Just because a vet has a dog for a patient doesn’t necessarily mean they know everything about Chihuahua care. Before you get a Chihuahua, make sure your vet knows about Chihuahua care. How do you choose a vet for your Chihuahua? Hopefully, you will have a choice of vets in your area, but any vet is better than none! Pick one that is close to you, but also professes to know about Chihuahua care, including care of Chihuahua allergies.

Because of the Chihuahua’s extremely cute little button nose, they don’t have the air passages that most dogs with longer noses have. They are, therefore, far more prone to breathing disorders and to making extremely strange noises not common in most other breeds of dog. Any allergen like dust, pollen, cigarette smoke or even perfume can act as triggers to Chihuahua allergies and cause these alarming, but usually not life-threatening, breathing problems.

Chihuahuas are prone to allergies just like any other breed of dog, but will be more affected because of their short nose. Chihuahuas can also get food allergies and skin allergies, but they are usually preventable and more easily treatable than an allergy that affects the Chihuahua’s breathing.

When any dog gets excited, they breathe faster. They need more oxygen, but can’t get it. This happens to other breeds of toy dogs like Pugs, Pekingese and Boston Terriers.

Chihuahua allergies to fleabites are treated just the same as any other dog, except any medication given is in a lot smaller a dose. Chihuahuas can also show red, itchy skin and digestive problems if they are allergic to a particular irritating chemical. Check and see what plants are growing where the Chihuahua walks, or if the dog has access to any gardening or cleaning products. When you have a suspect contaminant, call the vet.

Unless the attacks get worse, you don’t need the vet to check on them, as there is no known treatment for Chihuahua allergies that affect breathing. Even cutting down on pollen, dust or strong smells will not guarantee the attacks will cease. In short nosed dogs, like the Chihuahua, their small nose makes for noisy breathing. Your Chihuahua will most likely snore, snort, wheeze, snuffle and gasp.

The best thing to do when your Chihuahua starts an attack is to get the dog to calm down. Pet the dog, throw a toy, take the dog out into the yard – do something to distract the dog. Don’t get upset yourself. This will only make the dog upset and prolong the attack. Don’t yell or fuss, just calmly act like life is no big deal.

Having your Chihuahua checked by your vet every year will be sure there aren’t any additional complications. Always contact your vet if you have any questions on Chihuahua care.

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