Chihuahua pet insurance

Thinking about getting a Chihuahua as a pet? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this fun-loving breed. Learn tips on how to care for your Chihuahua, some of the health problems affecting this breed, and how to compare quotes for Chihuahua dog insurance.

Chihuahuas are one of the most unique dog breeds around. They’ll certainly keep you on your toes – one minute irresistibly cute and cuddly, the next unbelievably feisty and noisy.

Hailing from Mexico, and named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, these dogs are full of love and enjoy being the centre of attention. Small and mighty, these pups have big personalities, and in the right home they can make wonderful companions or family pets.

Facts about Chihuahuas

Let’s start with the basics.

Vital stats

Size: Small, 12 cm to 20 cm

Weight: 1 to 3 kg

Coat: Short and smooth or long and fluffy. Tendency to shed

Exercise: 30 mins per day

Lifespan: 12 years +

Temperament: Spirited, loyal and loving

Interesting facts about Chihuahuas

Think you know a lot about Chihuahuas? Here are some interesting facts you might not know about the breed:

• Chihuahuas are believed to be descendants of an ancient breed of dog called the Techichi. It is thought the earlier version of the dog was larger, but over time and with cross breeding they shrank in size.
• Relative to their bodies, Chihuahuas have the biggest brain in the dog world. This makes them easy to train, but due to a small bladder and stubborn streak, they’re not always easy to house train.
• Are Chihuahuas high maintenance? Put it this way. The Kennel Club refers to these dogs as ‘bold and saucy’. The American Kennel Club goes a step further and uses the word ‘sassy’. You decide...
• In 2014 a group of stray Chihuahuas ran amok in a small town in Arizona. There were reports of packs running wild, terrorising children, harassing townsfolk, and doing their business wherever they felt like it. And when they wanted to boost their numbers, they simply teamed up with bigger dogs. It’s fair to say, the animal control team had trouble getting the cheeky pooches under control.
• The smallest dog in the world is a Chihuahua named Milly. Standing at less than 4 inches tall, she weighs about half a kilogram. When she was born, she could fit in a teaspoon and earned the nickname Miracle Milly.

4 things to consider before getting a Chihuahua dog

Chihuahuas have lots going for them and they make great pets. However, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind before becoming a Chihuahua pet parent:

1. They love human company

If you want a pet that will follow you everywhere, a Chihuahua is the perfect choice. When they’re not walking or sleeping next to you, they’ll want to be carried by you. Unsurprisingly, they’re not good at being left alone.

2. They are always cold

Chihuahuas don’t fare well in cold weather – they do hail from Mexico, after all. Their thin fur coats and low body mass make them prone to dehydration or hypothermia. Best invest in doggy sweaters and socks. Here are some tips on how to protect your pooch when it’s cold outside.

3. They can be noisy

Chihuahuas love to chat. And in their world that means barking, yapping, whining and generally making their presence known. You might have to train them not to bark at every single noise.

4. They can be tricky to toilet train

As with other breeds, Chihuahuas aren’t always the quickest when it comes to toilet training. The secret is creating a routine and sticking to it.

Personality traits

Confident

Renowned for being the worlds smallest dog, what this breed lacks in size they certainly make up for in personality! Confident, perhaps to its own detriment at times, Chihuahuas are curious and bold explorers, so it is important to consider their small size when considering this breed.

Energetic

The amount of energy an adult chihuahua has can be surprising, they can endlessly chase and play. This dog will rule the roost if you allow them to, so consistent training is required with plenty of positive reinforcement, usually accepted in the form of treats!

Loving

Lapdogs through and through, this breed cannot get enough of their people! Typically, this breed bonds to an individual person, so may suit a single person household. Expect this breed to follow you from room to room and ride along with you when running errands or going shopping!

Chihuahuas at home

An adaptable breed, Chihuahuas are just as happy in a flat as they would be in a countryside manor if they have, the space to run around whenever the mood takes them, and their exercise needs are being met.

Just because they are small, doesn’t mean they are any less of a dog! This clever breed responds well to reward-based training. They make excellent watch dogs, thanks to their bold personalities and terrier-like attitudes.

Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone and are prone to separation anxiety, this breed may not be the best choice if you are someone who spends lots of time away from home. This dog was bred for companionship and form strong attachments to their owner.

Top care tips

• Chihuahuas are prone to shivering, so a good coat/jumper is needed during the cold months.

• This breed can live a long life- sometimes reaching 18 years old!

• Prone to becoming overweight, nutrition needs to be managed.

• Good training Is key as Chihuahuas can be vocal.

Common health problems in Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are confident, playful dogs that make wonderful companions. However, alongside their cheeky, bubbly personalities, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

Keeping up to date with routine check-ups at the vet can help keep your Chihuahua fit and healthy. Staying on top of their health means you spot potential symptoms and get a diagnosis earlier, and can start treatment sooner rather than later. The rising cost of treatment means vet bills can quickly add up. Having Chihuahua insurance in place can help you cover these costs.

Here are some of the most common health conditions affecting the Chihuahua breed.

