All About Chihuahua Allergies | Dogs

By SandraDean
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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.

Food allergies are treated in Chihuahuas just like in any other dog. First, the allergen needs to be identified so that can be eliminated from the Chihuahua's diet. The dog is put on a plain diet of rice and chicken for a couple of weeks, and then gradually one food is added to the dog's menu until symptoms return.

But the Chihuahua's short nose cannot bring in enough air that he or she needs in order to cope with excitement like strangers, squirrels or stray cats. These sounds are really aggravated by Chihuahua allergies that can cause the pharynx to spasm. If you can get your Chihuahua to calm down, they will breathe deeper and slower and the noises will tend to stop. Expect your Chihuahua to snore likelike a Chihuahua.

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.

Getting the Chihuahua to calm down is usually the best (and only) way of dealing with breathing attacks. Distract the dog with play or petting, but don't make too much of a fuss. But smoking can really aggravate Chihuahua allergies and make the attacks stronger and more frequent.

Calm your Chihuahua by petting, distracting with a toy, not getting upset yourself, and don't yell. It is always good to check with a Chihuahua knowledgeable vet to be sure there isn't any other obstruction in the nose or throat when you first spot these attacks, or if they worsen.

About the Author

Sandra Dean is a passionate lover of the Chihuahua and owns a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Chihuahua. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Chihuahua allergies plus a whole lot more.

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