A Chihuahua is a perfect shopping companion
Everyone has to shop for something or other. A lot of Chihuahuas enjoy going shopping too. We get to spend more quality time with our human, and maybe even get a treat. We don’t talk back, we listen and can give good advice on what to buy.
First Stop: Pet Store
It’s easy to shop at pet stores with your Chi. We are usually welcome and an occasional accident it not a big deal. Plus there are so many things you can buy us, from treats to toys.
Chihuahuas may blend in at the big box stores
What about other stores? It depends on the store and what you can get away with. If you’re carrying a little, well-behaved Chihuahua, you can probably sneak into a big box store that doesn’t sell food without too much difficulty. Places such as building supply stores, electronic stores and even office supply stores may overlook a furry Chi. While you can walk your Chi on a leash in pet stores, I wouldn’t recommend that in any other store. Carry your Chi, either in your arms or in a carrier.
I have been to Office Depot, Staples, Home Depot, Lowes, and a few small stores I can’t remember. I hear Target does not allow pets.
Some people even place their Chi in a shopping cart. But I wouldn’t try getting into a supermarket. They sell food and will most likely not appreciate you bringing in a dog of any kind (except seeing-eye dog). Something about health laws. If your Chi is a paid service dog, be ready to prove it.
Small is often okay
Small stores are also a good place to bring your well-behaved Chi. My daddy has taken me into card stores, clothing stores, chain stores and even a Las Vegas casino. I couldn’t gamble though.
Avoid candy stores
A popular big name chocolate candy store would not let me in. There seems to be a policy of no pets allowed amongst the chocolates. It’s not like we’re allowed to eat chocolate anyway.
Slow business equals tolerant owners
Store owners are anxious for your business. They will overlook a friendly and cute Chihuahua. But not everyone will, so use some discretion and call ahead. It can be embarrassing to be kicked out of a store in front of others.
Shopping should be fun. Why not take your little furry Chi with you to make it an even better experience. And don’t forget to stop at some friendly outdoor cafe for lunch or a snack with your Chi.
Be careful. Some people actually don’t like Chihuahuas or any other animals and may cause a ruckus. Stay away from the dog haters.
For additional information, check out these articles:
Shopping with your dog? The pet-friendliest (and unfriendliest) stores
Feel free to share your experiences shopping with your Chi. And don’t forget to subscribe to our exciting e-newsletter. I’ll be sharing my experiences too.
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Make Walking a Daily Routine
My daddy takes me on 5 walks daily. Ugh. The first morning walk is very short, just outside until I pee.
At around 11:30 I take the longest walk. It is about 1.5 miles, maybe up to 2 miles. We go all around the neighborhood, following a fairly regular path.
Between 3 and 3:30 comes the second longest walk, about 1 to 1.5 miles. We hit basically the same blocks, but not going as far away from home.
At 6:30 ish I take a walk around the block. It’s a sort of meet, greet and pee. Then at 9 ish I take a simple pee walk.
I’m exhausted. I hate walking and I make sure my daddy knows it.
In fairness, when I put the brakes on my daddy will pick me up and carry me for a while. We call that “air-walking”. Once I recognize we’re halfway, I’m eager to walk because I know I’m going home.
Why Walk Your Chihuahua
You’ve got a perfectly good backyard. Why bother taking your little Chi on a walk. There are fleas, other dogs, hot sun, cold winds, wet sidewalks, garbage trucks, oogies to eat. Yuck.
In spite of my feelings on the matter, there are apparently several good reasons for walking your lazy little Chi.
- Good exercise. This will keep your Chi lean and healthy. Especially if you tend to overfeed the little guy.
- Creates interest, keeps your dog’s brain active as they sniff the neighborhood.
- Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease in dogs (they get it too). This is because new sights and sounds, people and smells, all serve to keep your Chi’s brain active and alert.
- Can be fun. See what’s going on in your neighborhood. Watch houses being remodeled or torn down. Peek inside your neighbor’s open garages and make snap judgments in your head. Oops, I don’t think most Chihuahuas do that.
- Breath in fresh air and clear your head. This may help the human more than the Chi.
This routine works well for my daddy because he works at home doing some kind of graphic design. I don’t understand it, but he sits in front of a machine all day tapping a keyboard.
Some people have to work outside their home. If that is you, you may not have the freedom to walk your Chihuahua so much. Because you left your Chi alone all day you may want to take an extra long walk in the evening, weather permitting. An early morning walk and lunch walk (if possible) would also be welcome.
For more information check out these links:
Basic Obedience Training for your Chihuahua Puppy
How to Teach a Chihuahua to Walk on a Leash
Share your stories on walking your Chihuahua. Anyone else have a Chihuahua street anchor?
