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Luxation of the Patella
Luxation of the patella, or dislocation of the kneecap, is a common hereditary problem with chihuahuas and other small breeds. Patellar luxation can occur in varying degrees from minimal to debilitating. Very young dogs may be able to compensate for this deformity, but the condition tends to worsen over time. Most of the time the chihuahua is older before symptoms of petellar luxation are obvious.
The dislocation is most commonly found on the inner side of the patella. The attached ligaments become stretched over time until the patella is rarely where it is supposed to be, and may pop in and out very easily.
Recent studies have shown that immediate treatment is recommended, rather then waiting until the dislocation has crippled the dog. The reasoning is that, while the knee is dislocated, the entire body of the dog is compensating for it, causing deformations many other skeletal areas.
Research has definitively shown that patellar luxation is an inherited trait, and dogs with this genetic problem should NOT be used in breeding programs.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the chihuahua’s blood sugar levels drops to an extremely low level, causing “sugar shock”. When levels of glucose in the blood drop rapidly the dog’s body and brain are deprived of essential nutrients. Some results of hypoglycemia are weakness, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death.
Because chihuahuas are so small, they can be prone to hypoglycemia, especially when they are very young. Hypoglycemia is usually caused by stress, illness, lack of food, or by using up stored energy without it being replenished.
It is important to make sure that young puppies and very tiny chihuahuas eat regularly throughout the day. Another preventative for hypoglycemia is regular feeding of a high calorie supplement called Nutrical. Nutrical is available at most pet stores or veterinarians. Karo Syrup is another sweetener that can be given to raise blood sugar levels quickly.
If you suspect that your chihuahua is hypoglycemic, call your vet at once as this condition can be quickly fatal.
Reverse Sneeze
Occasional bouts of sneezing, snorting, honking and wheezing are not unusual in chihuahuas, and are sometimes called a “reverse sneeze”. This is usually caused by a elongated soft palate that is thought to become temporarily misaligned. It is a common trait in toy breeds. Pulling hard on a leash, drinking too fast or getting overly excited can lead to an episode of reverse sneezing. Reverse sneezing SHOULD NOT be confused with a different condition called “collapsed trachea.
Although reverse sneezing may appear to be scary, it only lasts a short time and can be ended by massaging the dog’s neck and throat and encouraging the dog to swallow or lick. Another way to slow the reverse sneeze is to clap your hands to distract the dog, or pinch the dog’s nostrils with your fingers, forcing it to breathe through its mouths and to swallow.
Collapsed Trachea
Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and exhaustion. In severe cases, your pet may even pass out from lack of oxygen. Think of the trachea as a straw made of cartilage that carries air from the neck to the chest. When the cartilage collapses, breathing becomes difficult, kind of like sipping soda through a flattened straw. Your vet can treat the condition with medication.
Molera / Fontanel
The molera is a soft spot on top of the head similar to a human baby. This is completely normal in the Chihuahua breed and in past times was considered a sign of purity. The molera can fully close once your puppy reaches maturity.
Teacup, Micro, Mini, etc.,
The Standard does NOT recognize any of these terms with reference to the Chihuahua. The 'teacup' term is widely used today by people that either want to sell their puppies quickly and for a lot of money or by buyers that just don't know that this is an unacceptable term.
The Chihuahua standard dictates a weight under 6 pounds. Puppies within this range are acceptable to be shown in the ring. A Chihuahua is a Chihuahua!! No other classification is acceptable.
My dogs are between 3 lbs and 6 lbs. Therefore, puppies should be within this range as well. Please do not ask me for a 'teacup'. I am breeding for health and conformation. A 3 lb dog is smaller than you think.
You can read the official standard as set by the AKC and the CCA by going to their websites. The Chihuahua Club of America has a "Teacup Statement" that is a must read for potential buyers of a Chihuahua.
Household Hazards/Dangers
Until you see your new puppy close-up for the 1st time, you absolutely cannot fathom the incredible delicacy and size of a Chihuahua puppy. Pictures do not tell the story this time. First thing you need to do is puppy proof your home. Like having a human baby in the house, you need to make sure of the safety of your puppy. Make sure the floor is free and clear of small items. Coins, legos and buttons, even gravel in your entrance can be a hazard. Teething puppies don’t know the difference between a chew toy and an electrical cord.
A playpen or kennel is the safest place for your new puppy to be when you cannot be monitoring him. He will feel safe and secure in the smaller area as well. Placing a blanket, potty pad, food and water in a playpen will ensure a happy, healthy puppy. The den-like atmosphere of a kennel will make your puppy feel at home.
Dogs can't eat everything we do. It is very important that you are aware that certain foods we eat can be a toxin to your pet. Examples would be chocolate and onions. Please be very cautious when feeding your pet.
Plants, both indoor and outdoor, can be poisonous to your new pet. Please find out what kind of plants you have and make sure your pet is safe from this danger. One example would be a Poinsettia plant.
Miscellaneous Information
Your new puppy should be isolated from other dogs until he is fully inoculated. Pet stores, parks and obedience classes are breeding grounds for bacteria that can seriously harm or kill a puppy that has not finished his inoculations.
Diarrhea is a sign of possible bacteria. If your puppy has diarrhea, take a fecal sample to the local vet for testing. This is relatively inexpensive and can save the life of your new family member.
Make sure you never leave your Chihuahua unattended outdoors. It only takes a small gap in the fence for him to escape. Birds of prey are a HUGE danger to Chihuahuas. Hawks can scoop up a Chihuahua as easily, if not easier than a rabbit.
Pools can drown your puppy.
Never leave your Chihuahua on a couch, chair or bed. He may want to jump down to find out where you have gone.
NEVER, EVER leave your Chihuahua alone with a young child. Squeezing or dropping a Chihuahua is enough to seriously harm or kill your puppy.
NEVER leave your Chihuahua unattended with a larger pet. A Chihuahua can be fearless and not realize the danger in trying to play with a 100 pound dog that is trying to eat or nap.
Chihuahuas can be litter box or potty pad trained. My Chihuahuas don’t go outdoors without sweaters when the temperatures drop. A Chihuahua would die of exposure in a few short minutes if left outdoors in our cold Montana winters.
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