How Long Will A Chiweenie Live?

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We all love our Chiweenies, and we want to be with them as long as we can. So, a question we may ask is, “How long will a Chiweenie live?”

A Chiweenie will live about 13–15 years on average, assuming he is well nurtured. Some Chiweenie owners have claimed their Chiweenie has lived for as long as 20 years, however. Make sure your Chiweenie has plenty of exercise, is groomed properly, and has the proper diet.

Are Chiweenies Prone To Many Health Problems?

Chiweenies are prone to getting back problems and can get other health conditions like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and cancer.

Make sure your Chiweenie is checked by your local vet regularly to ensure he doesn’t have any health conditions you should be worried about.

Key Health Conditions To Watch Out For 

Okay, Chiweenies can get health problems, but what are some more health conditions that they can get, and what are their symptoms?

In this section, we will be looking at diabetes, cancer, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, hypothyroidism, and their symptoms.

Diabetes 

Diabetes mellitus or more simply known as diabetes is a common disorder found both in humans and in dogs where the body does not produce enough insulin, thus making the blood sugar level imbalanced and unstable.

This is usually caused by one of two factors: genetics or a poor diet. If your Chiweenie has these symptoms, contact a vet immediately.

The symptoms include …

  1. Increased thirst
  2. Increased urination
  3. Increased appetite
  4. Lethargy
  5. Cataracts
  6. Vomiting
  7. Depressed attitude

Cancer 

According to cancer.gov, cancer is a “disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.”

The victim will develop cancerous lumps that can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is fairly common, though it’s hard to get rid of and it’s typically fatal.

There are many different kinds of cancer for dogs. They include melanoma (skin cancer) , osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and lymphoma (lymph node cancer).

Typically, a dog with bone cancer (Osteosarcoma) will gnaw at a leg or limp a lot.

On the other hand, a dog with brain cancer will develop odd behavioral issues. This is why it is recommended that you know how your Chiweenie typically acts so you can know when he’s not acting right.

In all cancers, the victim will have sudden weight loss. This is a general sign that the cancer is in its last stages.

If you think your Chiweenie has cancer, contact your local vet immediately.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is where the ball and socket of the hip do not fit or develop properly.

This health condition is typically found in larger dogs, though smaller dogs can get it as well.

It is typically caused by genetics, though other causes include improper diet, improper weight, and an unbalanced diet.

Symptoms include ….

  1. Decreased activity
  2. Decreased range of motion
  3. Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
  4. Lameness in the hind end
  5. Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
  6. Loss of thigh muscle mass
  7. Pain
  8. Grating in the joint during movement

Luxating Patella

Luxating patella is a health condition where the kneecap shifts sideways away from the normal position at the front of the knee. In other words, it’s a dislocated kneecap.

Around 75% of the time, a luxating patella will tend to be inward or toward the other knee. This version is called medial patellar luxation (MPL).

On the other hand, the shift can occur outward or away from the other kneecap. This version is known as lateral patellar luxation (LPL).

Symptoms may only be a sudden limp. Some dogs may yelp while they do, while others don’t even show any real sign of pain or discomfort.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is where the thyroid is not active as it should, resulting in less thyroid hormones and the functions of the body slowing down.

This is a common health condition, but that doesn’t mean you can take it lightly. It is very serious.

Symptoms include …

  1. Weight gain
  2. Lethargy and laziness
  3. Getting cold often
  4. Chronic ear and skin infections
  5. Dry and brittle hair and thinning hair coat
  6. Inability to grow new hair after it has been shaven

Ensuring Your Dog Has A Long & Happy Life 

Okay, now you know what some of the key health conditions that you need to watch out for and their symptoms are, we will now look at how to make sure your Chiweenie has a long and happy life.

Make sure that your Chiweenie has plenty of exercise, a well-balanced diet, is bathed and groomed properly, and has plenty of love! Let’s look at each one.

A container of of dog food spilled over with dog toys in the background.

Give Your Dog A Good Diet 

It’s essential that your dog has a well-balanced diet. Without one, your dog can develop many health conditions which can even be fatal.

Some recommend a raw diet, while others recommend a diet primarily of kibble. Whatever you do, make sure your Chiweenie is well fed and has all the nutrients he needs.

Exercise Your Dog More

Exercise is always recommended for all dogs. While not all dogs are always extremely active, you’re going to have to make them exercise enough for them to have a healthy, well-balanced life.

Exercise options include playing fetch, going to a dog park, walking, and swimming.

Make Sure To Bathe Your Chiweenie Often 

Many parasites and other health conditions are often caused by being insanitary. So, a good way to prevent such health conditions is to simply bathe your Chiweenie more.

I recommend that you bathe your Chiweenie at least once a month or every time he gets into a mess. Also, make sure his teeth are cleaned often and his nails trimmed when needed.

Give Them Plenty of Love

While this may not directly help the health of your Chiweenie, knowing you love him (even if he is spoiled sometimes) will help him live a long and happy life.

It might be as simple as holding him in your lap and petting him, or it might be going on a long walk. Just let him know that you love him and that he’s your fur-baby.

When You Have To Say Goodbye

No one wants to think about their beloved pet dying, but it is something we will have to face sooner or later.

When you’re dealing with grief, never let it take control of you. No, I can’t imagine losing my Chiweenie, but you can’t let the death of your dog stop you from doing the things that need to be done.

I recommend talking to other people who have lost their dog or pet so you can talk with them and tell them what you’re going through.

Conclusion

So, how long do Chiweenies live? Chiweenies live for about 15-20 years on average. Make sure that your Chiweenie stays healthy and has plenty of love so that he will live as long as possible.

How old is your Chiweenie? Let us know in the comment section below.

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