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We Chihuahuas are no different from other “dogs” or even children. We like to eat treats, not necessarily what’s good for us.
The trick is to not get us used to anything other than our regular, quality dog foods. If given a choice, most discriminating Chihuahuas will choose humanoid food.
Only Natural Pet Store – Everything Natural for Dogs
Here’s my 10 tips on feeding your finicky Chihuahua
- Feed only premium, human grade dog food. I eat Merrick’s Turduckin. Yumm.
- Feed at consistent times. As an adult Chi I get breakfast and dinner.
- Feed your Chi when you eat. When we all eat together there will be less reason for your Chi to beg for your food. We may even think we’re eating the same thing you are.
- Avoid giving your Chi scraps from the table. This only encourages us to not eat our food and wait for yours.
- If you must give table scraps, give very little and mix it in with your Chi’s food. Keep in mind that doing this will cause your Chi to expect it every time and may increase finickiness.
- Mix premium dry food with premium canned food. This makes for a tasty meal.
- Always have water nearby to cleanse the palate. Encourage your Chi to drink lots of water.
- Never give chocolate cake for desert. Chocolate is toxic.
- Best not to give any desert. Reserve quality dog treats for good behaviors.
- It’s okay to give a few treats now and then. Especially when you are training your little Chi. Make sure the treats are healthy and dog-friendly.
For more information read How to Encourage Your Picky Dog to Eat.
I had my first, and hopefully only, seizure the other day. At least my daddy thinks it was a seizure. It was scary for daddy because his last Chihuahua had seizures her whole life.
Seizures in Chihuahuas sometimes happen after age 2.
I turned 2 last October. What happened was, I was napping in my office bed and woke up, restless. Daddy came to pick me up, as he often does, and I suddenly stiffened up. This was not normal behavior for me.
So daddy put me down on the floor and I sort of stood there without moving as he held me. It only lasted a few seconds. He tried picking me up again and it happened again. Only a few seconds. I never lost consciousness, or control of my bladder or bowels. But I did have a little trouble standing for a minute or so.
What causes seizures in dogs?
There could be many reasons for a seizure. Some are scarier than others, such as brain tumor, lyme disease and epilepsy. Try not to panic too much. Talk to your vet first.
After the seizure, all things normal.
After a little bit I was back to normal. Daddy contacted my vet, who said to wait and see if it happened again. That was a few weeks ago and so far no more seizures.
It may not have been a real seizure. Since I am eating and drinking and playing as I normally do, daddy decided to wait and see. The Chihuahua before me had seizures once or twice a year for many years. As she got older, she had more seizures and eventually had to be put on medication to control them. She also stiffened up but it lasted longer than a few seconds and took longer to recover.
Hopefully this was a fluke that will not happen again. You know how much I hate visiting that doctor. And medicine is yucky, no matter how my daddy tries to hide it.
Tips if Your Dog is Having a Seizure
- Keep your pet safe. Clear the area around them or hold them if possible.
- Remain calm. Your Chihuahua will not feel safe and secure if you’re screaming and wailing.
- Don’t try to hold your Chi’s tongue. Dogs can’t swallow their tongue and may bite you unconsciously.
- Reassure your Chi both during and after the seizure. They may be confused and scared.
- Keep a close eye on your pet after the seizure passes to make sure they are okay and that another one doesn’t happen soon after.
- Call your vet for further instructions. Better to be safe than sorry.
For more information on this scary subject, read “My Chihuahua Has Seizures” , “Chihuahua Seizure Symptoms” and “What Causes Seizures in Dogs?”
I have more toys than I can play with. I want more.
All Chihuahuas love toys. I especially love stuffed animals that squeak. I have quite a collection.
Toys vs. Daddies
Toys make my life interesting and give me something to do. But toys are not a substitute for my daddies. In fact, being able to play games with my daddies make my toys even more fun. That’s because all dogs are social animals and love attention.
My stuffed mouse and porcupine are my current favorites. I also have a bunny, hippo and other various animals, but don’t find them as fascinating.
Toy Repair Hospital
Sometimes I manage to make a hole in my stuffed toy and pull out the stuffing. That is even more fun. But it is a solitary game. Once my daddy finds me doing this, that toy quickly vanishes. There is a toy hospital drawer in the kitchen and a sewing kit. After a while the toy reappears but the hole is gone. The challenge is for me to find or create more holes.
I also have a Kong toy. It has an odd shape and is made of hard rubber. There’s a hole in one end. It’s a pretty boring toy, except when my daddy puts a treat inside. It’s actually wedged in the hole. I eat the treat as much as I can.
The object is for me to learn how to get the entire treat out. Sometimes it’s too much work. I’ve taught my daddy how to get the treat out for me. It’s a simple trick. I take the Kong to daddy, lay it at his feet, and scratch at his leg. Eventually he gives in and gets the treat out for me. He never eats it himself. I guess he’s being nice to me. It’s fun to teach daddy a new trick.
