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Tips For Raising A Chihuahua

People who are lacking in space but would still like a pet that is both loyal and cute often adopt a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are so appealing because they are so small. However, their cute, small stature is what makes raising a Chihuahua a bit more challenging.

Chihuahuas think that they are among the big breed of dogs. They don't realize that they are so tiny and they behave as though they are big, They are often called a "big dog in a small dog's body". So you have to guard him always because he might engage himself into violent encounters with big dogs.

When adopting a Chihuahua puppy, you must make sure to feed him the highest quality food on the market. From birth until three months of age, puppies should be given small meals four times a day; between the ages of three to six months, feedings can be decreased to three times a day and from six months to one year meals should decline to only two times a day.

One feeding per day is appropriate after your Chihuahua is a year old. Most Chi's prefer to eat several small meals rather than one large one. Hard food may be the best choice for your Chi as some dogs of this breed have a difficult time digesting canned food and can develop diarrhea as a result.

One thing that is much easier than most dogs when it comes to raising a Chihuahua is giving them a bath. Due to their small size, Chihuahua's are typically easy to bathe. You should give your Chi a bath monthly. Over bathing your Chi will cause him to lose the natural oils on his coat, which could cause dandruff.

When giving your Chihuahua his bath, it's very important that you're careful to avoid getting water into his ears. If the ears happen to get wet they can cause a horrible infection. Due to the possibility of infection, you want to make sure you thoroughly monitor your dog's ears and call your Vet immediately if they appear to be red at all or you notice him scratching them.

Dog obedience for your Chihuahua is not only good for potty training and teaching "dog manners" but it is essential for safety. If your dog is trained to obey your voice commands, you will, in essence, be communicating with your dog. Start with potty training, then move on to sit, stay, come, and be quiet.

It is best to trim your Chi's nails every month. Cat claw trimmers can also be used to your Chi which is scissor-shaped and has a round indent for the claw. Start trimming your Chi's nails even at an earlier age so that he will easily be accustomed to it. You'll have more enjoyable grooming session with your pet later on.

Chihuahuas are susceptible to weak knees and this can affect them as they get older. Monitor your Chi's gait as he walks and if you notice him beginning to have trouble, take him to the Vet's and have him checked out.

Getting proper veterinary care for is an important part of raising a Chihuahua. When your dog is a puppy, he will need to go to the vet in order to get his shots, and then he will need to visit the vet in order to get his ears and teeth cleaned, for regular checkups, and any booster shots the vet recommends.

Chihuahuas are loyal pets with a sweet temperament. Take good care of your Chihuahua and you will be rewarded with a devoted and healthy pet for many years to come.