Category: <span>Worms & Parasites</span>

Why anal glands can be a pain in the…

January 3, 2021May 15, 2022
by Louise Kirby

What are anal glands?

When your chihuahua has anal gland problems it really is a pain in the arse, for both you and your chihuahua.

Anal glands are two little sacs of fluid that sit just inside your dog’s rectum. Their job is to produce his signature scent that he leaves on his poo as a marker for other dogs. When your chi stops to sniff another dog’s poo they are picking up the scent that identifies who the dog is. This is also one of the reasons that dogs will sniff each other’s bums when they first meet.

If you are lucky, your chihuahua will never have anal gland problems and this process will pass you by. His anal sacs will empty by themselves when you chihuahua does his business and happily, you will be none the wiser.

If you are unlucky, anal glands can cause recurring problems, mainly centred around not emptying and possibly getting infected. This is very uncomfortable for your chihuahua and often a visit to the vet is required. Treatment for full anal glands is a manual expression, and if infected, antibiotics.

How to treat inflamed anal glands

Our latest vet (long story) suggests that giving oral antibiotics can be ineffective as they find it difficult to reach the area of infection. Persistently infected glands need to be irrigated then filled directly with an antibiotic. This is done under sedation rather than full anaesthetic. This is something we might have to consider for Mika as he has recurring issues with his glands. (Update we did have this done in the end and it did seem to help).

Another option is to remove the sacs completely. Many experts warn against this unless there is absolutely no option. Removing the anal glands can cause their own health issues and cause permanent damage to the anal sphincter.

Another job of the anal glands is to help the body cleanse itself of toxins (like flea treatments, vaccines and worming tablets). If the anal glands are not there, then the body can find it harder to remove these toxins.

Why do they get anal gland problems?

There can be a variety of reasons why your chihuahua’s anal glands get inflamed and infected.

Allergies; If your chi has allergies to grass, pollen and other substances, sitting and getting them on his bum are going to cause itching. As your chi chews and scratches at the area he can cause trauma to the anal glands.
Existing GI or colon inflammation is likely to cause inflammation in the glands.
Medications, vaccines, flea and worm treatments. These toxins can cause inflammation and an imbalance. The usual liquid in the glands becomes thicker and can’t be discharged through the ducts.
The glands may be slightly in the wrong place and aren’t stimulated when a stool passes.
A chihuahua that does not get enough fibre in his food will probably pass soft stools. This will mean they don’t have enough bulk to stimulate the glands as they pass through. This can happen after a bout of diarrhoea or illness.

Should we DIY?

Once-upon-a-time it was usual for the groomer to automatically express your dog’s anal glands as part of the service they provided. The advice now is don’t express a healthy dog’s glands. Constant manual manipulation causes trauma to the gland and poor muscle tone. This can cause the very problem you are hoping to avoid. Once you have started to express manually you find yourself having to do it more often and the issue becomes cyclic.

Some owners also like to express their dog’s glands at home and have taught themselves how to do it. I can understand why at £20-30 a visit to the vet. But, caution is required here. If pressed too hard the gland can rupture. This would be very painful for your chihuahua, might require surgery and antibiotics.

You can try and stimulate the glands externally by gently massaging your dog’s back end just under his rectum and this has proved helpful during lockdown with our dogs with visits to the vet problematic. I don’t like to leave them alone while you stand in the carpark. (sigh) So even after the lockdown lifts, I will carry on with this option unless I am concerned that there is some kind of infection or the glands are blocked. There are occasions when an internal empty is best.

There is a useful video on Youtube of an American couple showing you have to do an external massage. Be warned you can never unsee it!!

Signs your chihuahua is having anal gland problems.

Scooting across the floor on his bum
Rubbing himself against the furniture or you
Sitting down while on walks
Chewing his back end or legs
Paw licking and displaying signs he is in pain. Read how to tell if my dog is in pain.
Sitting uncomfortably
Hot painful lumps just under his tail
Squatting to produce phantom stools

Prevention is always better than cure

Trying to avoid anal gland issues is better and a lot cheaper than trying to cure it. Make sure your chihuahua has a healthy species appropriate diet that produces firm stools. Raw is good for this. People who feed their dog’s raw food will delight in their dog’s small firm stools.

Add psyllium husk to their food. This will bulk up and firm the stool and make it more likely that it will express as the stool passes.

Keep your chihuahua at a healthy weight, as anal glands covered in fat are less likely to express naturally.

Make sure your chihuahua has regular exercise, chihuahuas may be small but they still need to get out for a good walk every day.

Avoid over vaccination and other toxins like chemical worming and flea treatments. There are plenty of natural alternatives. Yearly vaccination boosters are unnecessary and Leptospirosis is just a nonsense vaccine that can make your chihuahua ill.

Keep your dog’s teeth clean. Excessive bacteria in the mouth can cause all sorts of additional health issues.

Try to avoid manual manipulation of the anal glands unless it is necessary.

Update! Try this…

We have been using this with out chi chis to facilitate training and calm things down. It also has a beneficial effect on the gut. Poops are hard so the anul glands are expressed during evacuation. It’s not what we brought it for, but I’ve noticed a massive improvement and not had to do Mika’s glands for some time..

Get it here

Health

Can my chihuahua catch cold or flu from me?

October 21, 2018January 11, 2021
by Louise Kirby

Can my dog catch a cold from me?

A common question when flue season hits is ‘Can my dog catch a cold from me?’ If you are under the duvet watching ‘Cash in the Attic’ your chi chi is not going to catch a cold from you. But, he can still catch a cold or at least the canine version of a cold.

