Features and rules for the care and maintenance of the smallest dog in the world - the Chihuahua

Briefly about the Chihuahua

Dogs of this breed are very small and are considered the smallest among all representatives of the canine order..

Due to their accelerated metabolism, poorly developed undercoat and a small layer of subcutaneous fat, which provides poor protection from the cold, they quickly freeze and catch colds easily.

These dogs also have other breed characteristics that need to be taken into account when keeping them .

For example, the fact that they have fragile bones, and many individuals also have an open fontanel on the head.

Chihuahua appearance

The breed standard allows any colors, with the exception of merle. Therefore, it is sometimes very difficult for the future owner to choose a baby among such a variety. We will try to help you with this. First, let's decide on your pet's preferred body type. There are two types - deer and cobby, but there are dogs that have characteristics of both types. Deer - we can compare this dog with that terrier, because... They look very similar - a long narrow muzzle, a slender body and high paws. Cobby type is the exact opposite: short wide muzzle, strong “zucchini” body, low paws, round head. You also need to decide on the future size of the pet. Conventionally, Chihuahuas are divided into mini (adult weight up to 2 kg) and standard (up to 3 kg). For families with small children, it is recommended to take larger puppies so that the child does not accidentally cause harm to him. And lastly, the desired coat length. There are two types of Chihuahuas - short-haired and long-haired. Long-haired cats do not have a lot of fur - feathering along the body, on the tail and ears. And I’ll immediately emphasize that they shed equally. There is no less wool from smooth-haired ones. Another important question is whether to buy a boy or a girl. Considering that each puppy has an individual character and temperament, independent of gender, it is difficult to give any specific recommendations.

How to care for a puppy

Chihuahua puppies are usually sold from three months of age and by this time they are already vaccinated. Some irresponsible breeders put babies up for sale from almost a month of age, when they are not yet ready for independent life.

You should not buy puppies that are too young: the baby should already be at least three months old: at this age he is already strong enough to live independently, and the vaccinations and quarantine he have completed reliably protect him from infections.

Caring for him is not much different from caring for an adult representative of the breed: puppies also need to be brushed, their ears and eyes cleaned, and their nails trimmed as needed.

But, before you bring the puppy home, you need to take care of safety: remove all wires from the floor, as well as other things that could harm the baby, for example, houseplant care products or household chemicals.

Unstable objects must either be strengthened so that they do not wobble or fall, or removed altogether, and the cracks under and behind the furniture, into which a tiny pet can crawl, must be carefully sealed.

After a dog appears in the house, you also need to be careful: do not scatter or leave chemicals, threads, needles, or medications unattended..

IMPORTANT!

You need to be prepared for the fact that the puppy may whine and ask to go to bed for the first few nights, as he is afraid to be alone in a new place.

In order for the little Chihuahua to calm down faster, you need to take the puppy to his place and put his things next to him: a rag or a toy that smells like his native nest, mother and littermates, which must first be taken from the breeder’s house.

For the first two weeks, you can feed the baby only with food recommended by the breeder..

If he fed the babies natural food, then the puppy should be given only those foods that were given to him in the nursery.

You can bathe your Chihuahua or trim its nails for the first time no earlier than a week after it arrives in the house, as these procedures will further increase the stress associated with moving.

You need to be careful when moving around the house or apartment, and before sitting on a chair or sofa, make sure that there is no puppy there.

How to keep it at home?

Keeping a Chihuahua is not an easy task for an owner. You will have to take into account many factors and take a number of measures to ensure a comfortable stay for your pet.

Do they get along with cats in the apartment?

A Chihuahua can easily get along with a cat under the same roof . For a cat, a cute dog will not pose a threat due to its smaller size. Also, the cat will not be perceived by the dog as a formidable opponent. The Chihuahua is a sociable friend and can get along with any other pet.

It is best if the dog and cat are still small. As they grow older, they will show interest in each other and get to know each other. Perhaps this will lead to friendship or a neutral attitude towards each other.

In the case when the second pet comes into the house much later than the first, several steps will have to be taken to give the right turn to their future relationship.

