Buzz
The Chihuahua is a small, lively, and friendly dog breed. Known for their unwavering loyalty, Chihuahuas easily form a strong, lasting bond with their owners. With proper care, not only can you ensure your Chihuahua remains healthy and happy, but you will also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Steps
Feeding Your Chihuahua
Choose high-quality dry food. When fed the right diet, Chihuahuas maintain a healthy appearance and enjoy a long, happy life. With so many dog food options available, selecting the best food for your pup can feel overwhelming. Opt for dry food with a protein content of about 30-33%.
- A high-salt diet can lead to kidney and heart issues in small dog breeds, so make sure the food for your Chihuahua is low in sodium.
- Consult a veterinarian or a Chihuahua breeder for recommendations on top-quality dry food brands for your dog.
Don’t overfeed your Chihuahua. Obesity is a significant issue for Chihuahuas. Their energetic and playful nature may lead you to overfeed them, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
- Start by feeding your dog the amount recommended on the food packaging, but also learn to assess their body condition and track their weight. Check regularly, and if your Chihuahua gains weight, reduce their food intake by 5-10%.
- Chihuahuas are small, so even small treats or leftover food can add significant calories to their daily intake, leading to obesity over time.
- Overfeeding can cause serious health problems, such as abnormal bone development, arthritis, skin conditions, heart disease, lung issues, and diabetes.
- The right amount of food depends on factors like age, activity level, and specific health needs. If you're unsure how much to feed your dog, consult your vet.
Know what you should not feed your Chihuahua. Never feed your Chihuahua human food, especially leftovers. Certain human foods should be avoided for Chihuahuas, including: bacon (like smoked bacon, ground meat), dairy products, chocolate, grapes, and onions.
- Dairy products can cause diarrhea in dogs.
- Grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure.
- Onions can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
- Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and can cause symptoms like diarrhea, hyperactivity, and shaking.
Set a feeding schedule for your dog. Chihuahuas cannot eat large amounts at once due to their small stomachs. You should feed your Chihuahua multiple times a day. Very small Chihuahuas (under 1.5 kg) may need to be fed every 4 hours. Larger Chihuahuas may be fine with 2-3 meals a day.
- The number of meals depends on the dog’s age, activity level, and health care needs.
- Try different feeding schedules to find the one that works best for you and your dog.
- Instead of feeding your dog at the exact same time each day, give them food within a general time frame. This way, your dog won’t get anxious waiting for their meal.
- Allow 15-20 minutes for your Chihuahua to eat, and make sure no other pets are nearby during their meal – don’t make your dog feel the need to protect their food.
Monitor your Chihuahua for diet-related issues. Your dog may show physical signs indicating nutritional problems. A clear sign is obesity. Rather than having an ideal body shape (a defined waist, ribs slightly visible, and a firm belly from chest to near the hind legs), an obese Chihuahua has a rounder body.
- Oily, dry, or flaky skin can indicate diet-related issues.
- If your dog’s coat looks dull or their eyes appear lethargic, they may be lacking nutrients.
- Abnormal stools (diarrhea or hard stools) could be signs of diet-related problems.
- If you suspect your dog has a nutritional issue, talk to your vet about changing their diet.
Grooming Your Chihuahua
Grooming your Chihuahua. Chihuahuas can have either short or long coats. Short-coated Chihuahuas have smooth, glossy fur that lies close to their body, while long-coated Chihuahuas have straight or slightly curly fur that is fluffier around the legs and tail. Regardless of coat type, Chihuahuas shed (especially in spring and fall), but this can be managed.
- If your Chihuahua has a short coat, brush them once a week with a rubber grooming glove or a soft-bristle brush. Opt for brushes with natural bristles.
- Long-coated Chihuahuas typically need more frequent brushing—at least once or twice a week, but ideally every day. Use a detangling comb for the best results.
- Use a fine-toothed flea comb to remove loose fur.
