The average life span of a Chihuahua is 12 to 18 years. While the leading cause of death in Chihuahuas is heart failure. Some dogs indeed live to be 20 years old, but it’s like a human living to be 100. It doesn’t happen often.
If you’ve been a reader and follower for a while you may have met my Chico. He passed away on July 17, 2020, at the age of 18. At the time of his death, he was on no medication and had no health issues other than senior arthritis.
Right up to the day he died, he lived a healthy and active life. Along with his sister, Pebbles, we had many happy adventures together.
Do I have a secret? A magic wand? Well, not exactly. It’s not a secret, but there are a lot of Chihuahua parents that are not aware of what may shorten their dog’s life.
A Chihuahua named Spike was named the worlds oldest living dog by the Guinness Book of World Records at the age of 23!
5 SECRETS TO A LONGER LIFE FOR YOUR CHIHUAHUA
1. Diet Is Key
I listed diet as the number one “secret” because it is the most important (and easiest) way to ensure that your Chihuahua stays healthy and lives a long life.
Many years ago I started researching traditional dog food. The kind you find in every supermarket or pet store. What I discovered alarmed me! Exactly what I found is for another post, but I can tell you honestly that I learned that although traditional store-bought dog food won’t kill your dog, it may very well shorten his or her life!
What is The Best Diet For Your Chihuahua?
Honestly, the best diet for a Chihuahua is the same as the best diet for ourselves. Protein, grains — yes, grains! as long as they are real grains, not processed grains, — human-grade vegetables, some fruits, and the right kind of oils, all in the right proportion. Just as processed food is harmful to our health, it’s harmful to your dog’s health too.
You could make your own, but I really don’t advise it unless you have done lots of research on canine nutrition. Just because it’s homemade does not mean they are getting all the important nutrients that they need. I know that it’s very easy to just go to the store, buy your dog food, pour it in their bowl and be done with it. All of us are busy people, so convenience is a must in today’s world.
NOTE:
Some fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs. A dog’s diet should be balanced both in the amount of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, as well as in the nutrients. SEE: “The Critical Role of Balance in a Dog’s Diet”.
2. The Importance of Weight Management
Weight management is listed as number 2 because diet and weight go hand in hand and are equally important. I know how hard it is to resist those big, pleading eyes! It is so easy to give in and feed them unhealthy people food from your plate or high-calorie treats — which are their favorite, of course, — but it can be very harmful to their health and life-span.
Being overweight can contribute to a variety of diseases and health issues such as heart problems, joint problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more, all of which can shorten your Chihuahua’s life.
3. Regular Veterinarian Check ups
When your Chihuahua is a puppy they need to have ALL the required vaccines for diseases such as distemper, parvo, rabies, etc. This adds up to about every 3 to 4 weeks until he is 16 weeks old.
How often they get vaccines after that is now a controversial subject and I have written a lot of articles on the subject. But regardless of how often you feel your adult Chihuahua should get vaccinated, an annual check-up at the veterinarian is a must for optimal health. During their annual visit, your veterinarian will give him or her a head-to-tail exam to check for any illnesses and should include blood tests, as well as a fecal and heartworm test.
When your Chihuahua becomes a senior, they should have biannual exams at the veterinarians. This way your veterinarian can keep on top of any possible or developing diseases. Many diseases can be cured or treated if found early enough. They may develop arthritis and other hip and joint issues — also something that a proper diet can help with — that your veterinarian may treat so that even though they are getting older they remain pain-free.
4. Regular Oral Care
Dental care is just as important as a good diet and weight control in helping your Chihuahua to live a long and healthy life. However, it is also the most ignored by dog owners in general. Chihuahuas are prone to have dental issues and should have a dental cleaning with their veterinarian at least every 6 months. The reason it is so important is that dental disease is much more than bad breath and affects more than the dog’s mouth. Diabetes, heart disease, and sinus problems can all be caused by problems with the teeth and periodontal disease.
Chihuahuas who reverse sneeze or have eye drainage very often have significant sinus inflammation from severe periodontal disease. Our bodies are connected and so are theirs, which means that problems in one area often affect many other areas of the body.
5. Activity
Even though Chihuahuas may not require vigorous exercise, daily exercise and activity are a necessity for maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being, thus helping your Chihuahua live a long and healthy life. Besides the obvious of preventing obesity, inactivity and boredom are the cause of a multitude of behavioral problems.
Behavior problems caused by lack of activity can range from hyperactivity, barking, digging, tail chasing, and even destruction of your pillows, furniture, etc. Just like people who don’t get any exercise, the lack of activity can shorten your Chihuahua’s life as well.
If you are diligent regarding these 5 “secrets” your Chihuahua will have the very best chance of living a very long and healthy life!
Be sure to share this with all your doggie friends, so they too are fully aware of the 5 “secrets”!
