How to Care For a Chihuahua-Basics Tips

The Chihuahua is the smallest in all the breeds of dog. Chihuahuas are alert, and are known for their varied temperament. This breed of dog got his name after the state in Mexico i.e. Chihuahua. They are courageous and extremely lively. They are good companions with the other dogs in the house. This breed of dog is protective towards his people and seeks their attention. However, if there are children at the home these dogs are not well suited. They become wary of the strangers. Regardless of their tiny size, the Chihuahua is fearless, never gets frightened.

Training

Like all the other dogs this breed of dog also needs training and early socialization. The Chihuahua is to some extent difficult to train it needs a lot of patience and consistency to train this dog. But, they are intelligent and learn things quickly. The Chihuahua cannot be trained using harsh methods. They respond well to the proper and positive reinforcement in the form of praise and treats. They are ideal for apartment life as they can enjoy and spend time playing indoors.

Grooming

The Chihuahuas come in two different types of coat, smooth and long. The short coat is shiny and smooth whereas the long coat is soft and curly. The short coat requires an occasional brushing, however, long coat need to be brushed thrice a week to remove loose hair from his body. Also, the big ears of the Chihuahua require to be cleaned regularly and their nails grow quickly, therefore, one should keep his nails trimmed. One should also brush their teeth to avoid any dental problems.

Health and Nutrition

The Chihuahua has an average lifespan of 14 to 18 years. The Chihuahua needs little exercise, however; they can meet their exercise needs indoors while playing with toys. As they enjoy going out with their owners they can be taken out for a daily walk benefits to keep him fit and healthy. They also have health issues like other dogs. This breed of dog is known to suffer from some health problems such as hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and hydrocephalus. It is also prone Molera, it is a hole in the skull of Chihuahua. To keep the pet healthy one should take their pet to a vet for proper vaccination and health checkups.

Feeding

One need to feed the pet adequately with nutritious food as it is imperative for ensuring good health of the dog. A Chihuahua may gain weight easily, therefore, one need to take care of his diet. As, the extra fat may create problems in the joints. However, with their age the dietary requirements may change accordingly. The Chihuahua requires about 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality nutritious dry food a day. A sudden change of diet plan may upset tummy of the dog, therefore, one need to make changes in the diet plan gradually.