Because a high-salt diet can contribute to kidney and heart problems in small dogs, the dog food you choose should be low in salt. Consult with your veterinarian or a respected Chihuahua breeder for additional recommendations on high-quality dry dog foods.
Start by feeding her the amount recommended on the bag of food, but also learn to body score your dog and monitor her weight. Check both regularly and if she is gaining weight, then decrease the amount you feed her by five to ten percent. Because of your Chihuahua’s small size, even the occasional table scrap or treat can add a significant number of calories to her daily diet, which could lead to eventual obesity. Overfeeding can lead to other serious medical problems, such as abnormal bone development, skin problems, arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. How much you feed your Chihuahua can depend on several factors, such as age, activity level and specific medical needs. Talk with your veterinarian if you are unsure about how much to feed your Chihuahua.
Milk products can cause diarrhea in dogs. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Grapes are toxic to dogs and cause kidney failure. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Onions can cause damage to red blood cells in dogs. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Chocolate is also toxic to dogs, and cause such signs as diarrhea, hyperactivity, and tremors. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
How often you feed your dog will also depend on his age, activity level, and medical needs. Try different feeding schedules to determine what works best for you and your Chihuahua. Rather than feeding your Chihuahua at exactly the same time each day, feed him within a general time range. This can prevent your Chihuahua from becoming too demanding at meal time. Allow your Chihuahua about 15 to 20 minutes to eat, and keep others away during mealtime — your Chihuahua should not feel like he has to defend his food.
Oily, flaky, or dry skin is also indicative of dietary problems. If your Chihuahua has a dull coat or dull-looking eyes, he may have some dietary insufficiencies. Abnormal feces (diarrhea, very hard feces) can indicate dietary problems. If you suspect your Chihuahua is suffering from dietary-related problems, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss potential dietary changes.
If you have smooth-coated Chihuahua, brush her once a week with either a rubber grooming glove or soft-bristled brush. [10] X Research source The bristles should be made of natural material. [11] X Research source Long-coated Chihuahuas usually need more frequent brushing — at least one to two times a week, but daily is ideal. [12] X Research source [13] X Research source Use a pin brush. [14] X Research source Use a fine-toothed flea comb to remove dead and loose hair. [15] X Research source A stainless steel comb is helpful to remove tangled hair. [16] X Research source You can purchase grooming materials at your local pet store.
Use only dog-safe shampoo. Human shampoo could strip your Chihuahua’s skin of essential oils. Bathe your Chihuahua in lukewarm water. When you have finished bathing your Chihuahua, do not let him air dry. [18] X Research source Because of their small size, Chihuahuas can lose body heat and become cold very quickly. Use a towel to dry your Chihuahua off promptly and completely after a bath.
Tear stain removers are available at your local pet store.
Clean his ears if they smell or if you can see wax. [22] X Research source Do not use a cotton swab to clean your Chihuahua’s ears — it could push wax, dirt, etc. down further into his ears. [23] X Research source You can apply a small amount of baby or coconut oil to the edges of your Chihuahua’s ears if they look dry. [24] X Research source Your veterinarian can recommend a good ear cleaning solution.
If you are uncomfortable trimming your Chihuahua’s nails on your own, consider taking her to a groomer or your veterinarian to have this done.
It is ideal to start brushing your Chihuahua’s teeth when he is puppy, so that he is comfortable with the process. [29] X Research source An older Chihuahua would probably be more resistant to having his teeth brushed. Make sure to use only a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. [30] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source If you are uncomfortable brushing your dog’s teeth, your veterinarian can do so. However, a veterinary dental cleaning requires that your dog be anesthetized, and can thus be very expensive. Your Chihuahua’s small mouth does not give his teeth room to develop properly. He may need to have several teeth removed by your veterinarian to leave more room for the remaining teeth to develop properly. [31] X Research source
Regularly checking your Chihuahua’s body can help you detect problems early, when they could be easily treated. [33] X Research source
Heartworm medication alone will not prevent all types of parasites. Your chihuahua can still get tapeworms, whipworms, and others while taking heartworm medication regularly. There are some over-the-counter deworming medications that you can buy in pet stores or online, but see a veterinarian to get the most reliable preventative care. When your chihuahua is a puppy, make sure to give him deworming medication when he is 6, 8, 10, and 12 months old. Give your adult chihuahua deworming medication 2 times each year. [34] X Research source
Non-core vaccines, including Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and several others, are optional vaccines. Factors, such as your dog’s health and geographic location, have influence over how susceptible your chihuahua is to infection. Your chihuahua should get parvovirus when she is 5 weeks old. Your chihuahua should get a rabies vaccination when she is 12 weeks old. Your chihuahua should at least get a combination vaccine several times while a puppy and then every 1-3 years as an adult. If your chihuahua also needs vaccines for Lyme disease, Parainfluenza, and/or bordetella bronchiseptica, these can all be administered during the same visits to your vet. [35] X Research source
Spaying eliminates any chance of pregnancy or ovarian cancer, decreases the risk of mammary tumors, and stops the heat cycle from occurring. Neutering decreases your chihuahua’s tendency to roam or be aggressive, increases his concentration, and prevents or reduces his chances of having many different health issues, including hernias and prostate infections. [36] X Research source
Short walks are a good form of exercise for your Chihuahua. [39] X Research source Chihuahuas are prone to tracheal collapse, so use a harness instead of a traditional leash to walk her. Over exercising your Chihuahua could injure her. End the exercise session before she tires herself out. [40] X Expert Source Sheri WilliamsCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 5 June 2020.
