How to Take Care of a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are small, cheerful and friendly dogs. ^{[1] X Research Sources} With their utmost loyalty, ^{[2] X Chihuahua Research Sources} easily forge a special and lasting bond with their owners. If you know how to properly care for your Chihuahua, not only can you help your dog live a healthy and happy life, but the relationship between you and your dog will also be stronger and more sustainable.

Table of Contents

Feed the Chihuahua

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Choose high-quality dry food. When fed the right diet, Chihuahuas will maintain their good looks and live happily ever after. With so many dog foods on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best food for your dog. Choose dry food with a protein content of about 30-33%.

A high-salt diet can lead to kidney and heart disease in small dogs, so food for Chihuahuas should be low in salt. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Consult your veterinarian or Chihuahua breeder about high-quality dry dog food stores.

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Do not overfeed your Chihuahua. Obesity is a big problem for Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas’ hyperactive and energetic nature can make you more inclined to overfeed them and lead to obesity.

Start feeding your dog the amount of food directed on the package, but you should also learn how to gauge your dog’s body mass index and monitor your dog’s weight. Check regularly, and if your dog is gaining weight, you must reduce the amount of food by 5-10%.
Chihuahuas are small in size, so even leftovers or treats add a significant amount of calories to your dog’s daily diet, which can eventually lead to obesity.
Overfeeding your dog can lead to serious health problems, such as abnormal bone growth, arthritis, skin disease, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.
The amount of food for a Chihuahua depends on many factors, such as age, activity level, and special health needs. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure how much to feed your dog.

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Know what you shouldn’t feed your Chihuahua. Do not feed your Chihuahua with human food, especially leftovers. Special people foods that should be avoided for Chihuahuas include: cured meats (such as bacon, minced meat), dairy products, chocolate, grapes, onions. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Dairy products can cause diarrhea in dogs. ^{[5] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure. ^{[6] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Onions can also cause red blood cell damage in dogs. ^{[7] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Chocolate is also toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, hyperactivity, and tremors. ^{[8] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

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Make a feeding schedule for your dog. Chihuahuas can’t eat much at once because of their small stomachs. You should feed your dog several times a day. Very small Chihuahuas (under 1.5 kg) may need to be fed every 4 hours. ^{[9] X Research Source} Larger Chihuahuas can eat 2-3 times per day. ^{[10] X Research Source}

The number of times you feed your Chihuahua will depend on your dog’s age, activity level, and health care needs.
Try different feeding schedules to determine the best one for you and your dog.
Instead of feeding your dog at the exact time every day, you should feed them at a general interval. That way your dog won’t be fussy when it’s time to eat.
Wait 15-20 minutes for the Chihuahua to eat, and don’t let others get close to it during the meal – don’t let your dog feel the need to protect the food.

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Monitor your Chihuahua for dietary issues. Your dog may have some physical signs of nutritional problems. One obvious sign is obesity. Instead of having an ideal body (a pronounced waistline, slightly raised ribs, and a toned belly from the chest to nearly the hind legs), obese Chihuahuas have chubby bodies.

Oily, dry, or flaky skin are all signs of a diet-related problem.
If your dog has a dull coat or eyes that look dull, it may be undernourished.
Abnormalities in the dog’s stools (diarrhea, hard stools) can be signs of diet-related problems.
If you suspect your dog has nutritional problems, talk to your veterinarian about changing his diet.

Grooming Chihuahuas

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Brush the Chihuahua’s coat. Chihuahuas can be long or smooth. Close-haired dogs have a smooth, glossy coat that is close to the body. ^{[11] X Research Source} Long-haired dogs have straight or slightly curly hair, ruffled at the legs and tail. ^{[12] X Source of Study} Regardless of whether it is close-haired or long-haired, Chihuahuas do shed (usually in the spring and fall) but can be controlled. ^{[13] X Research Source}

If your Chihuahua has a tight coat, you can brush your dog once a week with rubber grooming gloves or a soft bristle brush. ^{[14] X Research Source} Choose a brush with natural bristles. ^{[15] X Research Source}
Long-haired Chihuahuas usually need to be brushed more often – at least once every 1-2 weeks, but ideally still every day. ^{[16] X Research Source}^{[17] X Research Source} You should use a bristle brush. ^{[18] X Research Sources}
Use a flea comb to remove loose hair. ^{[19] X Research Source}
The stainless steel comb is a useful tool for detangling. ^{[20] X Research Source}
You can buy dog grooming supplies at pet stores.

