How Long Do Chihuahuas Live? What Can You Do To Prolong Their Life?

Chihuahua’s life span is one of the most common things that its owners are curious about.

Some day you might also be sitting on the sofa with your small Chihuahua on your lap, sweetly petting and looking at him. But suddenly a question pop-ups into your mind that for how long can I enjoy the company of this furry friend? How long do Chihuahuas live?

Keep reading to find out everything about the Chihuahuas lifespan.

How Long Do Chihuahuas Live?

Chihuahuas dog breed has an average life span of 12-20 years which is quite impressive.

If you are a Chihuahua dog owner, you must be aware of the fact that you are owning one of the longest-lived dog breeds.

Lots of Chihuahuas successfully lived for nearly 15 years, and some have also touched the mark of 20 years. If you provide proper care to your chihuahua, he might be the next on the list.

What Makes Chihuahuas Live So Longer?

Generally, the Chihuahua dog breed has a pretty long lifespan. So, why they have a longer lifespan than the other dogs? Is there any secret behind it?

Well, the size is one of the major factors which makes them live this much longer. Lots of people have also confessed Chihuahuas live longer because they are less prone to serious illnesses. But still, there are a few diseases that may shorten a chihuahua’s lifespan.

Remember: A specific breed and size are not the only things on which a dog’s lifespan depends. There are lots of important things that have a great impact on the lifespan of a Chihuahua dog and we will be considering them further.

Crucial Things That Influence The Lifespan Of Chihuahuas

Here are some of the major factors that have a great impact on the lifespan of a Chihuahua.

Diet

Diet is one of the most important things that you should never compromise on. It is a must to feed your pup a nutritious and well-balanced diet.

Always buy high-quality food that is specifically made for dogs. It should not contain any toxic ingredients that can harm your dog.

Gender

Yes, gender also plays a role in the chihuahuas’ lifespan. Usually, female Chihuahuas have a longer lifespan than males. They can live for almost 1-2 years more than a male Chihuahua.

Genetics

A dog with good genes, most likely he is going live a happy, healthy, and long life.

Tip – If you are going to adopt a pup, it is a good idea to pay more attention to the parents. The happier and more active they are, the more likely their pup will be as well.

Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your dog because it helps in preventing lots of serious diseases like diabetes and obesity.

The underweight of a Chihuahua can also be a big contributor to their shorter lifespan.

Health

There are lots of health problems that can occur in your pup’s life. So it is important to take him for regular health check-ups.

Most people don’t give importance to their dog’s health care which is not a good thing at all. If any diseases turn serious, consequences can be very dangerous.

As a puppy owner, it should be your responsibility to provide him proper health care.

Physical Activity Levels

You should make sure that your canine buddy is engaging enough in physical activities. Take him for walking or play any sport, just engage him in any kind of physical activity. It won’t only improve physical health but, mental health also.

Regular exercise can serve lots of health benefits and mainly contribute to the longer lifespan of your dog.

Neutering

How long do Chihuahuas live is also dependable on neutering.

According to Steven Austad, who is a professor and chair of the department of biology at the UAB, neutered or spayed dog tend to live longer than who are not.

A neutered male will have very less chances of getting caught by prostate diseases and testicular cancer.

In female Chihuahuas, it reduces the chances of getting caught by ovarian and uterine cancers.

What Are The Illnesses That Chihuahuas Are Prone To?

There are a few most common diseases in chihuahuas that can occur as they grow older. Here I am mentioning the most common diseases that chihuahuas are likely to get in their lifetime.

• Hypoglycemia – This disease is also known as low blood sugar level. A dog with this may act weak throughout the day, feel dizzy, and may also lose consciousness. There are higher possibilities that Hypoglycemia might be a symptom of any other big disease like liver disease or diabetes. And it can be diagnosed with a help of a vet only. So make sure to take your dog to a reputable vet as soon as possible when you notice the sign of Hypoglycemia.
• Luxating Patella – It is the dislocation of the kneecap which is also known as patellar luxation. This disease is not only common in Chihuahuas but other small dog breeds also. You may notice your dog holding his leg in the air to avoid pain. It won’t be that much painful and will occur only when the kneecap is dislocated.
• Dental Disease – Usually, Chihuahuas have a small mouth which makes cleaning of teeth slightly difficult. It makes them inclined towards gum diseases. Food trapping in a chihuahua’s mouth is also a common thing so you should make sure to brush their teeth properly and regularly.
• Obesity – Overfeeding your Chihuahua can increase the risk of obesity. A dog with this disease can face health problems such as breathing difficulties, joint problems, arthritis, and of course, it can be a major contributor to the short lifespan of your canine.
• Bladder and Kidney Stones – The older Chihuahuas, especially the male ones are more prone to this disease. It can lead your dog to intense pain, bloody urine, and difficulty in urinating. Generally, the stones will pass on their own but if you see that urinating is becoming extremely difficult for your dog, visit your vet ASAP.
• Reverse Sneezing – Reverse sneezing can easily scare you because it sounds like a honk. If you notice that your pup has an attack of reserve sneezing, give them a gentle massage on the throat till sneezing has decreased.

