Does your Chihuahua appear to be lacking in their usual crazy energy? They might be suffering from stomach troubles, leading them to appear weary and exhausted.
Dogs, like people, require a nutritious and balanced diet. In reality, a well-balanced diet is required for dogs to live long and healthy lives. Unfortunately, in certain circumstances, the pain and suffering associated with digestive problems might prohibit dogs from eating at all, further deteriorating their health.
Diagnosing and treating a dog’s digestive issues requires considerable care and urgency because failing to seek medical attention can only worsen the symptoms and prolong the dog’s suffering.
Various Digestive Problems in Dogs
Several digestive problems can occur in dogs. Understanding the subtleties of your dog’s health and behavior is essential for maintaining a happy and healthy life.
❕Vomiting Chihuahua
If there is any certainty in your dog-owning experience, one of them is that your dog will vomit at some point. This is one of the most frequent digestive problems in dogs, and the underlying reason is usually harmless. Vomiting can be caused by a wide range of diseases or illnesses, from heat stroke to liver failure. Most illnesses are treatable, especially if you seek medical treatment when you notice something is wrong.
❕Toxicity from Chocolate
Keep any chocolate out of your dog’s reach. Humans adore them, but they are fatal to their faithful canine partners. The quantity of chocolate your dog consumes, as well as the type, will influence the severity of their symptoms. In the event of unintentional chocolate intake, always seek the advice of a medical expert.
❕Pancreatitis of Chihuahua
Pancreatitis is regarded as one of the most dangerous canine digestive diseases, posing a direct threat to your best friend’s health. When “digestible” meets the small intestine, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes that aid in food breakdown and other vital activities.
❕Diarrhea in Chihuahua
With an unquenchable interest in the contents of any trashcan and an enigmatic need to nibble on grass, diarrhea is an unavoidable event in every dog’s life. However, as with vomiting, diarrhea is not always a cause for concern. Diarrhea is defined as a liquid-like, loose stool. While this is not an unusual occurrence in many dogs, it is vital to understand how to treat one’s dog at home as well as how to detect whether the condition is serious.
❕Worms
Worms are among the most frequent intestinal problems in dogs and among the most frightening to their human caregivers. If you find your dog’s hair has grown dull, their stomach has begun to resemble a pot belly, or they are just tired and losing weight, you may be dealing with worms. If you believe your dog has worms, take him to the doctor immediately for a diagnosis.
❕Gastritis in Chihuahua
While vomiting is not uncommon in a dog’s life if it occurs regularly and in conjunction with other symptoms, your canine may be suffering from gastritis. This disease is characterized by an irritated intestinal lining, which is frequently followed by infection. Gastritis can be deadly if not treated properly.
Home Remedies for Your Dog’s Irritable Stomach
👍Keep your Chihuahua Hydrated
It is critical that your dog keep hydrated at all times, but especially if they are vomiting or having diarrhea. When they have diarrhea, they can get dehydrated extremely rapidly, perhaps within a few hours.
To retain fluids, dogs require electrolytes and vitamins. Every 2–3 hours, give your dog ice chips. Check to see whether your dog can eat it before adding more ice cubes and tablespoons of water.
👍Figure out what Caused it
The majority of the time, a dog’s upset stomach is caused by something the dog consumed. Dogs are infamous for eating things they shouldn’t, and there’s a lengthy list of things that might harm your dog. To assist your veterinarian in making a diagnosis, try to determine what may have caused your dog’s upset stomach.
👍Serve them Bone Broth
Bone broth is extremely beneficial to dogs. In a crockpot, combine meat, apple cider vinegar, and water. Making bone broth takes approximately a day, so make it ahead of time and freeze it. Before freezing, remove any excess fat.
👍Give them a Bland Diet
After your dog has fasted for 12-24 hours and is neither vomiting nor unable to keep liquids down, it may be time to attempt the bland diet. Start with a spoonful and wait two hours before increasing the amount of food you feed your dog. Once your dog appears to be improving, gently reintroduce their usual food until they are eating 100 percent of their regular diet again.
👍Don’t Let them Eat Grass
When their stomachs are disturbed, some dogs appear to have an instinctive need to consume grass. Some believe the dog is attempting to induce vomiting by swallowing grass, but not all veterinarians agree. In addition, many lawns have been treated with fertilizers and other chemicals, rendering them unfit for canine eating.
👍Check their Body Temperature
Using a rectal thermometer, check your dog’s temperature. Ear thermometers for dogs are available, although they are not as accurate. The usual temperature of a dog is 101.5°F. A fever is defined as a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or above. If your dog’s temperature is 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or 99 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you should take him to the veterinarian right once to find out what’s happening.
👍Fast them for 12-24 Hours
It is very common for canines in the wild to go without meals for extended periods of time. If your dog’s stomach is upset, fasting will allow their gastrointestinal tract to relax and recuperate if it is irritated.
