Health riscs - Alen's Dream Chihuahuas http://www.ChihuahuaPark.net

Although Chihuahuas are usually healthy, they do have special considerations, both as puppies

Chihuahua should be socialized at an early age so they get used to being around people of all ages, ride in the car with ease, and enjoy going on walks or to the park. However, since your puppy will not have all its vaccinations until after 4 months, you may avoid taking it to public places, like walks in the park, around your neighbourhood and so on – since it will be more susceptible to disease.

With its immune system not yet fully developed, problems such as worms, parvovirus or coccidian can occur. Without being vaccinated, your puppy has a greater risk of getting sick.

Puppies live to sniff around the ground and can easy get into something contaminated. Keep in mind that parvovirus can even be brought into the home from the bottom of your shoes. For this reason, keep outdoor shoes away from any areas where your puppy sleeps or plays.

Most of Chihuahuas do have a small hole in their head. It is called a molera. The molera was once common place in Chihuahuas and in fact was once recognized in the breed standard. Today however, breeders are trying to breed this feature out of the Chihuahua. The molera is more common in Chihuahua's with overly pronounced foreheads. The molera is not dangerous but it does make the Chihuahua more susceptible to ailments like hydrocephalous (water in the brain).

This is a common occurrence in Chihuahuas, it is attributed to their short muzzle and sometimes it is loud enough to wake the house up. It is very funny: when we have visitor no one can believe that such a small dog can make that much noise. Chihuahuas can also make snorting and grunting noises when they are playing or just investigating a new smell. This is normal for Chihuahuas.

This is again is a trait of Chihuahuas. It usually the sort of communication. They may be scared or unsure of something or someone or they may just be cold.

Shivering is generally caused by the fact the Chihuahua is so small that its body temperature changes very quickly. Shivering is a way for their body to compensate for this difference. Please do make sure that in the winter months your Chihuahua is warm. It doesn't take much for your little dog to catch a chill.

Chihuahuas especially have a tendency of becoming obese. Keep your dog on healthy food, decrease the proper weight is being maintained. Obesity is a major cause of coronary heart disease and if your dog is allowed to live with excess weight, its lifespan can be dramatically lowered!

Just like people, dogs (especially Chihuahuas) also become stressed. Moving to a new location, changing diet, excessive noise and other types of changes can results in physical problems.

Usually when a dog is stressed, symptoms such as coughing, shivering, diarrhea or hypoglycemia may develop. If your dog experiencing any of these problems, ask your veterinarian to make sure that there is nothing more serious going on. Most of the time, the symptoms are temporary and go away.

Chihuahuas have a very small fat reserve around the liver, causing them to be prone to hypoglycemia. This problem can happen at any age, although small, young puppies have a higher potential for developing hypoglycemia.

Your dog will appear lethargic, have problems with coordination (which would likely include staggering and falling), and if not treated, coma and death could occur in the worst cases. Of course, your veterinarian should be consulted, but if you notice your dog behaving in this way, a small teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (no actual sugar or sugar-contained foods) will boost the blood sugar level until you can have your dog treated. Try adding a small amount to your dog’s drinking water. If your dog is in bad shape, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Dogs (just like a people), need essential fatty acids, which are good fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6 that help build cell membranes in the body. Without them, the body’s chemical structure will not function properly. Omega-6 is one fatty acid that cannot be made by your dog’s body. Therefore, you need to ensure your dog is getting Omega-6 in its diet for optimal health.

When the diet has the proper amount of essential fats, cholesterol levels will regulate, energy will increase, the immune system will function properly and any dry skin or skin-related conditions will be alleviated. These fatty acids are also required to establish a healthy lipid barrier on your dog’s skin, which helps block irritants and/or infections.

To determine if your Chihuahua has a deficiency in fatty acids, check its skin to see if it is flaky and if the coat is dull, greasy, or has a course texture. If you notice these things, you can be sure your dog is not getting essential fatty acids.

To ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrition, check carefully the ingredients when buying dog food.

This condition basically means a dislocated knee joint. But it is usually a kneecap that will not stay in place. This can happen in any Toy Breed with weak ligament, tendon, or muscles, or if the groove for the kneecap is too shallow. There are four grades of luxated patella. However, if your puppy has any grade it could possibly need surgery, or medications for a very long time.



