What are the main health problems in Chihuahuas?

Chihuahuas are a long-lived breed and many are quite healthy, but as a toy breed they have a number of characteristic health conditions owners should know about. The most important are: dental disease (toy breeds including Chihuahuas are very prone to dental problems due to crowded teeth in a tiny mouth, making dental care critically important, covered below); patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps, very common in small breeds); tracheal collapse (a weakening of the windpipe seen in toy breeds, which is why a harness rather than a collar is recommended); heart conditions (Chihuahuas can be prone to certain heart problems, including a heart murmur and, in some, conditions like patent ductus arteriosus or mitral valve disease); and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, a risk especially in Chihuahua puppies and very tiny individuals). Other conditions that can occur include hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain, associated particularly with the very small "apple head" Chihuahuas and with a molera, a soft spot on the skull), a persistent molera/open fontanelle, eye conditions (their prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury and some conditions), collapsing trachea, and various others. That is a fair list, but many individual Chihuahuas live long, healthy lives (the breed is one of the longer-lived, often reaching the mid-teens or beyond). For adopters, the practical priorities are: take dental care very seriously (the single most important routine health task for the breed), use a harness rather than a collar to protect the trachea, keep the dog at a healthy weight and protect its fragile little body, be mindful of hypoglycemia in a very tiny dog or puppy, and maintain good routine veterinary care. For an adopted Chihuahua, which is often an adult (many rescue Chihuahuas are), ask the rescue what is known about the dog's health, and be aware that dental disease is common and a rescue Chihuahua may need dental work.

Why is dental care so important for Chihuahuas?

Dental care is critically important for Chihuahuas, because as a tiny toy breed they are highly prone to dental disease, they have the normal number of teeth crammed into a very small mouth, which leads to crowding, poor alignment, plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, and Chihuahuas are among the breeds most affected by dental problems. Dental disease is not just a mouth issue: it is painful, it can cause tooth loss and difficulty eating, and the bacteria involved can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and other organs, so poor dental health genuinely affects a Chihuahua's overall health and quality of life and even lifespan. Because of this, diligent dental care is one of the most important things a Chihuahua owner does. The key elements: regular tooth brushing at home (ideally daily, or as often as you can manage, using dog-specific toothpaste); dental chews and vet-approved dental products as a supplement (not a replacement for brushing); and, importantly, professional dental cleanings under anesthesia at the veterinarian as recommended, many Chihuahuas need these periodically to remove tartar below the gumline and address problem teeth, and it is a real recurring cost of owning the breed. Watch for signs of dental problems: bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar buildup, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, or loose teeth. For a rescue Chihuahua, which is often an older dog, dental disease may already be present, so a dental check should be part of the early veterinary care, and some rescue Chihuahuas need dental work (including extractions) soon after adoption. Budgeting for dental care (including the occasional professional cleaning) is genuinely part of responsible Chihuahua ownership, and it pays off in a healthier, more comfortable, longer-lived dog. Dental care is arguably the single most important routine health responsibility for the breed.

What are patellar luxation and tracheal collapse in Chihuahuas?

These are two common orthopedic and structural issues in small breeds like the Chihuahua that owners should understand. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is very common in Chihuahuas and other small breeds, it is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove, causing an intermittent skip or hop in the gait, or the dog briefly holding a hind leg up, before the kneecap pops back into place; it ranges from mild (an occasional skip that may not need treatment) to severe (which can cause lameness and arthritis and may require surgery). If you notice a skipping gait or leg-holding in a Chihuahua, have the knees assessed by a veterinarian; many mild cases are managed conservatively (keeping the dog lean, appropriate exercise, and monitoring), while more severe cases may need surgical correction. Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the cartilage rings that hold the windpipe (trachea) open weaken and flatten, causing coughing (often a characteristic honking cough), breathing difficulty, and reduced exercise tolerance, and it is seen in toy breeds including Chihuahuas. This is a key reason it is recommended to walk a Chihuahua on a harness rather than a neck collar: a collar puts direct pressure on the trachea when the dog pulls, which can contribute to or worsen tracheal collapse and cause coughing, whereas a harness distributes the pressure across the chest and protects the windpipe. Beyond using a harness, keeping the dog lean (obesity worsens tracheal collapse and breathing), avoiding smoke and irritants, and seeing a vet if a honking cough develops all help. Tracheal collapse ranges from mild (managed with weight control, avoiding collars, and sometimes medication) to more severe. For a Chihuahua owner, the practical takeaways are: watch for a skipping gait (patellar luxation) and have it assessed, and always use a harness (not a collar) and keep the dog lean to protect the trachea, these simple measures meaningfully protect a Chihuahua's knees and windpipe.

What heart, blood-sugar, and other conditions affect Chihuahuas?