Schedule as many play sessions as you can reasonably manage. Try to play with him at the same time each day. [43] X Expert Source Sheri WilliamsCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 5 June 2020. Limit your Chihuahua’s outdoor play when it is hot outside. [44] X Research source If you do take him outside to play, keep a bowl of fresh, cold water nearby to prevent him from getting dehydrated. Supervise your Chihuahua if he is playing outside. His small size makes him easy prey for hawks and other birds of prey. [45] X Research source In addition, Chihuahuas are very curious — his curiosity may lead him to escape, if given the chance. [46] X Research source
Chihuahuas forget how small they are, and will stand up to a larger dog if given the chance. [48] X Research source
Chihuahuas are very intelligent, and are fast learners. [52] X Research source Chihuahuas can also be willful at times, so you will need to be patient yet firm with your Chihuahua as you train him. [53] X Research source If obedience classes are not a practical option for you, you can teach him how to sit, stay, come when called, and lie down on your own. You can also leash train your Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are physically small but have the same drive and motivation as a German shepherd or Rottweiler. Just as you wouldn’t overlook obedience training for these large breeds, you shouldn’t overlook it for a Chihuahua just because they are small. [54] X Expert Source Pippa Elliott, MRCVSVeterinarian Expert Interview. January 2015.
If your Chihuahua goes to the bathroom in your house, clean up with the mess without fanfare. Rubbing her nose in her waste, or otherwise verbally or physically punishing your Chihuahua, will not teach her not to go to the bathroom in the house. Rather, she may begin to fear you. [57] X Research source
A Chihuahua with no ground rules can become overindulged and very demanding,[61] X Research source with no desire or incentive to behave properly.
Chihuahuas tend to be wary around strangers. When you introduce her to new people, allow her to initiate the interaction — this will decrease the likelihood that she will become fearful of new people. [63] X Research source When introducing your Chihuahua to a child, the child should not pet her or give her treats initially. Let your Chihuahua approach and become comfortable with the child first, then allow the child to gently pet her and give her treats. [64] X Research source Unfamiliar objects can be frightening for your Chihuahua. When socializing your Chihuahua to new objects in her environment, begin by staying far enough away so that she feels safe yet remains curious. Slowly move closer as she feels more comfortable. [65] X Research source
Patellar luxation can be caused by jumping on and off furniture. [68] X Research source Establish a ground rule that your Chihuahua cannot jump on and off your furniture. Physical signs of patellar luxation include pain, lameness, and “bunny hopping” when running. [69] X Research source
An open fontanelle is another neurologic issue in Chihuahuas. It is caused when the bony plates of the skull do not completely fuse together. The result is a soft spot on the top of head. [72] X Research source Your Chihuahua can live a normal life with an open fontanelle, but you will have to be extremely careful when playing with her. Rough play can increase the risk of head injury, which could be fatal if your Chihuahua has an open fontanelle. [73] X Research source
Chihuahuas can be genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse, in which the tracheal rings lose their stiffness. [76] X Research source Traditional choke collars can cause tracheal collapse in small dogs. If your Chihuahua tires easily, or has trouble breathing, he may have a problem with his heart or respiratory system. Take him to your veterinarian for a full medical workup.
If your Chihuahua is exhibiting signs of hypoglycemia, you can rub unprocessed honey either under her tongue or on her gums as a first aid measure. Take your Chihuahua to your veterinarian immediately if she is hypoglycemic.