Relationships with children

If there is a small child in the house, then it is better to refuse to purchase a pet . This is not due to a bad attitude towards children, but to the fact that a child may accidentally squeeze a small dog too hard. This could result in injury for both of them.

Due to its small size, the Chihuahua often becomes an easy target for a child. Children often lose their balance, fall, and show a strong interest in a living toy. Therefore, you should not get a Chihuahua or be extremely careful when interacting with a child.

Older children - schoolchildren live well side by side with Chihuahuas. But here too you should be vigilant. Children often get carried away and accidentally injure a small dog .

Remember! Chihuahua is a little friend. He needs protection and care, and loves all family members unconditionally. Don't betray his trust with a simple mistake.

Can you bear loneliness?

Chihuahuas are a playful breed. She tends to feel bored when alone . Left alone with his thoughts, a pet can cause trouble in the house. This behavior is caused by the fear of loneliness.

Like all dogs, Chihuahuas have a pack feeling. For him, the owner's family is a pack. If you spent all your time with him while growing up, and then suddenly began to leave him alone, then the pet may:

• to be nervous;
• scratch;
• whine;
• tear things apart.

There are special exercises designed to teach the dog to behave well in the absence of the owner. It is necessary to let the dog get used to the fact that he will not always be noticed and given attention at the first request too.

Why does he sleep under the covers?

This breed has the ability to sleep in a bed under a blanket . They love to cuddle with their owner. And even in the absence of household members, I don’t mind crawling under a blanket or blanket.

The nature of this behavior may be that it makes the dog feel more secure. Therefore, it is recommended to provide your pet with a comfortable place to sleep and rest.

For a Chihuahua, it is better to buy not a bed for small dogs, but a house . So, the dog will be able to spend “quiet time” in comfortable conditions.

How much does he sleep per day?

Small decorative breeds spend most of the day sleeping. They sleep the longest at night - 5-6 hours. During the day they can fall asleep repeatedly for 1-1.5 hours.

Chihua puppies can lie in bed all day , waking up only when necessary to go to the toilet, have a snack and play with the owner.

Should you walk your dog?

The Chihuahua is an indoor dog and gets along quite well without walks. However, it is better not to neglect such a pastime. Still, fresh air and the surrounding world exhaust your pet, which will make him calmer at home.

When is it possible?

You can walk your dog only after vaccinations and quarantine . The puppy should first be taken out into the yard for a few minutes, gradually increasing the time. You should only walk in good weather. This breed does not tolerate cold, rain and wind well. If the weather is hot outside, then walking for a long time is also not recommended.

In the summer, you need to treat your pet with anti-parasite medications before going for a walk and check for ticks and fleas.

How?

You can lower your Chihuahua to the ground, but you should be careful about what he is doing. The dog should not be allowed to eat anything from the street or have contact with yard animals. The dog must be in sight at all times.

Should you go for a walk in winter?

If the weather is cold, you should dress your dog in warm clothes . In severe frost - overalls. A long walk in low temperatures does not benefit a smooth-haired Chihuahua.

Why is he licking?

If a dog licks, it may be a bad habit, and possibly a sign of a digestive tract disease. With the help of licking, the dog reduces the urge to vomit. It is possible that the dog is nervous and distracts itself from the stimulus by licking.

Why does he chew his paws?

1. Chihuahuas usually chew their paws because of their long claws. Too much length brings discomfort to the pet in everyday life.
2. The animal's fingers hurt and it tries to relieve pain by biting its paws.
3. Itchy paws due to poor hygiene or matted fur between the toes are a common cause.
4. Skin on paw pads confirmed. The dog is trying to get rid of dead skin or discomfort due to cracks. You can prevent this by walking your dog in shoes or in your arms, as asphalt can cause similar damage.
5. An allergic reaction to something can cause uncontrollable itching in the paws.
6. A fungal infection or subcutaneous mite causes itching, which the dog tries in vain to get rid of. It is necessary to examine your pet at the clinic for pests or diseases.
7. Inflammation of the nail bed is a disease accompanied by itching.
8. Joint pain brings discomfort to the dog and he tries to relieve it.

Why does he ride on his butt?

