Continuing our articles on senior chihuahua health we looked at some of the issues that our older chihuahuas will face and how to help them to have a happy full life.
Sadly, like people, getting older can make your chihuahua vulnerable to illnesses like liver disease and cancer. Here is a list of what to look out for and what you should be testing for as your chihuahua reaches middle age.
- Arthritis: and other joint issues such as Luxating Patella. Discuss Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate supplements with your vet. These may help his joints. You could also look at more natural ways to reduce the risk of arthritis.
- Weight gain: Is he getting less exercise? This could also be a sign of other issues. If your chihuahua is a chubby read this
- Weight loss: Possible dental problems or liver disease.
- Diabetes: He may have look for sweet smelling breath, he may urinate more often and drink a lot more water than normal.
- Liver disease: Look for smelly breath, weight loss and vomiting.
- Senility: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction which is like Alzheimer’s in humans.
- Incontinence: (This could be be caused by either a physical or mental issue)
- Heart condition: Which can be an enlarged heart in chihuahuas.
- Sight & Hearing problems: Both can diminish with age.
I use this supplement for Mika who is 12. I’ve been really pleased with it. Not only has it reduced anal gland issues by 90% ,he is perky & lively, no tear stains and is coat is shiny and lush. It contains (among other things) lemon balm which is show to reduce cognitive impairment and helps protect against dementia. (This is a partnership link, but I wouldn’t recommend anything I didn’t use. I love this stuff.)
Cancers in dogs
All dogs can get cancer and the trick to beating it is being vigilant and acting quickly. If you notice any of the following, then a trip to the vet is essential:
- Unusual odours from his mouth or back end.
- Vomiting or Diarrhoea.
- Bumps or lumps under the skin and around the nipples.
- Unexplained sores.
- Pale gums.
- Weight loss.
- Loss of Appetite.
- Tiredness.
Changes in his behaviour which may indicate he is in pain
Minimise the risk of cancer in your senior chihuahua
Cancer is reported to be the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years, but more than 50% of them can be treated if caught in time.
According to Healthypets.mercola.com, taking these measures can help reduce the risk of your chihuahua getting cancer.
- Do not allow your dog to get overweight
- Make sure you are not overfeeding your chi. They are so small just a tiny amount of extra food can pile on the weight.
- Feed an anti-inflammatory diet:
- Grain free, less starch and carbs and more omega 3. Try RAW or home cooked diet. You can then introduce foods that are known to help prevent cancer.
- Be more informed about neutering your dog
- The risks of spaying your chihuahua are often not mentioned and we are all encouraged to spay dogs as soon as we can. But there is now a school of thought that suggests that total de-sexing your dog can have detrimental effects on your dog’s long-term health.
- Cut down on the toxins your dog is subjected to
- Take regular breaks from tick and flea treatments or take a more natural approach to flea and worm control.
- Refuse unnecessary vaccinations
- Over vaccinating dogs is recognised as harmful. Yearly boosters are not necessary and do not afford any additional protection to your chihuahua. Read: Are We Over Vaccinating our Dogs. Like spaying, the yearly booster is something we just do because we are advised to by our vets. It is purely driven by profit.
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Hi there,
I hope your dog is OK. I am unable to give medical advice. Please go back to your vet if you are worried.
Louise
My 15 yr old Chi has 4 teeth left and was diagnosed with the stomach virus.
The vet says to give her what she;ll eat. Usually sanned Caesar’s; varied variety but she refused to eat for 3 days and drank little water. She isn’t dehydrated but she ate for 1 1/2 days some little canned cat food; fish flavor. Today she ate nothing. No treats, no canned cat food or dog food, still drinks a little what am I to do?
Rennie my 20 yr old girl, still walks slowly, I massage her back legs and back daily. I give her when needed pain and appetite meds. I am retired so I am always there for her, she has always been there for me, my family. She has no teeth I give her Gerbers sweet potato and turkey baby food, which she loves In-out burger patties $1.25 a piece no salt. Do you have any suggestions for her near future?
Gosh 20 years old, what a superstar! I may try to give her a more varied diet and mash it up. She still needs the correct calcium and vitamins for a dog. I would add some of the senior Calm K9 to her diet. I give it to one of my older chihuahuas and have been amazed by the difference. Here is a link. https://a-ok9.com/products/calm-k9-senior-boost?ref=QjiXuA8_fAM-V If you are asking me when is the right time to let her go, only you can judge. 20 is a fantastic age and you both have enjoyed an amazing life together. My view would be as long as she is not in pain and getting enjoyment out of her day then she is fine. Sending you both hugs.
Hello there,
I’m so sorry your chi is unhappy, but it is good news the vet did not see anything. I think the place to start is to get his weight down, as being overweight may be hurting his knees. You may benefit from feeding a good quality wet or semi moist food and feed around 3% of the body weight he is meant to be. Walking in circles can be a sign of stress, one of ours does it when the younger dogs have been getting on his nerves. It can also be the sign of cognitive decline, but I think the vet would have said this if they thought that was the case.
Play little stimulating games with him to keep his mind active and give him good quality chews like hooves to chew on in the day. I would also start to give him this supplement. I give it to our Mika and have been really thrilled with the results.
https://a-ok9.com/products/calm-k9-senior-boost?ref=QjiXuA8_fAM-V
Once his weight comes down, he may become more active and happy. If you feel he needs pain meds then try CBD oil, a lot of owners have had good results with this.
come back to me if you need more help over the food and feeding. Good luck and stay in touch.
My 15 year old chihuahua Crystal when he is awake. He walks in circles and is overweight. Vet didn’t see nothing on his checkup. I think he is hurting on inside. And needs pain managment.I need help.please
11 yr old female, on and off bouts with swollen ,painful and discolored belly.vet said purely hormonal ,he spayed her 2018. Still happened about every 6 months. Now for about 4weeks sever pain to vet #1- xray all good , unknown source of pain / pain pills. Vet#2- looked at xray,did blood test ,all good, unknown source of pain/ added pain pills to what already has .bring back if not better. Help
Gosh that must be a worry for you. I am not a vet and am not able to give medical advice. It’s good news that the x ray is not showing anything suspicious, so if this were my chi chi I would look at food and allergies. What are you feeding her, what is her poop like is she overweight. All that kind of thing. 11 is not old for a chi although they are considered senior after 8-10, but they can live until 18-20 if you are lucky. I would look at diet. Start her on his supplement. I have been giving it to Mika and am astounded by the difference. Mika is 10. It helps with cognitive function and has a fantastic effect on his belly. https://a-ok9.com/products/calm-k9-senior-boost?ref=QjiXuA8_fAM-V