I own a chihuahua puppy, I read they may have trouble with their trachea, does anyone have experience on this?

Answer 1

I had a Pomeranian with tracheal collapse. It's a coughing/hacking that they do. Usually it can be controlled by cough medicine or your vet may put him on an antihistamine, similar to asthma medication.

You can read more about it with the link provided.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1527

Answer 2

hi, i have always had chihuahuas, non of which had this problem.
A number of Chihuahua owners find that their dogs are gagging or coughing. This often turns out to be "reverse sneezing," a phenomenon related to problems with the soft palate or a collapsed trachea.

Patella Luxation is a common condition with chihuahuas.
You need to make sure you buy a chihuahua from agood breeder not a breeder who breeds for money! This will keep the good bloodline going and problems not so common in chis.

I will only take my chis out on a harness, as a collar can cause coughing etc, some chis pull on the lead and if they have a collar will cause problems for the little dog.

Answer 3

I've had experience with collapsed tracheas with several dogs. Many of the brachycephalic breeds (like Chihuahuas) can be predisposed to tracheal problems.

Never walk your dog with the lead attached to a regular nylon or chain collar. I use a modified martingale collar (chain and nylon) Some people prefer using a harness. Keep a collar on the dog for identification purposes, however.

Take your Chihuahua through puppy obedience training. This is probably among the most effective preventatives of tracheal problems -- your dog will never learn to pull at the leash and you will learn the correct way to walk him. Equally important is keeping your Chi at a healthy weight.

Good luck!

PS Don't forget to spay or neuter your pup before 6 months of age.

Answer 4

there are all sort of things that might cause a small dog to have a trachea problem one is pulling on the lead i always use a harness rather than a collar you do have to be careful my 9 yr boy has a trachea problem i think when he had his teeth cleaned or it could of been when he had his cataract surgery the trachea can easily be damaged on these small dogs with the tubes the vets use for surgery . prevention is the best cure.

Answer 5

chubchub has it pretty much right but I didn't see about the blood sugar drops chihuahuas are bad for this if under 3 lbs
most time the Seizures are brought on by the sugar drops if the sugar is not got back up fast they will do the Seizures and then go into a coma and die my oldest is 13 years old and out of a house full of them mine have never had breathing trouble if they get to caring on they will do the honk cough but it only last a second or two then they are back playing good luck with your new baby

Answer 6

does she wear a collar or a harness? if she wears a collar consider getting a harness. chihuahuas have REALLY sensitive trachea's. if a chihuahua wears a collar and tugs to hard on walks or something their trachea could collapse. this can cause death. get your chi a harness!!!

Answer 7

Curios - the trachea is in the throat, DA!!

I have no experience with Chihuahuas but I have friends that do, so I will forward this question to them.

Answer 8

Chihuahua Health Problems: Collapse of the Trachea (Breathing Problems)

Given their small size, all of the Chihuahua’s body part as small. In the case of the trachea, the little yapper’s windpipe is very narrow and especially susceptible to collapse. When the weakened cartilage collapses, even slightly, the dog has trouble breathing and will tire quickly from exercise. Because of the strange coughing sounds the dog may make when struggling to breathe normally, this is one of the more distressing and frightening Chihuahua health problems owners might encounter. The good news is that it’s somewhat treatable. Reducing air irritants (including smoke, air sprays, and other pollutants) is one way to help the Chihuahua breathe.

Chihuahua Health Problems: Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain)

Before I explain hydrocephalus, I should mention that Chihuahuas have a special characteristic: a “soft skull” hole known as a molera. Like many newborn mammals (including human babies), Chihuahuas are not born with fully developed bones in their head to protect their brains. Instead, their skulls tend to have an opening which (although it decreases in size with age) never completely disappears the way it does in other mammals. The molera itself is not listed among Chihuahua health problems – it’s just a trademark of the breed. However, an unusually large molera is a telltale sign of hydrocephalus, a condition wherein excess fluid collects on brain and results in a swelled head and eventual death. Other signs include of this painful Chihuahua health problem include crossed eyes, grogginess, loss of balance, and seizures. Hydrocephalus tends to affect most Chihuahuas before they reach 9 months of age, and an experienced vet can help distinguish between a normal molera and hydrocephalus.

Chihuahua Health Problems: Patella Luxation (Knee Problems)

Patella luxation is a fancy way of saying that the dog’s knee joint slips out of place and rubs against the leg bone instead. Ay carumba!! This is one of the Chihuahua health problems that can be traced to heredity and is not necessarily a breed-specific problem, as lots of small dogs experience it. While not as dooming as hydrocephalus, patella luxation can affect a Chihuahua’s mobility and temperament. They’re excitable, high-strung little dogs, so their frequent jumping can aggravate the painful problem. Often, a seasoned vet can detect a Chihuahua’s predisposition for patella luxation by inspecting its legs when it’s a mere pup. Because the treatment for severe luxation is often surgery, it’s a problem potential owners certainly want to avoid if possible.

Chihuahua Health Problems: Seizures

Part of the genetic problem with Chihuahuas is that they are especially prone to issues with their nervous system wiring. Just as seizures are not completely understood in humans, they’re not completely understood in dogs either. It’s normal for Chihuahuas to shake and shiver a bit (regardless of temperature), and that fidgety quality adds to their nervous reputation. But when the dog begins to shake in an abnormal way, urinate on itself, bite the air, stiffen its limbs, or exhibit other symptoms that are reminiscent of human epileptic seizures, the dog needs veterinary attention. In many cases, the seizure comes about due to hypoglycemia – a low level of blood sugar. Seizures are among the Chihuahua health problems that can sometimes be controlled by medication.

Final thoughts on Chihuahua Health Problems

Despite their greater predisposition to health problems, Chihuahuas can make great pets, especially for people who live in small apartments or people who have limited mobility. Don’t let the potential conditions listed above automatically rule out the breed – just remember that the cute, popular Chihuahua isn’t always the hardiest choice.

My chihuahau didnt have trachea problem but she did have Seizures and they did end up killing her in the end

RIP CHEEKY

Answer 9

I have owned and bred chihuahuas for 20+ years and I have never had this problem with any of mine and to my best knowledge neither have anyone that had bought from me

Answer 10

think you should check your spelling no wonder you aint got no answer. trachea? is it a posh name for ankle?