1. Don’t feed your Chi table scraps
2. Never give your Chi turkey bones or skin
3. Prepare Chi friendly treats to give your little one
4. Keep your Chihuahua away from decorations and toxic plants
5. Have a safe place for your Chi to hide from the guests and rest

4 Tips for a Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving

What Thanksgiving Scraps Your Dog Should NOT Eat, Even If He Begs

Healthy Thanksgiving Treats for Your Dog: 101 Dog Care Tips

Any amount of Chocolate can have devastating effects on your dog, but even a little bit can be poisonous to your Chi because of our size.

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

Below is a FREE Chocolate Toxicity Calculator, courtesy of Dr. Marie at AskAVetQuestion.com

You can figure out if you should freak over how much chocolate your little Chi has managed to eat without your knowledge.

Calculator provided by Ask A Vet Question.

For more Halloween safety tips read Haunting Halloween Hazards For Your Dog from DogChannel.com

Also check out 9 Non-Scary Halloween Safety Tips for Your Chihuahua by me, Lucy the Chi.

Share your Halloween Chihuahua stories in the comments below.

Follow Lucy on Twitter and like me on Facebook too!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Lucy’s Newsletter (Coming Soon)

Subscribe to Lucy’s fun-tabulous newsletter.

For some reason we Chihuahuas (and all dogs) seem to cool ourselves through our mouths. Our skin does not sweat. I’m a lady, after all. And I wear a beautiful fur coat every day.

Sweating through our mouths may seem inefficient, but it’s the best we can do.

Sometimes panting makes us look like we’re smiling and happy. Keep thinking that.

It really means we’re hot and probably bothered.

Plenty of Water is Important

You must keep your Chi hydrated. We need to drink plenty of water, especially in warm weather. Encouraging your Chi to drink may not be easy but it’s worth the effort. In hot weather add an ice cube for enticement.

Some dogs like fancy fountain dishes. I just have a cheap aluminum bowl. It’s shiny. Aluminum is better than other types of bowls since it’s not porous and doesn’t breed germs. You should wash your Chi’s water dish once or twice a day. After all, it’s just sitting there on the floor all day and night. Would you drink out of that?

Use Caution When Exercising in the Heat

Exercise is important for all dogs, including little Chihuahuas. But if the weather is very hot, it’s best to walk your Chi in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hot sun. Keep in mind that our little feet are somewhat naked and are touching the hot sidewalk and asphalt. Ugh.

Do your Chihuahuas pant? Any stories?

Other articles on panting:

Reasons why Chihuahuas Pant

Why do dogs pant?

Another article on why dogs pant.

Chihuahuas are no different. We think, therefore we are.

Did you know Chihuahuas (and most dogs) have the mental capacity of a 2-3 year old child? Freaky, huh. That’s why it is very important to keep your Chihuahua thinking. Just like humans, if Chihuahuas are allowed to vegetate all day, every day, their minds will turn to mush. At the very least, their senior years may not be too pretty.

6 Tips on Stimulating Your Chihuahua’s Mind

1. Exercise – Lots of Walkies with your human companion. It’s a bonding experience and healthy too. There’s a lot of sniffing to do.
2. Crossword Puzzles – Or else toys like Kong* that challenge your Chi. I enjoy my Kong, but only when there’s a treat to eat. I still have a hard time writing without thumbs, so crosswords are out for now.
3. Meeting and Greeting – A large social network of friends is helpful to keep your Chi entertained. This can be part of the walking routine. Or just take your Chi on play dates.
4. Working for a Treat – Make your Chi work for their treat. Don’t just give him/her one. (I wouldn’t mind getting more treats). This could be as simple as asking your Chihuahua to sit first.
5. Don’t leave your Chi home alone every day – Chihuahuas are portable. Take them wherever you go, even to work. Who doesn’t love a Chihuahua?!
6. Get your Chihuahua a pet. Another dog makes a great companion for your Chi.

Give Your Chi a Mini Kong

Show you really care. I love my Kong and play with it daily. Especially when daddy puts a treat inside.

*The Small Classic Kong Toy is

• Perfect for typical chewers.
• Small: Up to 20 lbs.
• Perfect for stuffing with Kong treats.
• All natural, puncture resistant rubber.
• Super bouncy and chewer friendly.
• Cleans teeth, conditions gums.
• Recommended by Veterinarians, Trainers & Dog Professionals.
• Made in USA.

