If you own a Chihuahua, you might be aware that although a chihuahua’s lifespan is longer than other breeds, they are prone to illness and can die at a very young age.
You may be thinking – What Do Chihuahuas Usually Die From? and how can you help extend the lifespan of your chihuahua.
In this article, you will learn about:
- What do Adult Chihuahuas usually die from?
- What do Chihuahua Puppies usually die from?
- 16 Common Chihuahua illness
- And a lot more..
What Do Adult Chihuahuas Usually Die From?
In adult Chihuahuas, heart failure or heart disease is the most common reason for death followed by infections and other injuries. In puppies, chihuahuas dying from trauma and infection are very common.
1. Heart Diseases – 18.8%
Heart disease is the highest life-threatening disease among chihuahuas. According to a research led by the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) VetCompass™ programme, 18.8% of chihuahuas i.e., 15 chihuahuas out of 80 died from problems relating to the heart.
When chihuahuas grow older, their heart valves start deteriorating. Their heart becomes too weak to effectively pump the blood, resulting in chihuahuas dying.
Early detection plays an important role here. PetMD lists 10 signs of heart disease that you should notice in your pet. A few of them are mentioned here:
- Coughing
- Difficulty Breathing
- Poor Appetite
- Fainting/Collapsing
- Restlessness
So, if your chihuahua is behaving differently or showing these signs, you should not delay anymore and consult your vet. Proper treatment at the proper time will go a long way.
2. Lower Respiratory Tract Disorder – 16.3%
Lower respiratory tract disorder is the second most common reason for death among chihuahuas. The study states that 16.3% of chihuahuas i.e. 13 out of 80 chihuahuas died from this condition.
Some of the common lower respiratory diseases include tracheitis, bronchitis, bacterial pneumonia, fungal, and viral infections. It is common in middle-aged chihuahuas as their respiratory tracts undergo various changes with age.
However, early detection of the disorders can lead to good treatment. This will save the life of your pet. So, watch out for signs and symptoms like shortness of breath, and a terrible cough.
3. Traumatic Injury – 13.8%
Although traumatic injuries are common in puppies as compared to adults, this does not mean adults do not have them at all. The third highest reason for mortality, 13.8% chihuahuas i.e. 11 out of 80 died from traumatic injury.
If your pet is left unattended, at times, they can be hit by a car or fall from a height. In a few cases, they are accidentally stepped on by people. These accidents cause injuries or burns that can be fatal.
Trauma is one of the most preventable situations out of all discussed so far. It is in the hands of the owner to take proper care of the chihuahuas, train them efficiently, and reduce the risk of such injuries.
At the same time, it is helpful to know these few tips to help your chihuahua in an emergency situation. As mentioned by Dr. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM from the VCA Hospital, there are 5 steps to administer first aid to your dog/pet:
1. Keep calm and check the scene for any threats to you or your pet.
2. Keep your dog calm and warm (except in the case of heat stroke) and do not move it especially during trauma situations.
3. Contact your veterinary hospital, inform them of the situation and get specific first aid advice.
4. To safely move or transport an injured dog, get somebody to help you. For a small dog, put him into his carrier (remove the top for easy and safe access to the carrier; DO NOT push an injured dog through the small door or opening)
5. Get to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
4. Brain Disorder – 11.3%
The number four cause for mortality in chihuahuas is brain disorder. According to the study conducted by RVC, 11.3% of chihuahuas i.e. 9 out of 80 died from this disorder.
Although less likely, chihuahuas can also suffer from neurological disorders that directly affect their brain. The best way to minimize the risk of brain issues is to look for the following signs in your pet:
- Seizures
- Walking issues
- Blindness
- Urination Problems
- Tremors
But do not worry, If you are able to diagnose it early, your vet can treat it surgically or medically depending on your chihuahua’s situation.
5. Enteropathy – 6.3%
According to the same study, the fifth leading cause of death among chihuahuas was Enteropathy. 6.3% i.e. 5 out of 80 chihuahuas died from this condition in 2016. But what is this condition exactly?
