Like other small dogs, Chihuahuas are at risk of developing heart and kidney problems if they are fed a diet high in salt. Look a dog food that is low in salt to help avoid this issue. Chihuahua puppies need more protein and calories than adults so look for a nutrient dense food. [1] X Research source Canned puppy food may be easier for your puppy to eat at first since it is easier to chew but dry kibble typically provides better nutrition. [2] X Research source
For the first six months you should feed your Chihuahua four times a day. From six months to one year of age they should be fed three times a day. After one year they will reach maturity and can be fed twice a day. [3] X Research source Feeding on a schedule is very important during housetraining since you can predict that your dog will need to relieve themselves about half an hour after eating.
Puppies may try to climb into water bowls if they are too difficult for them to drink from and can drown. [4] X Research source
Alcohol, caffeine, avocado, chocolate, grapes, dried fruits (like raisins), dairy, onions, garlic, and salt are all dangerous for your dog. Feeding your puppy table scraps also encourages negative behaviors like begging and can easily account for one-third of their daily food intake needs. [6] X Research source
Supervise your puppy as they explore their new home, as this is the best way to keep them out of trouble. The length of the adjustment period will depend upon your pet’s personalities, but you should be prepared for the dogs to need some time to become fully comfortable around the other. An older dog that is used to being the only pet in the household may adjust more slowly to a new and energetic puppy, while other dogs are happy to have a new friend. Supervise these first interactions and be on the lookout for any aggressive behaviors from either pet.
There is a critical socialization period for puppies (usually the first sixteen weeks) that is crucial in shaping your dog’s future temperament and behaviors. [8] X Research source Ask friends and family members with friendly dogs to come to your home to meet your new puppy. This is a controlled environment where you will know that the other dogs are vaccinated and you can step in if any aggressive behaviors are shown.
Be physically affectionate with your puppy by rubbing their belly, patting their head, and petting them. Give them praise when they follow your commands and respond to their training. This is a good way to reinforce good behavior and helps your puppy associate you with pleasant feelings. Spend time with your puppy. Chihuahuas want to spend time with their owners and want their love and attention. Make sure you can spend some time every day, even if it is only in short increments, giving your puppy your undivided attention
Your puppy should go on two short walks for about 15 to 20 minutes each day. Over-exercise can be detrimental to growing puppies so encourage them to play and exercise as much as they want to but not beyond their energy level. Play games with your puppy to provide mental stimulation. Take a toy and hide it in an easy to find spot. Encourage your puppy to find the toy and reward them with praise when they find it. You may need to lead your puppy to the area a few times until they understand the game. [11] X Research source Chihuahuas enjoy playing fetch but make sure you use a toy that is small enough for your puppy to hold on to.
Use a harness while going on walks since collars can be easily slipped off of their small necks. A 6 foot leash is typically a good length to use on walks. Teach them to heel and match your gait by stopping whenever your puppy walks too far ahead of you. Wait until the leash is fully extended and the puppy can’t go any further before you call their name and encourage them to come back to you. Eventually, they will learn that the walk won’t continue until they stay by your side.
Schedule their trips to their designated bathroom areas based on their age. Generally, you should expect to increase the time between trips for each month. So a two month old puppy should go out every two hours while a five month old puppy can wait every five hours. Plan ahead when you know you won’t be home for several hours. When you know that you won’t be able to take your puppy out for several hours, keep them in a gated area with floors that are easy to clean. You can also provide puppy pads during times like these.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviors but do not reward bad behaviors. It is easier to establish good behaviors early on rather than to break behavioral problems later on. [13] X Research source Be consistent and firm during your training and practice basic commands with your puppy at least fifteen minutes every day.
Do not force your puppy into the crate. Use treats and toys to help them associate the crate as a happy and pleasant environment.
Lock away toxic items like medicine, cleaning products, and chemicals. Pick up loose items from the floor, especially if they are breakable or fragile. Purchase baby or puppy gates to keep your puppy confined to a certain area in your home. It will be helpful during housetraining to keep your puppy in a room with easy to clean floors, like tile or hardwood. [15] X Research source
There may be a small fee associated with registration. Check with your local government to determine whether there is a fee and how much it will be. Attach your puppy’s new identification tags to their collar immediately after you receive them.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations based on the area that you live in. For example, if you live in an area where are a lot of ticks, your vet may recommend a Lyme disease vaccination yearly. Do not let your puppy go out in public or interact with unfamiliar dogs until they have been fully vaccinated. The microchip contains your contact information and is extremely helpful if your puppy is ever lost or stolen. It will usually be implanted in the scruff of your puppy’s neck or above their shoulder where they cannot reach it during a routine visit. [18] X Research source Chihuahua puppies can be spayed between 8 weeks old and 3 months. Chihuahuas should be neutered between 8 weeks and 6 months. Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your Chihuahua before they reach puberty (typically between 4 to 7 months). [19] X Research source Spaying and neutering can decrease aggression, increase their attention span, and decrease their chances of developing some medical conditions like prostate conditions and womb infections.
Regular feeding throughout the day can help to prevent hypoglycemia, which is a dip in blood sugar levels. You can stabilize a puppy with dangerously low blood sugars by rubbing honey on their gums. Once they are stabilized, you should take them to your nearest veterinarian or pet hospital.
They have more fragile bones than larger dogs so they are at higher risks of suffering from fractures, internal injuries, and concussions. Chihuahuas are at a high risk of suffering from luxating patellas, which is essentially a displaced kneecap, by jumping or overexerting themselves. [21] X Research source Keep Chihuahua puppies away from small children who can easily hurt them unintentionally.
A long coat is a recessive gene and appears much less frequently than a short coat. Chihuahuas with long coats will shed seasonally and need to be brushed once or twice a week.
Be very careful when trimming their nails because their small size can make the quick difficult to identify. Chihuahuas have delicate paws and keeping their nails at appropriate lengths can prevent unnecessary stress.
While most milk teeth (your puppy’s first set of teeth) will fall out during weaning, you may find that your puppy is still teething and is biting items to relieve discomfort. [24] X Research source Hard bones and toys can help strengthen their gums and prevent tartar buildup. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
It can be easier to bathe your Chihuahua in a deep sink rather than a bathtub when they are very small. Use a gentle shampoo that is designed for puppies.
Many owners will purchase small coats and sweaters for their dogs to wear. Dog booties can help protect their paws from the cold ground.
Use a soft piece of gauze with an ear cleaning solution designed for dogs to wipe their ears down. Gently wipe the inside of their ears and apply a small amount of baby lotion or coconut oil to any dry skin. [28] X Research source Do not use a cotton tipped swab to clean their ears since it can damage the inner ear and push wax into the ear rather than remove it.
