Chihuahua Health 101: What Every Potential Pet Parent Needs to Know

Small and mighty, Chihuahuas may be pocket-size, but their personalities are anything but. Before getting a Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix, it’s important to be aware of their tendency to develop certain health concerns. Dental issues, patellar luxation (where the kneecap dislocates), and heart problems can occur as a dog ages, so you should be prepared to care for their specific medical needs. Additionally, Chihuahuas can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and may require extra care — and clothing — in cold weather. Read on to learn more about common Chihuahua health concerns and how to keep these tiny dogs happy and healthy.

The Chihuahua dog breed

One of the most famous toy dog breeds, the tiny Chihuahua originated in Mexico where they are still a national symbol. Chihuahuas are affectionate, playful, vocal, protective, and adaptable. They weigh six pounds or less, have a life expectancy of up to 16 years, and come in short- or long-haired varieties. Chihuahuas are often seen in movies, TV shows, and in the arms or purses of celebrities — but are also found in living rooms across the country. They have long tails, pointed ears, and fairly proportional legs and bodies but some can have shorter muzzles and more of a dome-shaped head than others.

Like many small and toy dog breeds, Chihuahua dog health problems can include being born with loose patellas, hydrocephalus, and heart issues. But eye, dental, tracheal, and other problems can also develop during their lifetime. 

Chihuahuas are wonderful, loyal dogs. So it’s definitely worth your time to learn how to be the best pet parent for your Chihuahua — by protecting them from common health issues and spotting signs of potential health problems early on.

Common Chihuahua health problems

They may have tiny bodies, but their lack of body mass unfortunately doesn’t mean they are immune from developing health problems. Knowing which health problems Chihuahuas commonly have will empower you to recognize potential signs that your dog may need some help, as well as ways you may prevent some issues from occurring in the first place.

1. Obesity

Any dog can become obese, and Chihuahuas are no exception. Some pet parents falsely assume that because of their small size, Chihuahuas don’t require much exercise, and they need to have food accessible at all times to maintain their blood sugar levels. Chihuahuas are very active and need space to play and run, so if they do not receive enough exercise and eat as much as they want, they will likely become obese. Chihuahua obesity can create and worsen a variety of health problems, so it is best avoided with proper nutrition and exercise.

2. Luxating patellas

Also known as loose patellas, Chihuahuas are prone to being born with kneecaps that can slide out of place. This condition can cause limping, lameness, and pain. If your Chihuahua’s loose kneecaps are really bad, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. Many luxating patella problems in Chihuahuas are minor, but your veterinarian will be able to tell you how bad they are by assigning a numbered grade to them.

3. Dental and gum disease

Chihuahuas have compact little mouths that predispose them to dental and gum disease. Additionally, they are likely to retain their baby teeth, which overcrowd the rest of their teeth. This more easily traps food between them. Retained and diseased teeth may need to be extracted to prevent infection, but regular at-home dental care is a must for these small mouths to prevent gum (or periodontal) disease and dental issues.

4. Collapsed trachea

The trachea is also known as the windpipe. In Chihuahuas, the cartilage that holds the windpipe open so air can easily pass through can collapse. When this occurs, the trachea collapses, too, resulting in coughing and difficulty breathing.

5. Heart disease

Due to their genetics, Chihuahuas commonly suffer from heart disease — so much so that it is the leading cause of death for the breed. Most of their heart problems are due to leaky heart valves, and this eventually leads to heart failure. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart at each check-up for heart murmurs. If signs of heart disease are detected, medications, exercise restrictions, and dietary changes may be recommended to slow the progress of the disease.

6. Eye problems

Eye problems can be very painful and cause blindness if left untreated. Cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, and other issues are all eye problems found in Chihuahuas, so if your dog is holding an eye shut or pawing at it, be sure to have your veterinarian check it out.

7. Hydrocephalus

Sometimes referred to as water on the brain, hydrocephalus is a congenital issue that is especially seen in Chihuahuas with dome-shaped heads. With hydrocephalus, pressure is put on the brain and can cause seizures, a dulled mental state, walking in circles, and other problems.

