allergies in Chihuahuas. Studies show it’s 75% accurate at identifying allergens in dogs, making it far more effective than RAST and ELISA testing. The Chihuahua is sedated and partially shaved to expose his skin, after which the veterinarian carefully injects up to 70 different possible allergens into his skin. If the Chihuahua is allergic to one of these allergens, a localized reaction will occur.
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benedryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlortimeton), hydroxyzine (Atarax) and ceterizine (Zyrtec) may offer relief of allergies in Chihuahuas by blocking the release of histamines. Once administered, the drug binds to the Chihuahua’s histamine receptors, weakening the histamine reaction associated with allergies.
Immune modulators are drugs used to treat and manage allergies by regulating the immune system. They are fast acting, effective, have mild side effects — nausea, vomiting and diarrhea — and don’t cause dependency. Symptoms are improved in about half of all Chihuahuas treated with immune modulators.
Typically sold as supplements or powder, yucca root consists of finely ground roots of the yucca plant (family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae). It contains a plethora or beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, beta-carotene, phosphorus and vitamin B.
Finally, medicated shampoo can relieve your Chihuahua’s allergies by moisturizing his skin, neutralizing itching, and removing topical allergens, oil, bacteria and yeast. A hypoallergenic shampoo containing miconazole and chloroxylenol, for instance, inhibits microbial growth to protect against secondary skin infections, whereas shampoos containing emollients like aloe vera and coconut oil moisturize and protect against dryness.
If your Chihuahua has a secondary ear infection, you may want to use an Elizabethan collar. Also known as the cone of shame, this cone-shaped device wraps around your Chihuahua’s neck to prevent him from scratching his ear or face, which could otherwise worsen his infection. An Elizabethan collar can also stop your Chihuahua from biting and chewing a secondary skin infection on his body.
