Chihuahua Care!
Chihuahuas love the outdoors! However, they can be very sensitive to the elements so please watch your pet when he/she is outside as they get cold easily and can also suffer from heat stroke.
Pet's are so much like people when it comes to care and can always use a check-up.Please keep your dog/puppy current on all vaccinations as different dogs and different locations all effect the type of vaccinations needed to keep your pet at optimum health! Note that Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds, corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma so check ups are very important!
The best foods for chihuahuas are a dry dog food with meat being the first ingredient try to keep crude protien no less than 30% and crude fat no less than 20%, where as fiber should be 4% or less.
If possible feed your chihuahua 3 times a day instead of just once,this helps balance energy and maintain a healthy metabolism and digestive system.
Short hair chihuahuas being most common only need to be brushed with a soft bristle brush or wiped down with a soft cloth.For long hair chihuahuas brush them daily or if you have a busy lifestyle consider getting a short style from a groomer.
When bathig your chihuahua please be careful not to get water in his/her ears as this can lead to infections,for cleaning ears use a cotton ball and some ear cleaning fluid designed with dogs in mind.For bad infections seek help from a vet.
All dogs need excersize BUT,chihuahuas usualy have short bursts of energy and long walks can tire them out.
If possible buy a body harness instead of a collar using a harness can prevent damage to the trachea and soft palate.
It is best to train your chihuahua gently and introduce them to social situations early.Chihuahuas love and require alot of one on one time.
Please keep in mind that chihuahuas are very sensitive don't be afraid to dress them in a little sweater if taking your pet outside in 40 degree waether any colder than that it may be best to leave your pup inside untill it warms up.
Chihuahuas when properly taken care of can live up to about 18yrs old!
Chihuahuas aren't always shivering because they are cold, they also shiver when excited!
Be careful when you sit! chihuahuas like to snuggle down in blankets and pillows, you don't want to squish your little friend!
Sometimes chihuahuas appear to be gagging or coughing this can sometimes be something called "reverse sneezing".This is due to problems with the soft palate or maybe even a collapsed trachea make sure your vet checks it out right away!
some chihuahuas bark alot! but don't worry with a little training thier excitability can be reduced.
chihuahuas can sometimes be a little stubborn, they get attached and can be jelous or even aggressive sometimes they aren't the best with children and other animals because of this.Some reccommend early traing to avoid these problems.
last but not least, chihuahuas sometimes wheeze and snore, don't panic this is in most cases normal and sometimes kinda cute.
