Pet insurance for Chihuahuas

Five very good reasons to get pet insurance for your Chihuahua

Beautiful things come in small packages, which is why Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. These entertaining pocket rockets are incredibly loyal, require relatively little exercise and live a long life, on average. However, they do have their frailties, which is why getting pet insurance for Chihuahuas is really important.

Here are some health issues that commonly affect Chihuahuas.

Chihuahuas are tiny things and this, obviously, makes them vulnerable to leg injuries, whether from falls, animal attacks, or being sat on (seriously – they have a habit of burrowing, which means you should always check under any cushions on your couch before sitting down). A broken leg could easily cost $1,000 to fix. They also suffer from dislocated knee joints due to bones not aligning properly, which in turn can lead to arthritis – which can set you back $1,000 - $5,000 to treat.

Chihuahuas are small dogs with big hearts, but unfortunately those hearts are particularly susceptible to valve disease, which can lead to heart failure. If you dog has this disease, it’s best to pick it up early, which is why getting pet insurance as soon as you can is a really smart idea. If you’re insured before diagnosis – which costs $1,000 - $1,500 – you could be covered for potentially lifelong medication, which is around $50 - $150 per month.

Chihuahuas are smart dogs, but their brains are vulnerable to neurological disorders, including those that cause seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy – and inherited condition – is the most common cause, but can be treated with medication for around $200-$500 per year. If your Chihuahua starts having seizures (which aren’t the same as their familiar ‘shiver’) get them checked out by your vet straight away, as they could also be suffering from liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or have swallowed toxins.

We all love a Chihuahua’s cheeky grin. But those winning smiles can come at a cost. Because they have such small mouths, they can have a problem with too many teeth in too small a space, which creates a build-up of tartar and subsequently gum disease. Not only can this cause dental issues – which are never cheap to treat – but the nasty bacteria can spread to the liver and kidneys. All in, this could cost $250-$3,000 to remedy.

Chihuahuas aren’t alone in suffering from breathing issues; it’s something that affects a lot of small and flat-nosed dog breeds. But affect them it does, and it can lead to some extremely serious, even life-threatening, conditions like tracheal collapse or a terrible cough that can only be fixed with surgery. You’re looking at medication costs of around $100 a week or, if surgery is required, a vet bill of $3,000-$6,500.