If your dog is still a puppy, do not deprive him of food for more than 12 hours or overnight. You may keep your puppy’s glucose levels up by rubbing maple syrup on their gums. However, be certain that the syrup does not include xylitol, a potentially deadly artificial sweetener if consumed by dogs.
👍Give them Probiotics
You might attempt giving your dog unsweetened, plain yogurt after eating and looking to be feeling better. Probiotics are live gut-friendly bacteria that occur naturally in the digestive tract. The objective of giving probiotics to your dog is to avoid gastrointestinal issues and improve their immune system.
Chihuahuas’ Common Diseases and Medical Conditions
Chihuahuas are either healthy or unhealthy canines, depending on how well they are cared for by their owners. In general, they are a healthy breed with few health concerns. Even yet, they, like any other dog breed, get sick from time to time.
➖ Dental Disease
When it comes to house dogs, dental disease is the most frequent ailment. It starts with tartar buildup and progresses to an infection of the teeth’ roots and gums. These little canines are inclined to keeping their baby teeth, a condition known as deciduous canine teeth, which causes an adult tooth to grow incorrectly. Then food becomes trapped around these infants’ teeth, causing severe gum disease.
➖ Hypoglycemia
It is one of the most prevalent health problems in Chihuahuas. This is the medical name for abnormally low blood sugar, and it can cause problems with the canine’s neurological system, resulting in seizures and, in rare circumstances, coma.
Hypoglycemic episodes can strike without notice. A Chihuahua with low blood sugar levels may exhibit tremors, sleepiness, agitation, and frailty.
➖ The Canine Influenza
This is a highly infectious viral infection caused by influenza virus A. It is also known as dog flu. It is easily transferred between dogs that are close to one another. Nasal discharge, fever, tiredness, coughing, lack of appetite, sneezing, or heavy breathing are all symptoms.
➖ The Tracheal Collapse
The trachea, or windpipe as it is more generally known, is produced and maintained by cartilage rings. Tracheal collapse is simply the constriction of the trachea as a result of this cartilage becoming weak. The membrane lining of the windpipe swells as a result of this collapse. As a result, the Chihuahua develops a dry cough and heavy breathing.
➖ Spinal Injuries
Trauma is the most common cause of spinal injury. Because this breed of canine is so little, there is an increased danger of spinal damage. Chihuahuas who play with larger dogs or who are always full of energy and are sociable in some way are also in danger.
Acute spinal injuries can cause severe nerve damage, resulting in discomfort or possibly paralysis. Damage to a Chihuahua’s spinal discs causes one of the most prevalent persistent spine ailments.
➖ Hair Loss
This breed of dog is predisposed to pattern baldness. Just as in people, the hair begins to fall off gradually and never grows back. The loss of hair does not cause itching, however, the skin may feel dry at times.
➖ Shivering Chihuahua
It is a rather frequent ailment among Chihuahuas. Yes, this isn’t exactly a health concern, but we included it since dog owners deal with it all the time. This happens because these small creatures don’t have much fat beneath their skin, but it can also be an indication of a more serious disease.
➖ Obesity
This is a serious health concern in dogs and a potentially fatal condition that may lead to arthritis, back discomfort, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
➖ The Canine Distemper
This is a serious viral infection. The illness might be passed from canine to canine through the air. Not only is it very contagious, but there is no known cure; therefore it is critical to have your pet vaccinated.
➖ The Patellar Luxation
Patellar dislocation is a medical disorder that occurs when the canine’s kneecap luxates from its usual place in the groove of the thigh bone. And because the severity of this medical issue varies so much, there are several therapy choices accessible.
➖ Parasites
Some several bugs and worms might infiltrate your friend’s body, both inside and outside. Anything from mites to fleas might infest the dog’s ears or skin. Some of these parasites may be passed to a family member and become a serious problem for them.
➖ Glaucoma
This is a medical disease affecting both people and canines that is very painful and can occasionally lead to blindness. In particularly severe cases, the eye may appear to be bulging or enlarged.
➖ The Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis, often known as Rubarth disease, is an acute infection of the liver in dogs. This illness is frequently confused with canine distemper and may be spread by saliva, blood, feces, and urine.
➖ Chronic Valvular Disease
Degenerative alterations occur in the cardiac valves of dogs that suffer from this sort of disease. The leaflets of the valves, in particular, grow thicker and distorted. The most frequent symptom of this disease is a loud heart murmur on the left side of the chest.
➖ Hydrocephalus
Chihuahuas are also predisposed to another health issue known as hydrocephalus. Most dogs of this breed will develop hydrocephalus before the age of nine months, however, others may not show any symptoms until a later age.
What Foods should you give your Sick Chihuahua who has lost its Appetite?
Choosing what to feed a sick dog is more complicated than simply feeding them food that they are less likely to vomit up. It all depends on the cause of your dog’s illness.
