Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is an ancient dog breed that is known for their bold, energetic and confident personality.
Before adopting a Shiba Inu Chihuahua, ensuring the health issues of them is very crucial. Understanding the signs and symptoms of any health issues can help to control it at the initial stage. We will discuss the prevalent health problems of Shiba Inus and Chihuahua mixes in this article today.
Common Health Problems of Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is a relatively new breed in the dog’s world. This breed usually has a healthy lifespan of over 15 years. Although they are healthy, but they are also prone to some serious health problems.
Here are 5 common health issues of Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix:
Atopy
Atopy is the second most common type of allergies in dogs. In this, a dog’s immune system is overactive when exposed to an airborne inhaled allergen. Dust, molds and pollen are some summon examples of inhalant.
This condition can not be necessarily prevented, the vet will prescribe some medications to help deal with the associated symptoms. In addition, frequent baths and regular brushing can help to reduce the triggering allergies for your Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix.
Treatment
Some anti-itching treatment options are:
- Topical steroid – Cortavance*
- Cytopoint (licensed for dogs only)
- Prednisolone/ methylprednisolone/ dexamethasone
- Atopica/ Cyclavance/ Sporimune
- Apoquel
Hip Dysplasia
If your loving pooch struggles to put weight on one or both hind legs, then it is possible that he is dealing with hip dysplasia. This skeleton condition occurs when the hip joints are not aligned properly in the socket.
This condition can be painful for your furry friend, and make it difficult for your loving pooch to carry out his daily exercise activities. There are other factors that affect the occurrence of hip dysplasia such as excessive growth, exercise, nutrition and hereditary factors.
Treatment
Here are some treatment options of hip dysplasia in your loving pooch:
- Weight loss
- Surgery
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- Exercise
- Hip replacement
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Joint supplements
- Double or triple pelvic osteotomy
Patellar Luxation
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix are predisposed to developing a luxating patella. The kneecaps are displaced from their natural locations in this disease. Luxating patella is not a painful condition, but it can cause limping and arthritis in some dogs while other dogs are asymptomatic.
Treatment
This health condition can be diagnosed by the vet with physical tests. Surgery can be needed for severe cases, otherwise minor patellar luxation can be treated through given treatment options:
- Maintaining an ideal weight
- Joint supplements
- Pain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs)
- Exercise restriction
- Physical rehabilitation
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
Small dog breeds like Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix are predisposed to developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. So proper dental hygiene is very important for your loving pooch, because it is not just limited to the teeth and gums but also affects many internal organs like lungs, liver, kidney and heart.
Symptoms of this condition are bad breathing, bleeding, teeth loss, drooling, Hesitancy chewing, swollen gums, Gingival recession, discolored teeth and bloody saliva.
Treatment
It is advised that you use the enzymatic toothpaste to brush their teeth every day. Between brushing, you can buy some chew toys to help keep on top of their dental health. Human toothpaste can hurt your pet, so always avoid using it on them.
Hypothyroidism
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mixes are susceptible to hypothyroidism, a disorder in which insufficient thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid glands. The clinical signs of hypothyroidism include lethargy, weight, behavior changes, change in the quality of the coat and frequent urination.
Although difficult to diagnose, a blood test is used to make the diagnosis. There are lots of conditions in the dog’s body that can affect the level of thyroid hormones such as concurrent illness.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for hypothyroidism, it can be treated with thyroid replacement medications. This condition will need lifetime treatment, if it is left untreated it can cause serious health issues.
CONCLUSION
As a responsible owner, you need to keep an eye on your loving pooch’s daily activities. If you notice any of the above health issues, then immediate contact with the vet. Early diagnosis can help to stop any disease at the initial stage.
You must keep proper care of your loving pooch through lifestyle modification such as a healthy and balanced diet, proper exercise, regular grooming and proper mental stimulation.
FAQs
- What is the lifespan of Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix?
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix is a healthy dog breed that typically live for more than 15 years.
- What is the disease predisposition of the Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix?
Shiba Inu Chihuahua Mix can be prone to degenerative myelopathy, glaucoma, hip, dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts and progressive rod-cone degeneration.
