Pet Insurance for Chihuahua
Pet Insurance Australia has been helping owners protect their Chihuahuas for years, with cover for the breed-specific conditions this pint-sized favourite is prone to, from patellar luxation and tracheal collapse to dental and heart problems.
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Meet The Chihuahua
Don’t be fooled by the size. The Chihuahua packs considerable personality into one of the smallest breeds going, feisty and devoted in equal measure, and intelligent enough to train easily — provided you keep it positive, since this is a sensitive breed.
The perfect indoor dog, they suit an apartment or a family home and will happily become your little shadow, though they don’t cope with being left alone. Grooming asks very little.
Generally healthy across a remarkable 12 to 20 year lifespan, Chihuahuas are still prone to conditions like dental disease and patellar luxation. A reputable breeder reduces the risk, and the right cover takes care of the rest.
Claim Up To
$35,0002
Per Year
Common Claims For Chihuahuas
Known for their tiny frame, outsized personality, and fierce devotion, the Chihuahua, like all dog breeds, can be prone to specific health issues. This table shows just how expensive common conditions can be. With our pet insurance, you can claim back a portion of these costs and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $14,957.15 |
| Ear Conditions | $11,172.11 |
| Eye Conditions | $6,476.74 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $12,652.40 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Conditions | $7,451.21 |
| Arthritis | $6,930.56 |
| Neoplasia | $15,443.90 |
| Mass Lesion | $14,980.00 |
| Allergy/Infection | $5,811.07 |
| Skin Conditions – lumps | $4,777.40 |
Common Health Conditions
For Chihuahuas
- Patellar Luxation: A common condition in smaller breeds where the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness and pain. Treatment includes weight management, physiotherapy and medication, though surgery is required in many cases.
- Upper Respiratory Problems: Tracheal collapse is a progressive condition where the windpipe weakens and collapses, making breathing difficult, so care is needed with collars and walking to avoid pulling around the neck. It is treated with anti-inflammatories and cough suppressants, with surgery sometimes required. Reverse sneezing is also common in Chihuahuas and is usually settled by gently stroking their neck, though severe cases may need anti-inflammatory medication.
- Dental Issues: As with many small dogs, those tiny mouths are particularly prone to problems including overcrowded teeth and periodontal disease. Regular dental care is crucial to keeping your Chihuahua's smile in tip-top condition.
- Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar can be a significant issue for Chihuahuas, causing lethargy, tremors and seizures. Treatment involves intravenous dextrose solutions and oral steroids such as prednisone.
- Heart Problems: Mitral valve disease is common in smaller breeds, caused by thickening and prolapse of the valve so it cannot close properly, and it can lead to heart failure. Treatment involves medication.
- Hydrocephalus: More common in apple-headed Chihuahuas, this is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, with symptoms including a dome-shaped head, seizures, blindness and difficulty walking. Treatment usually involves anti-seizure medication and corticosteroids, with surgery necessary in severe cases.
- Eye Problems: Those bulgy, beautiful eyes leave the Chihuahua more susceptible to corneal ulcers, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Treatment can include eye drops and medication, and surgery in some cases.
- Chihuahua Molera: Also known as a soft spot, this is a soft area on the skull that in most puppies closes after birth. It is not an emergency, but it does leave your dog more susceptible to injury.
- Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint causing discomfort and lameness. Surgery is typically needed to correct it, alongside weight and exercise management.
- Obesity: Those adorable eyes lead to over-treating and too much human food. Keeping your Chihuahua in its optimal weight range is paramount to a healthy, happy dog.
