Loving, playful and intelligent, Chihuahua puppies are popular with dog lovers. Because of their small size and the health and behavior issues that are associated with that, Chihuahua-puppy ownership is a big responsibility that includes proper training, grooming and regular health care and observation.
Things You'll Need
- High-quality puppy food
- Slicker brush
- Dog toothpaste and brush
Instructions
Chihuahua puppies are curious and will chew on whatever is accessible if they become bored, nervous or frustrated. Prepare your home for your Chihuahua puppy's arrival by concealing electrical cords and other dangerous objects and removing objects you don't want your puppy chewing on. Offer your Chi puppy toys that are appropriate to chew, such as hard, rubber toys and toys that can hold treats inside which give them a challenge and keep them occupied trying to get the treat out.
Exercise caution handling your Chihuahua puppy's head. A Chihuahua's skull never fully develops so the "soft spot," called the molera, never fully hardens. A blow or injury to this area can be fatal to a Chihuahua.
Feed your Chihuahua puppy small amounts of high-quality puppy food several times a day. Because of their small size, Chihuahuas are prone to hypoglycemia so it's important for them to have regular access to puppy food that provides the proper amount of sugar and calories. Hypoglycemia causes several health issues, including fainting and shaking. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your Chihuahua puppy is hypoglycemic.
Brush a long-haired Chihuahua puppy once a day with a slicker brush to remove dead hair and prevent mats. Short-haired Chihuahuas also shed, so all Chihuahua puppies should be brushed daily to remove the shedding hair.
Brush your Chihuahua puppy's teeth daily. Chihuahuas have small teeth and are prone to developing plaque build-up, which can result in tooth loss and even heart problems. Start the tooth-brushing process by placing dog toothpaste on your finger, then rubbing the Chi's teeth with it. Once the puppy becomes used to this, move on to using a fingerbrush--a toothbrush that fits over your finger. From there, graduate to a small, soft toothbrush made for dogs. The sooner your Chihuahua becomes familiar with this process, the better, as tooth-brushing should become part of your Chi's life-long health maintenance.
Take your Chihuahua to the veterinarian as soon as possible for its puppy check-up. The veterinarian will examine the puppy, listen to its heart, check its eyes and ears and test the stool for parasites. This is often when a puppy gets its vaccinations, such as the distemper combo vaccine or rabies vaccine, if the puppy is old enough.