Eye problems

Chihuahuas can suffer from eye conditions such as dry eye, entropion, and corneal ulcers. Dry eye is a condition that prevents your dog from producing tears, leading to painful, scratchy eyes.

Entropion causes the eyelids to roll inwards, again causing pain and irritation to the eye. Meanwhile, corneal ulcers are caused by trauma to the surface of the eye. Signs of this include red, watery eyes that are sensitive to the light.

Epilepsy

When a dog’s brain becomes overactive, it can cause the entire body to twitch and spasm. This is known as epilepsy – a condition that can affect this breed. A mild fit might just mean your dog stares into space for a prolonged period.

A more severe case could result in a seizure, during which your pet salivates and loses control of their bladder. Watching a dog have a fit can be extremely upsetting, and whether the fit is mild or severe, it is important to contact your vet as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.

Patella luxation

Patella luxation (or luxating patella) is a condition which causes the kneecap to become unstable and not move in the way it is supposed to. The condition can be temporary, in which case no treatment is required. But more serious cases will need surgery. If left untreated, it can lead to other knee-related injuries.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid around the brain. This creates pressure on the brain, leading to muscle weakness, blindness and seizures. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening.

Treatment includes surgery to divert the fluid away from the brain, medication to prevent seizures and steroids as a preventative measure. Check out our guide on how to give your pet medication.

Heart problems

Some Chihuahuas are born with a heart condition called a congenital heart murmur. This is the result of abnormal blood flow through the heart. Heart murmurs are common and often rectify themselves.

Chihuahuas can also be born with heart valve problems. Scanning potential parents can identify this problem so it is not passed onto puppies.

Luxating Patella

Luxating patella is where the kneecap is unstable and doesn’t slide into the correct place. Dogs suffering from this will hop rather than use the affected leg. Animals with luxating patella are prone to other knee-related injuries.

Some animals don’t need any treatment as it can be temporary. But in most cases, surgery is needed to correct the position of the kneecap. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your dog.

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism refers to retained testicles. This means that they haven’t dropped down from inside their tummy into the pouch of skin that the testicles sit in. Both testicles should have dropped down by the age of 6 months.

Cancer is more likely to develop if the testicles remain in the abdomen. An operation will be needed to remove the testicles, otherwise known as castration.

History

The history of the Chihuahua is uncertain. The dog is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the dog was discovered about 1850. Some experts think the Aztecs or Incas developed the dog; others say the breed can be traced to Spanish dogs as far back as the 1500s.

The use of the Chihuahua long ago also is uncertain. Some think Chihuahuas might have been used for food by Central American Indians, while others think the dogs had great religious significance. The first Chihuahuas are thought to have come to the United States in the early 19th century.

The introduction of the Chihuahua to the public has come in unusual ways. Opera singer Adelina Patti publicized the breed in 1890 when she was given a Chihuahua concealed in a bouquet presented by the President of Mexico.

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How to care for Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are pretty adaptable dogs and do just as well living in a flat as a house with a garden. As long as they have enough space to run around and play, they will be happy little pups.

Owning any breed of dog is a big responsibility, and you need to establish a routine of food, exercise, training and grooming. The more you understand how to take care of your pet, the happier and healthier they will be.

Here are the fundamentals of how to look after a Chihuahua.

Feeding your dog

Chihuahuas aren’t the biggest of dogs, so don’t need a huge amount of food. However, it is important to make sure you are feeding them the right amount. Check portion size advice on food packaging and alter amounts based on their age and health conditions. If you are in any doubt about what you should be feeding your pup, speak with your vet.

Exercising your dog

They may be small, but Chihuahuas love to be active. They won’t need as much exercise as other, larger breeds of dog, but they’ll want to get out and about at least once a day. The Chihuahua dog breed needs at least 30 mins of daily exercise to stay fit and healthy – preferably split into two shorter walks. They love to explore, so give them time off the lead. And they love to play, so games and toys will keep their minds active.

Grooming your dog

Chihuahuas can have either long or short coats which will need to be brushed regularly – once a week for short hair, three or four times a week for longer hair. Establishing a dental hygiene routine is also important for this breed. Small dogs have small mouths, which means their teeth can become overcrowded. To avoid the build-up of plaque, you need to clean your Chihuahua’s teeth regularly and visit the vet for dental checks. Find out more with our pet grooming tips.

Training your dog

Chihuahuas are smart dogs that will respond well to positive, reward-based training. However, Chihuahuas are known for having an independent streak, which can make training a bit of a challenge at times. As long as you are consistent, patient and treat them firmly but fairly, you shouldn’t have much trouble. If you are struggling to stamp out unwanted behaviours, there are plenty of professional trainers who can lend a helping hand.

You should start training and socialisation as soon as possible – the younger your pup, the easier it is to form good habits. Because they are so small, Chihuahuas can often feel overwhelmed or wary of unfamiliar things. The more you can socialise your Chihuahua with both humans and other dogs from a young age, the better.

And remember: they do not cope with being alone – even just for short periods of time. To avoid separation anxiety taking hold, make sure they are not left in the house by themselves and have company for the majority of the day.

