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Tips For Raising A Chihuahua

by: LeeDobbins
Total views: 28 | Word Count: 613

The pint sized stature of the Chihuahua makes it a dog of choice for someone who is short on space but long on the desire to have an adorable pet. Be aware, though, that the small size that makes them so cute also brings on it's own set of challenges for raising a Chihuahua.

One thing about Chihuahuas is that they are very protective and don't seem to realize that they are so tiny. They have no qualms taking on the biggest dog on the block, and because of this you really need to keep a close watch on him. So one thing you must be careful of is to never let your Chihuahua outside by himself.

If your Chihuahua is still a puppy, you have to provide him with a nutritious diet. Take note that he has different food requirements depending on his age. From the time he starts to eat until he reaches 3 months old, he should be fed four small meals a day. From 3 months to 6 months old, reduce his meal to three times a day. After 6 months, two meals a day is sufficient for his food requirements until he reaches one year old.

After your Chihuahua's first birthday, it's perfectly acceptable to feed him once daily. This breed of dog would typically prefer a few smaller meals over one larger one. Since hard food is easier for a Chi to digest, that may be a better option, as canned food may cause diarrhea.

When it comes to raising a Chihuahua, one positive aspect is that they should be given a bath once a month, which is relatively simple to do. Bathing them more often than necessary can purge the fur of its natural oils, which can then end up possibly causing dandruff.

Be sure that you keep any water from getting into the ears of your Chihuahua when you bathe him, as wet ears can cause bad ear infections. Pay close attention to your Chi, and if you notice him scratching his ears a lot or redness in his ears, get him to the vet as quickly as possible.

Properly training your Chihuahua is required for the dog's safety, as well as the convenience of having an obedient dog. The initial training you will need to begin on is house training (potty training) your puppy, but afterwards you need to begin teaching him or her general commands so that he or she will obey you and can be prevented from getting into dangerous situations.

Every month you should clip your Chihuahua's nails. One method that's good to use are cat claw trimmers which resemble traditional scissors, only they have a curved notch for the claw. Starting cutting your pet's nails early-on is beneficial because it allows him to become familiar with the whole process. Not only will this make things easier for your pet in the future, it will help you as well.

Chihuahuas are susceptible to weak knees and this can affect them as they get older. Monitor your Chi's gait as he walks and if you notice him beginning to have trouble, take him to the Vet's and have him checked out.

Getting proper veterinary care for is an important part of raising a Chihuahua. When your dog is a puppy, he will need to go to the vet in order to get his shots, and then he will need to visit the vet in order to get his ears and teeth cleaned, for regular checkups, and any booster shots the vet recommends.

Chihuahuas are loyal pets with a sweet temperament. Take good care of your Chihuahua and you will be rewarded with a devoted and healthy pet for many years to come.

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