• Hypothermia, hormonal disorder or stress can lead to a change in the consistency of the paraanal glands and blockage.
• The presence of parasites is often helminthiasis.
• Hemorrhoids are another common cause.
• Colitis is inflammation of the colon.
• Enterocolitis is an inflammation of the large and small intestines.
• Dehydration due to kidney failure, endocrine diseases and infectious diseases.
• Lack of hygiene after using the toilet.

When you discover that a dog rides on its butt, do not rush to be moved. Perhaps this is the cause of a serious illness!

Do you need clothes?

For walks in cool weather, smooth-haired breeds of decorative dogs need warm knitted clothes. When it's cold, you need to make sure that your pet is warmly dressed in overalls that protect from cold and wind.

You should also buy boots. You will have to spend some time getting your pet used to its new shoes and walking normally. Long-haired Chihuahuas go without clothes.

Why doesn't he bark?

Purebreds tend to behave accordingly. Barking may appear in adulthood. Puppies, as a rule, do not bark.

Adults, when properly trained, bark only when they want to pay attention or to protect the house from uninvited guests.

Sad dog - reasons

Sadness is characteristic of all living creatures and Chihuahua is no exception. A dog can be sad for many reasons :

• change of environment (moving to a new home);
• disappearance of a family member (moving/death);
• lack of attention from the owner;
• lack of walks in the fresh air;
• seasonal depression (yes);
• avitaminosis;
• owner's mood.

Dogs are empathetic creatures. They take on the mood of their owner. Sometimes, to cheer up your pet, you need to cheer yourself up.

Basic rules for caring for an adult dog

Caring for an adult Chihuahua is simple: representatives of this breed do not require labor-intensive care for their fur.

They need to periodically clean their eyes, ears, teeth and trim their nails .

Coat care remains the same as in puppyhood: combing with a comb or brush and infrequent washing, which, if possible, is best avoided.

Due to the tendency of dogs of this breed to hypoglycemia, it is necessary to monitor not only the caloric content and nutritional value of the diet, but also the feeding regimen.

And, given that Chihuahuas easily become hypothermic, you need to provide your pet with a warm bed and dress it in a blouse or blanket if the temperature in the house or apartment drops to +15 degrees.

How to choose the right clothes for a Chihuahua, read here.

It is necessary to remember that an adult pet also needs to be vaccinated and treated against parasites on time..

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

“Chihuahuas should only be kept in a house or apartment, as they are not intended for outdoor living. Caring for these dogs is not difficult: you need to monitor the condition of their eyes, ears and teeth and trim their nails in a timely manner, preventing them from overgrowing. Coat care consists of periodic combing and very infrequent washing. The Chihuahua needs to be fed fully and in strict accordance with the feeding schedule. You also need to consider that, like most small dogs, Chihuahuas need clothing that protects them from rain, snow and cold.”

Feeding a Chihuahua

To properly care for your Chihuahua at home, it is important to provide your pet with a balanced diet. In addition to specialized dog food, a Chihuahua's diet must contain fats and proteins - such as fish, cottage cheese and meat, as well as carbohydrates in moderation. But dishes from the human table are contraindicated for mini Chihuahuas. Especially dangerous foods: nuts, legumes, onions.

We recommend this article:

What you can and cannot feed your Chihuahua at home

Fatty, salty, smoked and fried foods can cause great harm to health. If you want to pamper your pet with something tasty, it is better to buy a special treat for animals. The dog should eat 2-3 times a day. Chihuahuas are prone to overeating and obesity, so no matter how much they love and beg for treats, they should not be indulged.

We recommend this article:

Chihuahua breed weight table by month

What you need to prepare before buying a pet

Before purchasing a Chihuahua puppy, future owners need to purchase the following things::

• A bed or mattress of such a size that an older pet can sleep there.
• Toys: rubber, latex, sinew, braided, soft. Toys must be of high quality and intended for dogs.
• Two bowls of suitable size - ceramic or metal. One of them will be needed for food, the second for water.
• Tray or diaper.
• A comb with rounded, wide teeth for a long-haired dog or a medium-hard brush for a smooth-haired Chihuahua.
• Towel and shampoo for dogs.
• A toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
• Vitamin and mineral nutrition for puppies.
• Carrier for small dogs.
• Food recommended by the breeder. Or those natural products that are fed to the baby in the nursery.