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Shower the Chihuahua. If it has been groomed regularly, the Chihuahua does not need a lot of bathing. You can bathe your Chihuahua once or twice a month, unless your dog gets caught in something smelly. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Use only dog-specific bath oils. Human shampoo can strip essential oils from a dog’s coat.
Bathe your Chihuahua with warm water. ^{[22] X Research Source}
After bathing your Chihuahua, you should not let the dog’s coat dry naturally. ^{[23] X Research Source} Due to its small size, Chihuahuas can lose heat and cool very quickly. Use a towel to dry your dog immediately.

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Clean the Chihuahua’s eyes. Occasionally the Chihuahua’s eyes can release fluid around. ^{[24] X Research Source} Use a soft cloth to gently wipe around the dog’s eyes to remove eye rust. Some Chihuahuas may have tear stains around their eyes. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Tears removal products are available at pet stores.

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Clean your Chihuahua’s ears. Chihuahua dog ears get dirty easily. To clean your dog’s ears, you can put a small amount of dog ear cleaner on a cotton pad and gently wipe the dog’s ears, but don’t wipe so deeply into the ear that the cotton pad can’t be seen – just wipe it up. the depth of a knuckle. ^{[26] X Research Sources}

Clean when the dog’s ears have a bad smell or have earwax. ^{[27] X Research Source}
Do not use cotton swabs to clean the ears of Chihuahua dogs – cotton swabs can push earwax, dust, etc. deep into the ears. ^{[28] X Research Sources}
You can apply a small amount of baby oil or coconut oil to your Chihuahua’s ear lobes if your dog’s ears seem dry. ^{[29] X Research Sources}
Your veterinarian can recommend a good ear cleaner for your dog.

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Trim the Chihuahua’s nails. Chihuahua’s nails usually grow very quickly, ^{[30] X Research Source} so you need to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Trimming your Chihuahua’s nails every few weeks is enough to keep your dog’s nails from growing so long that they click on the floor. ^{[31] X Research Source}

If you’re not confident about trimming your dog’s nails, you should consider taking your dog to a dog groomer or veterinarian to have them do it.

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Brush your Chihuahua’s teeth. Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas often have dental problems. ^{[32] X Research Sources} Regular dental care is essential to maintaining oral health. If possible, you should brush your Chihuahua’s teeth several times a week. ^{[33] X Research Sources}

It’s best to start brushing your Chihuahua’s teeth when the dog is young so that he can get used to brushing. ^{[34] X Research Sources} Large dogs may be resistant to brushing.
Be sure to use only dog toothbrushes and toothpaste. ^{[35] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
If you’re not confident in brushing your dog’s teeth, your veterinarian can do it for you. However, the process of cleaning a dog’s teeth requires anesthesia, so it will be very expensive.
The Chihuahua’s mouth does not have enough room for the teeth to grow properly. Your dentist may have to remove a tooth to make room for the remaining teeth to grow in properly. ^{[36] X Research Source}

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Check out the Chihuahua’s body. Grooming time is a good time to check for abnormalities in the dog’s body, such as lumps, bumps, or signs of inflammation (such as redness, swelling). ^{[37] X Research Source} If you notice any unusual signs, make an appointment with your veterinarian to bring your dog in for examination and treatment.

Regular check-ups of your Chihuahua’s body will help you detect health problems early while they are still treatable. ^{[38] X Research Source}

Apply preventive medical measures

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Periodic deworming of Chihuahuas. Parasites can make Chihuahuas very painful, even life-threatening. Therefore, it is best to take your dog to the vet for regular prophylactic deworming. The frequency of periodic deworming depends on the age of the dog.

Dewormers will not prevent all types of parasites. Chihuahuas still need to be taken with a dewormer for tapeworms, whipworms, and other worms.
There are a number of over-the-counter dewormers that you can buy at pet stores or online, but it’s a good idea to visit your vet to make sure your dog is getting the right care.
When the Chihuahua is young, you need to give your dog a dewormer when he is 6, 8, 10 and 12 months old.
Deworming an adult Chihuahua twice a year. ^{[39] X Research Sources}

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Get your Chihuahua vaccinated. Whether they’re puppies or 10 years old, Chihuahuas need to be vaccinated at the right time. Puppies need more injections than older dogs. The “major” vaccines, including those against parvo, caraway, kennel cough, and rabies, are recommended for dogs.

Ancillary vaccines, including those for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and many others, are optional vaccines. Factors such as the dog’s health, geographical location, affect the risk of infection with Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas should be vaccinated against parvo at 5 weeks of age.
Chihuahuas should be vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks of age.
You need to have a combination vaccine for Chihuahua many times when the dog is young, and every 1-3 years as an adult. Vaccines for Lyme disease, parainfluenza and/or bordetella bronchiseptica respiratory disease can be given in one visit to the veterinarian’s office. ^{[40] X Research Source}

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Spaying for Chihuahuas. Spaying is the most responsible solution and also improves your dog’s quality of life. You should bring the female dog to the vet for sterilization when the dog is 2-3 months old. If it is a male dog, you can neuter it when the dog is 2 to 6 months old.