Good news

The rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, or the influenza virus, which causes flu, in humans is not going to cross the species barrier to your dog, so you don’t need to worry.

But there are several upper respiratory viral infections your dog can get that certainly mimic a human cold; watery eyes, runny nose and coughing.

If your dog has a healthy immune system and is generally fit and healthy, he is likely to shake off a case of the sniffles in a couple of days. Just keep him warm and give plenty of fluids. He might also appreciate some chicken bone broth which has been curing all ills for generations. Here’s a recipe. If he is very blocked up, then some steam might help. Use a humidifier or run a hot bath and keep him in the bathroom. Don’t use a boiling kettle near your dog.

When to visit the vet

It’s not a cold if your dog has had a persistent honking cough for several days. This could be kennel cough, lung worm or other infection that needs veterinary attention.

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Kennel cough

Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection that is highly contagious between dogs. This infection is caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus which attack the upper airway and cause inflammation.

The symptoms are a deep honking cough. This shouldn’t be mistaken for reverse sneezing which is also common in small dogs. Although the name implies that only boarded dogs get this infection, your dog can pick it up from the park, doggy day care or just be being around other dogs.

Can you vaccinate against kennel cough?

Yes, there are some vaccinations against kennel cough, the problem is there are so many different strains of kennel cough that it is difficult to vaccinate against them all. If your dog has already caught kennel cough, then vaccinations aren’t going to help.

In most cases if your chihuahua is generally healthy he will be able to shake off kennel cough after a few weeks, but if your chi is a senior, very tiny or has a compromised immune system then it’s always better to get some advice from the vets.

Lungworm

Lungworm is another illness that could be mistaken for a dog cold. Lungworm is picked up when your dog eats infected slugs or snails. Even if your chihuahua is not the type of dog to go pick up and eat slugs, they can get infected from toys left outside that have been crawled over. Read more about lung worm here. Lung worm can be fatal so, if you suspect he may have picked it up you must act to treat it.

Take away

So, the answer to the question, ‘can my dog catch a cold’ is yes and no. Your chihuahua may pick up the occasional sniffle which can be treated at home and should clear up in a few days. But if your chihuahua has a persistent cough then you must get some advice from your vet.

anal glands

Everything you need to know about dog poo

October 7, 2018January 11, 2021
by Louise Kirby

Let’s talk about dog poo

If you have a dog or two you spend a lot of time talking about dog poo. If you have chihuahuas you spend a lot of time picking up poo. Maybe you even have to hire a dog poop pickup service to deal with the demand every day.

How your dog’s poo looks is a good barometer of their health. So, taking time out to have a look at dog poo may sound disgusting, but it’s an important part of keeping your chihuahua healthy and picking up any niggling health issues.

Generally, your dog will poo just after eating a meal, the stool should be firm and chocolate brown in colour. It is going to be a bit smelly but not so overpowering that it makes you gag.

This nice poo has taken some achieving. Mika has had long term food intolerance that have caused soft stools and anal gland issues.

All dogs get bouts of diarrhoea, often because they have eaten something that has upset their gut. The odd bout is to be expected and most often won’t need vet intervention. Read how to deal with diarrhoea.

How much your chihuahua poos is going to be related directly to how much food they have digested and how much has passed through as waste. People who feed raw are very proud of how small their dog poos are. This is because there is very little waste from raw food. While feeding raw is considered by many to be a superior food, there can be a downside to super tiny poop.

Anal Glands

Anal glands are two small sacs of fluid that sit inside your dog’s anus, when he defecates, the stool should express the sacs and release the fluid. This gives your dog’s poo it’s signature scent. However, if the poo is too small or too soft to do the job then issues with anal glands can develop. Read: Why anal glands are a pain in the arse.

Worms

Doing a visual check on your dog’s poo is also a good way to see if your dog has picked up worms. If you can see any tiny white dots or anything wiggling around, then you probably need to worm your dog. However, don’t rely on this visual to be an indicator of worms. Run regular faecal tests.

Sloppy

Permanently soft poo is an indicator that something is wrong in the gut. Your chihuahua may have a food intolerance or allergy to something he is eating. Resolving this is important as food intolerance can lead to leaky gut syndrome, cause other itchy skin conditions, problems with ears and add to tear staining. But, one of the main issues with soft stools, is again anal glands. Soft dog poo will not express the sacs which can then fill up and get infected.

Sloppy poo could also be a sign that you are overfeeding your dog, re-look at the amount you are feeding and start weighing it out rather than just chucking it in the bowl.

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Dry

Dog poo should not be over hard and difficult to pass. Constipation is an indicator that your dog is eating too much insoluble fibre and you need to adjust his diet. Don’t give your chihuahua large lumps of raw veggies to chew on. People often do because they want to help clean their chihuahuas teeth. But dogs can’t digest raw veggies. To feed raw veggies to your dog, you must start the digestive process and pulverise or grate them to break down the cellulose. He may also have a bowel obstruction, so if constipation goes on for more than a couple of days then speak to your vet.

Yellow

Yellow poo can mean the food has passed too quickly through the gut to pick up any bile. (It’s the bile that makes it go brown). It can also be an indicator of other health problems such as pancreatitis or liver disease.

Change your dog’s diet to something better quality and if his poo does not turn brown then speak to the vet.

Orange or Grey poo

Can be a sign of liver or gall bladder issues, speak to your vet.

Black tarry sticky poo

Black sticky poo can be the sign that blood is present. This could be from bouts of colitis or an upper GI bleed. If your dog is passing these kinds of poos, then speak to your vet.