- A stainless steel comb is a useful tool to untangle knots.
- You can purchase grooming supplies at pet stores.
Bathing your Chihuahua. If you brush your Chihuahua regularly, they don't need frequent baths. Bathing once or twice a month is enough unless your dog gets into something smelly.
- Always use dog shampoo; human shampoos can strip the essential oils from their fur.
- Give your Chihuahua a warm bath.
- After bathing, do not let their fur air dry. Because of their small size, Chihuahuas can lose body heat quickly. Use a towel to dry them immediately after the bath.
Cleaning your Chihuahua's eyes. Occasionally, your Chihuahua may have discharge around their eyes. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any eye crust. Some Chihuahuas may develop tear stains around their eyes.
- You can find tear stain cleaning products at pet stores.
Cleaning your Chihuahua's ears. Chihuahuas' ears can get dirty easily. To clean them, apply a small amount of ear cleaning solution to a cotton ball and gently wipe the inside of the ear, but don’t go too deep—only clean to the depth of your finger.
- Clean the ears when they smell bad or have wax buildup.
- Do not use cotton swabs to clean your Chihuahua’s ears—swabs can push dirt and wax deeper into the ear canal.
- If your Chihuahua’s ears seem dry, you can apply a small amount of baby oil or coconut oil to the ear flaps.
- Your veterinarian can recommend a good ear cleaning solution for dogs.
Trimming your Chihuahua's nails. Chihuahua nails grow very quickly, so you need to trim them regularly. Trimming every few weeks is sufficient to prevent their nails from getting too long and clicking on the floor.
- If you're not confident trimming your dog’s nails, consider taking them to a grooming service or veterinarian to have it done.
Brush the teeth for your Chihuahua. Small dog breeds like the Chihuahua often face dental problems. Regular dental care is essential to maintain good oral health. Ideally, you should brush your Chihuahua's teeth several times a week.
- It's best to start brushing your Chihuahua's teeth when they are still a puppy so they can get used to it. Adult dogs might resist brushing.
- Always use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically made for dogs.
- If you're not confident in brushing your dog's teeth, a veterinarian can do it for you. However, professional cleaning requires anesthesia, which can be expensive.
- Chihuahuas often have limited space in their mouths for teeth to grow properly. Your vet may need to extract some teeth to make room for the others to grow correctly.
Check your Chihuahua's body. Grooming time is an excellent opportunity to check for any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps, or signs of inflammation (like redness or swelling). If you notice anything unusual, schedule a visit with the vet for a proper check-up and treatment.
- Regular body checks for your Chihuahua help you spot potential health issues early when they are easier to treat.
Implement preventive medical measures
Regularly deworm your Chihuahua. Parasites can cause significant discomfort and even be life-threatening to Chihuahuas. It's best to take your dog to a veterinarian for regular deworming. The frequency of deworming depends on the dog's age.
- Deworming medications don't protect against all types of parasites. Your Chihuahua still needs to take medications for tapeworms, roundworms, and other worms.
- There are some over-the-counter deworming treatments available at pet stores or online, but it's best to consult a vet to ensure your pup gets the right care.
- For puppies, deworming is necessary at 6, 8, 10, and 12 months of age.
- For adult Chihuahuas, deworming should be done twice a year.
Get your Chihuahua vaccinated. Whether a puppy or an adult, your Chihuahua needs to be vaccinated at the right times. Puppies require more vaccinations than adult dogs. Core vaccines such as those for parvo, distemper, kennel cough, and rabies are recommended for all dogs.
- Optional vaccines like those for Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and other diseases depend on factors such as your dog's health and geographical location, which affect the risk of infection.
- Your Chihuahua should receive the parvo vaccine at 5 weeks old.
- The rabies vaccine should be given when your Chihuahua is 12 weeks old.
