Taking Care of a Chihuahua

By Christie Leman

Instructions

Taking Care of a Chihuahua: Nutrition

Step 1:
While Chihuahuas are frisky, lean dogs when fed appropriately, owners should always be vigilant about their dog's diet to ensure it doesn't become overweight. Since most Chihuahuas live indoors, this can easily happen if owners overfeed their dogs or give out fatty treats on a regular basis. Taking care of a Chihuahua involves feeding the dog 3 small meals a day of a high quality dog food with a ratio of at least 30 percent crude protein, 20 percent crude fat and no more than 4 percent fiber. Chihuahuas may only need 1/2 cup to 1 cup of small-sized dog food per day.
Taking care of a Chihuahua also entails providing constant access to clean, fresh water, as Chihuahuas are prone to developing kidney stones, especially if frequently dehydrated.

Taking Care of a Chihuahua: Exercise

Step 1:
Many Chihuahua owners revel in the tiny size of their dog and insist on pampering the animal and carrying it around all the time. However, Chihuahuas, like all dogs, need short daily walks for exercise to keep them in top form. When walking Chihuahuas use a harness attached to a leash instead of a collar so as not to hurt their small necks. Since Chihuahuas are so small, they have difficulty regulating their body temperature and should wear a sweater if being walked outdoors in cold weather. Also, Chihuahuas should not remain outside for lengthy periods during excessive heat.

Taking Care of a Chihuahua: Grooming

Step 1:
Unlike most other toy breeds, Chihuahuas require minimal grooming and maintenance. Chihuahuas should be bathed monthly, though owners should be careful to avoid getting the dog's ears wet, as this can lead to infections. Chihuahuas should also be brushed on occasion with a soft-bristled brush to keep their coat shiny.

Taking Care of a Chihuahua: Affection

Step 1:
Taking care of a Chihuahua goes beyond basic health needs of the dog because Chihuahuas desperately long for affection and love from their owners. Chihuahua owners should set aside time each day to pet their dogs and play with them. By spending time with their owners, Chihuahuas will develop strong attachments to them and will prove to be loyal companions.
Socializing Chihuahuas from an early age with other dogs and with young children is also important. Chihuahuas have a tendency to view themselves as leader of the pack and can become jealous and aggressive toward other dogs and small children if they have not been properly socialized with them from puppyhood on.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Wikipedia, Public Domain

More Puppy Pages

How to Care for Long Hair Chihuahuas

Originating in Mexico, the Chihuahua has been a favorite pet for thousands of years. Bred to be cute companions, Chihuahuas can be as large as six pounds or as tiny as two pounds. Since the Chihuahua has a tendency to develop "Small Dog Syndrome," it is...

According to legend, the Aztec emperor Montezuma kept Chihuahuas as pets. Whether that’s true or not, this dog breed didn’t become known to the white man until the 1800s and the first Chihuahua wasn’t registered with the American...

Weighing less than 6 pounds when fully grown, Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog. They originated in Mexico, and are appealing to many pet lovers because of their cheerful, affectionate, cheeky temperament. These dogs don't realize how tiny they...

How to Start a Chihuahua Rescue in Southern California

Homeless animals are a major problem in the United States. Approximately eight to 12 million animals are taken into animal shelters annually. The huge number of animals makes it extremely hard for shelters to feed and provide medical care for the animals...

The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dogs in the toy breeds. With a tiny apple shaped-head and a pointed muzzle, the Chihuahua is an interesting-looking dog, but can also be a wonderful and loyal companion. It takes a dedicated owner to take care of...