Mucus

You can expect to see some mucus on a stool from time to time, but if this is a regular occurrence or the mucus is red this could mean your chihuahuas gut is inflamed and severely irritated. Put your dog onto a bland diet of chicken or turkey and pumpkin and if it does not settle then speak to your vet. If your chihuahua has had a nasty bout of diarrhoea, then try making a healing bone broth.

Your dog’s poo will tell you pretty much everything you need to know about your chihuahua’s health. It’s not glamorous but it is important to understand what you are looking at before you flush it down the loo.

Alabama rot

Alabama rot: What this means for your chihuahua

June 8, 2018August 12, 2019
by Louise Kirby

What is Alabama Rot?

Alabama rot is a strange and alarming name for a disease and gives the impression that it only occurs in the States, but cases have been reported in the UK. It has been linked to over 100 dog deaths so far. 18 in 2017

This disease was first identified in the USA in the 1980s. It was first discovered in Alabama amongst greyhounds. Alabama rot is also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV). Alabama rot has only recently made an appearance in the UK, within the last 6 years or so.

Symptoms of alabama rot

It causes the blood vessels to clot in the skin & kidneys and damages the lining of the kidneys causing fatal kidney failure. It can be treated if it is caught early enough.

The symptoms are large, deep ulcers on your dog’s skin. Often on the paws, face and tongue. With small dogs like chihuahuas, who are close to the ground, they can also appear on the body. Kidney failure can occur from 3 – 10 days after the lesions appear.

Other symptoms are, tiredness, loss of appetite and vomiting.

There is no vaccination against it as scientists don’t yet know what causes it.

It has become more common in the UK; cases have been reported in the South East, Northern Ireland, Cornwall, Surrey and Wiltshire. (not an exhaustive list)

However, while the number of dogs who have contracted the disease has more than doubled, it is still relatively rare in the UK. But, don’t be complacent. I was prompted to write this article by the death of a dog in the local area.

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Who can get it

There seems to be some suggestion that some dogs may be more prone to it than others and healthy dog with a strong immune system is more able to fight infections. The disease was originally prevalent in greyhounds, but any breed can get it. However, it is not contagious from one dog to another and does not spread to humans.

The cause is unknown but has been linked in the States to toxins caused by the bacteria E-coli. E. coli is bacteria that naturally occurs in the soil. (That’s why you should wash fruit and veg as it can make humans very sick with food poisoning)

A common link is that most dogs who have contracted the disease have been walking in wet muddy forest areas. Possibly drinking from muddy puddles, never a good idea as they could also pick up lung worm.

Cases are reported between November – May & June – October, so scientist suggest your dog is most at risk in winter and spring as the bacteria seem to thrive in cold wet soil.

There is no blood test that can test for Alabama rot, and a definite diagnosis can only be made postmortem.

How to avoid Alabama rot

Keep to dry paths and keep your dog out of wet muddy areas.

Take clean water and don’t let them drink out of puddles.

Keep you dog in good physical condition, with good diet and healthy lifestyle.

Wash your dog’s paws down after a walk. Keep a tub of wet wipes or a flannel in the car. If your dog gets very muddy then bath them when they get home.

Although there is no link, I avoid walking the dogs where cattle have been grazing. Just from picking up ticks’ point of view (and eating rolling in dung). They also churn up the mud.

Always check your dog at the end of a walk, and deal with any lumps, bumps or ticks that have been picked up.

If you spot an unusual (often round) sore that you know as not been caused by an injury, then take your dog to the vet asap. The earlier the disease is caught the better chance of survival.

Join local area chat groups on social media, as they are able to spread news very quickly.

Take away

Although it is important to be vigilant, you still need to take your chihuahua out for a walk, getting out in the fresh air is important for physical and mental health. Yours and your chihuahuas. There are over 8 million dogs in the UK so, while 100 dog deaths are a tragedy the disease is rare and the actual chances of your chihuahua picking this up are low. Just be sensible.

Feeding

My chihuahua has diarrhea, what to do next?

May 14, 2018September 26, 2018
by Louise Kirby

My chihuahua has diarrhea, what to do next?

When your chihuahua has diarrhea it can be very distressing for everyone. Diarrhea can range from loose stools for a couple of days to full on explosions of watery faeces. It can be very worrying for you, the guardian, and very distressing for your chihuahua.

Diarrhea is caused by the gut becoming inflamed and over sensitive. It then starts over contracting, pushing the food through too fast.

Things that can trigger a bout of diarrhea

Changes in diet

The most common reasons your chihuahua has diarrhea is a change of diet.

If you are making serious amendments to your chihuahua’s food regime then introduce the changes slowly. If you are changing from kibble to raw then you need to give your dogs gut time to grow the required flora to digest it. You could support the change by adding probiotics to the food and follow the advice given by the manufactures.

Spoilt food

Even though dog’s stomachs are more able to cope with bacteria than a human, they can still get sick when they eat spoilt food. Make sure food is always fresh. Even dry food can go off and get spoilt and mouldy. Store it in an airtight container, keep raw and fresh food in the fridge.

Poisonous food

If your chihuahua is anything like Minnie, then anything is fair game to be eaten. Don’t assume your chihuahua is a delicate little flower, they still have the same disgusting habits of bigger dogs. A variety of everyday foods are poisonous to dogs. Are you putting bread out for the birds? Mouldy bread is highly toxic and can kill your chi.

If you suspect your dog has ingested poisonous food, then take him to the vet straight away. Here is a list of poisonous foods.