Beyond dental disease, patellar luxation, and tracheal collapse, Chihuahuas can be affected by several other conditions worth being aware of. Heart: Chihuahuas can be prone to certain heart conditions, which may be detected as a heart murmur by a veterinarian; these can include conditions like mitral valve disease (a degenerative valve condition, as seen in some other small breeds) and, in some, congenital defects like patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), so routine veterinary care including listening to the heart is worthwhile, and any signs of heart trouble (coughing, exercise intolerance, laboured breathing) should be assessed. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): this is a risk in Chihuahuas, particularly puppies and very tiny adults, because such small dogs have limited energy reserves; it can be triggered by stress, missing meals, cold, or over-exertion, and signs include weakness, lethargy, wobbliness, trembling, disorientation, and in severe cases collapse or seizures. It is an emergency but preventable and manageable, feed small, regular meals, avoid letting a very tiny Chihuahua go too long without food, and for a puppy or very small dog, some owners keep a high-calorie gel or rub a little corn syrup on the gums (not down the throat) if signs appear, then seek veterinary care; for most adult Chihuahuas of reasonable size, hypoglycemia is much less of a concern. Other conditions: Chihuahuas, particularly the very small "apple head" type, can be prone to hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain, sometimes associated with a molera, a soft spot/open fontanelle on the skull that some Chihuahuas retain); they can also have eye conditions (their prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury, dry eye, and other issues, so eye care and prompt attention to eye problems matter); and various others. Most individual Chihuahuas will not develop most of these, and the breed is generally long-lived, but awareness helps. The practical priorities for a Chihuahua owner remain dental care (above all), harness use and weight control (for the trachea and joints), watching for patellar luxation, being mindful of hypoglycemia in very tiny dogs, and routine veterinary care with attention to the heart and eyes.

How long do Chihuahuas live and is pet insurance worth it in Montreal?

Chihuahuas are one of the longest-lived dog breeds, typically living around 14 to 16 years, and often reaching the higher end or beyond with good care, small dogs generally live longer than large ones, and the Chihuahua is among the most long-lived of all. Much of keeping one healthy is within your control: take dental care very seriously (regular brushing and professional cleanings, the single most important routine health task for the breed, and one that genuinely affects overall health and longevity); always use a harness rather than a collar (to protect the delicate trachea); keep the dog at a healthy weight (protecting the knees, trachea, and general health, and obesity is hard on a tiny frame); feed appropriately (a good-quality diet, and small regular meals especially for very tiny individuals to avoid hypoglycemia); protect the small dog from cold (Chihuahuas feel Montreal's winters, so warm clothing and limited cold exposure) and from injury (its fragile size means care around larger dogs, stairs, and rough handling); and stay on top of routine veterinary care so conditions like patellar luxation, dental disease, heart issues, and others are caught early. On pet insurance: it is worth considering for a Chihuahua, because while the breed is long-lived, it has a number of potential health conditions that can be costly, dental disease (professional cleanings and extractions add up over a long life), patellar luxation (which can require surgery), tracheal collapse (which can need ongoing management), heart conditions, and others, and Montreal veterinary care is not cheap. The breed's long lifespan also means many years over which conditions, including age-related ones, can arise, and toy breeds' dental issues in particular tend to generate recurring costs. As always, take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition is diagnosed and excluded as pre-existing. Compare providers, understand coverage (including whether dental, which is such a big issue for the breed, is covered, as many policies exclude or limit routine dental) and any limits, and read the fine print. If you self-insure instead, keep a solid vet fund in mind, with dental care specifically in mind, since dental is a near-certain recurring cost for the breed. Note that for an adopted adult or senior Chihuahua, some conditions (especially dental disease) may already be present, so understand what a policy will cover, and factor in that a rescue Chihuahua may need dental work soon after adoption regardless.

Chihuahua Health Issues: A Montreal Owner's Guide

The short answer

Chihuahuas are one of the longest-lived breeds (~14 to 16 years) but, as a toy breed, prone to: dental disease (they're highly prone, so diligent dental care is critical, and the single most important routine task), patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps), tracheal collapse (use a harness, never a collar), heart conditions (murmurs, mitral valve disease, PDA in some), and hypoglycemia (in puppies and very tiny dogs). Also hydrocephalus (in very small “apple-head” dogs) and eye issues. The two biggest things you control: serious dental care and a harness, not a collar. Keep the dog lean. Because dental and orthopedic costs recur over a long life, the insurance case is real, insure while young.

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A Chihuahua being examined at a Montreal veterinary clinic — Diligent dental care, a harness (never a collar), and keeping the dog lean are the Chihuahua owner's most valuable health habits.

Chihuahuas are wonderfully long-lived little dogs, but as a toy breed they come with a characteristic set of conditions. The good news is that the two most important, dental health and tracheal protection, are largely in your hands. Here is the medical picture, condition by condition, starting with the one that matters most.

Dental disease: take it seriously

As a tiny toy breed, Chihuahuas are highly prone to dental disease, the normal number of teeth crammed into a very small mouth, leading to crowding, tartar, gum disease, and tooth loss, and they're among the most affected breeds. It's not just a mouth problem: it's painful, and the bacteria can affect the heart, kidneys, and other organs, so dental health genuinely affects overall health and lifespan.