According to Dr. Malcolm Weir and Robin Downing, DVM from the VCA hospital, it is a disease of the intestinal system. It is not a specific disease, rather a group of diseases that cause the loss of proteins in the gastro-intestinal tract.
In case you are wondering how you can detect it in your chihuahua, the first and foremost symptom of enteropathy is diarrhea. Apart from it, the other symptoms include lethargic behavior, difficulty in breathing, and fluid in the abdomen.
The treatment of enteropathy is designed by doctors based upon the condition of your chihuahua. So, if you notice any abnormal symptoms, consult the vet immediately.
6. Poor Quality Of Life – 5%
According to the research, 5% of chihuahuas i.e. 4 out of 80 chihuahuas died from poor quality of life.
As a pet parent, taking care of your dog is like taking care of your own child. If the dogs do not enjoy their life, there will be visible symptoms in their behavior and body.
Chihuahuas might show symptoms like frustration, nausea, vomiting, discomfort if their health is declining. Therefore, make sure your dog lives in a happy and free environment to avoid any repercussions.
What Do Chihuahua Puppies Usually Die From?
1. Trauma
According to the research led by the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) VetCompass™ Programme, 13.8% of chihuahuas die from traumatic injury. It is the third largest cause of death after heart diseases and lower respiratory tract disorder.
These traumatic injuries include blunt force trauma and burns on the skin. These injuries are often common in puppies as they are small and weak.
In these scenarios, it is the responsibility of dog owners to keep the puppies on their watch and prevent them from going on the road, near heights, or other dangerous substances.
2. Congenital Diseases
Congenital diseases are the diseases that chihuahuas are born with. They are inherited from the family of the dog. These conditions include neurological disorders, eye conditions, heart diseases, teeth abnormalities, and more.
Chihuahua dying from these disorders is possible if they are under two years of age. So, conducting proper examination and acknowledging signs early is the only way to save their lives.
In a global dog study that examined the DNA of 83,000 mixed-breed dogs and of 18,000 purebred dogs representing 330 breeds, types, and varieties, it has been shown that mixed breed dogs are in fact less likely than purebreds to develop the inherited disorders. However, these mixed breed dogs may still be a carrier for these recessive genes.
3. Infections
Chihuahua puppies are easily prone to various bacterial and viral infections like parvovirus, rabies, and distemper. These infections can be life threatening, but you can prevent them through giving puppy vaccinations as told by your vet.
The American Animal Hospital Association or AAHA has classified dog vaccines as core vaccines and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines include:
- Distemper
- Canine Parvo-virus with or without para-influenza virus
- Adenovirus-2 or Canine Hepatitis
- Rabies
Non-core vaccines are:
- Canine influenza or Dog flu
- Bordetella
- Lyme disease vaccine
- Leptospirosis
16 Common Chihuahua Illnesses You Should Take Note
As a pet parent, one of the most important things is to look for unusual signs with your pet. In the case of a chihuahua lifespan, this becomes more relevant as various illnesses might come up with age.
Here are 16 common illnesses you should take note of:
- Obesity
- Cataracts
- Kidney Stones
- Joint Ailments
- Hair Loss
- Reverse Sneezing
- Low Blood Sugar/ Hypoglycemia
- Infections
- Glaucoma
- Dental Illness
- Heart Problems
- Hydrocephalus
- Tracheal Collapse
- Patellar Luxation
- Scleritis
- Spinal Injuries
Also Read: 12 Common Health Problems in Chihuahuas + What To Do About Them
What Is The Lifespan Of Chihuahuas?
The average lifespan of a chihuahua is 12 to 20 years. The longest living chihuahua is 20 years old. The lifespan of a chihuahua is longer than other breeds because large dogs age faster than small dogs. However, with age, chihuahuas might develop some health conditions like heart diseases, bronchitis or joint problems.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Teacup Chihuahua?
Unfortunately, a Teacup Chihuahua’s lifespan is generally between 7 – 12 years which is quite less than the standard chihuahua. Due to their small size and delicate bodies, the teacup chihuahuas are more prone to accidental injuries, heart diseases, fractures, and hypoglycemia, thereby reducing their life span by a few years.
