Q: Can a Chihuahua be too old to give birth?
I have a 12 yr old female Chihuahua. She has never mated with any dog in the past. But just today she connected with a mixed breed Dachshund.
It wasn't purposely but it happened and I'm worried that she may be too old for pregnancy...I want to know what risks I have and if there's anything I could do to make the pregnancy smoother?
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Answers and Views:
Answer by lotta
With all animals (and humans) pregnancy gets harder when the dog is older.
Answer by italianrose59
A chihuahua at any age (if small) can have difficulty giving birth to pups without the need for Cesarean surgery. There are injections you can get within the first few days to abort but it is BEST to just get her Spayed. A Female that is not Spayed can develop many Problems as she ages, one being Pyometra (an infection of the uterus) which can be deadly and a lot of times fatal before You realize she has it. if cost is a Problem there are Numerous Groups that will help to cover the cost of Spaying your Dog.
Besides the costs of trying to save your Dog due to complications from Pregnancy, Birth, and Raising Pups or Problems because she is not Spayed far outweigh the costs of Prevention and even if you spend all the money You can your Dog may still Die after a lot of suffering...
Answer by chetco
12 years is WAY too old for her to have the first litter. If she can have them at all, it would likely need to be by C-section. Please call your vet and have him clarify the risks involved. I really think that having her spayed would be much safer, but the vet knows her condition better than I do..so you REALLY need to talk with him this very week.
The dog's pelvic bones lose the ability to stretch if they haven't had their first litter by at least 6 years old. After that, it is very dangerous, as the bones won't stretch enough to allow the pup to pass through the pelvis.
Answer by maajake
I think it might be risky. Go to the vet instantly! 72 hours after the intercourse it's possible to give the dog an injection and puppies are never born. Think that there are so many mixed breed dogs that don't have homes, will you be able to find new homes for them? If already more than 72 hours are passed then I'd consider an abortion with sterilization to avoid further problems.
Even if you are against abortion then definitely consult a vet to get professional advice!
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Answer by Tara D
Definitely talk to your vet. She is old for her first pregnancy, but this isn't the first elderly dog I have heard of. Talk to your vet, he or she will be able to tell you the honest truth, the risks, and the options.
Best luck!
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
glow says
what if the chihuahua is 10 years old is it safe for them to have babies then??
MFairy says
She may be too old to get pg, but I would not take the chance. Have the vet take care of it for you. He/she is the best one to advise you.
Juan says
Can my chiwawa have kids she is 9 1/2 years old and she has never mated before is it possible for her to have babies
Valarie Petty says
I have almost8 yr old chiwaua. Is it safe to breed for 1st. time.. I love my baby girl and will do nothing to jeopardize her in any way. Thanks if you can help
Dora says
It’s better to show your girl to the vet first to learn about her current state of health and possible risks.
Laura S says
I have a female Chihuahua that has had 4 litters. NO I’m not a breeder. ^ out of the 4 litters ( different times) have died. is she tol old now to have a litter. We were wanting a special litter just for us. Should we attempted before spaying her or no…. Not trying to be mean with her. were just now wanting a special litter for us…. Is she to old now… Or why would they have passed
Laura S says
It should have said 6 puppies out of 4 litters
Saul alfaro says
Is it okay for my 8 year chihuahua to have babys
Mark says
May 6 years old chihuahua she pregnant female I want to know its OK for 6 years old chihuahua is pregnant
RussianDog says
Normally 6 years is not too much for chihuahua, and it mostly depends on the health condition of the dog. You should ask the vet.
Terri McMichael says
12 years old will KILL your female. She is a feeble, senior citizen. Are you crazy? I pray that you took her to the vet and she isn’t pregnant. There is NO WAY A 12 year old female bitch can whelp a litter without them and her dying. PERIOD.
MarieDiane says
Thats not a very nice response. I am sure no one plans on this happening…it has happened and of course the necessary steps to ensure the safety of both pet and pups were taken, however a response like this is neither informative or comforting to this persons question. To the owner of this pet…I hope for a positive outcome. It can be positive. PERIOD
Barbara says
How can I find an organization to help me to get my female dog spayed in my area? Knoxville TN.
AndThen? says
You should take your dog to the vet if you are concerned about her. I am sure the vet would monitor her pregnancy for you. I think she will be just fine though…Good Luck!
munchkin_4684 says
You never know what might happen.. Even young dogs have problems. Consult with your vet for options and risks. If everything is okay, keep her healthy, active, put her on QUALITY dog/puppy food and boost her system with vitamins. Don't overdo it, but give her the best chance possible. It could be an exciting two months until they are born… Just be thankful that she hooked up with a male of similar size and build…! good luck!
gmpranis1 says
Intercourse does not automatically mean pregnancy. You really go out there and look for problems, don't you? Cross the 12 year old chihuahua pregnancy problem when you come to it. P.S. You have no risks.
Choxy says
I am not sure who you are gmpranis1 BUT I WILL SAY YOU ARE NOT VERY SMART!!!!!!!!
Any breeder knows that once a dog is over 6 years old, the risks of a dog bleeding, broken bones, or even death increases with age. So before you say their are NO RISKS, GET EDUCATED!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
lotta says
with all animals (and humans) pregnancy gets harder when the dog is older
GenieAngel says
Yeah, a tad old. She may have birth defects, but maybe not!
Puppy Zwolle says
12 is very old for any dog to start having pups.