Chihuahua Puppy Dog Care Information

Photo of an attractive
Chihuahua puppy dog

Chihuahua Health Information:

The Chihuahua has several health concerns related to its size. To begin with, Chihuahuas picky eating habits can lead to malnutrition. The old adage that children and pets will eat if they are hungry simply isn’t true for a Chihuahua. Their diets will need some coddling and you will need to have fresh, tasty morsels available several times daily. Leaving food to slowly crust over in a dish on the kitchen floor will simply not do. And, this is not just a matter of stubborn dog versus increasingly frustrated owner. A Chihuahua can suffer from hypoglycaemia and malnutrition if they refuse food for too long.

Patellar luxation is a condition that can be mostly prevented if you prevent your Chihuahua from jumping onto beds, couches and the like. Because they are so small, Chihuahuas joints have difficulty absorbing the impact weight of its body. Try using doggy steps or some contraption designed for this purpose. Again, you will need to train your Chihuahua to use this apparatus.

Interesting, some Chihuahuas have gluttonous tendencies and will gain weight quickly with high fat, and sugary foods (who can’t empathize with that?). Excess weight in Chihuahuas can lead to joint problems along with breathing difficulties and shortened life spans.
Other health concerns in Chihuahuas: pulmonic stenosis, hydrocephalus, patellar luxation, and KCS

Chihuahua Exercise Information:

The Chihuahua always seems like he is in a great hurry; dashing from one place to the next, seemingly in search of something vitally important. This dance from room to room is actually all the exercise a Chihuahua needs. He does enjoy a short walk outside, but the Chihuahua cannot tolerate cold weather, and particularly when the walk involves icy sidewalks. The Chihuahua is a decidedly indoor dog.

If the weather is agreeable, the Chihuahua will enjoy a romp in a fenced garden. He is a not a great fan of fetch or other games, but the Chihuahua can play along if you make it worth his while with a tasty treat. That being said, the Chihuahua is a notoriously finicky eater; if the food is unappealing, this breed will refuse to eat.

Chihuahua Grooming Needs:

The degree of grooming required by your Chihuahua depends on whether you have a Smooth Haired or Longhaired variety. If you had the grooming foresight to select the Smooth Chihuahua, your duties are minimal; an occasional brush and a monthly bath. Be sure to rinse all traces of shampoo from your Chihuahua, as even small traces of the residue can irritate his skin. Another bathing tip is to dry your Chihuahua carefully. His will likely run away hysterically from a hairdryer, but his tendency to get easily chilled means you should be attentive in your attempts to dry him thoroughly.

On the other hand, the Longhaired Chihuahua will see a regular, more comprehensive grooming regime. The mane may need special attention as this area is prone to matting if not regularly brushed. This area may also have food remnants from when your Chihuahua last deemed the menu adequate. The tail and its feathering can retain memories of that menu also, so do be vigilant.