Chihuahuas are generally a healthy breed, but still get sick, so what are Chihuahua sick symptoms, let’s find out together.
In this post, we will be discussing all the most common Chihuahua sick symptoms you should know.
We will also outline some common health challenges associated with each of the Chihuahua sick symptoms we will outline and discuss in this post.
Chihuahua Sick Symptoms
Here are all the common Chihuahua sick symptoms to look out for, as well as the health dangers that each symptom may pose:
1. Persistent weight loss
Because of their small size, it might be difficult to notice considerable weight reduction in Chihuahuas, but if you watch carefully, you should notice a weight decrease in your Chihuahua.
Weight loss is a medical problem that affects Chihuahuas and is mostly caused by a calorie shortage.
When the Chihuahua consumes and/or releases necessary nutrients quicker than it can absorb them, this happens.
In other words, the Chihuahua burns more calories than it consumes. One of the most prevalent and well-known Chihuahua sick symptoms is weight loss.
When a Chihuahua’s weight loss surpasses 10% of their usual body weight and is not accompanied by fluid loss, it is considered clinically serious.
Weight loss in Chihuahuas can occur for a variety of causes, some of which might be fatal.
Causes Of Weight Loss In Chihuahuas
A list of potential health issues connected with Chihuahua weight loss follows:
- Parasite attacks
- Advanced heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Changes in diet
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Metabolic disorders
2. Persistent weakness
Sluggishness, lethargy, or dullness are chronic symptoms of weakness in Chihuahuas.
Sedentary Chihuahuas may refuse to go for a walk, despite it being one of their favorite hobbies, or to play or eat.
Make sure you pay attention or consult a veterinarian if you observe a whole or partial weakness in your Chihuahua.
Sedentary Chihuahuas prefer to sit and lie down like a lazy bone and do not respond to anything.
Causes of weakness in Chihuahuas
The following is a list of potential health problems in Chihuahuas that are linked to weakness:
- Chronic dehydration
- Chronic diarrhea
- Diabetes
- Infection
- Advanced heart disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Metabolic disorders
3. Persistent diarrhea
Blood in the stool of a Chihuahua can make it appear murky, dark, and sluggish as the blood is absorbed.
Melena is not the same as fresh blood in the stool in Chihuahuas (hematochezia).
Diarrhea is a frequent ailment in Chihuahuas, and new blood in their feces implies bleeding in the colon or rectum.
The presence of red blood cells in the urine is known as hematuria. It might be apparent to the human eye or it could be completely undetectable to the naked eye.
Bacterial infections, tumors, and stones in the urinary tract are all possibilities.
If your Chihuahua develops bloody diarrhea, make an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Causes Of Diarrhea In Chihuahuas
The following is a list of potential health problems in Chihuahuas that are linked to diarrhea:
- Hookworms
- Bacterial infections
- Ingesting toxins
- Change in diet or treats
- Whipworms
- Coccidia
- Roundworms
4. Persistent vomiting
Recurrent vomiting in Chihuahuas is mainly caused by poor judgment on the side of owners and is sometimes referred to as nutritional intolerance.
Vomiting, on the other hand, can be a sign of a serious or even life-threatening medical illness that needs immediate medical attention and diagnosis by a veterinarian.
In most Chihuahuas, vomiting can occur when the contents of the stomach and upper intestines are forced out.
Vomiting in excess on a regular basis is a common symptom of Chihuahua sickness.
If your Chihuahua vomits more than once a day, without a break, or for more than 24 hours, you should take him to the veterinarian.
Causes of vomiting in Chihuahuas
The following is a list of potential health issues in Chihuahuas associated with vomiting:
- Intestinal inflammation
- Bacterial infections
- Intestinal obstruction
- Uterine infection
- Viral infections
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney failure
- Diet change
- Ingestion of toxic substances
- Liver failure
5. Coughing
Coughing is a common protective response that prevents aspiration by clearing fluids or foreign objects from the throat, vocal cords, and/or airways.
It affects the respiratory system, making it harder for tiny dogs such as Chihuahuas to breathe properly.
Some coughs in Chihuahuas can be fatal, thus all dogs with coughs should be examined by a veterinarian, especially if the cough is persistent.
Causes of coughing in Chihuahuas
The following is a list of potential health issues in Chihuahuas associated with coughing:
- Bronchitis
- Lung tumors
- Kennel cough
- Heartworm disease
- Fungal infections
- Airway obstruction
- Heart failure
- Distemper
6. Continues Loss Of Appetite
Chihuahuas can develop anorexia nervosa, a condition in which they lose their appetite and are unable or unwilling to eat.
Appetite loss in Chihuahuas and other dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, and it’s frequently the first indicator of something more serious.
It is possible that a Chihuahua’s loss of appetite will be harmful to his or her health if it lasts longer than 24 hours.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that most Chihuahua puppies under the age of eight months lose their appetite; this isn’t always an indication of disease.
So, pay special attention to how they eat until they reach this age, which won’t belong.
Causes of loss of appetite in Chihuahuas
Here are some common causes of loss of appetite in Chihuahuas:
- Broken or loose tooth
- Dental disease
- Pickiness
- Kidney failure
- Oral tumor
- Cancer
- Infections
- Liver problems
7. Difficulty breathing
It’s typical for your Chihuahua to pant a bit in hot weather or when exercising, and some Chihuahuas may have a degree of loud breathing even when they’re not moving.
This is sometimes caused by one or more of the typical Chihuahua anomalies, such as a protracted soft palate or stenotic nares, both of which may be surgically repaired.
With this breed, there is a fine line between providing enough movement to ensure good health and overexertion.
If your chihuahua is panting heavily, making loud gasping noises, or looks to be struggling to breathe normally, this should not be overlooked.
Causes of breathing difficulties in Chihuahua
The following is a list of probable medical disorders linked to a Chihuahua experiencing respiratory problems:
- Laryngeal paralysis
- Stress
- Bloated Stomach
- Heatstroke
- Too much exercise
- Anxiety
- Lung disease
8. Persistent shaking
Persistent shaking is one of the most common Chihuahua sick symptoms but can be easily corrected.
Chihuahuas have naturally high metabolic rates, which can cause them to shiver or tremble for a variety of reasons, such as stress, toxic intake, cold temperatures, seizures, and so on.
Shaking is a common reaction to certain behavioral and environmental circumstances, but it can also be a warning sign in others.
Causes of Chihuahuas shaking
The following are some of the most prevalent reasons for shaking in Chihuahuas that are beyond your control:
- Cold
- Old age
- Seizures
- Generalized tremor syndrome
- Stress
- Toxic ingestion
Read more about Chihuahuas shaking.
9. Bloated stomach
In Chihuahuas, dilation of the stomach-volvulus (GDV) is a dangerous ailment that can be deadly if not addressed.
GDV, also known as bloating, happens when the stomach of a Chihuahua is filled with gas or fluids and spins.
Chihuahua stomach enlargement, also known as abdominal distention, is a condition in which the Chihuahua’s stomach appears enlarged in some locations.
GDV has the ability to strike at any time and without warning.
It’s always a problem, and it’s one of the most prevalent maladies in Chihuahuas.
Causes of bloated stomach in Chihuahuas
The following is a list of potential health hazards related to a bloated stomach in Chihuahuas:
- Urinary Problems
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Cancer of the Spleen
- Intestinal Lymphoma
- Presence of Air in the stomach
- Intestinal Parasites
There you have the most common Chihuahua sick symptoms you should know.
I hope you now understand Chihuahua sick symptoms, don’t hesitate to see your vet if you keep seeing these symptoms.