It is also advisable to stock up on a cage or enclosure, which will come in handy when the puppy is left alone: ​​in this case, he will not be able to injure himself and will not chew off anything valuable..

Accessories for care and maintenance

It is difficult to imagine proper care of a Chihuahua without the following accessories and supplies:

• sun lounger or sleeping house;
• wool grooming kit;
• tray (toilet);
• carrying;
• latex or rubber toys;
• harness or leash;
• cloth;
• rectal thermometer;
• a bowl for food and water (or an automatic drinker);
• nail clipper;
• dog toothpaste and brush;
• cotton swabs with lotion for cleaning ears;
• eye care lotion;
• anthelmintic and parasite treatment;
• specialized shampoo and towel.

I advise you to take care of purchasing the listed accessories in advance. Purchased at a pet store or specialized online dog stores.

First days at home - what to do

First you need to accustom the puppy to its place, name and to maintaining cleanliness.

At the same time, the dog is taught the prohibitive commands “No” and “Fu”, as well as the approach on the command “Come to me”.

Read more about Chihuahua training here.

NOTE!

In the first days after purchasing a pet, you need to carefully monitor its health and if any signs of illness appear, you should immediately go to the veterinary clinic.

A vaccinated puppy can be taken outside on the first day after arrival, but it is better not to let it go just yet, as it needs to look around in the new place.

Next time, you can take your dog down to the ground for a while and walk him while keeping him on a leash.

In the first days after the dog appears, there should be a calm, friendly environment in the house . At this time, you need to protect the dog from additional stress, hypothermia or, conversely, overheating, as well as from possible infections.

Necessary accessories

A small pet may need:

• A bed or a cozy, secluded house;
• Two bowls: for water and food;
• Toilet;
• Toys are small and not very small so that the Chihuahua cannot swallow them;
• Comb – brush, various hair care products;
• Feed.

Caring for a Chihuahua is not difficult. With proper care, she will be healthy, cheerful and energetic. It is necessary to prepare the house for the arrival of the baby.

House

For a Chihuahua you need to purchase a bed or a house. So that he feels protected, and it is comfortable for him to sleep and just relax.

You need to choose a lounger made of durable material, a small basket or a cradle. For a more enclosed, cozy space, your pet will need a special house.

The offered range of housing is very diverse; you can always choose a model that will suit your baby. A soft blanket or rug should be placed on the bottom.

Bowls

Bowls for Chihuahuas should be selected according to the size of the baby. Small, preferably metal ones, they are easy to wash, and bacteria do not accumulate in them.

Toilet

To prevent your furry friend from damaging the floor or covering, he is toilet trained. This could be a tray with low sides, in which it is better to put paper, it will attract the pet’s attention. If he goes to the toilet in the wrong place, he should be scolded.

The second option is the street. During walks, you should not keep your pet busy with games; first of all, he must take care of his business. He needs to be praised after every action, he will understand why he is taken outside. Walks should be 2-3 times a day, after each meal.

Toys

You should choose toys for your four-legged friend. Dogs of this breed love to play. For games, it is better to purchase squeaking toys that can be torn and chewed. So that she can take them in her mouth, but not swallow them.

Where is the private space in the house?

The Chihuahua's place should be in the room, not in the hallway, bathroom or kitchen. At the same time, you need to take into account that you cannot place the puppy’s bed near heating devices, as well as in the aisle or in a draft.

It is best to equip not one place in the house for a pet, but several located in different rooms: this way the Chihuahua can always be close to its owners and take part in family affairs.

You can also purchase a dog house for a puppy of this breed, which protects against drafts better than a regular open bed.

Puppy in a new home

It is better to pick up a new family member in the morning or before noon. The puppy needs time to get comfortable in a new home and get used to people unfamiliar to him.

Shortly before the arrival of the ward, you should prepare a sleeping place where the dog will sleep and spend time alone. You can make a lounger yourself, or purchase it at a pet store or online store. Place the lounger in a warm and safe place in the apartment, but not near heating appliances. Remember that the ideal indoor temperature for a dog is: 22-27 degrees Celsius. The puppy should not be allowed to sleep in the same bed as its owner. Uncontrolled movements during sleep can injure a fragile animal.

