Taking Care of a 6-Week-Old Chihuahua

At 6 weeks old, according to Family Treasure Chihuahuas, a chihuahua puppy is entering the second period of its development. This includes its socialization, or learning how to get along with and behave like other canines. There are times when a chihuahua pup is unable to stay with its mother and litter mates, for instance if it is smaller than the rest and unable to get enough to eat, or if the mother rejects it. There are also unfortunate incidents when something happens to the mother of a litter, and you are left with their tiny lives in your hands.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft cloths
  • Puppy formula
  • Goat's milk
  • Saucepan or microwave-safe dish
  • Baby bottle or syringe with nipple
  • Food scale
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the pup warm and dry. While it is able to regulate its body temperature at this age, it will have difficulty doing so if the temperature isn't kept a little warmer than what you would consider comfortable for yourself.

    • 2

      Clean the puppy before and after each meal. This includes encouraging it to eliminate, as this would be something the mother would do. Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water, and clean the pup all over, finishing with its bottom. When you wipe over the pup's bottom and belly, it should encourage elimination.

    • 3

      Feed the puppy every two hours to three hours. Use a store-bought formula recommended by your veterinarian, and mix according to the instructions. According to Leerburg Video and Kennel, goat's milk is more easily digested than cow's milk, and works well when mixing formula.

    • 4

      Heat the mixed formula in a saucepan or in the microwave, then allow to cool to almost room temperature before feeding.

    • 5

      Place the formula in a needle-less 3cc syringe with a rubber nipple fitted over the needle end. This is the perfect size for a tiny chihuahua. Do not force the pup, but let it suckle as it would from its mother.

    • 6

      Provide your pup with medical care. Chihuahuas are prone to several congenital conditions that can be monitored and controlled with veterinary assistance. Hypoglycemia is one of them. Avoid this by feeding small meals regularly.