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Raising A Chihuahua

by: LeeDobbins
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Pet lovers who have only a little space to accommodate their pet usually choose Chihuahuas because of their small stature. Chihuahuas make wonderful and attractive pets and have distinguishing features that make them unique compared to other dog breeds. However, because they are so small, one does need to take special care when raising a Chihuahua.

One of the funniest things about Chihuahuas is that they have no clue how small they actually are. Many times they are referred to as a "big dog in a small dog's body" and they are so defensive that they don't think twice about confronting the biggest dog on the block. Consequently, you need to always keep tabs on your Chihuahua without ever letting them go outside without you monitoring them.

When adopting a Chihuahua puppy, you must make sure to feed him the highest quality food on the market. From birth until three months of age, puppies should be given small meals four times a day; between the ages of three to six months, feedings can be decreased to three times a day and from six months to one year meals should decline to only two times a day.

One feeding per day is appropriate after your Chihuahua is a year old. Most Chi's prefer to eat several small meals rather than one large one. Hard food may be the best choice for your Chi as some dogs of this breed have a difficult time digesting canned food and can develop diarrhea as a result.

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.

Training your dog the proper way will earn you many benefits like owning an obedient dog and will also allow you to call him away from dangerous situations. Start training him on simple tricks even at an early age and he will easily learn as he grows older. But gradually provide him with a general obedience training and this will help him in dealing with dangerous scenarios.

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.

Giving the proper care to your Chihuahua will not only keep him healthy and happy and add to his longevity, but it will also get you an abundance of love and affection in return from these naturally gentle, loyal and sweet-tempered animals.

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Raising A Chihuahua

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