From the first day you should accustom your Chihuahua to its nickname. The nickname is pronounced affectionately, in a calm voice. This way, your pet will develop pleasant associations with its name. Usually after 3-7 days the four-legged friend responds to the nickname. Now it's time to start obedience and training the puppy. Read: How to train a Chihuahua.

The owner's main task is to ensure the puppy's safe stay in the house. It is important to protect access to life-threatening household appliances. There should be no mousetraps or mouse pestilence in the area of ​​the apartment accessible to the dog! When moving around the apartment, you need to watch your step so as not to unintentionally step on the puppy.

How to feed?

It is recommended to feed your Chihuahua either premium and super-premium industrial food for small dogs, or natural high-quality products.
In this case, the pet’s diet should include lean meat, dairy products, seasonal vegetables and fruits, some cereals and herbs . Sometimes, once a week, the meat is replaced with sea fish.

When feeding naturally, it is recommended to periodically give your pet vitamin and mineral supplements, which make the diet more balanced and help replenish the lack of minerals and vitamins in the body.

How often should you go for walks?

The Chihuahua is an active and energetic dog that loves to walk . In order for the dog to have time to run around and play enough in the fresh air, it is enough to walk with it for about an hour twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.

When training your pet to use the outdoor toilet, you need to take the dog out for walks more often: as soon as it has eaten or slept.

Breed characteristics

The Chihuahua is popular all over the world. They are especially widespread in the countries of South America. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the first owner of representatives of this breed was N.S. Khrushchev, who headed the state party apparatus in the 50-60s of the 20th century.

Origin of the breed

A distant relative of the Chihuahua is the Techichi dog, which was mentioned 3,500 years ago. The Aztecs and Mayans, who inhabited the South American continent, considered this animal sacred. About 6 centuries ago, the Spaniards who conquered these lands practically destroyed them. The surviving specimens were crossed with Chinese hairless dogs in order to catch rats. In the 19th century, the expansion of miniature individuals into Europe and the creation of specialized kennel clubs began.

Techichi

Breed standard

The year the standard was adopted was 2009.

Table 1. Breed standards

The variety of colors found in Chihuahuas is no longer found in any other breed.

In addition to the listed colors, the following are popular among owners:

• white;
• ginger;
• black;
• blue;
• cream;
• lilac;
• brindle;
• sable

About 90 varieties of colors are known, among which are lilac and blue. According to the standard, marks and spots are allowed on the body.

The small size of the dog is both a positive and a negative point. On the one hand, it is easy to carry your pet in public places by placing it in a bag. On the other hand, you always need to be vigilant so as not to harm the animal.

There is a high risk of this miniature creature being stepped on or hit by a door.

Character of the breed

Chihuahuas are great for families raising small children. The dogs are friendly and love to play.

Pets are playful and always enjoy walks in the fresh air. However, they do not experience a great need for active physical activity.

Chihuahuas have a gentle, responsive character

Character Traits:

• smart;
• inquisitive;
• kind;
• brave;
• mentally stable;
• possessing subtle intuition;
• loyal to the owner;
• sociable.

The dog is considered self-sufficient. The pet calmly remains at home without creating problems for the owner. Unlike representatives of large breeds, which often scratch the door while waiting for the owner, it does not cause damage to household utensils.

Chihuahuas do not require much attention

Despite its tiny stature, the Chihuahua has a strong character. Devotion to a person can push him to courageous actions. If the dog sees that the owner is in danger, he will rush into the attack without hesitation. Excessive emotionality often causes fights with dogs that are significantly larger in size.

Dogs are brave and fearless

One of the character traits inherent in this breed is the choice of favorite. The pet becomes attached to only one family member and prefers to spend all the time in his company. It is advisable to stop such behavior, since the animal may subsequently experience jealousy.

Tendency to tremors

A specific feature of the Chihuahua is muscle tremors. Provoking factors may be the following:

• feeling of anxiety;
• severe hunger;
• emotional overexcitation;
• panic;
• cold.

