11 Common Chihuahua Old Age Problems

Chihuahua owners should be aware of the old age problems that can afflict their pets.

While most problems can be prevented or treated, some may necessitate euthanasia.

Chihuahuas may experience difficulty walking or moving around due to arthritis, bone spurs, or other medical problems.

Chihuahuas may experience vision problems due to age-related macular degeneration or other eye problems.

Older Chihuahuas may experience difficulty digesting food due to advanced age, illness, or a lack of appetite.

Let’s break it down further…

Here are some of the most common problems in senior Chihuahuas:

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1. Decreased Vision

The eyes are the window to your soul for dogs. They allow your Chihuahua to see, hear and feel everything that is happening around them.

But as Chihuahuas get older, this becomes harder for them to do because our eyesight starts decreasing.

This can happen because of diseases like cataracts or glaucoma but also because of aging itself (this happens mostly after age 7).

The first thing you should know about caring for your Chihuahua’s vision is that their eyes are not just one thing—they are made up of many parts: cornea (the clear part), lens (which focuses light onto the retina), the pupil (which changes size) and retina where images are formed.

When something goes wrong with anyone of these parts then it will affect how well they see things around them – whether it be bright sunlight or an evening walk with friends!

2. Deafness

If your dog is deaf, you will need to learn sign language. This can be difficult for some people and dogs because their hearing isn’t very good.

You may also have difficulty communicating with each other if the dog cannot hear you or understand what you are saying.

If your Chihuahua has hearing problems, it might not be able to hear certain sounds that other dogs might recognize as being important (like car horns).

He may also not recognize certain words spoken by people around him; this can make it harder for him to socialize with others or play with them in general.

3. Dental Issues

Chihuahuas have small, often crowded teeth that are prone to dental issues.

Regular brushing of their teeth will help prevent these problems from developing in the first place and will keep your dog comfortable during their old age.

Chihuahuas are also susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, so if you notice any unusual symptoms on your pet’s gums or teeth (such as redness), contact a veterinarian right away!

4. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in all dogs, according to Dr. Patricia Wright-Webb, an associate professor at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

While heart conditions can be treated with medication and surgery, it’s important that you know the signs your Chihuahua may be experiencing so you can intervene before it’s too late.

If your Chihuahua is experiencing any of these symptoms:

difficulty breathing or taking deep breaths
coughing up blood or having bloody sputum (sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus produced by small airways in the lungs)

5. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.

Symptoms include weight gain, loss of hair and muscle mass, fatigue, depression, and constipation.

Treatment involves medication for hypothyroidism.

6. Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is a condition that causes the body to produce too much of the hormone cortisol.

It can be caused by tumors in the pituitary gland or in other areas of the body.

Some dogs with Cushing’s disease have mild symptoms, such as itching and loose stools.

Other dogs may develop more serious symptoms, including excessive hair loss and weight loss.

7. Loss of Muscle Mass and Weakness

Muscle mass loss is a natural part of aging. If your dog has a sedentary lifestyle, he may lose muscle mass and strength over time.

Some dogs can be helped to maintain their strength by daily exercise in addition to dietary supplements that help build muscle, like fish oil or glucosamine.

You should also consider limiting strenuous exercise if you think your Chihuahua is showing signs of weakness or fatigue.

8. Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common problem in older dogs, but it can be difficult to identify the source of your pet’s most recent loss.

Note that hair loss in Chihuahuas can also be caused by a number of factors, including diet and medications.

Diet: Certain foods may contribute to hair loss in your Chihuahua if you feed them too much protein or calcium, which can lead to skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

Your dog should have access to fresh water at all times—and you should check his eyes periodically (a dirty eye will make him look dull) as they tend to dry out more easily than other parts of his body.

Medication: If your dog has been on medication for an extended period of time without seeing any improvement then this may be why he has lost so much fur!

Talk with their vet about switching things up so that both parties are happy with what’s going on.

9. Changes in Bathroom Habits and Incontinence

Chihuahuas are prone to incontinence, which can be caused by a number of factors including age, injury, disease, or illness.

While this may not be the most common problem with Chihuahuas who are older, it’s one of the most common health problems that occur in older dogs.

The causes of incontinence include:

Kidney disease (i.e., renal failure)
Diabetes mellitus

10. Loss of interest in the favorite activities

One of the biggest concerns for Chihuahuas is that they may become less active as they age.

While this is normal, it’s important to keep them exercised by taking them for walks in the park or even a trip to the beach.

Chihuahuas are social animals and enjoy spending time with their people, so no matter how old your dog is, you should still keep him or her engaged with other pets and people as much as possible.

If you’re worried about losing interest in playing games together (like fetch), consider purchasing an interactive ball that keeps your pup occupied while you’re at work or school!

More on: 10 Potential Chihuahua Dying Symptoms & Tips.

11. The risk of cancer increases with age

While the average lifespan of a chihuahua is 12 years, it’s important to know that there are several diseases and health problems that can affect your dog as he or she ages.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs and accounts for half of all cancers diagnosed each year—but there’s good news!

Because cancer can be detected early with regular checkups, you can have an impact on your dog’s overall health by taking control of his or her environment.

The most common cancers in chihuahuas are lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumors (yes, these things do happen).

These diseases are treated by veterinary surgeons at our hospital who specialize in veterinary medicine.

However, if you’re concerned about any symptoms presented by one of these conditions then contact us immediately, so we can take care of him/her right away!

More on : Understanding Chihuahua Separation Anxiety: Signs, Causes & More.

Ways to care for an older Chihuahua

Here are some common ways to care for an older Chihuahua:

Introduce your older Chihuahua to new people, animals, and environments slowly.
Exercise your older Chihuahua daily.

Feed your older Chihuahua a high-quality diet.
Keep your older Chihuahua away from all forms of stress.
Give your older Chihuahua plenty of fresh water.

Give your older Chihuahua a comfortable bed to sleep in.
Monitor your older Chihuahua’s health closely and make sure to get him/her veterinary care when needed.
Spend time with your older Chihuahua, providing him/her with love and companionship.

Regularly brush your dog to remove dirt, dried blood, and other debris.
Watch for signs of arthritis or other conditions that might require medical attention.
Talk to your vet or a pet care specialist about the best ways to care for your older dog.