Chihuahua Health Guide
Everything chihuahua owners need to know about keeping their dog healthy.
Breed Overview
Chihuahuas are tiny companion dogs known for being alert, bold, and deeply attached to their people. The breed traces its recorded history in the United States to dogs brought from Chihuahua, Mexico in the 1800s, and AKC recognized the breed in 1904. Their small size is part of what makes them unique, but it also means health issues can have a bigger impact than they might in a larger dog. In practice, veterinarians often pay close attention to dental disease, kneecap instability, heart murmurs, and eye concerns in this breed. Because Chihuahuas can live well into their teens, preventive care and regular screening matter a lot.
Common Health Issues
Periodontal disease
Toy breeds are at higher risk for dental crowding, tartar buildup, gum disease, loose teeth, and bad breath. Daily tooth brushing and regular professional dental care are especially important for Chihuahuas.
Luxating patella
A slipping kneecap is a common orthopedic problem in small dogs and can cause skipping, hopping, or sudden hind-leg lameness. Mild cases may be monitored, while more severe cases may need surgery.
Heart disease and murmurs
Chihuahuas are one of the small breeds commonly affected by mitral valve disease as they age. A new murmur, cough, exercise intolerance, fainting, or fast resting breathing should prompt a veterinary exam.
Inherited eye disease
The breed club and OFA recommend regular eye screening by a boarded veterinary ophthalmologist. Cataracts and other inherited eye problems may be found on screening exams.
Tracheal collapse
Toy breeds are predisposed to collapse of the windpipe, which can cause a dry, honking cough, noisy breathing, or exercise intolerance. Extra weight and airway irritation can make signs worse.
Hydrocephalus and open fontanelle concerns
Chihuahuas are one of the toy breeds veterinarians watch for congenital skull and brain abnormalities. Puppies with seizures, a dome-shaped head, abnormal behavior, poor growth, or trouble learning housetraining need prompt veterinary evaluation.
Preventive Care Schedule
Chihuahuas should follow the standard core vaccine schedule your veterinarian recommends, plus lifestyle-based vaccines such as leptospirosis, bordetella, influenza, or Lyme when appropriate. This breed benefits from especially close dental prevention: daily tooth brushing at home, early oral exams, and professional cleanings as advised by your vet. For breed-specific screening, the Chihuahua Club of America and OFA CHIC program recommend patella, cardiac, and eye testing for breeding dogs, and annual cardiac auscultation plus regular eye exams can also be helpful for pets as they age. Ask your veterinarian about monitoring body condition closely, because even small weight gain can worsen orthopedic or airway problems. Puppies should also be watched carefully for retained baby teeth and for signs of low blood sugar if they are very young, very small, or not eating well.
When to Use Telehealth for Your Chihuahua
Telehealth can be especially helpful for Chihuahua owners because small dogs can deteriorate quickly and their signs are sometimes subtle. A virtual vet visit is a good option for reviewing videos of coughing, reverse sneezing, limping from a suspected luxating patella, dental concerns such as bad breath or visible tartar, appetite changes, weight questions, behavior changes, and deciding whether a symptom can wait for a daytime appointment. It is also useful for post-visit follow-up, preventive care planning, and helping owners interpret whether a new noise, skip in the gait, or mild eye irritation needs urgent in-person care. Telehealth is not enough for collapse, trouble breathing, fainting, seizures, severe pain, eye injury, or a dog that is too weak to eat or stand—those situations need in-person veterinary care right away.
Chihuahua Health FAQs
Are Chihuahuas generally healthy dogs?
What health tests are recommended for Chihuahuas?
Why do so many Chihuahuas have bad teeth?
When should I worry about my Chihuahua coughing?
Do Chihuahuas need special preventive care because they are so small?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.