9 Factors That Might Influence Chihuahua Life Expectancy
This post is aimed at discussing the Chihuahua life expectancy and some factors that might influence the Chihuahua life span.
The Chihuahua is a small, lean dog that may be the most popular breed in the world.
This breed was originally bred as a companion animal and is often referred to as “the king of dogs.”
There are many factors that can affect the life expectancy of your Chihuahua which will be discussed in this post.
How long do Chihuahuas live
Chihuahuas are one of the longest-lived dog breeds, with an average lifespan of 15-20 years. Some Chihuahuas have been known to live even longer, into their early 30s!
While their small size makes them susceptible to health problems, such as hypoglycemia and patellar luxation, their long lifespans are a testament to the robustness of the breed.
Factors That Might Influence Chihuahua Life Expectancy
Chihuahuas are one of the longest-living dog breeds, with a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
They are a very active breed and love to play and run around. They are also very loyal and loving and make great companion dogs.
The following are some common factors that might influence Chihuahua life expectancy:
Sprayed or neutered status
Neutering or spaying can reduce the risk of certain cancers that might influence Chihuahua life expectancy.
For example, neutering a male dog may lower his chances of developing testicular cancer by 90%.
Spaying a female dog can lower her chances of developing mammary cancer in females by 50%.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that dogs be spayed or neutered before they reach 6 months old; males should be sterilized at about 7 months old and females after 4 years old.
Congenital conditions
Congenital conditions are those that are present at birth that might influence Chihuahua life expectancy.
They can be genetic or environmental, and they can affect the health of your chihuahua in many ways.
Congenital malformations and diseases are common causes of death in dogs, with some breeds dying as young as 8 weeks old.
Some congenital malformations such as hydrocephalus (the buildup of fluid on the brain) may be treated surgically while others will require lifelong care from you or your vet team.
Obesity
Obesity is a serious health issue in Chihuahuas that might influence Chihuahua life expectancy.
It can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems that may shorten your dog’s life expectancy.
Obese dogs are at risk of joint pain, arthritis, and heart disease.
To help prevent obesity in your Chihuahua:
- Feed your pet a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grain-free treats like kibble or canned food (with no added sugars).
- Avoid high-fat foods such as hot dogs or beef jerky as well as treats containing chocolate chips or nuts because these items are high in calories without providing much nutritional value for your dog’s body weight.
- Make sure you exercise regularly with your dog, so he stays fit.
- If you notice any changes in the way your pet acts or looks over time then talk to an expert about it before making any major decisions on what course of action would be best for him
Heart disease
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in Chihuahuas which can directly Influence Chihuahua life expectancy.
The exact cause is not known, but it can be caused by obesity, congenital conditions, or other factors.
Heart disease can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and regular medical check-ups.
Dental Health
Dental health is a very important aspect of Chihuahua life expectancy as it can lead to illnesses that affect Chihuahuas.
Dogs with healthy teeth can live longer and healthier lives, which will help prevent them from developing more serious health issues in the future.
If you notice that your Chihuahua has decaying teeth or gum disease, it’s important to take action immediately so that you can keep your pet’s teeth as healthy as possible for years to come.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are important for Chihuahuas as they can help them live happily and healthily.
They can help prevent certain diseases, like parvovirus and panleukopenia (a type of plague), which are common in puppies.
The best time to vaccinate your dog is between 8 weeks and 6 months of age; however, it’s important that you get your pup vaccinated at least once every year—the earlier you do this the better!
You’ll also want to make sure that your pet receives its vaccinations on time so they have enough time before they’re due again next year, but more importantly so they don’t get sick while they wait!
Environment
Environmental temperature and humidity can play a very important role in Chihuahua life expectancy.
Chihuahuas are known for their longer life expectancy, so it’s important to ensure that they stay in a clean, safe environment.
This can be achieved by keeping the temperature at 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), with no more than 60 percent relative humidity around them.
They should also be kept away from toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides, which may cause health problems over time.
If you live close to a busy road you should keep your chihuahua indoors to avoid accidents and many predators outside.
Pet food and nutrition
Chihuahuas love to eat raw meat, and it can be a great way to keep them healthy.
However, this food must be carefully prepared so that your pet does not get sick from eating it as it might influence Chihuahua life expectancy.
The most important thing is to make sure there are no bones in the meat; otherwise, your dog may choke on them or develop gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea.
Raw bones and organs are also good sources of nutrition for Chihuahuas.
The best way to feed these foods is by mixing them with cooked ones (for example raw chicken breast dipped in homemade kibble).
You should only give your dog a small amount at first because if you give him too much at once then he could become nauseous and stop eating altogether!
In short, the type of food you feed your Chihuahua has a lot of roles to play in your Chihuahua’s life expectancy.
Health status of Chihuahua parents
The health status of Chihuahua parents can be important for the long-term health of their offspring.
- If a father is unhealthy, it is likely that his children will also be unhealthy. This can be due to inherited traits or lifestyle choices made by him and/or other members of your household.
- Mothers who have been diagnosed with certain diseases may pass on these genes through their eggs and sperm so they are more likely to affect future generations if they come from unhealthy parents themselves.
Ways to improve the life span of Chihuahuas
The following are some common activities that might improve the Chihuahua life expectancy:
- Breed selectively to create healthier Chihuahuas.
- Feed them a healthy diet.
- Exercise them regularly.
- Try to socialize your Chihuahua with other pets early.
- Provide them with good shelter.
- Provide them with plenty of love and attention.
- Vaccinate them against common diseases.
- Always keep your Chihuahua hydrated
- Add some fruits and vegetables to your Chihuahua diet
- Avoid exposing them to environmental risks.
- Use common sense when caring for them.
- Provide a dog-friendly environment
- Keep your Chihuahua away from stress
- Avoid giving Chihuahuas certain human foods
- Educate others about the importance of caring for Chihuahuas.
- Watch out for early signs of illness
- Schedule regular medical check-ups.
Conclusion
The cost of veterinary care can be expensive, but it is well worth it to ensure that your Chihuahua is healthy and happy.
With so many things to consider when caring for a dog, it’s easy to forget the most important thing: making sure you have enough time in your life for your pet!
You can also learn how to care for Chihuahuas here and learn about Chihuahua’s old age issues.