Spaying helps prevent pregnancy and ovarian cancer, reduces the risk of breast cancer, and prevents estrus.
Spaying male dogs will be less likely to wander or be aggressive, increase concentration, and prevent or reduce the risk of various diseases, including hernias and prostatitis. ^{[41] X Research Source}

Training for Chihuahua

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Have your Chihuahua do moderate intensity exercises. Chihuahuas are very active animals. If you have an adult Chihuahua, you will be surprised to see where your dog gets the energy to run so well. ^{[42] X Research Source} It’s important to understand, however, that Chihuahuas expend energy in short bursts rather than over long periods of time. ^{[43] X Research Source}

Short walks are good exercise for Chihuahuas. ^{[44] X Research Source} Chihuahuas are prone to tracheal damage, so use a harness instead of a regular leash when walking your dog. ^{[45] X Research Source}
Chihuahuas can get injured from overtraining. ^{[46] X Research Source} You need to finish training before your dog is exhausted.

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Schedule regular playtime with your Chihuahua. Regular play is also a good way to keep your Chihuahua active. Chihuahuas love toss and catch, so you can play this game with your dog while playing. ^{[47] X Research Source} If you have a fenced-in yard, you can let your dog go outside to chase squirrels. ^{[48]X Research Source}

Schedule play with Chihuahua based on your condition. Try to play with your dog at the same time every day.
Limit your Chihuahua’s outdoor play time in hot weather. ^{[49] X Research Source} When taking your dog outside, keep a bowl of clean cold water nearby to prevent dehydration. ^{[50] X Research Source}
Watch when Chihuahuas play outdoors. Chihuahuas’ small size makes them easy prey for hawks and other birds. ^{[51] X Source of Research} In addition, Chihuahuas are curious as well – and their curiosity may prompt them to run away if given the opportunity. ^{[52] X Research Source}

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Take your Chihuahua to a dog park. Running and playing in the park is a great exercise for Chihuahuas, plus your dog has the opportunity to interact with other dogs. ^{[53] X Research Source} Make sure your dog has socialized well before going to the park. If you are not used to it, Chihuahuas can show an unfriendly, even aggressive attitude towards other dogs.

Chihuahuas forget how small they are, and will go up against larger dogs when given the chance. ^{[54] X Research Source}

Chihuahua Training

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Send Chihuahuas to a puppy “kindergarten” class. Enroll your puppy in a puppy class that teaches basic communication skills with other dogs. ^{[55] X Research Source} Chihuahuas are sometimes difficult to get along with, ^{[56] X Research sources} so exposing Chihuahuas to other dogs from a young age will help them become more comfortable and friendly as they grow up.

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Have your Chihuahua take an obedience training class. This training class is suitable for Chihuahuas who are no longer puppies and can teach them to be good dogs as adults. These classes will teach dogs to follow basic commands (like “sit”, “stay”) and help them become more comfortable when interacting with people and other dogs. ^{[57] X Research Source}

Chihuahuas are very intelligent and learn very quickly. ^{[58] X Research Source}
Chihuahuas can also be stubborn at times, so you need to be patient but firm when training them. ^{[59] X Research Source}
If you can’t afford to give your dog a training class, you can teach your dog how to sit, stay, run until called, and lie down. You can also train your Chihuahua to walk on a lead.

Pippa Elliott, MRVCS

Veterinarian at Royal Cplege of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.

Pippa Elliott, MRVCS
Veterinarian at Royal Cplege of Veterinary Surgeons

Veterinarian Pippa Elliott emphasizes the importance of training: “Chihuahuas are small but have the same will and drive as German Shepherds or Rottweilers. As with large breeds, you should not give up. through training Chihuahuas just because of their small size.”

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Teach Chihuahua to use the toilet . As with other training exercises, it is relatively easy to teach a Chihuahua to go to the bathroom. Take your dog outside regularly and regularly so that the dog knows that it is not allowed to go to the bathroom in the house. ^{[60] X Research Source} For example, Chihuahua puppies need to be outside after eating, after playtime, after waking up, and before going to bed. ^{[61] X Research Source}

If the dog goes to the house, you need to clean it up and don’t yell at it. You wo n’t be able to teach your dog not to do this by sticking his nose in the waste, yelling, or physically punishing him. If you do, you will only make the dog afraid of you. ^{[62] X Research Source}

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Set the rules. Without good training, your dog can become unruly. ^{[63] X Research Resources} In addition to taking a training class, you should also set the necessary rules in the house so that the dog does not become unruly. ^{[64] X Research Source} For example, you might assign your dog a place to sleep and wait to be fed.