Chuck-It, and daddy will throw it back
Another favorite toy is my Chuck-It ball. It’s a colorful, mini tennis ball. The perfect size for us little Chihuahuas. They seem to be multiplying. First I had one, then two. Now I have four. Five if you count the one I chewed up a bit. I don’t know where it is now, but I’m sure it will show up sooner or later.
The trick is to carry the ball to one daddy and toss it. He either throws it so I can retrieve it, or he kicks it with his foot. Either way, I get it and bring it back. I take turns going from one daddy to the other. Sometimes the ball gets stuck under furniture or something. I find that by staring at it for a time usually brings a daddy over to retrieve it. Daddies are fun to control. I get them to do all sorts of things for me.
Every so often I get a new toy. At first it’s fun, but I usually go back to my favorites. I’m a creature of habit. They say you should recycle your dog’s toys. By that I mean, take some away for a while and bring back old toys I haven’t seen in a while. It’s supposed to make them seem like new again. How stupid do you think I am. I can tell when a toy is new or not. New toys usually come in a plastic bag and have to have a tag to be removed. And there’s no slobbery smells on them yet.
Safe toys are best
Make sure your toys are sturdy. You don’t want your Chihuahua to eat a squeaker. I recently got one out of a toy and created a new toy for myself. Until my daddy stole it. I never did see that squeaker again.
For more information, read “Dog Toys: How to Figure Out What Your Dog Likes Best”
Looking for a new toy for your little Chihuahua? PetSmart is having another big sale. Check it out.
1. Walk your Chihuahua daily
Comfort at work is important.
My daddy insists on making me walk several miles a day. No matter what the weather is like. He thinks exercise is good for you. I disagree.
Some Chihuahuas, like me, do not enjoy long walks. We prefer long naps.
I do everything I can to make walking with me difficult. I plant my feet. I pull back. I move to the side. I stop in the middle of the street. All to no avail.
Pulling never works. But walking behind me and gently nudging me seems to get me going.
When all else fails, pick up your Chi for a few blocks and then try again. Eventually I give in, especially when I realize we’re heading home.
Or you can take your Chihuahua to obedience school and learn the right way to teach them to walk.
2. An alternative to brushing your Chihuahua’s teeth
If your little Chihuahua absolutely refuses to let you brush their teeth, the next best thing is to give them a dental treat. There are many available today. Find one recommended by your vet and/or favorite pet store and give it a try. It couldn’t hurt. Unless you give them too much. Then you run the risk of making your Chihuahua obese. The result would be your human companion will make you walk. See #1 above.
3. A bed for your Chihuahua in every room
If you don’t want to have your Chihuahua sleep in your bed, the next best thing is to give them their own bed right next to yours. Then your Chi will feel like part of the family. And for added convenience, I enjoy having a bed in every room of the house. That way I can take a nap without being disturbed in the best location of the moment, meaning wherever my daddies are.
4. If we’re awake, it’s time to play with your Chihuahua
Most Chihuahua’s love to play. Make sure you get your dog plenty of toys. You want a sturdy toy that’s not too big or small.
I love my stuffed animals with squeakers. I have several mice, a porcupine, a bunny, and more than I can remember, or find. Some are bigger than my head.
I grab the toy of the moment and toss it to my daddies. If one is busy, I go to the other. If they ignore me I scratch their leg.
The object of the game is I toss the toy to you, and you throw it far away so I can run and bring it back.
This results in hours of fun and exercise. A little tennis ball is also good.
5. Give your Chihuahua a back and neck massage
We love massages, just like people do. If you’ve got a spare moment in between play time, walk time, eating and napping, a gentle massage is greatly appreciated.
If your Chihuahua is older, or has arthritis, a more thorough massage could work wonders. Read a little more about How to Massage a Dog on eHow.com.
I’m not proud of it, but I do find flies fascinating. I love to chase them if they happen to get in my house.
I don’t feel that they are welcome and it is my job to get rid of them. Nobody else seems to care.
Fly Adventure
So the other day I chased a fly all around the office where my daddy works. I believe the fly was on getting old because he wasn’t flying very high.
I persevered and eventually won. I caught that fly in my mouth. In hindsight I should have spit him out but no. Being a creature of instincts I ate the fly and it tasted funny.
Freakout
The experience sort of freaked me out. So I ran under my daddy’s bed and hid there for a few hours. Then I ran under the blankets of my own bed and hid there for a while.
Finally daddy came to take me for a walk and I snapped out of it.
If another fly comes into my house I’m afraid I will try to get him too. What can I say. Flies belong outside.
