There are many aspects that come into play when it comes to caring Chihuahuas. All the aspects are meant to keep these loyal companions healthy and happy. Chihuahuas are small dogs but have huge personalities.
Chihuahuas are entertaining, loving, loyal, and intelligent small dogs. Despite the fact that they are tiny, they are perhaps the most active breed. The good thing about Chihuahuas is that they adapt to any environment, you can even rear them while living in the city.
The name of this dog breed is derived from the city of Mexico known as Chihuahua. If you are planning to get a Chihuahua, it’s important to know how to take care of this lively and energetic friend. If you already own a Chihuahua, here are the basic tips on how to care for a Chihuahua.
Feeding Your Chihuahua
Although they are tiny animals, Chihuahuas are very active. That means, they need to be fed frequently. However, you need to give them a small amount of food at a time since their digestive system cannot take a lot of food at once.
There are various factors that determine the type and amount of food to feed your Chihuahua. For instance, age, daily activities, and more. Well, of course, you could consult veterinarians at Best Essays. That said here is how you should feed your Chihuahua.
- Give Him High-Quality Food
To keep your Chihuahua healthy and looking good every time, you must choose a proper diet for him. There are tons of dog food brands out there and choosing the best for your Chihuahua can be a challenge. It doesn’t have to be. Just ensure to choose dry food rich in protein (at least 30%).
Choose a diet that is low in salt since a high-salt can cause heart and kidney problems to your tiny dog. You can also consult your veterinarian when it comes to choosing high-quality foods.
- Avoid Overfeeding Your Chihuahua
Although Chihuahuas are energetic and active, you should not overfeed him since he may become obese. Check the recommended quantity of food for your Chihuahua on the packaging. Also, as you continue feeding him, monitor her weight. If you suspect a huge weight gain, reduce the amount of food you give him.
Giving your Chihuahua more food than the required can cause serious health complications such as heart and lung diseases, diabetes, skin problems, and more. As mentioned earlier, the age, daily activities, and health of your Chihuahua are determinant factors when it comes to how much food you should feed him.
- Feed Him Multiple Times a Day
Chihuahuas are tiny animals but don’t be tempted to give him less food. Their digestive system cannot take large quantities of food at one time so you will need to establish a feeding schedule to feed him multiple times a day. In fact, Chihuahuas that weigh less than 3 pounds can eat after every four hours. If you have a big one, you can feed him two times per day.
Similarly, the age, activity level, and medical needs of your Chihuahua will determine the amount of food to feed your pet and the frequency. Try to change the timing of feeding. When there is an ongoing imbalance in the gut, you may aid your dog’s digestion with probiotics. This helps manage your dog’s health issues, completely natural and safe for dogs.
- Observe Him for Dietary-Related Problems
Your Chihuahua may not go well with some foods you feed him. You should always monitor him. If you detect any physical symptom related to diet, you should consider changing the food. Obesity makes your Chihuahua look plump. Other diet-related symptoms include flaky or dry skin, dull-looking eyes, diarrhea, and hard feces. If you start to see these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.
- Foods to Avoid
You should always be aware of the foods you should not feed your Chihuahua with. For instance, according to Saul Regan, a pet researcher who also offers dissertation writing services, human food, grapes, and leftovers are not good to feed your Chihuahua.
Other foods you should avoid your Chihuahua include:
Garlic and Onions- These foods have a substance that when digested by dogs can lead to a health condition known as Heinz Body Anemia. These foods can also cause diarrhea, damage red blood cells, and vomiting.
Caffeine and Chocolate- Not only are these substances toxic to your Chihuahua, but also for all other pets. Avoid them since they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fast breathing, and death.
Avoid feeding your Chihuahua any type of food made from milk products as well.
Grooming Your Chihuahua
There are two different types of coats when it comes to Chihuahuas- long and smooth coat. The former is soft and wavy while the latter is glossy and flat.
Here are some grooming tips for your Chihuahua.
- Brush Your Chihuahua
Given that Chihuahuas have different types of coats, grooming of your Chihuahua will depend on the type of coat he has.
