How to Care for Albino Chihuahua Puppies

Chihuahuas enjoy city and apartment life, but make loyal family pets in homes of all sizes. Best as companion animals, chihuahuas are easy to groom and care for. If your chihuahua is pregnant or has just given birth to a litter, you'll want to be prepared to care for the puppies. In the early months, most of the real work will be done by the mother, but you will want to establish your presence early, whether or not you intend to keep the litter. Albino dogs, while rare, require a few extra precautions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Allow the mother to do most of the work when it comes to feeding. If the puppies are separated from their mother for any reason, you will have to feed them by hand. Talk to your veterinarian to learn the proper method of bottle-feeding a puppy. Improper feedings can be dangerous and it is better to learn from a professional. Otherwise, the mother will provide all the puppy's needs in terms of food.

    • 2

      Keep the area around the litter free of hazards. The kennel should have soft, natural blankets. Avoid using insect sprays or pesticides in the same area as the puppies, and keep them away from household chemicals and cleaners.

    • 3

      Handle each puppy carefully and gently. Pick them up at least once a day and hold them in a variety of positions while speaking softly to them. If possible, have other people pick up and talk to the puppies to get them used to new people. This will help socialize them and get them used to humans. Keep doing this until the puppies are 3 weeks old.

    • 4

      Leave the litter with the mother as long as she remains interested. Keep the litter together for the first eight weeks to ensure that they learn how to play and interact with other dogs.

    • 5

      Take the puppies to visit different areas of the house and yard after they've reached 3 weeks of age and their eyes are open. With albino chihuahua puppies, take special care not to expose them to strong sunlight.

    • 6

      Buy or make small dog shirts for taking the albino puppies outside before they're 6 weeks old. Albino chihuahuas sunburn easily. Young puppies' immune systems are not yet fully developed, and albinos have particularly sensitive skin, so sunscreen should be avoided until the pups are at least 7 weeks old. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.

    • 7

      Visit a veterinarian with the litter of albino chihuahuas at 6 weeks, or earlier if any seem unhealthy. Six weeks is the proper age to begin deworming, start vaccinations and ensure the puppies are healthy. You may want to have the veterinarian test for deafness, because this trait is more common in albinos.

    • 8

      Have the puppies spayed or neutered unless you plan to breed them. Inbreeding should be avoided because it can lead to physical and temperamental defects.

    • 9

      Discuss the special needs of your albino chihuahua puppies with any potential adopters to ensure that the puppies receive a high standard of care. Make sure the new owners know the puppies are sensitive to sunlight and will need to wear a shirt or sunscreen when going out. Avoid placing any chihuahua, especially an albino, with a family that has small, active children.