	Profile News Our dogs Males Females Hopefuls Gallery Puppies Sales Conditions Breeding program Chihuahua care Health riscs Feeding Nursing Training About Chihuahua FCI Standart Links Contact	*Although Chihuahuas are usually healthy, they do have special considerations, both as puppies* *and* *as adults.* *Vaccinations* Chihuahua should be socialized at an early age so they get used to being around people of all ages, ride in the car with ease, and enjoy going on walks or to the park. However, since your puppy will not have all its vaccinations until after 4 months, you may avoid taking it to public places, like walks in the park, around your neighbourhood and so on – since it will be more susceptible to disease. With its immune system not yet fully developed, problems such as worms, parvovirus or coccidian can occur. Without being vaccinated, your puppy has a greater risk of getting sick. Puppies live to sniff around the ground and can easy get into something contaminated. Keep in mind that parvovirus can even be brought into the home from the bottom of your shoes. For this reason, keep outdoor shoes away from any areas where your puppy sleeps or plays. *The Molera* Most of Chihuahuas do have a small hole in their head. It is called a molera. The molera was once common place in Chihuahuas and in fact was once recognized in the breed standard. Today however, breeders are trying to breed this feature out of the Chihuahua. The molera is more common in Chihuahua's with overly pronounced foreheads. The molera is not dangerous but it does make the Chihuahua more susceptible to ailments like hydrocephalous (water in the brain). *Snoring* This is a common occurrence in Chihuahuas, it is attributed to their short muzzle and sometimes it is loud enough to wake the house up. It is very funny: when we have visitor no one can believe that such a small dog can make that much noise. Chihuahuas can also make snorting and grunting noises when they are playing or just investigating a new smell. This is normal for Chihuahuas. *Shivering* This is again is a trait of Chihuahuas. It usually the sort of communication. They may be scared or unsure of something or someone or they may just be cold. Shivering is generally caused by the fact the Chihuahua is so small that its body temperature changes very quickly. Shivering is a way for their body to compensate for this difference. Please do make sure that in the winter months your Chihuahua is warm. It doesn't take much for your little dog to catch a chill. *Obesity* Chihuahuas especially have a tendency of becoming obese. Keep your dog on healthy food, decrease the proper weight is being maintained. Obesity is a major cause of coronary heart disease and if your dog is allowed to live with excess weight, its lifespan can be dramatically lowered! *Stress* Just like people, dogs (especially Chihuahuas) also become stressed. Moving to a new location, changing diet, excessive noise and other types of changes can results in physical problems. Usually when a dog is stressed, symptoms such as coughing, shivering, diarrhea or hypoglycemia may develop. If your dog experiencing any of these problems, ask your veterinarian to make sure that there is nothing more serious going on. Most of the time, the symptoms are temporary and go away. *Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)* Chihuahuas have a very small fat reserve around the liver, causing them to be prone to hypoglycemia. This problem can happen at any age, although small, young puppies have a higher potential for developing hypoglycemia. Your dog will appear lethargic, have problems with coordination (which would likely include staggering and falling), and if not treated, coma and death could occur in the worst cases. Of course, your veterinarian should be consulted, but if you notice your dog behaving in this way, a small teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (no actual sugar or sugar-contained foods) will boost the blood sugar level until you can have your dog treated. Try adding a small amount to your dog’s drinking water. If your dog is in bad shape, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. *Low Fatty Acids* Dogs (just like a people), need essential fatty acids, which are good fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6 that help build cell membranes in the body. Without them, the body’s chemical structure will not function properly. Omega-6 is one fatty acid that cannot be made by your dog’s body. Therefore, you need to ensure your dog is getting Omega-6 in its diet for optimal health. When the diet has the proper amount of essential fats, cholesterol levels will regulate, energy will increase, the immune system will function properly and any dry skin or skin-related conditions will be alleviated. These fatty acids are also required to establish a healthy lipid barrier on your dog’s skin, which helps block irritants and/or infections. To determine if your Chihuahua has a deficiency in fatty acids, check its skin to see if it is flaky and if the coat is dull, greasy, or has a course texture. If you notice these things, you can be sure your dog is not getting essential fatty acids. To ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrition, check carefully the ingredients when buying dog food. Luxating Patellas This condition basically means a dislocated knee joint. But it is usually a kneecap that will not stay in place. This can happen in any Toy Breed with weak ligament, tendon, or muscles, or if the groove for the kneecap is too shallow. There are four grades of luxated patella. However, if your puppy has any grade it could possibly need surgery, or medications for a very long time.

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