Last Updated on June 24, 2021 by Marco
Pet parents concerned about the life expectancy of Chihuahuas can gain a lot by reading our helpful guide on making your dog live longer!
Certain dog breeds have a naturally extended life expectancy, and Chi-lovers will be happy to learn that Chihuahuas are among such breeds. But despite their surplus doggy years, dog owners still find the thought of saying goodbye to their Chis hard. And that makes perfect sense. After all, Chihuahuas are loving and loyal companions and can worm their way into human hearts with surprising ease.
That’s why, when owners ask us about how they can extend the lifespan of a Chihuahua – we’re not taken aback. In fact, the longevity of Chihuahuas is such a popular concern; we had no choice but to address it for all our readers. So, if you’re on the hunt for dependable info to help your Chi prolong its years – you’ve just hit the jackpot. Let’s get on with improving your doggo’s lifestyle without much ado!
What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Chihuahua?
It may shock you to discover that the average chihuahua lifespan ranges between 14 to 20 years. That’s about 5 years more than an Alsatian or a Malamute. Accordingly, that little piece of news should be enough to tell you that though your Chi is little – it’s fierce enough to take on whatever life throws at it.
And, here’s where things get really interesting. Throughout the animal world, patterns reveal that the larger animals tend to live longer. However, when it comes to canines – that observation goes out the window. In the canine world, larger breeds tend to have shorter lives compared to small-sized dogs.
Dr. Mark Elgar (Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Melbourne) states that this phenomenon has to do with large canines aging much faster than smaller ones. Biology, go figure.
The World’s Longest Living Chihuahua
Before we move on to the seminal tips we’ve unearthed after hours of research, let us introduce all the naysayers to Megabyte – the world’s longest-living Chihuahua. Megabyte bid this world farewell in 2014, almost when it was almost 21 years of age.
That’s excellent news for all Chi-enthusiasts. Even though all dogs aren’t created equal, Megabyte’s story should give you hope. That with proper care and just a bit of luck – there is no reason why your pet won’t achieve a ripe old age too.
3 Ways To Extend The Life Expectancy Of Your Chihuahua
It’s super-common for dogs that very normal lives (canine-wise) to become healthy seniors. The truth is, how fast a living thing ages depend on several factors. Among these are illnesses, environmental factors, level of pollution, exposure to chemicals, so on. That means there’s only so much you can do to ensure your furbaby has many years with you.
That’s not meant to discourage our readers. Instead, it’s meant to make you appreciate every single moment you spend with your furry best pal. Keeping that in mind, here are three ways you can help extend your Chihuahua’s longevity.
1. Pick The Right Diet
There are numerous avenues open to dog parents who’re looking to improve their pet’s diet. For example, advocates of the ‘raw diet’ support feeding canines an uncooked diet of proteins like meat, organs, eggs, etc., to ensure dogs get the optimal amount of nutrients. However, pet experts and vets throughout the world state that dogs are omnivores – like us.
That means your dog doesn’t just need its fill of meat, but it will also benefit from eating vegetables, fruits, grains, etc. Not to mention, there’s always the danger of infection and pathogens with feeding your dogs raw meat. So, what are dog parents to do?
That’s easy! If you’re looking for something healthier than commercial dog food, you can talk to your vet about opting for all-natural ready-made food from companies like Ollie. Not only does only offer personalized nutrition for your pet but all their dog food is made with human-grade ingredients. What’s not to love about that?
Another option is making home-cooked for your pet. But beware, this method will take more time, and you’re going to have to spend some serious mileage on understanding canine nutrition. It’s definitely doable but not a viable option for dog owners with busy schedules.
2. Optimal Exercise
Exercise is one of the necessities of leading a healthy lifestyle. And it’s no different for your canine. In fact, lack of exercise can negatively affect your pet’s life, like excess energy or being overweight. That’s why if you want your Chi to live a happy, healthy, and long life – you should exercise it for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day.
Read more about: Why Does My Dogs Tongue Stick Out a Little?
The best part about ensuring your Chihuahua is getting optimal amounts of physical stimulation is that you can break up the thirty-minute period into two manageable 15-minute walks. That way, you and your chihuahua get a wholesome dose of fresh air and activity two times a day. And you get plenty of time to fulfill your other responsibilities – making it a win-win situation.
3. Oral Hygiene
Lack of oral hygiene can be a gateway for many health concerns in canines, like gum disease and digestive problems. Another sure-shot method of ensuring your Chihuahua lives its best life is to make sure its teeth and gum are looked after by regular brushing. The buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to issues like gingivitis and loss of teeth – which can affect your pet’s diet and health.
Avoid all such concerns by regularly checking your Chi’s mouth for injuries and infections. It’s also a good idea to get your canine some chewing toys and dental treats to promote oral health.
How Long Do Chihuahuas Live?
We told you extending the life expectancy of Chihuahuas might be easier than you think. And, hopefully, after reading this article, you now believe us. Just one more word of advice before we sign off. Remember that your vet is the single best source of helpful information for your pet. That’s why it’s always best to discuss any changes (diet or otherwise) you plan on making with your vet first for faultless guidance.
Apart from that, you can also positively affect the life expectancy of Chihuahuas by giving them plenty of love and affection. This breed thrives on its owners’ attention – which makes you an integral part of increasing your pet’s longevity.
As always, if you have any questions or thoughts – don’t forget to comment in the section down below. We always love to hear from you.