Veterinarians attribute the trembling to an accelerated metabolism.

If, after eliminating all irritating factors, the tremor does not go away, you should show your pet to a veterinarian

Positive and negative qualities of the breed

Breeders agree that there are many more advantages to breeding and keeping this breed than disadvantages.

Table 2. Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

What clothes are needed?

The required minimum is two overalls (demi-season and winter) and several sweaters, blankets or vests that can be worn indoors when it gets cool in the apartment or house.

Winter boots are also needed to protect your pet’s paws not only from the cold, but also from contact with skin-corroding reagents on the paw pads..

For the summer, you can buy several light suits and a hat, panama hat or baseball cap, as well as sandals or sneakers.

Sterilization and castration

Often, beginning breeders consider it inhumane to deprive a dog of the joy of motherhood/paternity. In fact, the operation improves the quality of life and maintains the health of the animal, which is an important part of caring for a Chihuahua.

An owner who does not intend to participate in the breeding and breeding of offspring must undergo sterilization/castration surgery for the pet for the following reasons:

• Sterilization eliminates the possibility of sudden pregnancy, ovarian cancer, mammary tumors, and estrus. The behavior of the bitch becomes balanced and calm, and there is no need to mark the territory to attract males. If possible, the operation is performed before the first heat, i.e. at the age of 6-7 months.
• Castration suppresses an animal's sexual desire and aggression. Reduces the chances of developing various health problems, including hernias and prostate infections. The dog becomes flexible and manageable. Optimal age for removal of testes: 8-9 months.

A timely operation not only has a beneficial effect on the quality of life of your ward, but also eliminates the possibility of joining the ranks of the “army” of stray dogs. The owner, in turn, does not have a headache over the question: “Where to place the puppies?” Throw it away? Drown? But this is no longer humane!

Walking rules

The puppy is gradually accustomed to walks: first, they are carried out in their arms and allowed to get used to the street noise and the sight of people walking past and passing cars. After the pet is no longer afraid of such stimuli, you can lower it to the ground and let it run around a little, without letting it off the leash.

You can walk with a Chihuahua for a long time only in sunny and warm weather . In summer, it is best to walk the dog in the morning and evening, when it is not so hot, and in winter, if possible, during the day, during daylight hours.

At the same time, you need to remember that when the temperature drops to +15 degrees, the Chihuahua needs to be dressed before a walk.

And in frosty temperatures of -20 degrees, you shouldn’t go outside with your dog at all..

A Chihuahua feels more comfortable if you take it for walks on a harness rather than wearing a collar.

Diet and types of nutrition

According to experts, a dog should receive 50-75 g of food per kilogram of weight, but if the dog is very active or is under 8 months of age, then the amount of food can be increased.

For a 2 kg dog, the daily diet should be 150 g. Divide it into 2 doses - morning and evening, and during the day the pet can be treated to a special treat, for example, a bone made from pressed veins.

Feeding with natural food

The basis of a Chihuahua's diet should be protein foods, the rest should be plant foods. During lactation it is necessary to add foods that contain calcium.

Before reaching puberty, food should be nutritious and contain a lot of calories, and after 10 months. – such a diet will be dangerous and can lead to obesity. After 8 years, when the dog is aging, the diet must be changed to low-calorie.

Foods that are not recommended for Chihuahua dogs:

• Nuts – can lead to the formation of stones;
• Beans, peas or soybeans - cause increased gas formation in the intestines;
• Any sweets are a risk of diabetes or obesity;
• Smoked and fried meats disrupt kidney function and cause high blood pressure;
• Milk – can lead to intestinal upset, since after 3 months the puppy’s body stops digesting it;
• Sweet pepper - can cause gastritis;
• Onions and garlic are contraindicated in dogs due to the risk of anemia and loss of smell.

We recommend reading: How to properly feed your dog natural food?

Dry food for chihuahua

The Royal Canin company has developed dry food specifically for Chihuahuas - separately for puppies up to 8 months and dogs over 8 months.

Such food is of high quality and palatability, and is also able to meet the dog’s needs for the necessary nutrients.