For instance, a smooth coated-Chihuahua will need to be brushed infrequently using a rubber grooming glove or soft-stiffened brush.
A long-coated Chihuahua will need to be brushed frequently, at least three times per week using a pin brush to get rid of loose fur from his body.
In case of dead and loose fur, you can remove them using a fine-toothed flea and for tangled fur, use a stainless steel comb. All these materials are available at your nearest pet store.
Keep your Chihuahua’s nail trimmed every time since they grow fast, brush his teeth to prevent dental problems, and ensure to clean the big ears as well.
- Bathing
As you brush your Chihuahua, clean his ears, trim his nails, and brush his teeth to avoid dental problems, you should also bathe him at least once after every two months. When bathing your Chihuahua, use dog-safe shampoos since human shampoo could affect his skin. You can use lukewarm water when bathing your tiny dog.
After bathing your Chihuahua use a towel to dry him.
- Clean His Eyes
Clean your Chihuahua’s eyes with a soft cloth if you find some discharge around his eyes.
- Cleaning Your Chihuahua’s Ears
Use a specially designed dog ear cleaning solution and a cotton ball or soft cloth to clean your Chihuahua’s ears when they get dirty. Using a cotton ball, wipe his ears but don’t get too deep with your cleaning.
- Brush His Teeth
Although tiny, Chihuahuas are also prone to dental problems. You should, therefore, brush your Chihuahua’s teeth regularly (three or four times a week is sufficient) to avoid dental problems.
Start brushing him early when he is still a puppy because when he grows older, it may be hard to brush him. The more he gets used to brushing, the better.
When brushing your Chihuahua, use a specially designed toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs.
Sometimes people are afraid to brush their own dogs, you can let your veterinarian do it for you.
- Trim His Nails
Chihuahuas’ nails grow fast. For that reason, you should trim his nails every time they grow. Leaving the nails to grow big will make him uncomfortable when walking on the floor.
A pet groomer or your veterinarian can do the nail trimming for you if you are afraid or you don’t know how to do it.
- Observe His Body for Any Abnormalities
When grooming your Chihuahua, check his body always for abnormalities. If you see any strange change, for instance, bumps, symptoms of inflammation like redness or swelling, consult your veterinarian for medical checkup.
Preventive Veterinary Care
- Deworm Him Regularly
Deworming is essential for all types of pet, your tiny dog included. Ensure to give your Chihuahua preventive deworming medication frequently to keep him safe from parasites that can put his life in danger.
You can but some over-the-counter deworming medication at the nearest pet store or order it online. Consult your veterinarian before you deworm your Chihuahua.
- Vaccinate Him
Ensure to vaccinate your Chihuahua from the time you get him with recommended vaccines. In fact, puppies require more vaccinations than adults.
Consult your veterinarian to know how to vaccinate your Chihuahua.
Exercising Your Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are active and energetic animals. In fact, adult Chihuahuas have more energy to run and play the whole day without getting tired. Take him for short walks but don’t take him on strenuous exercises.
Training Your Chihuahua
All types of pets require training and socializing and your Chihuahua is not an exception. However, Chihuahuas are not easy to train, so you will have to be patient and consistent when training him. However, Chihuahuas are fast-learning pets, although you cannot use harsh methods of training since you will scare him away.
There are many ways to train your Chihuahua. For instance, you can enroll your Chihuahua in a puppy kindergarten class, in an obedience training class, or train him indoors.
House-training your Chihuahua is perhaps the easiest method. You just need to take him out after feeding him, after playtime, and after naps.
Final Thoughts
Since Chihuahuas are tiny dogs, it’s not easy to spot them. The last thing you want to see is your Chihuahua causing disasters or being hit by a vehicle. Therefore, you should always put your eyes on him every time.
by Lilian Chifley — an expert pet researcher and freelance writer who offer professional essay writing service, and essay writing service to students in the UK. Being interested in pets, Lilian has made numerous researches and studies about Chihuahuas and other dogs. Besides, she also offers custom essay writing service.