A disrupted routine, a move or the arrival of a new pet: there are many events that can create stress in dogs. Chihuahuas are particularly sensitive to change. When this stress persists, it can have a negative impact on the animal’s health. Let’s take a closer look at the consequences of stress for Chihuahuas and some tips on how to keep them in good health.
Protect your Chihuahua with dog insurance
If your dog suffers from stress, the consequences for its health can be manifold. That’s why it’s a good idea to insure your dog, so you can treat him as quickly as possible when the time comes. In addition to offering a prevention package for your Chihuahua, pet insurance has many advantages, and is indispensable for veterinary emergencies.
Dog insurance works like health insurance for the family. Once you’ve taken out a policy tailored to your dog’s needs, you’ll be reimbursed for all or part of veterinary expenses in the event of illness, up to an annual ceiling. Mutual insurance for dogs is very advantageous, because treating your dog is expensive. The first year’s costs can amount to 500 euros if the animal is in good health. If he’s ill, you can easily spend 800 to 1,200 euros.
With a mutual insurance plan costing between 10 and 70 euros a month, you’ll have no worries if your Chihuahua falls ill. Your Chihuahua will benefit from the best care, without your wallet suffering. To protect your Chihuahua, you can choose from a range of plans offering basic, medium or high levels of cover. Depending on your insurer, you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment for preventive veterinary care to protect your Chihuahua against certain serious illnesses. An animal prone to stress needs to be properly cared for to limit the consequences on its health.
Loss of appetite: a consequence of stress in Chihuahuas
Stress in Chihuahuas, whatever its nature, can cause loss of appetite. When prolonged, it can lead to weight loss due to reduced food intake. This is a dangerous phenomenon for all dogs, whatever their breed, especially if they have a medical history.
Because of their loss of appetite, some dogs suffering from stress may start chewing or even eating dangerous objects. Your Chihuahua may start by ingesting toys, nibbling on doors or window sills. According to specialists, he may also lick himself to the point of injury.
If your dog ingests an object, the risk of surgery is high. Fortunately, it’s possible to offer your Chihuahua quality care with insurance.
Weakening the dog’s immune system
When a Chihuahua is stressed, its body releases cortisol, a hormone involved in the fight-or-flight mechanism. Cortisol helps the body react appropriately to a stressful event by directing blood flow to the muscles. However, when stress is prolonged and becomes a chronic problem, this same hormone can weaken the immune system.
According to veterinarians, a weakened immune system is a serious problem. The animal is virtually incapable of fighting off infection or disease. It’s therefore important to minimize the Chihuahua’s stress levels, at the risk of turning a minor problem into a major one.
The example of demodecitic mange illustrates this phenomenon. The demodecitic mites that cause this infection are usually present on the skin of many dogs without causing any damage. When a dog is stressed, its body weakens and these same mites multiply in certain areas of the skin, creating an infection. This infection is mainly due to a weakened immune system.
Intestinal disorders in Chihuahuas
In a stressful situation, the body also releases adrenalin, a fight-or-flight hormone. Like cortisol, adrenalin is beneficial to the Chihuahua, helping it to survive an immediate threat by increasing, for example, heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause reduced blood flow to the intestines and stomach, leading to diarrhea in many dogs. When caused by stress, diarrhea is sudden and devoid of the symptoms that accompany infection, such as fever or vomiting.
Behavioural problems caused by stress
Stress can cause behavioral problems in Chihuahuas. When frightened, most dogs will try to run away. If they can’t escape, or if they think attacking is a better solution, they will behave aggressively.
Stressed dogs may avoid contact with people for no apparent reason. If he feels harassed, he may attack. More often than not, if your Chihuahua is stressed, it may become much more agitated than usual. This reaction allows him to vent his excess energy without running away or attacking. To get rid of stress, he may pant, shake his body, scratch, dig or act incoherently.
