Health Profile Chihuahua: Why the smallest breed causes surprisingly high costs
Chihuahuas are charming, self-confident and surprisingly robust for their size. At the same time, they bring a range of breed-specific diseases that can cause high costs over a long lifetime.
The most common diseases and their typical costs:
· Patellar Luxation: very common in small dogs. Surgery costs depending on technique 1,200–2,000 €.
· Tracheal Collapse: leads to coughing and shortness of breath; treatment 300–800 €, surgery can cost 2,000–3,500 €.
· Heart problems (especially mitral valve insufficiency): Diagnosis and annual medication 400–900 €, continuously increasing.
· Dental problems: Chihuahuas often lose teeth early; dental treatments 300–700 €, with extractions 500–1,200 €.
· Hypoglycemia (especially puppies): Emergency treatment 200–600 €.
· Eye problems (corneal injuries, keratitis): Diagnostics 100–300 €, surgery 800–1,500 €.
· Open fontanelle/Hydrocephalus: Diagnostics 300–800 €, therapy depending on course (several hundred euros annually).
· Dislocations or bone fractures from falls: X-ray + surgery usually 1,200–2,500 €.
Note: Some of these diseases are not insurable if they are congenital or genetically determined. Details can be found below in the section "What is not covered in Chihuahuas".
Our claims data shows how the disease profile shifts across life stages:
Puppies (0–1 year): Unspecific symptoms dominate (Other 30.4%), indicating the general sensitivity of the smallest breed. The highest costs surprisingly occur with tumors (avg. 325 €) – mostly juvenile growths like histiocytomas.
Adults (2–7 years): The musculoskeletal system becomes the main issue at 32.9% – particularly patellar luxations play a major role. Financially, dental treatments stand out with avg. 463 €: Chihuahuas are extremely prone to tartar and periodontitis.
Seniors (8+ years): Gastrointestinal diseases take the lead at 30.5%. Dental treatments remain the most expensive category at avg. 365 € – in old age, often extensive treatments or extractions become necessary.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What Dalma actually reimburses for Chihuahuas: Data from 359 claims cases
359 Chihuahua claims cases at Dalma (January 2024 – December 2025). Source: Dalma Claims Database, as of March 2026.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Surgical Insurance or Comprehensive Cover: Which plan fits Chihuahuas?
1. Chihuahua Surgical Insurance
Surgical Insurance covers costs when your dog needs surgery – for example with a patellar luxation, a tracheal collapse or after an accident. At Dalma, the following are included, among others:
· Surgical interventions for illness or accident
· Diagnostics and pre-examinations up to 30 days before surgery
· Hospital stays up to 30 days after surgery
· Medications, bandages and medically necessary follow-up care
· Alternative treatments such as physiotherapy up to 30 days after surgery
· Dental operations after waiting period
· Emergency accommodation up to 250 € per year
2. Dog Health Insurance (Comprehensive Cover) for Chihuahuas
Dog Health Insurance covers not only surgeries, but also medical treatments, medications, diagnostics and important preventive services. You can choose between 80 and 100 percent cost coverage and set an annual maximum benefit of 1,500 € to unlimited. Included are, among others:
· Veterinary costs for diagnostics, examinations and treatments
· Prescribed medications and pharmaceuticals
· Unlimited physiotherapy
· Alternative healing methods such as homeopathy or acupuncture
· Behavioral therapy up to 5 hours per insurance year
· Telemedicine via FirstVet
· Preventive Care Budget for vaccinations, dental care and deworming (from 1,500 € annual maximum benefit)
Assessment: For Chihuahuas, comprehensive cover is more worthwhile in most cases. The breed often suffers from recurring dental problems, heart medication and chronic gastrointestinal complaints that don't require surgery, but cause high costs over years.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What does Chihuahua Insurance cost at Dalma?
Costs depend on age, health status and scope of services. On average, premiums for Dog Health Insurance for Chihuahuas at Dalma start from 25 € per month. A pure Surgical Insurance is cheaper and usually starts from 9 € monthly.
As of March 2026. At Dalma you can adjust your plan flexibly. If you insure multiple dogs, you get a 15% discount on the cheaper plan.