Diligent dental care is one of the most important things a Chihuahua owner does: regular tooth brushing (ideally daily, dog-specific toothpaste), dental chews as a supplement (not a replacement), and periodic professional cleanings under anesthesia as recommended (a real recurring cost). Watch for bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar, difficulty eating, or loose teeth. A rescue Chihuahua is often older, so dental disease may already be present, a dental check should be part of early care, and some need dental work (including extractions) soon after adoption. Dental care is arguably the single most important routine health task for the breed. The VCA dental disease guide is worth reading.

Knees and trachea (harness, not collar)

Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is very common in Chihuahuas, the kneecap slips out of its groove, causing an intermittent skip or hop, or briefly holding a leg up; mild to surgical. Have any skipping gait or leg-holding assessed. Tracheal collapse (a weakening of the windpipe, causing a honking cough and breathing difficulty) is seen in toy breeds, which is why you should always use a harness, not a neck collar, a collar pressures the delicate trachea when the dog pulls, worsening collapse, while a harness distributes pressure across the chest.

Many mild patellar cases are managed conservatively (keeping the dog lean, appropriate exercise, monitoring); severe ones may need surgery. Beyond the harness, protect the trachea by keeping the dog lean (obesity worsens it), avoiding smoke and irritants, and seeing a vet if a honking cough develops. These simple measures, a harness and a lean body, meaningfully protect a Chihuahua's knees and windpipe.

Heart, blood sugar, and other conditions

Heart: Chihuahuas can be prone to certain heart conditions (detected as a murmur), including mitral valve disease and, in some, patent ductus arteriosus, so routine care including listening to the heart is worthwhile, and any coughing, exercise intolerance, or laboured breathing warrants assessment. Hypoglycemia: low blood sugar is a risk in puppies and very tiny adults (weakness, wobbliness, trembling), feed small, regular meals and avoid long gaps; much less of a concern for a normal-size adult. Other: hydrocephalus (in very small “apple-head” dogs, sometimes with a molera/soft spot) and eye issues (the prominent eyes are vulnerable).

Most individual Chihuahuas won't develop most of these, and the breed is generally long-lived, but awareness helps. The practical priorities remain dental care (above all), harness use and weight control (trachea and joints), watching for patellar luxation, hypoglycemia awareness in very tiny dogs, and routine vet care with attention to the heart and eyes. See our adoption guide on the cold sensitivity too.

Lifespan and the insurance case

Chihuahuas are one of the longest-lived breeds, typically ~14 to 16 years or beyond. Take dental care very seriously, always use a harness, keep the dog lean, feed appropriately (small regular meals for very tiny dogs), protect it from cold (Montreal winters) and injury, and stay on routine vet care. On insurance: worth considering, the breed's potential conditions, dental (cleanings and extractions over a long life), patellar luxation (surgery), tracheal collapse (ongoing management), and heart conditions, can be costly, and the long lifespan means many years for conditions to arise. Toy-breed dental in particular generates recurring costs.

Take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition is diagnosed and excluded. Compare providers, and check whether dental (such a big issue for the breed) is covered, since many policies exclude or limit it. If you self-insure, keep a solid vet fund with dental care in mind, dental is a near-certain recurring cost. For an adopted adult or senior, some conditions (especially dental) may already be present, and a rescue Chihuahua may need dental work soon after adoption regardless. Montreal vet care isn't cheap.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health problems?

As a toy breed: dental disease (the biggest), patellar luxation, tracheal collapse (use a harness), heart conditions, and hypoglycemia (in tiny dogs), plus hydrocephalus (in very small “apple-head” dogs) and eye issues. Generally very long-lived (14 to 16 years) despite the list.

Why is dental care so important?

Toy breeds cram a full set of teeth into a tiny mouth, so Chihuahuas are highly prone to dental disease, which is painful and whose bacteria can affect the heart and kidneys. Brush regularly, use dental chews as a supplement, and get professional cleanings as needed. It's the single most important routine health task, and rescue Chihuahuas often need dental work.

What are patellar luxation and tracheal collapse?

Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is common, causing an intermittent skip in the gait, mild to surgical; have any skipping assessed. Tracheal collapse (a weakening windpipe, honking cough) is why you should always use a harness, not a collar, which pressures the delicate trachea. Keep the dog lean for both.

What heart, blood-sugar, and other conditions affect them?

Heart: murmurs, mitral valve disease, and PDA in some, so have the heart checked. Hypoglycemia: a risk in puppies and very tiny adults (feed small, regular meals), less so for a normal-size adult. Also hydrocephalus in very small “apple-head” dogs and eye issues (the prominent eyes are vulnerable).

How long do they live?

One of the longest-lived breeds, typically 14 to 16 years or beyond. Take dental care seriously, use a harness, keep the dog lean, feed appropriately, protect it from cold and injury, and stay on routine vet care. The breed's natural longevity is a real asset with attentive ownership.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Worth considering, dental (cleanings and extractions over a long life), patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, and heart conditions can be costly, and the long lifespan means many years for conditions to arise. Take insurance out while the dog is young, and check whether dental (a big issue for the breed) is covered. Dental is a near-certain recurring cost.

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Chihuahua Health Issues