- Puppies should receive multiple booster shots for various vaccines, and as adults, they will need vaccines every 1-3 years. Some vaccines, like Lyme disease and Bordetella bronchiseptica, may be given in one visit to the vet.
Spaying or Neutering Your Chihuahua. Spaying or neutering is one of the most responsible ways to ensure a better quality of life for your dog. For female Chihuahuas, it's best to have them spayed when they're between 2-3 months old, while male Chihuahuas can be neutered between 2 to 6 months old.
- Spaying prevents pregnancy and ovarian cancer, lowers the risk of breast cancer, and stops heat cycles.
- Neutering male Chihuahuas can reduce their tendency to roam or display aggression, helps them focus better, and minimizes the risk of conditions like hernias and prostate issues.
Training Your Chihuahua
Moderate Exercise for Your Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are incredibly energetic. If you have an adult Chihuahua, you might be surprised at how much energy they have to run and play. However, it’s important to understand that Chihuahuas burn energy in short bursts rather than continuously over long periods.
- Short walks are a great form of exercise for Chihuahuas. Because Chihuahuas are prone to tracheal issues, it's best to use a harness instead of a standard leash for walks.
- Overexerting your Chihuahua can lead to injury. Always end their exercise session before they become exhausted.
Schedule Regular Playtime with Your Chihuahua. Regular play is a fantastic way to keep your Chihuahua active. Chihuahuas love games like fetch, so you can play this game with them during your play sessions. If you have a fenced yard, you can let them outside to chase squirrels.
- Try to play with your Chihuahua at the same time every day to establish a routine.
- Limit outdoor playtime during hot weather. When playing outside, make sure to have a bowl of fresh, cold water available to keep your dog hydrated.
- Supervise your Chihuahua during outdoor play. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predators like hawks or other birds of prey. Additionally, Chihuahuas are naturally curious, and their curiosity might lead them to wander off if given the chance.
Take Your Chihuahua to a Dog Park. Running and playing at a dog park is excellent exercise for your Chihuahua, and they’ll also get the chance to interact with other dogs. Before taking them to the park, ensure they are well-socialized. If they haven’t been around other dogs, your Chihuahua may show signs of hostility or aggression.
- Chihuahuas often forget how small they are and will confront larger dogs if the opportunity arises.
Chihuahua Training
Enroll your Chihuahua in Puppy Kindergarten. Sign up your puppy for a class designed to teach fundamental social skills with other dogs. Chihuahuas can sometimes be reserved, so exposing them to other dogs at an early age will help them become more relaxed and sociable as they grow.
Sign your Chihuahua up for obedience training. This course is perfect for Chihuahuas that are no longer puppies, helping them grow into well-behaved dogs. The classes will teach them basic commands like 'sit', 'stay', and help them feel more comfortable interacting with both humans and other dogs.
- Chihuahuas are very intelligent and pick up skills quickly.
- Sometimes, they can be a bit stubborn, so patience and consistency are important when training them.
- If you can't attend a formal class, you can teach your Chihuahua basic commands such as sit, stay, come when called, and lie down. You can also train them to walk on a leash.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Veterinarian at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Veterinarian Pippa Elliott emphasizes the importance of training: "Chihuahuas may be small, but they possess the same drive and determination as large breeds like the German Shepherd or Rottweiler. Just like with bigger dogs, you should never neglect training your Chihuahua simply because of its small size."
Teaching Chihuahua to potty train. Similar to other training lessons, potty training your Chihuahua is relatively easy. Take your dog outside regularly to reinforce that they should not go indoors. For example, your Chihuahua puppy should go outside after eating, playing, waking up, and before bedtime.
- If your puppy makes a mess inside, clean it up without scolding. You cannot teach your dog not to do this by pushing its nose into the mess, yelling, or physically punishing it. Doing so will only make your puppy scared of you.
Set up rules. Without proper training, your puppy can become unruly. In addition to attending training classes, you should also establish household rules to prevent your dog from being stubborn. For example, you can set a designated sleeping area for your puppy and require them to wait before eating.