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Bacterial & Viral infection

If your dog has a bacterial or viral infection the diarrhea: may be accompanied with vomiting, pale gums, no appetite, be very lethargic and possibly have blood in his stool. These infections can be caused by salmonella or parvovirus among others.

Parvovirus is life threatening so seek medical attention urgently especially if your chi is a new puppy. Puppies can pick up these infections from poor breeding conditions and is a sure sign your chi is a mill or farm puppy.

Side effect of medication or flea treatments

Some medications may cause mild diarrhea this should ease off when the medication is finished. Antibiotics can upset the flora balance in your dog’s gut and kill off good bacteria that your dog needs.

Flea treatments and worming tablets can also cause an upset tummy. Stop using them if they make your chihuahua sick and find more natural alternatives. Read are spot on flea treatments bad for your dog

Allergies

Allergies to food, like grains and rice that are found in dry food can cause food intolerances, which trigger IBS and similar symptoms. Also, if you are cooking your own food, too many veggies can make your dog have loose stools. Stick with the 10% rule.

Too much fat

Food loaded with fat will go straight through, Lamb is typical. When I cook Team Chi’s dinner I stick to lean white meats, turkey is a staple for us, pork, chicken and fish. Occasionally rabbit. I have learnt the hard way that lamb is a no no especially for Mika.

If you are giving your dog raw bones to chew on (and you should as they help keep teeth clean) scoop out some of the marrow. Although your chi will love it, marrow is very rich and very fatty. You could get it back from either end. Too much fat can also cause pancreatitis, so keep your food lean.

Parasites

Monitor your chi regularly for worms by doing a worm count test. If it comes back positive, then administer a chemical dewormer. Once he is clear move onto a regular herbal routine like Verm X to keep him clear.

Kidney disease

Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of kidney disease, if the diarrhea is accompanied by bad breath, vomiting and loss of appetite take your chi to the vet.

How serious is it and when to go to the vet?

Any bouts of bad diarrhea that lasts more than a day, needs investigation. A tiny chihuahua can get very quickly dehydrated and may need to be put on fluids. If there is blood in the poop don’t hesitate.

If your chi just has loose stools you can analyse what they have eaten. Have you changed their food or introduced new ones, or has your chi just been a bit piggy and over indulged?

How to treat it

The way to treat an inflamed gut is to ‘fast it’ and let it heal. Start with 6 hours of no food. (Not puppies). But if your chi is hypoglycaemic you must take advice on this. It’s a tricky one, so speak to the vet.

Don’t restrict fluids as you don’t want your chihuahua to become dehydrated.

When you re-introduce food, keep it bland. We often get told to feed chicken and rice. Dogs don’t need rice and grains in their diet, if you are ok with chicken mix it with some pumpkin.

Here is a recipe for a super healing broth that can help build up a recovering chihuahua. I make a batch and then freeze it.

Slippery elm is known for its gut soothing properties, you only need a tiny amount for your chihuahua follow the instructions.

Probiotics can help replace the lost good bacteria that keeps your chihuahuas gut balanced.

Fermented veggies and kefir

This is becoming increasingly popular, especially for keeping your dog’s gut balanced. Try and find a none dairy kefir as most dogs are lactose intolerant.

Remember that any bout of diarrhea is going to make your dog sore. If his back end is dirty and his fur matted this is going to make him very uncomfortable and depressed. Keep him clean but without harsh scrubbing. A sitting bath of Epsom salts will be soothing, or you could dab him instead. You could also put a dab of Vaseline on his anus to try and protect the skin.

Please note we have used the American spelling of diarrhea for search engine reasons.

Allergies

Help my chihuahua has dry itchy skin!

April 22, 2018June 1, 2022
by Louise Kirby

My chihuahua has dry itchy skin, what’s causing it?

If your chihuahua has dry itchy skin, it’s probably driving him crazy. Making him scratch and nibble at different areas and rubbing himself along the furniture to try and get some relief. (This can also be an indicator that a he has compacted anal glands so never ignore this type of behaviour.) He may find it hard to settle at night and possibly display some behaviour changes.

If the itching and scratching gets out of control your chihuahua may scratch so much he causes skin damage and hot spots. Hot spots are raised red patches of skin that ooze and are intensely irritating and if left untreated can get infected.

You can also see the dry skin by parting the fur. Like dandruff in people, you will see little flakes of skin sitting at the base of the hair. (If the flakes look like they are moving around, you’re not seeing things, you have a different problem. See below:

What causes dry itchy skin?

There are several reasons that your chihuahua has dry itchy skin.

#1 Grooming

It is essential to have a good grooming routine and to get your chihuahua used to being brushed as a puppy. Brushing helps distribute the oils over your chi’s skin and fur. Your chihuahua should enjoy being brushed (Minnie loves it and will roll over the second you get the brush out). As well as maintaining a good healthy coat, it is a lovely bonding exercise.

Shampoo, make sure you use dog appropriate shampoo. Human shampoo can be too acidic and contain too much fragrance. Use a shampoo that contains humectants or moisturizers. Natural humectants are aloe and honey. If your chihuahua is prone to dry skin avoid the blow dryer. Pat him dry after a bath and let him shake and run about to get dry. Be prepared for the zoomies after a bath, It’s how dogs deal with the stress of the situation. Don’t over bath your chi chi either as it can wash out the oils in his fur.

#2 Fleas, Mites & Mange

Fleas: When a flea bites your dog, he is going to bite at it to get some relief. Nibbling towards the tail area can be an indication of fleas. A bath in neem oil shampoo will kill all fleas and mites without dousing your chihuahua in harmful chemicals. But if the greater good is served by using a spot on product then I would use it. Itching will be driving your chi nuts and also contribute to reactive behaviour. It is possible that your chihuahua has flea allergy dermatitis, this is likely to need medication from the vet.