6 Tips To Help Extend The Lifespan Of Chihuahuas
1. Proper Vaccinations
Just like humans, your chihuahuas also need protection against some pretty bad diseases that can take their life. Therefore, as a responsible parent, you should never miss your vaccine appointments.
A chihuahua’s vaccination begins when it is 6 weeks old. After that, you can follow the schedule your vet provides. Generally, a vet suggests a 5-in-1 vaccine combination that protects it against adenovirus cough, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and canine distemper.
In addition, chihuahuas also require a rabies vaccine, the first shot being given when your chihuahua is 3 to 4 months old. So, make sure to get this vaccination as well.
Also Read: Chihuahua Puppy Vaccinations 2022 Guide (With Weekly Schedules!)
2. Dental Care
Chihuahuas have soft teeth that make them prone to various tooth and gum problems like tooth decay, infection, and loss of teeth.
So, start by brushing the teeth of chihuahuas. It is important to brush the teeth of puppies as some infections can travel from milk teeth to permanent teeth.
For this, you will need a good-quality toothbrush. The V-TurboWay Pet Toothbrush for Small Dogs as it is suitable for chihuahua teeth. Besides, the Greenies Original Teenie Natural Dental Treat helps to reduce tartar and plaque. So, check out these products for healthy chihuahua teeth.
Also Read: How Many Teeth Do Chihuahuas Have?
3. Healthy Diet
A healthy lifestyle goes a long way for chihuahuas. This starts from giving them an ideal diet that is based upon their age and weight. You need to divide their food proportionately in three meals in a day to make sure they are getting the right nutrition.
However, in case of puppies under 3 months of age, free-feeding can be done. This means that you can leave the food available at all times for your little chihuahua.
Also Read: How Much to Feed a Chihuahua (Amounts, Schedules, Best Foods!)
4. Proper Exercise
Chihuahuas are very energetic dogs and love the outdoors. So, once the vaccination shots have been done, it is the right time to take them out for walks and play-dates.
Take breaks after 10-15 minutes of walking and re-hydrate your chihuahua and let them rest for a few minutes. These exercise routines can be modified as your chihuahua grows older and becomes an adult.
But make sure you do not over-exercise your chihuahua and follow the advice of your vet religiously.
Also Read: How Much Exercise Do Chihuahuas Need?
5. Regular check-ups
The most important thing to extend chihuahua lifespan is to get regular health check-ups done. As chihuahuas grow, they become more susceptible to diseases that can shorten their lifespan.
So, always look for red flags like limping, blood in stools, inactivity, loss of appetite, and others and consult the vet immediately. Early detection of diseases can prevent their death.
This way, you can enjoy more time with your chihuahua and it can lead a healthy and happy life.
6. Spay or Neuter
Spaying and Neutering your chihuahua has a lot of benefits. Spaying Chihuahuas prevents the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections and eliminates heat cycles for females. On the other hand, neutering prevents prostate cancer in males.
However, there are few circumstances when spaying or neutering is not recommended. Therefore, it is best to consult a vet and follow their advice if and when you want to get the procedure done.
Also Read: When To Spay a Chihuahua & What to Know About It (2022)
How Do I Know If My Chihuahua Is Dying?
When it is time to say goodbye to our beloved pets, it breaks our hearts into a million pieces. You have grown old with a pet and then there comes a time when they will leave you. Just the thought of it makes me sad.
But, it is better to be ready for it in advance so that you can shower all your love and support to your canine friend in those difficult times. So, here are few symptoms that tell chihuahua is dying:
1. No Interest in Eating Food
If you notice that your chihuahua is not touching food at all or showing no interest when you offer them treats, it might be a sign that your chihuahua’s life is nearing its end.
2. Difficulty in Breathing
Old chihuahuas can face difficulty in breathing when they are nearing their end. It is advisable you connect to your vet and know what can be done to ease their pain.
3. Dullness and Inactivity
There have been instances that chihuahuas just stay in one corner of the room and stop playing around when they are dying. At times, they even stop communicating with the pet parents.
4. Loss of Coordination
If you see your pet in confusion or it is unable to stand or walk properly, this may be a result of disorientation. Chihuahuas experience loss of control and balance when they are unwell.