You can read more about Royal Canin food for Chihuahuas - their description, composition and daily diet on the official website.

You can read owner reviews about this food here.

How to train to a tray?

Tray or diaper training begins immediately after the pet arrives in the house. In order for the puppy to quickly understand what this item is for, you need to place the tray close to his bed and take the baby there after every nap and feeding.

When the Chihuahua itself begins to do its business on the tray after waking up, you can gradually move the dog toilet to the place where it will be permanently located, moving it 20-30 cm daily.

CAREFULLY!

During litter box training, you should not punish your pet if the puppy did not have time to reach it.

And the place where the “crime” was committed needs to be thoroughly washed and treated with an odor-eliminating agent.

Cons of the breed

Before you get a Chihuahua at home, you should also familiarize yourself with the disadvantages of the breed:

• Difficult temperament. These charming creatures are very jealous. They cannot get along with other dogs and cats. In addition, the pet is very attached to the owner and requires constant care and attention from him.
• Intolerance for loneliness. Chihuahuas should not be left alone for long periods of time. This sad dog may lose his appetite and get sick. Or maybe it’s the other way around – barking for hours on end and ruining the owner’s things.
• Difficulties in training. The Chihuahua dog is very smart, but is reluctant to follow human commands. It is not easy to accustom her to a litter box at home, and it is even more difficult to teach her to obey the commands “sit”, “lie down”, etc.
• Fragility. These babies are very vulnerable due to their size. Even a fall from a small height can cause injuries and fractures. The owner himself can injure the dog if handled carelessly. Therefore, it is not recommended to train Chihuahuas to sleep in their master's bed. It is also not recommended to purchase a dog if there is a very small child in the house.

How to trim claws correctly and when?

Chihuahua's claws are difficult to wear down during walks and therefore need to be trimmed. The most convenient way to do this is with a guillotine-type nail clipper.

If the claw is light-colored and its living part is clearly visible, then you just need to insert the claw into the nail cutter and cut it off at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, with the cut location located approximately 2 mm below the pulp.

If a Chihuahua's claws are dark, then they need to be cut off in several stages, removing approximately 2 mm at a time and carefully inspecting each cut..

If there is noticeable darkening on it in the form of a dot in the center, then it means that there is no need to cut the claw further: you can touch the living part.

For adult Chihuahuas, their claws are shortened approximately once a month, and for puppies - once every 2 weeks.

Vaccination

At the 2nd month of life, the puppy requires primary vaccination against deadly diseases: canine distemper, parainfluenza, parvovirus enteritis, viral hepatitis.

After a month, revaccination against the listed diseases is carried out.

Next (third) vaccination after complete replacement of milk teeth with molars: 6-7 months of life. On top of everything else, a vaccination against rabies, a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans, is added. Walking your dog outside before rabies vaccination is not recommended!

Before vaccination, the animal must be dewormed and treated for fleas 10 days before. The best flea treatment is Frontline spray. Anthelmintic - "Prokoks" from the German company Bayer.

Subsequently, vaccinations are given once a year. I have already talked about vaccinations for Chihuahua puppies. Please review the information.

How to properly clean your ears

A Chihuahua's ears should be inspected every day and cleaned when dirty or once a month. To do this, you will need a special means for cleaning dogs' ears, as well as cotton swabs and disks.

First, dipping the stick in liquid, you need to remove wax and dirt from the ear canal, without going deep, but cleaning only the visible part.

Then, using ear cleaner and a cotton pad, I remove dust and dirt from the inside of the ear.

How to bathe correctly and how often it should be done

You can bathe your Chihuahua three times a year, not more often, since frequent washing with soap harms the coat.

When bathing, you should use a special shampoo for short-haired dogs, and if the detergent is concentrated, then you need to dilute it with water..

Warm, but not hot water (35-40 degrees) is poured into the bath or basin.

After which, having placed the dog there, you need to thoroughly wet its fur, and then lather it with shampoo, carefully ensuring that the soap does not get into the pet’s nose, eyes and ears.

Then the shampoo should be rinsed off and the dog’s fur should be dried with a soft and warm towel. Until the Chihuahua is completely dry, it is best to hold it on your lap, not allowing it to run or, especially, lie on the floor.