Mites: Mites can be misery for your dog. This is where you may see the ‘dandruff’ (Cheyletiella mites) walking around on its own, or tiny red patches of dots (harvest mites). Cheyletiella mites or ‘walking dandruff’ is highly contagious so jump on this PDQ.

Mange: This will present as scaly patches of dark skin and dandruff. This is also caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) they burrow into the skin and cause appalling itching. Your chihuahua will scratch frantically and could damage himself. It is also highly contagious.

Fleas, mites and mange can be treated with neem oil and neem oil shampoo. Read: neem oil and why you can’t live without it.

#3 Allergies

Dogs like people can have allergies to pollen, grass, and VOC’s from household cleaners. Read: Household products that can cause allergies in dogs. The symptoms will be irritable skin, runny nose, eyes and itchy paws. You need to eliminate the allergies from your chihuahua’s environment. For that, consider keeping your indoor areas clean to reduce the chance of allergies in your furry friend. For starters, get your carpets and rugs cleaned thoroughly. Contact a professional from Brown Family Chem-Dry and get the task done as soon as possible. Also, test your indoor air quality so that both you and your chihuahua do not develop respiratory allergies.

Keep in mind that if you still find the symptoms of allergies in your pet, after doing all this, then you need to consult a vet near you quickly. He can suggest you what to do about the problem. For instance, he an suggest you to administer a small dose of antihistamine to dampen down the symptoms. Read: Human medicines I can give my dog. I use a 1/4 a tablet twice a day. But check the does with your vet.

#4 Diet

Poor diet, loaded with carbohydrate and grains can play havoc with your chihuahuas skin. Dogs have no need of either of these ingredients in their diet, but low-quality kibble will be full of both. Owners have been inadvertently feeding this to their dogs for years because they trust the big brands to deliver the best nutrition. Even grain-free will be loaded with carbs because they are needed in the cooking process.

Yeast Infection: Carbohydrate will turn to sugars that your dog can’t process and as well as making your chihuahua fat, could cause a yeast infection. Read: Has your chihuahua got a yeast infection?

Leaky Gut: Grains and rice can cause an allergic reaction and contribute to ‘leaky gut syndrome’, leaky gut is a major contributor to food allergies. Read: Why you must stop feeding carbohydrates to your chihuahua.

The best bet is to switch your dog’s food to a good quality wet food or fresh home cooked. Like humans, dogs need a variety of good quality protein and fats to keep them healthy. Remember expensive doesn’t always mean quality. You are looking for a good quality protein food. Mix the proteins up, fish, meat, offal and eggs. Add a little bit of sardine to their nosh once or twice a week as it’s better to get the oils from source. You could also feed them a lightly fried egg twice a week. Keep the yolk runny so you don’t destroy the long-chain-fatty-acids. Add a probiotic to their food to address any gut flora imbalances, what’s going on in your dog’s gut has a massive impact on health and behaviour.

#4 Thyroid disease

Thyroid disease or hypothyroidism can cause a dry brittle coat, thick scaly scabs and dark patches of skin. You would need to discuss treatment with your vet.

How to help with dry itchy skin

Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

So if your poor chihuahua has dry itchy skin, you can make up this soothing bath. Colloidal oatmeal bath sounds complicated than it is. Colloidal means very small particles that are suspended evenly in a medium, in this case water. You can make this yourself if you can grind oats down to a fine powder.

Buy some organic oatmeal (not instant) and grind it down to a very fine powder.
Add 2-3 cups to lukewarm water and swish it around until it has dissolved.
Get your chihuahua to soak in the bath for about 10 minutes. Gently tip some over his back.
If your chihuahua is very sticky afterwards, then rinse him lightly with warm water.
Pat dry with a towel and let your chi air dry.

Be careful as the bath will be very slippery.

Do this 2-3 times a week until you see an improvement in his condition.

The oatmeal should be very soothing and draw out the irritation in his skin.

If you have any remedies for dealing with dry itchy skin we would love to hear from you. Please post in the comments below.

Louise Kirby

My name is Louise Kirby and I’m a freelance writer and certified Pro Dog Trainer. I adore and train all breeds but have a special interest in chihuahuas and their rehabilitation. Chihuahuas are awesome little dogs, spunky, full of joy, loyal and tenacious. But some present with behaviours that make them a challenge to manage. I’m on a mission to restore the relationship between owners and their dogs. To help you get back the dog you always dreamed of. That’s why dog training is a happiness project!

Health

Canine Babesiosis is now infecting UK dogs

March 23, 2018September 29, 2022
by Louise Kirby

What is canine babesiosis?

Canine Babesiosis is a tick born disease caused by the Babesia parasite. It is not a tick, but it uses ticks to find a host and transfer itself into the bloodstream. People can be infected as well as dogs. You can read more about ticks how to remove them and Lyme disease here.

How is it transmitted?

Mainly from a bite from an infected tick. It can also be transmitted by a dog bite from an infected dog and be passed down to puppies via the placenta from an infected bitch.

What are the chances of getting it?

Canine Babesiosis common worldwide and, in the US, but has only just made an appearance in the UK. In 2011 the compulsory checking of dogs for ticks coming into the country was relaxed. Since then four dogs have been treated for it. One sadly died.