How much does it cost to keep a Chihuahua in the UK?

There are all sorts of costs that come with owning a dog. It’s important to understand the financial commitment before you become emotionally attached to your pooch.

Here’s what to think about when you consider the cost of dog ownership.

A Chihuahua puppy will generally cost between £600 and £1,000. A more cost-effective method is to adopt a pup from a rescue home as many people have to give up their pets.

Then there’s the cost of doggy equipment. You’ll need a lead, collar, harness, dog bed, grooming brush, toys and doggy toothpaste and toothbrushes. Plus food, boarding kennel fees, training costs, and doggy day care.

You’ve also got to think about vets bills. Preventative treatment (routine vaccinations, worming treatment and neutering) are not usually covered by pet insurance. Depending on the policy, you could be covered if your dog is injured in an accident or requires treatment for an illness.

The Purely Pet Promise

At Purely, we’re here to support you. That’s why all Purely Pets Customers get access to unlimited video consultations 24/7 with a qualified vet. Our easy to use online portal ‘Manage My Policy’, enables you to access to your policy 24hrs a day. This provides greater flexibility, allowing you to manage your policy at a time that suits you, so that you can spend more time with your furry friends, and less time managing your insurance. Get a quote

Different types of pet insurance for dogs

No one wants to think about their pet being unwell, but injury or illness can happen at any time – and with little warning. Getting your pet from an authorised breeder – or adopting from an animal rescue shelter – helps reduce the risk of your new pet having certain hereditary diseases.

But for added peace of mind, having a quality pet insurance policy in place ensures your dog gets the care they need when they need it the most.

Regular check-ups help a vet spot any symptoms or potential health issues in plenty of time. This means you can stay on top of your pet’s health and increase the chance of a speedy recovery if they should fall ill. Taking out Chihuahua pet insurance can help cover any treatment costs. Always check the terms and conditions of a policy so you’re clear about what you’re getting.

Here’s a look at the different types of dog insurance you can take out for your pet Chihuahua.

Lifetime pet insurance

With vet fee cover that renews every year, lifetime is the most comprehensive pet insurance policy on the market. This is the only type of dog insurance we offer here at Purely Pets.

These types of policies are best opened when your pet is still young, before they have developed any symptoms and before you have had to make any claims.

Maximum benefit pet insurance

This type of policy insures your pet for a set amount of money for a specific condition. There will be a fixed limit for treatment costs – when you’ve reached that amount you will have to cover the costs yourself. There is no time limit for when you can make a claim on a condition – cover will last until the limit is reached.

Time-limited pet insurance

As with maximum benefit insurance, pets are covered for each condition up to a set amount. The difference is that you can only claim on vet bills within a fixed time period (usually up to 12 months). That 12-month deadline starts from when your pet was seen by the vet and/or a diagnosis was made.

Accident-only pet insurance

Accident-only pet insurance is the most basic pet insurance policy on offer, covering your pug for accidents and injury, but not illnesses. Cover is usually for a certain amount per accident – and there may be a time limit on when you can claim per condition.

How much does Chihuahua insurance cost?

As one of the smaller breeds of dog, Chihuahuas are relatively cheap to insure.

So, how much does it cost to insure a dog in the UK? According to the ABI, the average pet insurance premium is £271 a year.

But smaller dogs tend to have lower vet bills, which translates into lower than average pet insurance premiums. Find out more about the UK’s cheapest dog breeds to insure on our site (including the Yorkshire terrier, Border terrier, Shih Tzu, and Jack Russell).

However, premiums only tell part of the pet insurance story. For example, a quote for cheap pet insurance might not offer all the benefits that a lifetime insurance policy from Purely Pets offer. You need to be very clear about what a policy does – and doesn’t include. And you may struggle to find a policy that will cover pre-existing conditions.

If you’re wondering: Should I insure my Chihuahua? As long as you do your homework and compare quotes, you could find a dog insurance policy that is more affordable than you think.

How can I lower my Chihuahua insurance?

Found the right Chihuahua pet insurance policy for your dog but worried about the cost? There are ways you can lower your Chihuahua insurance premiums.

Here are three tips you might want to consider:

1. Increasing your excess: The higher the excess you pay, the lower your premiums could be. But it’s important to set the amount at a level you can afford.

2. Getting your pet microchipped: A microchipped pet could be cheaper for insurance purposes. Speak to your vet to find out more.

3. Taking out insurance when your pet is young and healthy: Pre-existing conditions can make finding pet insurance quite tricky. If you can, insure your pet while they’re still a puppy, before any health conditions develop. New puppy pet insurance could save you money over the course of your dog’s life.

Benefits of a Purely Pets insurance policy.

At Purely Pets, we offer a range of lifetime insurance policies designed to give you peace of mind. Benefits of insuring through Purely Pets can include:

Unlimited 24/7 Video Consultations with a Vet and an online policy management portal which all give you greater flexibility in managing your policy, as well as the opportunity to earn £15 every time you refer a friend or family member.

Get in touch with our specialist team to find our best pet insurance deals. Apply for your free pet insurance quote today and see which of our dog insurance policies is best for you.

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