How to Care for a Chihuahua

Feed chihuahuas three small meals a day, with plenty of water. Make sure you keep the water fresh every day, as chihuahuas do not like water that has been sitting out for a long time. You may see that the bowl is still half full, but if it has been sitting for more than a day, the dog will not drink it. Do not feed a chihuahua human food, as it upsets their stomach.

Take your pet for periodic walks outside. But remember that chihuahuas are indoor pets. Do not leave them outside for an extended period, as they could catch hypothermia and die. Their coats and skin are thin and they get cold easily. In cold weather, make sure your pet has a pet sweater on. Chihuahuas also like to burrow under blankets or in the bed with you. They like and need the warmth and closeness of their owner. (Make sure there is not a puppy or dog burrowed somewhere in a chair or couch before you sit down!)

Give your chihuahua a bath once a month. If you have a long-haired chihuahua, brush its coat every day. For short-haired chihuahuas, you can brush the coat every couple of days. Chihuahuas tend to develop tooth decay easily, so be sure to brush your pet's teeth two to three times a week. Since chihuahuas are inside pets, their nails can grow long. Keep them clipped, to prevent soreness. Chihuahuas can sometimes develop skin irritations from grass, ticks or fleas, so make sure yours has a flea collar.

Train your pet to use the bathroom outside, or to go on a pad made of newspaper, or puppy pads that have plastic on the bottom to prevent seepage. Toilet-training a chihuahua can be a challenge, but they can be paper-trained easily. These pads also need to be changed daily. If you have trouble with training, there are classes that will help you train the dog to go outside.