They are small, cute, feisty and need quite a bit of care. Welcome to the world of being a Chihuahua parent. Here is your personal cheat sheet to keep them happy and healthy.

Alright, so you have either just picked up your little Chihuahua or you’re planning on getting one. Regardless, you have come to the right place. All you need to know about your little one is right here – in one convenient location…you’re welcome.

Adding a Chihuahua (I will occasionally be referring to them as a ‘Chi’– writing the full name out is a job on its own) is an amazing decision. The pups have some amazing characteristics that will keep you entertained and on your toes.

That being said, this dog isn’t like most dog breeds, they require personalised care. So, perk up those ears as I drop serious knowledge here that is honestly worth you tapping the ‘bookmark’ button above. Familiarising yourself with the next few tips will ensure that you avoid making common mistakes!

Here is what they will need from you:

Exercise

It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that your Chi doesn’t need to exercise … and that belief has a lot to do with their size. However, these little bundles of energy need to express themselves through play and movement.

Thankfully, these dogs don’t need a lot of exercise: a few good laps around the garden or apartment should do them good. Just make sure they’re getting some exercise done on a daily basis.

Training

They may have a small head but let the record show that it is filled with knowledge. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and thrive off of pleasing their owners. Known for picking up on tricks rather quickly, training your pup is a must. They respond particularly well to positive reinforcements in the form of praise and gentle petting, so amp up the affection and you’ll have a well-trained dog in no time.

Grooming

Your Chihuahua can have one of two fur coats. The first being smooth and long and the other being soft and curly. Regardless of which coat your fur baby has, they will still require occasional brushing. Try to do it at least once a week to avoid knotting.

Their big ears also need a little TLC from you too. Make sure to clean the insides as they are prone to getting quite a bit of gunk stuck in them. Oh, and let’s not forget about their nails – they will need to be trimmed often too.

Keep those pearly whites shiny and clean by taking a brush to your dog’s teeth to avoid serious dental problems. While you’re at it, get them in the tub for a regular wash using gentle canine shampoos to keep ticks and fleas at bay.

Feeding

What you put in your dog’s bowl has a serious influence on their overall health and wellbeing. Don’t take feeding lightly! You want to opt-in for nutritious food options that will maintain your pup’s health.

But here is the super NB part of the feeding process: your Chi is prone to easy weight gain which can cause a number of medical problems.

They can be incredibly greedy so it’s easy to over-feed them. Your little one only needs about 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality nutritious dry food a day.

Any more than that and you’re definitely overfeeding them, so don’t fall for those cute puppy dog eyes in this situation.

Chihuahuas are also known to enjoy playing with their food and hiding it, so keep a close eye on them when they’re eating!

Health

Turns out that being this small comes with quite a few health problems that you need to take note of. Your Chi runs the risk of suffering from Molera. This is when your dog has a hole or soft spot on its head where its skull hasn’t closed. If this is the case, it’s important to be gentle with them and avoid touching their heads.

Chihuahuas are also prone to suffering from life-threatening hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. These tiny dogs often struggle to regulate their blood glucose. Try to space out their feeding times throughout the day to help regulate their sugar levels.

Their little legs are also under a lot of pressure whenever they run or walk. Their kneecaps are known to slip out of place, which will need surgical correction. So, make sure to watch their movements at all times.

Lastly, your Chi is vulnerable to several genetic eye disorders. Heading to the vet on a regular basis will ensure that your dog’s genetic eye disorder doesn’t become a reality.

Pet Insurance

This is undoubtedly the number one thing that your Chi needs. Getting pet insurance is the key to accessing exceptional medical care. Here are a few benefits of opting for pet insurance, but not just any insurer… we’re talking about Oneplan here.

●       You get to visit the vet of your choice

●       You get paid BEFORE you see your vet

●       Routine and wellness care are covered

●       Vet visits are included in their respective plans

I know that all of this information can be a lot to take in, but honestly, all you have to do is tap here to get started …

Until next time,

The Pet Insurance Team