8. Legg-calve-perthes disease

A painful hip condition, legg-calve-perthes disease occurs when the hip bone starts to degenerate. It is typically seen in dogs who are under one year of age, and may require surgery to allow a dog to walk pain-free.

9. Hypoglycemia

All animals have specific blood sugar levels in their bodies that allow them to metabolize energy. When this blood-sugar level drops too low, lethargy, weakness, confusion, collapse, and even seizures can occur. This low blood-sugar episode is called hypoglycemia and most commonly occurs in young Chihuahuas who skip a meal or exert too much energy. If you suspect your Chihuahua has low blood sugar, contact your veterinarian right away.

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How to care for a Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix

Chihuahuas and their mixes typically require the same basic care that all dogs need. But because of their personalities, size, and genetic predisposition to certain health problems, breed-specific care is always recommended. 

What to feed a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas should be fed a balanced dog food that has been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Their food should be measured out at meal times to help them avoid obesity, but specific nutritional needs for your dog should also be discussed with your veterinarian. Small, geriatric, and young Chihuahuas may also require frequent meals to maintain their blood sugar levels.

Training a Chihuahua

They may be cute, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be firm when training a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas will quickly learn what they can get away with, so you’ll want to manage their intelligence with consistency and early training. 

Caring for a Chihuahua

Caring for a Chihuahua includes all the typical things any dog will need, but you’ll also want to consider their small size. Chihuahuas can easily escape through door openings, accidentally trip people as they run around their feet, and may be unable to safely jump on and off of furniture without assistance. Having baby gates in doorways, a bell on their collar, and doggy steps next to your sofas and beds will help your little dog stay safe and comfortable.

Chihuahua grooming

While long-haired Chihuahuas may need more frequent brushing than those with short hair, Chihuahuas have fairly low maintenance coats and needs. Aside from the daily tooth brushing that is recommended for all dogs, occasional combing or brushing of their coats, ear cleaning, nail trimmings, and baths are all the grooming needs that most Chihuahuas require.

How often to visit the vet

Unless you suspect they have a health problem, yearly visits to the vet are recommended until your Chihuahua is about seven years of age. Annual vet visits will help your vet provide preventative care and catch concerning issues. But as they age, vet visits every six months will be recommended, since older Chihuahuas are more likely to develop health issues.

How to prevent common health problems

Two things you can do to help prevent common health problems in your Chihuahua: regular toothbrushing (to prevent dental disease) and using a harness with a handle (instead of a collar) to easily remove your Chihuahua from danger or assist them in getting on and off furniture. Additionally, feeding them multiple small meals throughout the day will help prevent episodes of low blood sugar. But ensure the total calories you feed them are not causing your Chihuahua to become obese.

Commonly asked questions

What is the average lifespan of a Chihuahua?

There is, of course, no guarantee that your Chihuahua will live into their mid-teens, but a Chihuahua’s lifespan is usually 14 to 16 years of age. This is longer than most larger breed dogs, so Chihuahuas are considered to have long lifespans. 

How much do Chihuahuas cost?

While costs can vary, you can expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars for a purebred Chihuahua puppy. Specific colors and long-haired Chihuahuas may cost more. But you can also find Chihuahuas for far less in shelters and rescue groups, which will cost a few hundred collars. 

What are the most common health issues for Chihuahuas?

Chihuahuas are predisposed to several health issues. Some of the most common include heart disease, dental and gum disease, loose patellas, obesity, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, collapsing trachea, legg-calve-perthes disease, and eye problems.

References

‌“American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

“Chihuahua.” Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, 2016, ctvsh.com/services/dogs/breeds/chihuahua.html. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

O’Neill, Dan G., et al. “Demography and Commonly Recorded Clinical Conditions of Chihuahuas under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK in 2016.” BMC Veterinary Research, vol. 16, no. 1, 12 Feb. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-2258-1.