10 Common Chihuahua Sick Symptoms & Related Illnesses

When small dogs like Chihuahuas are sick, they usually act funny, so let’s discuss Chihuahua sick symptoms you should know and keep a tab on.

We will be discussing all the common Chihuahua sick symptoms you should know and the possible meaning of each symptom.

This means we will relate all Chihuahua sick symptoms to the possible outcome or the illnesses closely associated with them.

Remember to always take your Chihuahua to the vet when you see these symptoms and do not self-medicate your Chihuahua.

That being said, let’s roll!!!

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Chihuahua Sick Symptoms

Here are all of the frequent Chihuahua sick symptoms to watch out for, as well as the potential health risks that each symptom may imply:

1. Continues sluggishness and lethargy

Lethargy in Chihuahuas manifests itself as sluggishness, weakness, or dullness, which is easy and clear to identify.

Lethargic Chihuahuas may refuse to go for a walk, play, or eat, despite the fact that it is one of their favorite pastimes.

If your Chihuahua exhibits whole or partial lethargy, take attention and visit a veterinarian.

Chihuahuas who are lethargic like to sit and lie down and do not respond to anything, not even your calls.

What causes lethargy in Chihuahuas

The following is a list of probable health concerns associated with lethargy in Chihuahuas:

Intense dehydration
Chronic diarrhea
Pending diabetes
Advanced heart disease
Metabolic disorders

Too much exercise can also cause lethargy in Chihuahuas, so keep tabs on your pup way about!

2. Persistent lack of appetite

Anorexia nervosa is a disorder in which a Chihuahua loses its appetite and is unable or reluctant to eat.

A multitude of conditions can cause appetite loss in Chihuahuas and other pets, and it’s often the first sign of something more serious.

If a Chihuahua’s absence of appetite lasts more than 24 hours, it might be hazardous to his or her health.

It’s important to remember that most Chihuahua pups lose their appetite before they reach the age of eight months; this isn’t necessarily a sign of sickness.

What causes lack of appetite in Chihuahuas

The following are some of the most prevalent reasons for appetite loss in Chihuahuas:

Oral tumor
loose tooth
Infections
Liver problems
Dental disease
Kidney failure

3. Stomach enlargement

Dilation of the stomach-volvulus (GDV) in Chihuahuas is a hazardous condition that can be fatal if not treated.

GDV, also known as bloating, occurs when a Chihuahua’s stomach fills up with gas or fluids and spins.

Chihuahua stomach enlargement, also known as abdominal distention, occurs when the stomach of a Chihuahua seems larger in some areas.

GDV has the power to strike without notice and at any time.

It’s always an issue, and it’s one of Chihuahuas’ most common ailments.

What causes stomach enlargement in Chihuahuas

A list of probable health risks associated with a bloated stomach in Chihuahuas follows:

Presence of air in the stomach
Intestinal Parasites
Urinary Problems
Cancer of the Spleen
Intestinal Lymphoma

4. Continues shivering

One of the most typical Chihuahua sick symptoms is persistent shaking, which may be readily remedied.

Stress, toxic ingestion, freezing weather, seizures, and other factors can cause Chihuahuas to shiver or shake.

Shaking is a common response to some behavioral and environmental situations, but it may also be a warning indication in other situations.

What causes Chihuahuas to shiver

The following are a few of the most common reasons for Chihuahuas shaking that are out of your control:

Toxic ingestion
Seizures
Generalized tremor syndrome
Stress
Cold
Old age

5. Persistent coughing

Coughing is a frequent defensive reflex that clears fluids or foreign objects from the throat, vocal cords, and/or airways, preventing aspiration.

It affects the respiratory system, making breathing difficult for small pets like Chihuahuas.

Because certain coughs in Chihuahuas can be deadly, all dogs with coughs should see a veterinarian, especially if the cough is persistent.

What causes cough in Chihuahuas

Coughing can cause a variety of health problems in Chihuahuas, including the following:

Kennel cough
Heartworm disease
Heart failure
Bronchitis
Lung tumors
Fungal infections
Airway obstruction
Distemper

6. Continues diarrhea

As the blood in a Chihuahua’s feces is absorbed, it might seem murky, black, and slow.

In Chihuahuas, Melena is not the same as fresh blood in the feces (hematochezia).

Diarrhea is a common disease in Chihuahuas, and fresh blood in their stools indicates colon or rectum bleeding.

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It might be visible to the naked eye or utterly imperceptible to the naked eye.

Bacterial infections, malignancies, and urinary stones are all possible causes.

Make an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible if your Chihuahua gets bloody diarrhea.

What are the causes of diarrhea in Chihuahuas

The following is a list of probable health concerns associated with diarrhea in Chihuahuas:

Coccidia
Roundworms
Hookworms
Change in diet or treats
Whipworms
Bacterial infections
Ingesting toxins

7. Continues weight loss

Because of their small size, Chihuahuas may be difficult to notice significant weight loss, but if you pay attention, you should notice a weight loss in your Chihuahua.

Weight loss is a medical condition that affects Chihuahuas and is caused mostly by a calorie deficit.

This occurs when the Chihuahua eats and/or releases essential nutrients faster than it can absorb them.

To put it another way, the Chihuahua consumes more calories than it burns. Weight loss is one of the most common and well-known Chihuahua ill symptoms.

It is considered clinically significant when a Chihuahua’s weight loss exceeds 10% of their normal body weight and is not accompanied by fluid loss.

What causes weight loss in Chihuahuas

The following is a list of probable health risks associated with Chihuahua weight loss:

Advanced heart disease
Kidney disease
Parasite attacks
Changes in diet
Diabetes
Stress
Gastrointestinal disorders
Metabolic disorders

8. Reoccurring vomiting

The major reason for recurrent vomiting in Chihuahuas is poor judgment on the part of their owners, and it is frequently referred to as nutritional intolerance.

Vomiting, on the other hand, might indicate a serious or even life-threatening medical condition that needs prompt medical treatment and a veterinarian’s diagnosis.

When the contents of the stomach and upper intestines are driven out, vomiting can occur in most Chihuahuas.

A prominent sign of Chihuahua sickness is excessive vomiting on a regular basis.

You should take your Chihuahua to the veterinarian if he vomits more than once a day, without a break, or for more than 24 hours.

What causes reoccurring vomiting in Chihuahuas

The following is a list of possible health problems in Chihuahuas caused by vomiting:

Intestinal inflammation
Bacterial infections
Intestinal obstruction
Uterine infection
Viral infections
Pancreatitis
Kidney failure
Diet change
Ingestion of toxic substances
Liver failure

9. Itchy skin and lashes

Patches, small flaky patches, or acne-like red lumps appear abruptly on Chihuahua’s skin and lashes, signaling to itch.

This is also referred to as a vexing, irritating sensation that drives your Chihuahua to scratch. Any part of your Chihuahua’s body might be affected.

Itchy skin is one of the most prevalent ill symptoms in Chihuahuas, and it can be caused by a variety of factors.

So, what may be the cause of your Chihuahua scratching or having itchy skin?

Read more: Chihuahua Separation Anxiety: 11 Causes, Signs & Prevention.