If you need to dry the wool as quickly as possible, you can use a hairdryer..

Education and training of commands

In order for the dog to grow up obedient and good-natured, the owner will need to make efforts to socialize and raise the puppy. The puppy needs to communicate more often with strangers and relatives.

However, before rabies vaccination, you should exercise extreme caution, avoid contact of your pet with stray animals, or completely refrain from walking on the street. Every person has friends who keep pets at home, and you should visit them, visit them. It is important for the puppy to understand that the world around him and people do not pose a threat, so an aggressive attitude is not appropriate.

Knowing the basic commands (“Ugh!”, “Place!”, “Sit,” “Come to me!” and others) will save you from possible troubles while walking on the street or in crowded places. Dogs of different ages learn commands, but the most productive age period is from 3 to 8 months. In addition, knowledge and obedience to commands, as well as socialization, are important prerequisites for participation in dog shows.

The dog should not be allowed to take a dominant position in the relationship. Otherwise, all work on obedience will be reduced to zero, the dog will not perceive the owner as a leader. The owner's perseverance and perseverance in raising a puppy is the path to success. If it is forbidden to be on the master's bed, then it is forbidden!

How to brush your teeth

You can clean your pet's teeth using a small dog toothbrush and a special toothpaste purchased at a pet store. This should be done as they grow, without pressure or excessive friction, so as not to injure your pet’s gums or cause him pain.

Typically, dogs' teeth are brushed 1-2 times a week or, if necessary, somewhat more often..

Teeth

Chihuahuas' baby teeth fall out naturally; a dental examination is required. If they do not fall out in time, the bite may deteriorate.

Babies' teeth are susceptible to tartar formation. Dental care involves brushing weekly with a special toothpaste to eliminate bad breath and prevent plaque from appearing on the teeth.

To ensure that your pet doesn’t have problems with his teeth, it is recommended that every visit to the veterinarian, examination of the dog’s mouth, and dental care are an important point in keeping a Chihuahua.

What toys are needed?

Before buying a pet, you need to make sure that it has something to do with itself..

For Chihuahuas, small balls are suitable, as well as rubber or latex toys of other shapes intended for animals.

And vein toys are good because they not only keep your pet occupied for a long time, but also remove plaque and promote proper tooth replacement.

Many dogs love to play with rope braids, which can also be purchased at a pet store.

You should not let your dog play with old shoes or other worn-out shoes or clothing, as the pet will not be able to distinguish old from new and next time it will chew on something it needs..

Ears and eyes

A Chihuahua's eyes may become watery and crusty. This is the norm. Remove by carefully washing the eyes with a cotton swab moistened with water, tea or a special lotion.

You should wash your eyes carefully, without causing pain to your pet or his eyes.

If dark spots appear under the eyes and they do not go away, you need to purchase special gels, powder or crayons at the pet store.

These products will help discolor the hair under the eyes. They are cosmetic products and are not used to treat eye disease. Taking care of your eyes is not difficult - the main thing is to do it on time, then problems will definitely not arise.

Your pet's ears should be checked daily for dirt. Remove it with a cotton swab moistened with water or ear cleaning fluid.

If there is an unpleasant odor coming from your ears, you should immediately consult a veterinarian, this may be a sign of illness.

An aviary in an apartment - is it necessary and how to choose?

An enclosure for a Chihuahua is not a necessary household item and many owners get along just fine without it. But only if the pet sleeps or plays peacefully in their absence.

If a dog, left alone, begins to act up, then it is best to isolate it in an enclosure until the owners return . The same applies to small puppies who do not yet understand what can and cannot be done.

Enclosures for indoor dogs come in various shapes: rectangular, square, round and corner. All of them differ only in appearance, therefore, the owner himself can decide what shape of enclosure to choose.

Typically, enclosures are made of metal mesh and are considered quite convenient, as they are durable, not heavy and easy to clean.

The minimum dimensions of an enclosure for a Chihuahua should be approximately 60x60 cm.

Video “Caring for a Chihuahua”

In this video you will learn how to care for a Chihuahua.

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