Care for a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the smallest of all the dog breeds, and they need special care because of their size. A full-grown Chihuahua may be as small as 3 lbs., and they are sometimes smaller. This small size comes with risks to the dog from household accidents. It also poses a temperature regulation problem because of the dog's small size and closeness to the ground.

There are only two recognized types of Chihuahuas. There are long-haired and short-haired varieties of this tiny dog. The long-haired variety needs more attention paid to its coat than the short-haired variety. To take proper care of a long-haired Chihuahua, brush its coat once each day to keep the hair free from tangles. A short-haired Chihuahua has hair that is too short to tangle, but the occasional brush with a soft brush can keep the fur clean and keep shedding fur from accumulating in the home.

Chihuahuas have small stomachs that don't hold much food. They also have a high energy level, requiring a lot of calories to sustain their size. While many larger varieties of dog can sustain themselves with one meal a day, Chihuahuas are happier when they can eat two to three times a day. This gives them more meals to gain back the energy lost during playing, running and shivering.

Chihuahuas tend to shiver often, but it rarely has to do with fear. Instead, the Chihuahua, a dog that was bred in the desert for desert conditions, gets cold easily. Their small size means their entire bodies are close to the floor. This means that they occupy the coldest spot in a room, while they were bred for some of the warmest places. The shivering keeps them warm, but they can also be helped by a heated dog bed or with a sweater to wear.

Dropping things in a household where there is a Chihuahua can be dangerous, If not deadly. With a small head and a dainty body, Chihuahuas can be killed in simple household accidents. That includes being stepped on by a large shoe or boot. When a Chihuahua lives in a home, make sure that you keep your shoes off inside the home. Take extra care not to drop items such as grocery bags and tin cans. Be careful not to trip over a Chihuahua, as these tiny dogs love to jump around their owners' feet, posing a hazard that can severely injure the Chihuahua.

When you get a Chihuahua, make sure you understand the long lifespan of these dogs. Unlike a larger dog, Chihuahuas are extremely long lived. Chihuahuas can live as long as 18 years and are one of the longest-lived of all dog breeds. A Chihuahua that reaches 16 or 17 years is not unusual, so there may be a lot of care for end-of-life problems a Chihuahua may have. This may include cataracts, arthritis and incontinence as a Chihuahua ages.