Undisciplined Chihuahuas can be arbitrary and very demanding, ^{[65] X Sources of research} with no desire or motivation to behave properly.

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Let Chihuahua socialize. Etiquette is essential in caring for a Chihuahua. It’s a good idea to socialize your dog from a young age – the younger you do this, the more likely it will be to mature as an adult. ^{[66] X Research Source} Although Chihuahuas will learn communication skills in puppy classes and obedience training classes, you can also teach your dog yourself by exposing it to new surroundings, sounds, and sounds. New bars and strangers.

Chihuahuas are usually wary of strangers. When showing your Chihuahua to strangers, you should allow it to actively interact first – this will help the dog to be less afraid. ^{[67] X Research Source}
When introducing Chihuahuas to children, do not let them cuddle or reward them first. Let the dog get close and comfortable with the baby first, then allow the child to gently pet the dog and reward the dog. ^{[68] X Research Sources}
Strange objects can also frighten a Chihuahua. When introducing your Chihuahua to new objects, start by keeping enough distance for the dog to feel safe but still curious. Slowly move closer as it becomes more comfortable. ^{[69] X Research Sources}

Beware of Chihuahua’s Health Problems

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Learn about patellar dislocation. Chihuahuas, like many other breeds, are prone to many health problems. Patellar dislocation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is a common orthopedic problem in very small breeds. ^{[70] X Research Source} Sometimes, the kneecap returns to its original position. However, severe cases require surgery to realign the kneecap. ^{[71] X Research Sources}

Knee dislocation can happen when dogs jump up and down furniture surfaces. ^{[72] X Research Sources} You should make a rule against Chihuahuas from doing this.
Symptoms of patellar dislocation include: pain, limping, and “jumping like a rabbit” when running. ^{[73] X Research Sources}

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Chihuahua Neuropathy Perception. Chihuahuas can develop a neurological disease called hydrocephalus, a birth defect where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain and puts pressure on the brain. ^{[74] X Research Source} If you have hydrocephalus, your dog’s head will swell. Hydrocephalus does not cure, but the pressure in the brain can be reduced with steroid medication and surgically placing a shunt to drain fluid from the brain into the abdomen. ^{[75] X Research Sources}

Open fontanelles are another neurological problem in Chihuahuas. This condition occurs when the bones in the skull do not fully fuse. As a result, there is a soft spot on the top of the head. ^{[76] X Research Source}
Chihuahuas can live a normal life with open fontanelles, but you have to be extremely careful when playing with them. Excessive play increases the risk of fatal head injury for Chihuahuas with open fontanelles. ^{[77] X Research Source}

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Learn about the cardiovascular and respiratory diseases of Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas can be prone to a variety of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. For example, a Chihuahua may have a heart murmur, ^{[78] X Source of research} that a veterinarian can diagnose. This condition has many degrees, but can sometimes be improved through adjustments in eating and exercise habits. ^{[79] X Research Source}

Chihuahuas can suffer from hereditary tracheal damage, whereby the tracheal rings lose their firmness. ^{[80] X Research Sources} Conventional collars can damage the trachea in small dogs. ^{[81] X Research Source}
If your dog is tired or short of breath, he probably has a heart or respiratory problem. You should take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination.

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The heart understands hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be a problem in small breeds like the Chihuahua. Signs that your dog has hypoglycemia are: slow movements, lethargy, or tremors. ^{[82] X Research Source} Severe cases of hypoglycemia lead to convulsions, coma, and possibly death.

If your Chihuahua has symptoms of hypoglycemia, you can rub honey under your dog’s tongue or on its gums as a first aid measure. ^{[83] X Research Source}
Take your Chihuahua to the vet immediately when your dog has hypoglycemia.

Advice

Positive reinforcement (praise, treats, extra playtime) will help you train your Chihuahua more effectively. ^{[84] X Chihuahua Research Sources} do not respond well to physical punishment or scolding.
Chihuahuas don’t tolerate cold very well. You should dress your dog when taking him for a walk outside in cold weather. ^{[85] X Research Sources}
Chihuahuas can live up to 12-20 years, ^{[86] X Long-term research sources} for you to develop a strong bond with your dog.
Thanks to their loyal nature, the Chihuahua can make a great house dog. However, you need to train and communicate with the dog so that it is not too defensive against your friends and relatives.
Chihuahuas are not very suitable for families with small children or large dogs due to the risk of playing too aggressively. ^{[87] X Research Sources}

Warning

If you feed your Chihuahua human food, you can make your dog obese and lead to other health problems.
Chihuahuas may snap or bite when feeling threatened or when defending themselves. ^{[88] X Research Sources} Proper training and communication can reduce this risk.
Chihuahuas are prone to orthopedic problems and require expensive treatment.

Steps