 Remember
that Chihuahua's require lots of one-on-one attention.
They choose one member of the family as "their own" and
miss you terribly when you are away.
Use a
body harness instead of a collar to protect your dog's
neck on walks. This will also help prevent collapsed
trachea and soft palate.
Have your Chihuahua
vaccinated,
and follow with yearly booster vaccinations to maintain
the dog's immunity to disease. Consult your veterinarian
about flea control products and worming your dog. <click
here for a list of vaccinations>
Feed your Chihuahua dog food in which the first
ingredient is meat. Crude protein should be no less
than 30 percent, and crude fat no less than 20
percent. Fiber content should be 4 percent or less.
Solid Gold and Purina are recommended brands. |
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Feed your Chihuahua two or three small meals a day.
Give your Chihuahua plenty of attention. This breed
requires a lot of human attention and love.
Brush a short-coated Chihuahua once a week with a
soft-bristle brush, or wipe down with a soft cloth.
Brush long-coated dogs twice weekly or as needed.
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Bathe
your Chihuahua monthly, being careful not to get
water in their ears, as this leads to infections.
Longhaired Chihuahuas will need more bathing than
shorthaired dogs. After bathing clean their ears
and clip their nails.
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Exercise your Chihuahua daily; many times a
Chihuahua will get plenty of exercise running around
your house during the day, but remember that can be
boring day after day.
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Train
your Chihuahua with a gentle hand, and socialize
them at an early age with adults as well as humans
and other dogs.
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Dress your
Chihuahua in a sweater if in temperatures below 40
degrees F. Chihuahuas are very sensitive to cold
temperatures. |
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Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds,
corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Talk to the
breeder to find out what type of screening has been
done for these health problems.
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Be
prepared to enjoy a full 11 to 18 years with your
Chihuahua, as this is the breed's average life
expectancy.
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Chihuahuas often shiver - not just when cold, but
also when excited.
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Chihuahuas often like to snuggle under pillows and
blankets.
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A
number of Chihuahua owners find that their dogs are
gagging or coughing. This often turns out to be
"reverse sneezing," a phenomenon related to problems
with the soft palate or a collapsed trachea. Take
your Chihuahua to a vet right away if these symptoms
develop.
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Some
Chihuahuas many bark a lot, though some bark very
little. Proper training can reduce excitability.
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Chihuahuas tend to enjoy the company of their own
breed.
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Chihuahuas are more quickly to learn with patience
and understanding, reinforcement of good behavior,
rather then harsh words or treatment.
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Talk
to your Chihuahua. They might not understand your
words, but they understand the soft tone of your
voice.
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Remember that the Chihuahua was breed for activity,
both mental and physical and enjoy playing games,
taking walks and an occasional good run.
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