What Could be Causing My Chihuahua’s Walking Difficulties & How Can I Help?

Dear VetBabble: Understanding and Addressing Your Chihuahua’s Difficulties in Walking

You are probably here because of your seemingly poignant question that goes, “My beloved eight-year-old Chihuahua seems to have difficulty walking, often cries out when held, have become rather withdrawn, and is presumably under intense pain. What can possibly be going wrong and what am I to do?” This is indeed distressing, yet try to remain calm as I’m here to help you understand the golden rule of pet parenthood and how to better care for your pet in such situations.

Identifying the Issue

If ever you notice significant changes in your pet’s behavior, such as those mentioned above, it’s virtually always an indication that something’s off. Our furry companions cannot communicate with us in our human language, but they do empathetically display signs and symptoms, signifying that not all is well.

It’s important to note that Chihuahuas, likewise to any other dog breed, can have characteristic health issues, which you can learn more about in our dedicated article, here. Your Chihuahua’s limping, accompanied by yelps of pain when picked up, could be a symptom of myriad health issues; one of them may be a common condition in older dogs known as hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia can cause severe discomfort and impede your dog’s ability to move freely. It’s a condition particularly germane to big dog breeds, but that doesn’t mean smaller breeds like Chihuahuas are entirely safe. You can find a comprehensive overview of hip dysplasia in dogs, its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments in our article found here.

Professional Help is Key

When you encounter immense changes in your pet’s behavior, it’s crucial to never neglect or anticipate the symptoms will vanish on their own. Rapid veterinary intervention can spell the difference between a short-lived problem and a life-long condition. As stated earlier, any discomfort or behavioral changes in pets mandate for instant professional help.

Consider our article on limping dogs here for situational insights on when it’s time to panic, when it’s time for a visit to the vet, and what you can do to help your dog out. Essentially, it paints a detailed picture of the problems dogs might face and how to be proactive about it.

Could Separation Anxiety Be a Factor?

Noteworthy also is the presented symptom of withdrawal. Has your pet been showing signs of distress when left alone? This could possibly be signs of separation anxiety. This is a common issue that pet owners face and can manifest in numerous ways, including changes in behavior and disruptions to their normal routine.

Separation anxiety in pets can be challenging to manage, but guidance exists. Our article on this topic, here, offers insights into how you can help your furry friend manage and mitigate their anxiety.

Before concluding, I want to reiterate the importance of seeing your vet promptly if your pet is in pain. They can provide careful examination, appropriate pain relief, and a diagnosis to help you understand and handle the issue.

Remember, when our fur babies hurt, they need our love, patience, and prompt action to get the professional care they need.