From age 10 onwards, the reimbursement rate for illnesses decreases by 5% annually. Chihuahuas often live 12 to 16 years – the age adjustment keeps the contract affordable over this long period. For accidents, the rate remains unchanged.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Waiting periods for Chihuahuas: What applies when
As with all pet insurance, certain waiting periods also apply at Dalma:
· 2 days for accidents
· 14 days for surgeries
· 30 days for medical treatments
· 12 months for breed-specific conditions (e.g. patellar luxation, tracheal collapse)
· 12 months for dental treatments like FORL, gingivitis or periodontitis
· 18 months for patellar luxation (surgical treatment)
Pre-existing conditions that existed before contract inception are excluded. Best to insure your Chihuahua early – ideally already from two to three months.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What is not covered in Chihuahuas
Dalma offers comprehensive coverage, but excludes some genetically determined or congenital diseases. Not covered are, among others:
· Congenital or hereditary malformations
· Open fontanelle / Hydrocephalus
· Epilepsy
· Congenital Tracheal Collapse (acquired forms, e.g. from chronic inflammation, may be insurable)
· Congenital heart defects
· Treatments related to pregnancy and birth
· Cosmetic surgery without medical indication
· Diseases from lack of vaccination protection
Covered with waiting period are:
· Patellar Luxation (after 18 months)
· Dental diseases such as FORL, gingivitis and periodontitis (after 12 months)
· Non-congenital respiratory and eye problems (after 12 months)
· Acquired heart diseases (e.g. mitral valve insufficiency)
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Cost reimbursement at Dalma: Digital and fast
Dalma is 100% digital. Upload receipt via app (photo + confirm diagnosis), deadline 8 days after receipt. Reimbursement target 48 hours (contractually up to 5 business days). Up to 4x GOT rate including emergency service fees. Free choice of veterinarian worldwide. Telemedicine via FirstVet unlimited and free of charge.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
For which Chihuahua is insurance most worthwhile?
Particularly worthwhile:If you insure your Chihuahua at puppy age. Then patellar luxation, dental diseases and acquired respiratory problems are covered after the waiting periods elapse. Many breed-specific diseases occur later and are then considered newly acquired – early coverage thus offers the best protection.
Less added value:If your Chihuahua is already older and knee, heart or dental diagnoses were known before the contract began. Also, protection against open fontanelle, hydrocephalus or congenital tracheal collapse is not possible.
A transparent bill: A Chihuahua with patellar luxation surgery (avg. 1,200–2,000 €), three dental treatments (avg. 405 € each) and annual heart medication (avg. 400–900 €) quickly adds up to 4,000–5,000 € in insured costs – this pays for itself at 35 € monthly premium within a few years.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What to look for when choosing insurance
Not every dog health insurance is equally suitable for a Chihuahua. Important criteria:
· Adequate reimbursement rate (at least 80%)
· High or unlimited annual maximum benefit
· Short waiting periods
· Coverage of breed-specific conditions
· No deductible (at Dalma: 0 €)
· Transparent contract terms
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chihuahua Insurance
Is dog health insurance worthwhile for Chihuahuas?
Yes. Chihuahuas are among the breeds with an increased risk for joint diseases, dental problems, heart diseases and respiratory problems. Many of these conditions require long-term veterinary care and can result in high costs.
Which diseases are especially common in Chihuahuas?
Particularly common are patellar luxation, dental diseases, heart problems (mitral valve insufficiency), tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia in puppies, eye injuries and bone fractures from falls. Many of these conditions can become chronic.
Is patellar luxation covered in Chihuahuas?
Non-congenital forms of patellar luxation are covered after the waiting period expires. However, if the disease is already diagnosed as congenital or existed before contract inception, it is considered a pre-existing condition and is excluded. Early insurance is therefore especially important.
Does insurance cover dental treatments in Chihuahuas?
Yes, non-congenital dental diseases such as FORL, gingivitis or periodontitis are covered after the waiting period expires. Especially in Chihuahuas, dental treatments occur frequently, as they tend toward early tooth loss and dental misalignments. Dental operations are also included in Surgical Insurance.
Is tracheal collapse covered in Chihuahuas?
Tracheal collapse is only covered if it is an acquired form, for example as a result of chronic inflammation. Congenital or genetically determined forms are considered not insurable. Whether the disease is covered depends on the veterinary diagnosis.
Is Surgical Insurance sufficient for Chihuahuas?
Surgical Insurance can be worthwhile to cover high one-time costs such as patellar luxations, bone fractures or severe respiratory problems. However, since Chihuahuas often also need regular treatments, medications and dental treatments, comprehensive cover offers better protection in most cases.
