A Chiweenie is a designer breed resulting from a cross between Dachshund and Chihuahua. Like other hybrid dogs, Chiweenies are relatively healthier than their purebred parents.
Chiweenies have a life span of 12 to 15 years. There are some conditions that they inherit from either parent breed. If you own or are planning to buy or adopt a Chiweenie, you need to be aware of its health concerns. A healthy Chiweenie can save you from a lot of stress in the long run.
Let’s have a look into common health concerns of Chiweenies:
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in Chiweenies. It occurs when your Chiweenie’s body makes too little insulin or has an abnormal response to insulin. Diabetes prevents Chiweenie’s body from regulating blood sugar levels properly.
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus in Chiweenies include excessive thirst and increase in urination, weight loss, increased appetite, tiredness or lack of energy, and loss of eyesight.
Diabetes can be regulated by diet and the administration of insulin. Healthy diet and nutrition is an important component of diabetes management.
Allergies
Chiweenies can suffer from a lot of food and skin allergies. Cheap food brands with low-quality ingredients often trigger allergies in Chiweenies. Your precious Chiweenie may be sensitive to flea bites or environmental allergens like mold, dust, or pollen.
Clinical signs of allergies include licking, scratching or chewing excessively on the skin. Treatment for allergies may alleviate symptoms but the ultimate solution to prevent allergies is to alleviate the allergen from the Chiweenie’s environment or food.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone imbalance in Chiweenies and is caused by a disorder of the thyroid gland.
The most common signs of Hypothyroidism in Chiweenies include excessive tiredness, depression, weight gain, excessive shedding, and hyperpigmented skin. This condition is usually treated with medication and diet.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) occurs when one or more disks of Chiweenies are ruptured. An IVDD infected spinal cord in Chiweenies can no longer support the weight load put on it.
Intervertebral Disk Disease happens due to severe injuries or in aged Chiweenies. Symptoms of IVDD in Chiweenies are stiffness, shivering, paralysis, back pain, inability to walk, or partial loss of movement.
Luxating Patella
Luxating Patella or slipped stifles is a common cause of lameness or an abnormal gait in Chiweenies. This condition occurs when your Chiweenie’s patella or kneecap shifts out of alignment. Luxating Patella happens when the muscles and the tendons that hold the kneecap of Chiweenie in place are too weak.
The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis in your Chiweenies. This disease can be managed with many surgical and non-surgical options.
Hip Dysplasia
The Chiweenie can cause hindlimb lameness called hip dysplasia, an inherited cause of hindlimb lameness. Some Chiweenies show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs while others may not show any symptoms. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but can also be triggered by other factors, like rapid growth and a high-calorie diet.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia is a progressive disease in Chiweenies that causes a developmental deformity of the elbows. Chiweenies with elbow dysplasia show forelimb lameness and pain.
Remember, the sooner you seek medical help, the better the outcome will be for your Chiweenies.
Final thoughts
Having a Chiweenie is much more than just having a wonderful friend. Their mere presence provides much more than just companionship.
You can help your Chiweenie live its best life! If you are not sure what is good for your fur buddy – we’d be happy to help!