- A Chihuahua without discipline can be demanding and entitled, lacking the motivation to behave properly.
Socialize your Chihuahua. Socialization is a crucial aspect of Chihuahua care. Start socializing your puppy when it's young – the earlier you begin, the more likely your dog will be well-adjusted as it grows. While your Chihuahua will learn social skills in puppy classes and obedience training, you can also expose it to new environments, sounds, and strangers.
- Chihuahuas tend to be cautious around strangers. When introducing them to new people, allow your dog to take the lead in interactions, which will help reduce its fear.
- When introducing your Chihuahua to children, avoid letting the child pet or reward the dog right away. Allow your dog to approach the child first and get comfortable, then gently encourage the child to pet the dog and reward them.
- Unfamiliar objects can also frighten Chihuahuas. When introducing them to new items, start by maintaining a safe distance where your dog feels secure but still curious. Gradually move closer as it becomes more comfortable.
Keep an eye on your Chihuahua's health issues
Learn about patellar luxation. Chihuahuas, like many small breeds, are prone to a variety of health issues. Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, is a common orthopedic problem in very small dogs. In some cases, the kneecap may return to its original position on its own. However, severe cases may require surgical correction.
- Patellar luxation can occur when a dog jumps on or off furniture. It's important to set rules to prevent your Chihuahua from doing this.
- Symptoms of patellar luxation include pain, limping, and a 'bunny hop' when running.
Understanding Neurological Disorders in Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas can develop a neurological condition called hydrocephalus, a congenital defect where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, causing pressure. If a Chihuahua has hydrocephalus, its head will swell. Although hydrocephalus is incurable, brain pressure can be reduced using steroids and surgery to place a shunt to drain fluid from the brain to the abdomen.
- A fontanel, or open soft spot in the skull, is another neurological issue in Chihuahuas. This occurs when the bones of the skull fail to fully fuse, leaving a soft spot on top of the head.
- Chihuahuas with fontanels can live normal lives, but you must be extremely careful when playing with them. Rough play increases the risk of head injuries, which can be fatal for Chihuahuas with this condition.
Learn About Cardiovascular and Respiratory Issues in Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas can face various heart and respiratory problems. For example, they may develop a heart murmur, which a vet can diagnose. This condition can vary in severity, but it can sometimes be improved through dietary and exercise adjustments.
- Chihuahuas can inherit tracheal damage, where the tracheal rings lose their rigidity. Standard collars can cause further harm to the trachea in small dogs.
- If your dog frequently feels tired or has difficulty breathing, it may have a cardiovascular or respiratory issue. It's advisable to take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination.
Understand Hypoglycemia in Chihuahuas. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be an issue for small dog breeds like Chihuahuas. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include slow movement, lethargy, or trembling. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
- If your Chihuahua shows symptoms of hypoglycemia, you can administer honey under their tongue or on their gums as a first aid measure.
- Take your Chihuahua to the vet immediately if they experience hypoglycemia.
Tips and Advice
- Positive reinforcement methods (praise, treats, extra playtime) are more effective in training your Chihuahua. They do not respond well to physical punishment or yelling.
- Chihuahuas are not very tolerant of cold. Be sure to put a jacket on your dog when you take them outside during cold weather.
- Chihuahuas can live 12-20 years, which gives you plenty of time to form a strong bond with your dog.
- Due to their loyal nature, Chihuahuas can make excellent watchdogs. However, training and communication are key to preventing them from being overly protective of you and your friends or family.
- Chihuahuas are not ideal for families with small children or large dogs due to the risk of rough play.
Warning
- Feeding your Chihuahua human food can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Chihuahuas may snap or bite when they feel threatened or are defending themselves. Proper training and communication can minimize this risk.
- Chihuahuas are prone to orthopedic issues, which can be expensive to treat.