Are heart diseases covered in Chihuahuas?
Acquired heart diseases are covered. This includes diagnostics such as heart ultrasound or ECG as well as ongoing medication costs. Congenital heart defects, on the other hand, are excluded from insurance coverage.
Is there a deductible at Dalma for Chihuahuas?
No. At Dalma there is no deductible. The reimbursable costs are covered 80 to 100 percent depending on the plan.
Can I insure my Chihuahua in adulthood?
Yes, insurance is also possible for adult Chihuahuas. However, conditions already known or diagnosed before contract inception are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded. The earlier your Chihuahua is insured, the more comprehensive the coverage.
Will the contract be canceled after high veterinary costs?
No, Dalma does not cancel after a claim. Even after costly treatments or surgeries, your Chihuahua remains insured.
When is insurance worthwhile for a Chihuahua?
Insurance is most worthwhile at puppy age. Many breed-specific conditions occur later and are then considered newly acquired. Retroactive insurance is not possible in Germany, so early enrollment is especially worthwhile.
Why is comprehensive cover especially recommended for Chihuahuas?
Comprehensive cover covers not only surgeries, but also diagnostics, medications, dental treatments, physiotherapy and preventive services. Since Chihuahuas often suffer from multiple smaller, but recurring health problems, comprehensive cover offers the most comprehensive and long-term economical protection.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chihuahua Insurance
Is dog health insurance worthwhile for Chihuahuas?
Yes. Chihuahuas are among the breeds with an increased risk for joint diseases, dental problems, heart diseases and respiratory problems. Many of these conditions require long-term veterinary care and can result in high costs.
Which diseases are especially common in Chihuahuas?
Particularly common are patellar luxation, dental diseases, heart problems (mitral valve insufficiency), tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia in puppies, eye injuries and bone fractures from falls. Many of these conditions can become chronic.
Is patellar luxation covered in Chihuahuas?
Non-congenital forms of patellar luxation are covered after the waiting period expires. However, if the disease is already diagnosed as congenital or existed before contract inception, it is considered a pre-existing condition and is excluded. Early insurance is therefore especially important.
Does insurance cover dental treatments in Chihuahuas?
Yes, non-congenital dental diseases such as FORL, gingivitis or periodontitis are covered after the waiting period expires. Especially in Chihuahuas, dental treatments occur frequently, as they tend toward early tooth loss and dental misalignments. Dental operations are also included in Surgical Insurance.
Is tracheal collapse covered in Chihuahuas?
Tracheal collapse is only covered if it is an acquired form, for example as a result of chronic inflammation. Congenital or genetically determined forms are considered not insurable. Whether the disease is covered depends on the veterinary diagnosis.
Is Surgical Insurance sufficient for Chihuahuas?
Surgical Insurance can be worthwhile to cover high one-time costs such as patellar luxations, bone fractures or severe respiratory problems. However, since Chihuahuas often also need regular treatments, medications and dental treatments, comprehensive cover offers better protection in most cases.
Are heart diseases covered in Chihuahuas?
Acquired heart diseases are covered. This includes diagnostics such as heart ultrasound or ECG as well as ongoing medication costs. Congenital heart defects, on the other hand, are excluded from insurance coverage.
Is there a deductible at Dalma for Chihuahuas?
No. At Dalma there is no deductible. The reimbursable costs are covered 80 to 100 percent depending on the plan.
Can I insure my Chihuahua in adulthood?
Yes, insurance is also possible for adult Chihuahuas. However, conditions already known or diagnosed before contract inception are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded. The earlier your Chihuahua is insured, the more comprehensive the coverage.
Will the contract be canceled after high veterinary costs?
No, Dalma does not cancel after a claim. Even after costly treatments or surgeries, your Chihuahua remains insured.
When is insurance worthwhile for a Chihuahua?
Insurance is most worthwhile at puppy age. Many breed-specific conditions occur later and are then considered newly acquired. Retroactive insurance is not possible in Germany, so early enrollment is especially worthwhile.
Why is comprehensive cover especially recommended for Chihuahuas?
Comprehensive cover covers not only surgeries, but also diagnostics, medications, dental treatments, physiotherapy and preventive services. Since Chihuahuas often suffer from multiple smaller, but recurring health problems, comprehensive cover offers the most comprehensive and long-term economical protection.