✔️Give them Chicken with White Rice
This is an excellent meal for ill dogs since it is bland but high in energy. Because these two meals have a mild flavor, dogs that are vomiting may generally eat them. When your dog is sick, they may heave and vomit more because they have an empty stomach; therefore it is vital to encourage them to consume simple meals like these. White rice is high in carbs, and chicken is high in protein.
✔️Feed your Chihuahua Shredded Chicken Breasts
Chicken is appealing to your dog, has nutritional advantages, and is simple to consume due to its simplicity. It is, without a doubt, the best meal for ill dogs. Remember to keep the chicken simple.
✔️Wet Food for their Meal
Appealing wet food is the most effective way to get your ill dog to eat when they don’t have an appetite. However, this can sometimes have a more attractive fragrance to your dog, especially if you heat the meal for ten to thirty seconds in the microwave.
Wet food can be nutritious, but it is often advised for dogs unable to eat due to fear or dental pain. The meal is fast and simple to consume. As a result, anxious dogs’ dental discomfort is reduced, and the feeding process is simpler.
✔️Feed your Chihuahua Fish
Fish has a strong odor that is appealing to your dog and may even persuade a sick dog to eat. However, make certain that the fish is prepared since raw fish can be hazardous to ill dogs. Because this meal is soft, it may be suitable for dogs that have jaw or tooth issues. It can also help people who are unable to eat due to worry or sadness.
✔️Pumpkin for the Sich Chihuahua
Adding pumpkin to your dog’s food or even encouraging them to suck some off a spoon can aid in the treatment of diarrhea. Because pumpkin contains a high amount of fiber, it can help firm your dog’s stool and soothe their stomach. Pumpkin is also known as a prebiotic, which naturally stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
This can help your dog feel better by settling upset tummies, minimizing vomiting and diarrhea, and generally making them feel better. However, do not use too much pumpkin since the added fiber may cause constipation in your dog.
✔️Baby Food is also an Option for your Chihuahua
Baby food may be an excellent source of nutrition for ill dogs since it stimulates their hunger through fragrance, is easy to digest, and is easy to keep down. Use it to stimulate your dog’s appetite, as it is heavy in fats and carbs and may cause your dog to become a fussy eater once they feel better. However, due to the potential components, you must exercise extreme caution while preparing baby food. In addition, many widely used foods cause intolerance in dogs, and many of them can make them quite unwell.
✔️Sweet Potato for the Sweet Chihuahua
Sweet potato is beneficial to your dog’s digestive system. This should never be fed uncooked, as it might upset your dog’s stomach and potentially cause intestinal obstructions. Sweet potatoes are packed in fiber and vitamins, making them ideal for calming your dog’s stomach and restoring their sense of self.
The Disadvantages of Owning a Chihuahua
👎You need Extra Caution when they are around Children
Chihuahuas are little and dainty canines, but they also have a lot of energy and are a bit fierce. Both toddlers and puppies must learn how to interact securely with one another. If you have small children, train them to be kind and quiet around the puppy. No of how many times they’ve interacted, never leave tiny children alone with dogs.
👎They are Prone to Various Health Issues
Chihuahuas, like many purebred puppies, are prone to breed-specific health problems. Epilepsy, mitral valve disease, and patella luxation are examples of these. If you buy your puppy from a breeder, they should evaluate the health of both parents and the puppies as needed. In addition, the breeder should encourage your queries regarding their dogs’ health and how to care for your new puppy.
👎Chihuahuas have the Tendency to Bark – a Lot
Chihuahuas are canines who don’t mind using their voices. To keep your dog from being irritated by his barking, make sure he gets adequate attention as well as mental and physical activity. You may also train your dog to obey the command QUIET. If you work from home or bring your dog to work with you, consider offering a puzzle toy or chew while you’re on the phone or in meetings to keep your dog from barking. These approaches can also be used during family meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you give a Chihuahua when they have diarrhea?
A: Choose bland, readily digested meals.
Q: Is it OK to offer scrambled eggs to a Chihuahua that has a stomach ache?
A: All types of cooked eggs are safe for your dog to consume, as they are nutritionally good to dogs.
Q: How can I tell if my Chihuahua’s Stomach Is Hurting?
A: If your dog is refusing to eat, vomiting, eating grass, or whining during belly rubs, they are most likely suffering from stomach pain.
Q: How long does a Chihuahua’s Stomach Discomfort Last?
A: Symptom length is determined on the severity of the cause: digestive disorders in dogs can be resolved in as little as 1-2 days in many circumstances.
Q: Why is my Chihuahua having gastrointestinal problems?
A: Overeating and eating low-quality or indigestible meals are among the causes.
Final Thoughts
Chihuahuas are one of the most popular little dog breeds. The devotion and enthusiasm of these adorable, tiny dogs are the most crucial qualities that each dog owner seeks in a puppy. If you decide to have a Chihuahua, be sure you are prepared to care for them if they become ill. They are constantly at your side in all of your ups and downs, and it is your responsibility to take care of them throughout these times.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
