the chihuahua breed is known to have the knee condition known as patellar luxation and is one of the most common health problems associated with chihuahuas. the knee is a complex structure consisting of muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. these components must align properly and interact harmoniously in order to function properly. three bones are included in the knee: the femur, the tibia, and the patella (kneecap).

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click here!symptoms and signs of a sick chihuahua: know when to see a veterinarian!
your chihuahua can not explain its symptoms, so it’s your responsibility to keep him or her healthy and to determine whether or not they need veterinary care. chihuahuas tend to want to hide their illness, so it is up to you to check your chihuahua for abnormalities.
not knowing if your chihuahua is feeling sick or how to care for your chihuahua when they are sick can be VERY stressful! this article will help you determine if your chihuahua is showing signs and symptoms of being ill and when you need to take them to see a veterinarian.
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be prepared: questions your veterinarian may ask
your veterinarian may ask additional questions to help localize or diagnose the problem. it may help to be prepared to answer some of the following questions:
- how long have you owned your chihuahua?
- where did you get your chihuahua (adoption center, breeder, previous stray)?
- what other type of pets do you have?
- what is the age of your chihuahua?
- has your chihuahua experienced any previous illnesses?
- is your chihuahua currently under treatment for an illness or disease?
- what preventative medications is your chihuahua currently taking?
- does your chihuahua receive consistent flea treatment?
- are any other pets ill?
- has he/she been vaccinated? if so, when? which vaccines?
- have there been any recent pet acquisitions?
- have there been any recent activities such as boarding, grooming, trip to the park?
- is a majority of your chihuahua’s time spent indoors or outdoors?
- have there been any recent changes in diet or eating habits?
- what brand of food, how much and how frequently does your chihuahua eat?
- what type of table scraps are offered and how frequently?
- what type of treats are offered and how frequently?
- how much water does your chihuahua typically drink per day?
- have there been any recent changes in water consumption?
- have you noticed any coughing or sneezing?
- have you noticed any lumps or bumps on your chihuahua?
- is your chihuahua urinating normally?
- Is your dog having normal bowel movements?
- when is the last time he/she had a bowel movement?
- have you noticed any recent weight loss or weight gain?
merle chihuahuas: potential health problems from the merle color gene
what exactly are merle chihuahuas?
merle chihuahuas are said to be the latest ‘style’ or ‘designer color’ to gain popularity within chihuahua breeding during the past 15 years, but due to potential health problems, merle chihuahuas are rarely mentioned in credible books about genetic coloring patterns of the breed.
reverse sneezing in chihuahuas: what chihuahua owners need to know
the chihuahua puppy in this video is experiencing a classic episode of reverse sneezing. it might look and sound concerning, but it’s usually harmless and often seen in small breed dogs.
what is reverse sneezing?
reverse sneezing is quite common in chihuahuas. it is also known as mechanosensitive aspiration reflex, inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, and pharyngeal gag reflex. it is caused by a spasm of the throat and soft palate that is triggered by an irritation to the throat, pharynx, or laryngeal area.
in a regular sneeze, air is pushed out through the nose. in a reverse sneeze, air is pulled rapidly and noisily in through the nose. you might think your chihuahua is choking or having a respiratory attack as the sound that occurs with reverse sneezing is sudden and startling. don’t panic, your chihuahua will be okay.
however, if you are concerned that your chihuahua has a health problem, you can review these common signs and symptoms of a sick chihuahua.
typically, a chihuahua will stand still with its elbows spread apart, head extended and eyes bulging as it makes a loud snorting sound that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
what are common triggers of reverse sneezing?
the dangers of periodontal gum disease in chihuahuas: what you need to know
chihuahua with strong and healthy teeth – model: bella the famous chihuahua
when gum disease starts, it’s usually goes unnoticed because there are no outward signs and symptoms. however, once it begins to accelerate in growth, it can damage your chihuahua’s mouth resulting in eroded gums, teeth falling out, bone loss, internal pain, suffering and even death.
the good news is that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be prevented.
why do chihuahuas get gum disease?