Diseases That Can Lead Your Chihuahua To Death

There also some diseases that may shorten your pup’s lifespan and be the reason for the death of your furry friend.

• Trauma – It is one of the leading causes of death in the Chihuahua dog breed. If the trauma is severe, it can cause some extreme cases such as falling from heights, meeting a car accident, or someone may step on him accidentally. Make sure to look for your pup carefully so you can try to prevent these kinds of cases.
• Heart Disorders – Heart disorders are the most common cause of death in the Chihuahua dog breed. Heart problems can be classified into three forms: Arrhythmia, Heart failure, and Heart valve problems. These heart diseases will mostly occur when the dog has passed the age of 14.
• Infections – It is another most common health problem that can lead your pup to death and should not be taken lightly. Parvovirus, distemper, rabies, sepsis, and leptospirosis are some of the most common infections that can happen to every single dog out there.

6 Tips To Help Your Chihuahua Live Longer

For a dog owner, it is quite difficult to prevent all the diseases. But still, there are a few things that are in your control. If you take care of them properly, most likely you will be able to help your little pup to live a happy and long life.

Here are some effective tips for you that can help in increasing your Chihuahua’s lifespan and quality of life.

Feed Your Pup a Well-Balanced Diet

Diet has a great influence on the lifespan of a dog. It is very essential to feed your pup a proper well-balanced diet so he stays in a good health condition. A poor nutritious diet can lead to many health problems and can shorten the lifespan.

Problems in the coat and skin are also some of the outcomes of bad nutrition. This might not seem a serious problem to lots of people, but let me tell you that these problems can cause stress. And as we all know that how harmful stress is to humans, the same applies to our four-legged friends also.

Vaccinate Your Pup at Time

Vaccination is a thing that you should never ignore. Doesn’t matter what breed of your dog is, make sure that your dog receives all the vaccines at the right time.

Deadly infections like parvovirus, distemper, rabies, leptospirosis, etc can be prevented with the help of vaccination.

Check out our guide on the puppy shot schedule.

Exercise Your Dog Regularly

If you want your dog to have a long and happy life, you should definitely take your Chihuahua for regular exercise.

Exercise him for at least 30 minutes every day. If your dog is suffering from any disease or recovering from any injury, it is still important to engage him in physical activities. In this case, you should talk to your vet to get a proper exercise schedule.

Also remember, according to K9 Of Mine, the chihuahua dog breed gets chilly very quickly because of their small size. So make sure to put up a sweater or a coat on them when the weather is cold.

Provide Your Pup Emotional And Mental Stimulation

Providing your Chihuahua emotional and mental stimulation can be extremely helpful in increasing their quality of life and lifespan too.

It is believed that the happier the dog, the healthier it will be. So make sure that you don’t let your little pup always lying in the home alone because it can cause depression which can drastically shorten their lifespan.

You must engage them in mind-stimulating activities like exercise, walks, play any sports, and any other activity that contributes to your furry friend’s mental stimulation.

Take Your Doggy For Regular Vet Check-ups

Regular vet check-ups are the most important things that you never miss. It will help in catching any disease before it turns serious.

There is no better person than a vet who can recognize the symptoms and introduce the best medications and treatments at the right time.

Spend Quality Time With Your Canine Buddy

Spending some quality time with your Chihuahua and letting them know that how much you love them is one of the best things to do.

By showing them love every day, you are relieving their stress which is ultimately the biggest contributor to increasing their lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How old is the oldest Chihuahua that lived?

The oldest dog Chihuhauha has successfully lived for 20 years and its name is Megabyte. Dogs of this breed are not inclined to any serious diseases which can be a great reason for Megabyte’s this impressive lifespan. The proper care provided by the owner is also the main highlight.

What is the average lifespan of Teacup Chihuahua?

Teacup chihuahua is not a different breed. You can consider it just a part of the Chihuahua family that is the smallest in the size. The average lifespan of a teacup chihuahua remains the same – 12-20 years.

Why is a Chihuahua always angry?

You may sometimes notice that your Chihuahua is angry most of the time. There are a few reasons that can lead your pup to an aggressive attitude. For example, not feeling secure, female chihuahua might be on periods, depression, a bad environment can be some of the most common reasons for their aggressive behavior.

It is not a good thing for your pup’s overall health. Chihuahua feels anxious and scared if the environment is not safe for them. So make sure that you create an excellent environment for your canine buddy. If you don’t, this could be a reason for your dog to die early.