Symptoms

Canine Babesiosis disrupts the red blood cells the symptoms include:

Weakness and loss of appetite
Pale gums and tongue
Orange coloured urine
Jaundice
Enlarged lympnodes or spleen

Symptoms can be mild to no symptoms at all or it can be very severe, putting your dog’s life at risk. It is difficult to diagnose, and your vet will have to do extensive blood tests and need a complete history of where you have been and your dogs likely hood of being infected.

Treatment

A severely ill dog will need fluid treatment and blood transfusions and will need to be hospitalised. The drug regime for dealing with the diseases can have some serious side effects and may only deal with the symptoms and not actually remove the parasite from the blood stream. So, flare-ups can occur in times of stress and ill health.

You can also support your dog with nutraceuticals and herbs:

Dr Becker Healthy pets Mercola writes:

I put chronically ill or infected dogs on several nutraceuticals and herbs, including beta-glucans, medicinal mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, and reishi), curcumin, olive leaf, and cat’s claw. If possible, I also recommend hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy.

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Prevention

Being tick aware is the main way to prevent your chihuahua from picking up this parasite. Ticks don’t jump onto your dog, they hang about in bushes and on grass stalks until your dog brushes against them. So chihuahua’s that like to romp in the grass (Minnie) need to be regularly checked for ticks. Make sure you check between their toes as well.

Clock is ticking

It takes 24 hours for the tick to infect your dog, so removing ticks promptly and in one piece (without leaving the mouth part under your dog’s skin) is important. Use a tool like a Tick Twister and follow the manufactures instructions. Do not crush the tick as you will be pushing more tick juice into your dog.

Spraying your chihuahua with a tick deterrent before you go out for a walk is a good idea. Especially as chihuahuas are close to the ground, so rubbing it all over their belly, under the arms and around the tail is a good idea. Neem oil and coconut is a good deterrent. You can get the recipe here.

Don’t stay at home

You don’t want to become a stay-at-home, getting out in the fresh air is important for both you and your chihuahua. It is good for everyone’s physical & mental health and, just because chihuahuas are small doesn’t mean they don’t need to get out. Chihuahuas love a good sniff and a run about just like bigger breeds.

But, be mindful of where you are walking, maybe stay away from places that cattle or livestock graze and with lots of long grass. If you remove a tick, think about keeping it so you can show your vet if you are worried.

Take away:

Babesiosis is common in the US and around the world, but relatively new in the UK so the chances of your dog picking up an infection is still rare.

But, it pays to be tick aware and to make sure you check your chi and remove any your find promptly as they spread a variety of other diseases and can cause infection around the puncture wound.

Grooming

Are spot on flea treatments bad for your chihuahua?

March 4, 2018July 30, 2019
by Louise Kirby

Dealing with fleas is an annoying problem, but are spot on flea treatments bad for your chihuahua?

Monthly plans

A lot of chihuahua parents believe they are doing the best for their chihuahua by using monthly ‘spot on flea treatments’. By spot on flea treatments I mean any chemical flea treatment that is applied topically to your dog’s skin.

It is so ingrained in us that this is the right thing to do that many of us are on monthly plans at the vets that include flea & worm treatments and ‘booster’ vaccinations.

Firstly, booster vaccinations are not required read ‘Are we Over Vaccinating Dogs?’ But this article is about chemical flea control, so I’ll move on.

How do spot on flea treatments work?

The insecticide in spot on flea products blocks the adult flea’s nervous system and the flea should die within 24 hours. This reduces its opportunity to lay eggs.

The insecticide is mixed with a carrier oil that spreads over the skin and is absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream, it also kills intestinal worms and lungworms. If this doesn’t work, it may be worth checking out 25 Incredibly Easy Home Remedies for Worms in Dogs. It’s best to treat the issue before it becomes life-threatening.

Given the job it does, it is easy to see why so many pet owners will reach for their monthly flea control without giving it another thought.

The downside

I stopped using these products some time ago when I noticed an adverse reaction in Mika after the application. He would be unwell, vomit and shake.

Research shows that this is a common reaction to the chemicals in these flea control products, along with redness of the skin where it is applied. Reactions vary in intensity, but it has caused fatal seizures in dogs.

There are three main chemicals Fipronil, Imidacloprid and Pyrethrins in spot on flea products. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine these chemicals have arrange of side affects on your dog, from liver and kidney toxicity, thyroid cancer, heart disease. It was a long list, so I have put a link to the article below.

According to experts, topical chemical flea control contributes to the rise in canine cancer. It also contributes to allergies in dogs.

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Why chihuahuas & small dogs are more at risk

The application of topical flea control products can cause an immediate adverse reaction in your dog, one of the main reasons being that the dosage parameters are so wide and vague. The under 5 kgs dose instruction can be way over the top for a dog that weighs half that.

Do short coats even get fleas?

I have noticed something strange since we had Arlo who is a short coat. He never seems to pick up fleas. The other two, Mika and Minnie do pick the occasional jumper. But Arlo, never. Looking at his coat it is so much denser that the long haired dogs it is so thick at the base. So is this just not hospitable for a flea. I would love to know your thoughts.

Healthy Pets Mercloa writes:

Most adverse reactions were seen in dogs weighing between 10 and 20 pounds. (4.53 -9.09 kg)
Reactions in mixed breed dogs were most commonly reported, however, the Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian, Dachshund, Maltese, Yorkshire terrier and Bichon Frise seem particularly at risk.
Products containing cyphenothrin and permethrin were especially problematic for small breed dogs.
Most incidents occurred in dogs under three years old, likely at their first exposure to a spot-on product.
Adverse reactions for both dogs and cats were primarily skin, GI tract and nervous system related. Skin reactions included redness, itching, hair loss, sores and ulcers.
Gastrointestinal symptoms included vomiting, diarrhoea and salivation.
Reported nervous system symptoms included lethargy, nervousness, ataxia (movement problems), tremors and seizure.

