Chihuahua health: what owners should know

Well-known issues in the breed include patellar luxation (a kneecap that slips), dental disease, tracheal collapse, heart valve disease in older dogs, eye injuries due to the prominent eyes, and occasionally hydrocephalus. Responsible breeders check knees, hearts and eyes in parent dogs and avoid breeding for extreme smallness.

Regular dental checks, a harness instead of a collar and keeping your Chihuahua slim help a lot. Book a vet visit if you notice skipping on a back leg, a honking cough, bad breath with red gums, a cloudy or squinting eye, or any unusual lethargy. In puppies, weakness or trembling after missing a meal needs urgent attention.