Last Updated on August 24, 2022 by Cristina
Are Chihuahuas prone to seizures? Yes, they are. These lively little pups are regrettably prone to various health issues, much to the dismay of their owners. Chronic seizures are one of the most concerning issues affecting the Chihuahua species.
In fact, a Chihuahua Club of America health study from 2009 found that 45% of respondents had either bred or owned a Chihuahua with seizures of unknown cause. Many Chihuahua owners are worried about their cherished dogs’ future due to this shocking fact.
Therefore, you must understand how seizures affect these dogs to deal with them effectively when it happens. This article answers the question “are Chihuahuas prone to seizures” and other health facts about Chihuahuas.
Symptoms Of Seizures In Chihuahuas
Before Seizure
Knowing the symptoms of seizures is important if you’ve got an answer to “are Chihuahuas prone to seizures”. All seizures have specific symptoms that start long before the seizure even occurs, regardless of the aetiology. You’ll observe that your dog may “zone out” and stop responding to your voice just before a seizure starts. Your dog could also begin to whimper and pace idly if it becomes irritated.
Your pup may begin to tremble more than usual for a Chihuahua, and may also seem to have a short fuse, while his/her snarling and nipping can be directed at inanimate things or nothing as frequently as it is at people. The period before a seizure might continue for a few minutes to many days. The symptoms can occasionally be so hazy that you might not even see your Chihuahua experiencing them.
During Seizure
Your Chihuahua may tremble and twitch as the real seizure starts, or her limbs may stiffen and seem immobilised. Standing becomes difficult, and your pup starts kicking her legs like swimming. Your child Chi will undoubtedly slobber and perhaps produce some mouth froth.
During this seizure phase, your dog stops responding and may also lose control of her urine and bowels. Even while the seizure itself might appear to persist for a very long time, they usually only last between 30 and 5 minutes.
After The Seizure
For several hours following a seizure, your Chihuahua could exhibit strange behaviour. She will be confused and bewildered and may still not respond to your voice or directions, but occasionally she might want to be held all the time until she feels more normal.
Keep a watch on her and keep her away from the stairs since chihuahuas recovering from a seizure move aimlessly.
Read more on seizures here: My Dog Hit His Head And Had A Seizure; Head Trauma In Canines
Stages Of Seizure In Dogs
Seizure activity typically consists of three distinct phases. Dogs may get agitated, frightened, or clinging during the first stage, known as the “aura” stage, and they may also whimper, shake, or hide from you.
The actual seizure occurs during the second stage, known as the ictal stage. Your dog may vocalize, chew, pee, or defecate during a seizure, depending on the kind, since your dog cannot regulate these actions at the moment.
The brief period immediately following the seizure is referred to as the post-ictal state. This period, which can persist for a few minutes or up to a few days following the seizure, may cause your pup to appear confused, exhausted, or less receptive to you.
Common Causes Of Seizures In Chihuahuas
- Low Blood Sugar – Young pups that don’t eat often enough to maintain steady blood sugar levels are mostly affected by this. Due to their smaller number of fat cells compared to many other breeds, chihuahuas don’t have a lot of energy stores to depend on when there is no food.
- Hydrocephalus: The disease known as “water on the brain,” caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside the brain cavity, is common in many toy breeds, including Chihuahuas. The extra pressure on the brain can lead to issues including delayed growth, sluggishness, stumbling, and seizure activity.
- Shunt Portosystemic (Liver Shunt): A liver shunt is another common issue in toy breeds and is caused by a blood artery bypassing the liver. The deformity is often congenital in Chihuahuas (present from birth). The shunt can restrict a dog’s access to energy reserves and inhibit the liver from eliminating poisons from circulation.
- Idiopathic or Hereditary Epilepsy: Hereditary seizures unrelated to any specific medical condition that run in several Chihuahua breed lines.
How Do I Take Care Of My Dog Under Seizure?
Are Chihuahuas prone to seizures? Yes! But What should you do, then, if your Chihuahua suffers a seizure? First, be calm and remember that they are only unconscious and not in any discomfort.
To keep your dog safe, try to keep him away from things like furniture, stairs, and waterbodies. To prevent your dog from flopping about or trying to stand up while having a seizure, you might need to restrain them. If you can, time the seizure and note how long it lasts. If there are many seizures, note how much time passes between each seizure.
If your dog has a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, contact your veterinarian immediately for help. Additionally, record a video of the seizure while it is happening on your phone’s camera to show your veterinarian.
In addition, avoid putting your hand or any other object in your dog’s mouth when they are having a seizure since dogs cannot swallow their tongues and doing so puts you in danger of getting bitten. Your Chihuahua might also suffocate.
When your little dog stops convulsing, stay by their side to console them and help them relax; they’ll need extra tender loving care afterwards. Seizures in some dogs can occasionally turn fatal. If you notice the following, you should bring your Chihuahua in immediately for emergency veterinarian care.
- Longer-lasting seizures than a few minutes
- Multiple seizures during 24 hours
- Seizure activity starts before your dog fully recovers from the prior seizure.
Conclusion On Are Chihuahuas Prone To Seizures
Seizures may be a frightening experience for Chihuahua owners who adore their tiny pups. It’s never easy to stand by and watch as your beloved dog goes through that without being capable of intervening and providing assistance.
However, many Chihuahuas with seizure disorders enjoy happy lives well into their senior years with the correct care and control. Understanding what seizures are and knowing the correct measures to take when your dog suffers from them greatly ensure your pet’s safety.
Are Chihuahuas prone to seizures? Yes, they are!
FAQ’s
What causes seizures in Chihuahuas?
Low blood sugar, hydrocephalus, and liver shunts are common causes of seizures in Chihuahuas. Some canine seizures are idiopathic (the cause cannot be determined).
What do I do if my Chihuahua has a seizure?
Keeping your dog away from furniture, stairs, and waterbodies are common things to do when your dog is having a seizure. It is important to contact your veterinarians if the seizure lasts more than 5mins.
chihuahua health issues
common health issues In Chihuahuas include: kneecaps temporarily slipping out of place, accumulation of fluid in the brain, and eye problems.
However, having your dog go to the veterinarian for regular health checks will keep your dog in optimal health.
What does a Chihuahua having a seizure look like?
Dogs would make motions resembling paddling while lying on the side. Collapsing, stiffening, loss of consciousness, drooling, jerking, and foaming at the mouth are all signs that would accompany a dog if there's a seizure.