Only dealing with mum

Fleas are a nuisance and need to be dealt with, but the other problem with many spot on flea treatments is they are only dealing with the adult.

The adult flea is the tip of the iceberg. Killing the eggs before they hatch must be the target. Because once they are in the carpet or dog bedding, as soon as the product wears off they will hop straight back on again.

But again, don’t reach for the chemicals and spray them all over your house, they can be bad for you and your family contributing to migraines, asthma and eczema.

Go natural

We have several articles on dealing with fleas in the home and natural ways to keep your dog flea free.

But essentially, neem oil, diatomaceous earth, a good steam cleaner, apple cider vinegar and a hot wash for bedding should get you started on the path natural to flea control.

Article from Dogs Naturally Magazine

Please be aware that putting canine flea products on a cat can kill your cat.

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Behaviour

Oh No! Please help my chihuahua eats poop?

February 5, 2018April 2, 2021
by Louise Kirby

My chihuahuas eats poop. Yuck!

It is a worry when you find your chihuahua eats poop. How could such a cute dog doe something so disgusting?

Minnie loves cat poop and considers the cat an interactive treat dispenser. Cat pooh is especially delicious for a dog and can be hard to resist. But they will also eat their own poop and other dogs.

But there is nothing more disgusting than seeing cat poop crumbs around your chihuahua’s muzzle especially if he’s a kisser!

Natural behaviour

The behaviour of eating faeces is called coprophagia. It is a natural behaviour for dogs even though it’s absolutely disgusting to people. It’s not just cat faeces, other dogs, their own, horse, fox and rabbit all feature on the menu.

Even though it is natural, it is not something that should be encouraged or tolerated. Clostridia, Salmonella, Campylobacter along with parasites can be passed to your dog and make him very ill. Fox poop can contain lungworm larvae. Read: The facts about lungworm.

First you need to get to the bottom (no pun intended) of why your chihuahua eats poop and change the behaviour. Although it can be a difficult habit to break.

Some dogs will eat other dog and animal pooh, and sometimes their own. There are a range of different reasons why your dog may feel inclined to tuck into faeces.

Why does he do it?

According to Dogs Naturally Magazine there could be medical reasons that make dogs eat poop:

A lack of the required digestive enzymes could be a factor. This is a diet-based problem and one that could be coming from feeding kibble and other processed food. Dogs need to get additional enzymes from their food to help them absorb nutrients, if these are missing from their diet they will try and find them elsewhere.

Try changing your dog onto a fresh raw or home cooked diet and add a probiotic paste to their food.

Other reasons that could be compelling your chi to seek out faeces are:

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Pancreas is not producing the enzymes he needs.

Parasites

Internal parasites are absorbing the nutrients

Conditions causing increased appetite

Diabetes, thyroid problems, and some medications that make your dog hungry.

Underfeeding

You may not be feeding enough, and he is hungry.

Behavioural

It might not be a medical thing, don’t rush to the vets demanding expensive, invasive tests unless your dog is losing weight and not thriving. There could be some behavioural reasons for his poop habit.

Keeping the den clean

Mother dogs will eat their puppies poop to keep the den clean. Your puppy may copy this behaviour, but it is likely he will grow out of it.

Attention

Eating poop is a good way of getting your attention, like children any attention is good. Chomping a lump of cat poop is a good way to start the game ‘chase the chihuahua’!

Boredom

If your dog is left for long periods eating poop might seem an interesting past-time.

Over crating

Dogs left in a crate for a long time will eat their faeces to keep it clean. You may find that dogs rescued from puppy mills have this habit as they spend all day and night in a cage. Read the Crate Debate

Fear

If you chastise your dog for an accident in the house, he may develop the habit of eating his poop because he is afraid of getting told off. Never comment, just clean it up without a fuss and make sure your dog can go outside for a toilet break. Read how to toilet train your chihuahua.

What to do if your chihuahua eats poop

It goes without saying that you need to keep your chi away from the litter tray. Put it up high where your dog can’t get it.
Clear up any accidents in the house and make sure you keep the garden area clear.
Have a look at diet. Are they getting everything they need.
If you are feeding kibble or processed dog foods, try changing the diet so your chihuahua is getting more variety.
Check that your dog does not have worms by checking his poo on a regular basis. You can send a sample and get a worm count done. Kits are available on-line. If he has worms, then use a chemical wormer from the vet to get him clear of adults then move onto a natural product that will kill larvae in the gut.
Have a look at your crating routine or the amount of time you are leaving your dog alone. Longer than 2 hours in a crate (unless overnight) or 4 hours in the house is too long on a regular basis. Try and arrange for someone to walk your dog and let them out.
Make sure your chi has plenty of exercise. Even chihuahuas need to get out for a run and do dog stuff.

Take away

Getting to the bottom of why your chihuahua eats poop is not straight forward and may take some time. Good diet, mental stimulation and exercise are the key things to take away.

If making changes to your dog’s diet, environment and exercise routine does not help and your dog is losing weight, then take him to the vet.

Health

Leptospirosis: should we be vaccinating against it?

January 2, 2018May 31, 2022
by Louise Kirby

Last week when I took Mika to the vet I was offered the opportunity to vaccinate team chi against Leptospirosis. Given a list of the possible symptoms outlined by the vet, on the face of it, it seemed like a good idea. But, because I am naturally a suspicious person, before I start to pump my dogs full of chemicals I like to make sure I have all the facts.