Get your first 2 months free when you sign up1
Flexible Cover Options
For Your Chihuahua
Finding the right pet insurance for your Chihuahua doesn’t need to be confusing. It should be as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
| Option | What It Means | Your Choices | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual benefit limit2 | This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding. Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits. | $15,000; $25,000 and $35,000 | Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection. |
| Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement) | The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied. Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit. | 70%, 80%, 90% | Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills. |
| Annual Excess4 | The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid. | $0, $100, $300, $600* *$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage | Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time. |
| Routine care add-on7 | Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for additional vet-cost cover. |
| Specified dental conditions add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues. |
| Specialised therapies add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | Add to your policy or skip | Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium |
| Waiting periods8 | The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them. If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover. | Accidental injury – 2days Illness – 30days Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days | Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later |
| Multi-pet discount12 | A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet. | Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max. Example: 2nd pet: 5% | Helpful for multi-pet households. |
| Choice of vet | Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself. | Included on all policies | Continue care with your preferred vet |
Want To Learn More? See Everything Our Dog Insurance Covers
Flexible Cover Options For Your Chihuahua
Finding the right pet insurance for your Chihuahua doesn’t need to be confusing. It should feel as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
Annual Benefit Limit2
What It Means
This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding.
Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits.
Your Choices
$15,000; $25,000 and $35,000
Why
Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection.
Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement)
What It Means
The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied.
Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit.
Your Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Why
Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills.
Annual Excess4
What It Means
The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid.
Your Choices
$0, $100, $300, $600*
*$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage
Why
Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time.
Routine Care Add-On7
What It Means
Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for additional vet-cost cover.
Specified Dental Conditions Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues.
Specialised Therapies Add-On Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
Add to your policy or skip
Why
Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium
Waiting Periods
What It Means
The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them.
If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover.
Your Choices
Accidental injury – 2days
Illness – 30days
Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months
Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months
Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days
Why
Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later
Multi-Pet Discount12
What It Means
A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet.
Your Choices
Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max.*
Example:
2nd pet: 5%
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Choice Of Vet
What It Means
Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself.
Your Choices
Continue care with your preferred vet
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Caring For A Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are very intelligent, fast learners and effortless to train, eager to please and more than capable of holding their own in dog sports like agility. Keep training varied to hold their interest, and keep it positive — this is a sensitive breed, and harsh methods only create fear. Early socialisation with other dogs and people is important, and group training or puppy preschool is a good place to start.
Whether you have a long-coated or smooth-coated Chihuahua, grooming asks very little. Regular brushing prevents matting, using a pin-head brush for longer coats or a rubber mitt for smooth ones, with a bath about once a month and noticeably more shedding through the seasonal changes. Clean their ears weekly with a damp cloth to prevent wax build-up and yeast infections. Daily walks and play sessions keep them fit, and a weekly dog sport or agility club gives them both the exercise and the mental stimulation they enjoy.
Chihuahuas are the perfect indoor dog, fitting just as happily into an apartment as a larger home, and they feel the cold quickly. They are incredibly affectionate and will become your little shadow, but they dislike being left alone for long and get lonely fast. They adore children and other pets when socialised correctly from a young age, though their fragility means teaching children to handle them properly is vital — sitting cuddles rather than being carried around. When choosing a puppy, sourcing from a reputable breeder is imperative: ask about hereditary conditions, request to see the parents, check with local breed clubs, and make sure the breeder can document genetic testing and sound temperaments.
Fast Facts
Average Height
15 – 23cm
Average Weight
1.5 – 2.5kg
Temperament
Alert, loyal, lively, confident
Lifespan
12 – 20 years
Known Genetic Issues
Dental Disease, Patella Luxation, Cardiomyopathy, Epilepsy, Cancer
Country of Origin
Mexico
Exercise Requirements
Short daily walks and interactive indoor play
Coat
Their fine coat can be long or short, and they’ll need extra warmth in winter.
Coat Colours
Fawn, cream, chocolate, black, white, gold
Specific Care Requirements
Chihuahuas need regular dental care, gentle handling, joint support, lots of love and fashionable coats in winter.
Get Started with Pet Insurance Australia
Pet Insurance Australia is here to back your best mate with flexible options and fast claims. Get a quote today and explore pet insurance for Chihuahuas in Australia—made to support your dog’s health every step of the way.
