How to Care for Chihuahua Pups

Whether you have purchased your chihuahua puppy from a top breeder or rescued him from a pound, he will need responsible care to thrive. Much like human children, chihuahua pups require lots of attention. Nutritional needs and health costs are also considerations when caring for a chihuahua pup. chihuahuas are one of the smallest breeds of dog, measuring only around 6 to 9 inches at the shoulders, while weighing in at a mere 2 to 4 pounds. So, not only will you need to provide her with lots of love, the right foods and a competent veterinarian--you will also need to keep him safe.

Things You'll Need

  • Vaccinations
  • Veterinarian
  • Crate
  • Dog food
  • Collar and leash
  • Food and water bowls
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have a reputable veterinarian vaccinate your chihuahua puppy . Chihuahua puppies require a series of vaccinations starting at 5 weeks of age. These vaccinations help to prevent serious illnesses such as parvovirus, adenovirus, distemper, hepatitis and rabies. Puppy vaccinations are often completed by the time your chihuahua puppy reaches 12 to 15 weeks; she will then require yearly rabies or any other shots suggested by your veterinarian. A deworming is also a good idea.

    • 2

      Crate train your chihuahua puppy. Not only will crating keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch him, it will also aid in teaching him where to eliminate. Time frames for keeping a chihuahua confined to his crate vary with age. For instance, a 2-year-old pup will need to eliminate within 2 hours of crating, a 4-month-old---within 2 hours of crating. Puppies also require several hours each day of supervised playtime and training time.

    • 3

      Provide your chihuahua puppy with a healthy variety of dog food. If you are unsure of a brand, ask your veterinarian. Keep in mind that puppies require different amounts of food at different ages. For instance, a 3-month-old chihuahua pup requires feeding 3 to 4 times a day, while a 6-month-old only requires feeding 2 to 3 feedings per day. The amount of food depends on the puppy's size-- approximately 1 ounce for each pound that your puppy weighs spread out over the course of the day.

    • 4

      Select a lightweight collar and leash for your puppy. The collar should fit loosely around her neck, but not so loose that she could slip through. A shallow food and water dish is also necessary for her daily feedings, along with interactive toys and chew toys that adequately fit the size of her mouth. Without toys, your puppy may get bored and engage in destructive behavior.

    • 5

      Create a pet-safe play zone for your chihuahua puppy. An open area, free of falling objects, power cords and outlets, heavy foot traffic and loud noises is a necessity. Chihuahua puppies are also susceptible to injury due to falls. Therefore, do not set your puppy on your bed or sofa and leave him there. If he jumps off, he can get hurt. Pick him up and place him down carefully. Remember, his small stature makes him fragile.