What is Leptospirosis, and do we need to worry about it?

Leptospirosis is also known as Wells disease. It is caused by a corkscrew shaped bacteria called Leptospira. There are over 20 different types of the bacteria that can cause sickness in your dog. The bacteria are zoonotic, which means that it can be spread to humans from infected animals. Typically, in the wild the infection is spread by rats, pigs, (racoons in the US) mice, cows, foxes and dogs. It is spread by the infected animal’s urine and remains active in the soil or water for up to sixth months. It is rare in cats.

Symptoms of infection are:

Tiredness
Fever
Loss of appetite
Blood in the urine
Jaundice

A serious infection left untreated can cause multiple organ failure and could be fatal. Your dog may pick it up through a cut in their skin when they are swimming in infected water or messing in mud.

Before you panic!

It is relatively uncommon in the UK. It does exist in the US and reported cases of infected dogs are rising, but that can be put down to better diagnostic testing. Lepto’ is not a new disease, it has been present in the environment forever. We are coming more into contact with it as we encroach on natural habitat of wild animals.

Should we vaccinate against it?

You will be offered the vaccine on an annual basis. Vets will use human annual flu vaccinations as a model, suggesting that the strain can change in the same way the flu virus does.Vaccines work by introducing a dead strain of the virus, so the body will produce antibodies to fight it. When the real virus attacks, the body already has the antibodies ready to go.

But leptospirosis is not a virus!

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection rather than a virus, so it’s not possible to build up antibodies against it in the same way. Because of this an ‘adjuvant’ is added to the vaccine to provoke the required immune system response to the bacteria.

According to Dr Becker Healthypets.mercola.com:

‘Because of this, it also carries a significantly greater risk for adverse reactions. Information has recently emerged that the vaccine can actually cause the disease in dogs, and it has also been linked to early kidney failure in older animals.’

Adverse reactions can be anything from mild fever and vomiting to full on anaphylactic shock, liver failure and death. They (Mercloa) also go on to suggest that the vaccine itself is very short lived and does not offer protection from the bacteria for a year and as the infection can be anyone of 20 different strains it may not even be the correct one.

Better safe than sorry right?

Not necessarily. For years we have been advised to vaccinate our pets on an annual basis, but new thinking suggests that the routine over vaccination of our pets has adverse long-term health implications and should not be considered a harmless ‘better safe than sorry’ procedure. But, no one wants to expose their dog to the possibility of liver failure from picking up this bacterial infection. It is hard to argue the case with a vet who is reeling off the dangers of infection. You also get the dire warning of ‘not believing what you read on the internet’. But, the evidence seems to suggest that this vaccine has little long-term benefit in preventing infection.

Leptospirosis is not a virus like distemper or parvo and should not form part of the essential core vaccinations.

Not a prevention

Also, the vaccine does not prevent the disease, but lessens the symptoms. So, there is a danger that pet owners who have vaccinated against it may feel over confident and put the milder symptoms down to something else when in fact their dog is ill and needs treatment.

Keep your dog healthy

Dogs Naturally Magazine advises: If your dog is healthy and has a strong immune system, the chances are he will be able to fight any mild infection himself. If the worst happens and your dog does get seriously ill, then it’s treatable. If your dog has a compromised immune system, it would be a good idea to keep them away from the target areas where infection is more likely: stagnant ponds or slow-moving water and keep vigilant to the of signs of illness.

I can’t tell you if you should vaccinate your dog against Lepto’ you have to make the decision yourself. Please do some real research before you decide. But it is going to be an avoid for us.

Louise Kirby

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Category: <span>Worms & Parasites</span>

What are anal glands?

How to treat inflamed anal glands

Why do they get anal gland problems?

Should we DIY?

Signs your chihuahua is having anal gland problems.

Prevention is always better than cure

Update! Try this…

Can my dog catch a cold from me?

Good news

When to visit the vet

Kennel cough

Can you vaccinate against kennel cough?

Lungworm

Take away

Let’s talk about dog poo

Anal Glands

Worms

Sloppy

Dry

Yellow

Orange or Grey poo

Black tarry sticky poo

Mucus

What is Alabama Rot?

Symptoms of alabama rot

Who can get it

How to avoid Alabama rot

Take away

My chihuahua has diarrhea, what to do next?

Things that can trigger a bout of diarrhea

Changes in diet

Spoilt food

Poisonous food

Bacterial & Viral infection

Side effect of medication or flea treatments

Allergies

Too much fat

Parasites

Kidney disease

How serious is it and when to go to the vet?

How to treat it

My chihuahua has dry itchy skin, what’s causing it?

What causes dry itchy skin?

#1 Grooming

#2 Fleas, Mites & Mange

#3 Allergies

#4 Diet

#4 Thyroid disease

How to help with dry itchy skin

Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

Louise Kirby

What is canine babesiosis?

How is it transmitted?

What are the chances of getting it?

Symptoms

Treatment

Dr Becker Healthy pets Mercola writes:

I put chronically ill or infected dogs on several nutraceuticals and herbs, including beta-glucans, medicinal mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, and reishi), curcumin, olive leaf, and cat’s claw. If possible, I also recommend hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy.

Prevention

Clock is ticking

Don’t stay at home

Take away:

Monthly plans

How do spot on flea treatments work?

The downside

Why chihuahuas & small dogs are more at risk

Do short coats even get fleas?

Healthy Pets Mercloa writes:

Only dealing with mum

Go natural

My chihuahuas eats poop. Yuck!

Natural behaviour

Why does he do it?

Behavioural

Keeping the den clean

Attention

Boredom

Over crating

Fear