| Chihuahuas'
colors can be brindle (gray with darker streaks or spots), blond,
black, brown, fawn (brown-yellow) or blue. Chihuahuas are very
sensitive to the elements. They can suffer from heatstroke because
of their love for the sun, so be careful about leaving them
outdoors. |
| Steps: |
| 1. Have your
Chihuahua vaccinated, and follow with yearly booster vaccinations
to maintain the dog's immunity to disease. Consult your
veterinarian about flea control products and worming your dog. |
|
2. Feed your
Chihuahua dog food in which the first ingredient is meat. Crude
protein should be no less than 30 percent, and crude fat no less
than 20 percent. Fiber content should be 4 percent or less.
|
| 3. Feed your
Chihuahua three small meals a day. They prefer this to one large
meal. |
| 4. Brush a
short-coated Chihuahua occasionally with a soft-bristle brush, or
wipe her down with a soft cloth. Brush long-coated dogs daily. |
| 5. Bathe your
Chihuahua monthly, being careful not to get water in her ears, as
this leads to infections. Longhaired Chihuahuas will need more
bathing than shorthaired dogs. |
| 6. Exercise your
Chihuahua daily if possible. However, this breed tends to have
quick bursts of energy and may not need to go on extensive walks.
An apartment to romp around in is usually enough exercise for a
Chihuahua. |
| 7. Consider
buying a body harness instead of a collar to protect your dog's
neck on walks. This will also help prevent collapsed trachea and
soft palate. |
| 8. Train your
Chihuahua with a gentle hand, and socialize her at an early age
with children and other dogs. |
| 9. Pet your
Chihuahua often. This breed requires a lot of human attention and
love. |
| 10. Dress your
Chihuahua in a sweater if walking her in temperatures below 40
degrees F. Chihuahuas are very sensitive to cold temperatures and
probably shouldn't be walked if it's below 35 degrees F, or if
there's a wind chill factor. |
| 11. Note that
Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds, corneal dryness and
secondary glaucoma. Talk to the breeder to find out what type of
screening has been done for these health problems. |
| 12. Be prepared to
enjoy a full 11 to 18 years with your Chihuahua, as this is the
breed's average life expectancy. |
| Tips: |
 Chihuahuas
often shiver - not just when cold, but also when excited. |
| Chihuahuas
often like to snuggle under pillows and blankets. |
| A number of
Chihuahua owners find that their dogs are gagging or coughing.
This often turns out to be "reverse sneezing," a
phenomenon related to problems with the soft palate or a collapsed
trachea. Take your Chihuahua to a vet right away if these symptoms
develop. |
| Warnings: |
| Some
Chihuahuas are extremely excitable and many bark a lot, though
some bark very little. Proper training can reduce excitability. |
| Chihuahuas
tend to wheeze and snore. |
| This breed can
be stubborn, jealous and aggressive, and may not be good with
children and other animals. |