Is swallowing a fly safe for your dog?
Your dog is probably okay. Daddy researched this interesting topic online and found some people say nothing will happen. Others say they could get a disease or tapeworms. And still others say you get tapeworms from eating fleas, not flies.
Do you know the answer? Let us know.
1 CommentChihuahuas make very good stress busters.
Lucy relaxing on her daddy.
Having a pet can be very relaxing and may very well extend your life. Chihuahuas make great companions, are loyal and very portable. Some may be a bit yappy but no one’s perfect.
Chihuahuas travel well.
We are small so you can take us almost anywhere. Unfortunately most indoor theaters and restaurants don’t allow pets. Why not find one that does? Eating outside with your Chi can be fun and relaxing. Although if you live in a cold climate this could be problematic.
Chihuahuas are low maintenance.
I get a bath every month or two. It takes less than 15 minutes. Then I’m towel dried and good to go. It’s all stress free and fun.
Massaging your Chi relieves your tension.
Plop your Chi in your lap and give a gentle back massage. Your Chihuahua will love it and reward you by falling asleep.
It’s take your Chi to work day.
We make great work companions too. Why not place an extra bed next to your office desk and take your Chi to work. Some people may have to ask permission for this, though. I don’t see why.
Walking your Chihuahua is healthy and fun.
Exercise is good for everybody. It extends your life and feels good. Taking your little companion along benefits both you and your Chi. We’re sturdy little dogs and we love to sniff and explore our world.
When you burn calories by walking you can maintain a healthy weight and enjoy an occasional treat. My daddy says I’m a one tissue dog. Make sure you carry something to collect your pup’s little presents and dispose of them properly.
Read more on how dogs can help you deal with stress from PetPlace.com.
The holidays can be a fun and busy time. It can also be stressful, especially for your little Chihuahua.
What’s that tree doing in my home?
We are curious beings. The sudden arrival of a tree in the middle of the living room can mean new indoor plumbing to a little dog. You should probably let your Chi know that tree is not an invitation to relieve himself. Make sure this would be difficult by putting the tree on a platform or put a fence around it. Just make sure the fence itself is not a chewing temptation.
Ooh, lots of gifts to unwrap
Not only is there a tree, but there are wrapped packages and bags under it. And lights on strings. And ornaments, hooks, tinsel, garlands, fake cookies, holiday plants and so much more. How can a dog resist the temptation to chew, chew and chew.
If your Chi companion is a chewer, make sure they can’t get at the goodies under or on the tree. And watch out for those fallen needles, they can’t be digested. We don’t care what something tastes like, if it’s there, we chew and sometimes swallow. So it’s best to protect us from ourselves.
So many people to greet
Sometimes I’m in a friendly mood. But sometimes not so much. If you like to entertain your friends and relatives, make sure your Chihuahua has a safe haven to hide in. I have one of my beds in my daddies’ bedroom and can easily escape there, under the covers. Just make sure your guests know that when you’re dog is in it’s safe place, do not disturb.
For more information you’ll also want to read “Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Winter Holidays” by Linda Perney from PetPlace.com
Leave a commentChihuahuas like to be warm and cozy.
Chihuahuas do not have a lot of body fat (hopefully) and very little hair, unless they’re long-hair Chis. Nonetheless, we like to be warm and it’s very cozy under a blanket or two.
Completely Hidden
It should be perfectly safe for your Chihuahua to sleep under a blanket. It’s what we prefer, especially in Winter. As long as we have a way out, we won’t smother. Believe me, we want to be warm, not suffocated.
So many beds, so little time to nap
I love to sleep under my blankies. I have several. I also have several beds. My main, nighttime bed is next to my daddies’ big bed. It has high sides and three blankies, so it’s like a tent. I can run in whenever I want to escape and can easily get out.
I also have a bed in my daddy’s home office. When I’m not on his lap or in my night bed, I’m often next to him in my office bed. He covers me with my blankie where I can burrow inside. If it’s too warm I can escape and sleep on top of the blankie.
There’s a pillow I adopted on the sofa. It’s fluffy and comfy. My daddies calls it my “tuffet”. I don’t get it. But I often lay there. Although there’s another blankie for me next to the pillow, I have to wait to be covered or do without. This is a lighter blankie. Sometimes when I’m covered up and run off, the blankie goes with me like a cape. There probably will be a picture of that here, someday.
Chihuahuas do not like to be disturbed while sleeping
I understand my daddy’s previous Chihuahua slept in bed with him and was often completely under the covers. Like me, she got a bit grumpy when you disturbed her while she was sleeping. That’s probably why I have to sleep in my own bed next to the big bed. Also it’s too high for me to get into and out of. Oh well, I have more freedom this way. Although I do understand they make stairs for Chihuahuas…
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