Features

• Cleans teeth and gums
• Hollow center can be filled with food and treats
• Keep your dogs busy and out of trouble for long periods of time
• The world’s best dog toys!™

Another source of information about stimulating your Chi’s mind:

Mental Stimulation for Your Dog

It’s summertime and the living may not be easy if you leave your little Chihuahua (or any dog or child) in a locked car. We do not enjoy being cooked, and the temperature climbs quite rapidly in a car, even with the windows open. It can reach 120 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

Outdoor Chihuahuas

Although Chihuahuas are stronger than people think, we’re still very small creatures and leaving your Chi outside in the hot sun during the day, with no escape, can also be dangerous. If you must leave your Chi outside (and why would you), please provide shaded shelter and plenty of cool, fresh water.

Watch for these signs of heat stroke:

• Frantic Panting
• Vomiting
• Staggering around
• Diarrhea
• Bright Red Tongue

Try to walk your Chihuahua during the early morning and later evening hours when it may not be so hot. If you live in the desert, try indoor pee pads. Who wants to walk in temperatures higher than 76 degrees, I say.

Other things to read:

Dangerous Conditions: How heat and humidity affect your dog.

Dogs and Heat Stroke

8 IMPORTANT Tips to Keep Dogs Safe This Summer

Lucy’s Funtabulous Newsletter

Don’t forget to Subscribe to our newsletter. It will be lots of fun and very interesting. As a Chihuahua, I have lots to say.

By Veterinary Pet Insurance and Pet Poison Helpline

Did you know that there are certain things in your kitchen that are poisonous to pets? Chocolate, grapes, raisins, trail mix, xylitol, fatty table scraps, onions, garlic, compost, macadamia nuts, and unbaked bread dough/alcohol are all dangerous! When in doubt, keep your pet out of the kitchen. If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, contact Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 or your veterinarian immediately for life-saving care. The sooner you treat the problem, the easier and less expensive it is to treat your pet!

They seem innocent enough. And they look tasty. But my daddy never lets me eat grapes or raisins. He says they can kill me.

The truth is, grapes and raisins, especially when eaten in large quantities, can cause acute kidney failure in your dog and lead to death if not treated. Yikes!

They say one or two may not prove harmful but then again, a Chihuahua is a very little dog, and even one raisin or grape may do damage.

So if you drop a raisin or grape on the floor, make sure you grab it before your dog does. I run when I hear food drop and I’m on it in an instant. I have not tasted a grape or raisin so please don’t tempt me by leaving them where I can get to it.

Read Raisin and Grape Toxicity in Dogs for more information on this toxic treat.

Also Grape and Raisin Toxicosis by Dr. Debra Primovic from PetPlace.com.

If your Chi does eat grapes or raisins, contact your vet for advice on what to do.

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

1. Keep your pet safe. Clear the area around them or hold them if possible.
2. Remain calm. Your Chihuahua will not feel safe and secure if you’re screaming and wailing.
3. Don’t try to hold your Chi’s tongue. Dogs can’t swallow their tongue and may bite you unconsciously.
4. Reassure your Chi both during and after the seizure. They may be confused and scared.
5. 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.
6. 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?”

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.

Waiting for the doctor at my annual visit.

When my daddy took me out to the car for a ride I thought I was going to see my grandpa. This is something we do regularly.

But alas we went back to that place where they stick me with needles, lock me in a cage and cut me open on occasion.

From my daddy’s point of view, a yearly checkup is important. He say’s it’s to make sure I am healthy and that my teeth, ears and heart are all okay. He also wanted to make sure my kneecaps were completely healed and working fine.

I could have told him that and avoided a $70 visit. I’m not paying for it.

Obesity is bad for dogs too.

Unfortunately the scale was not my friend. It showed me weighing in at 11 pounds. A standard AKC Chihuahua should weigh no more than 6 pounds.

I am not standard. Nor am I AKC. Nobody gave me any papers which is why I was sold cheap. How barbaric is that?!

The thing is, I am larger than the average Chihuahua. Even still, the doctor says I need to lose a few pounds. Being overweight can have a bad effect on my heart and legs.

I hope I do not have to give up all my treats. And those long walks are quite taxing. I prefer napping.

Why the Freak-Out

My daddy asked the doctor why I sometimes stop what I’m doing and run to my bed, hiding under the covers.

He says it’s probably because I hear something my daddy doesn’t and it scares me. I have keen hearing, although sirens do not bother me.

I can even hear when a little food drops on the kitchen floor. I’m there in a flash to gobble it up. Diet or not, I will find and eat anything that falls on the floor.

Knowing I have no real physical problems is always good. As I get older it will be even more important.

Check out Weight Issues with a Chihuahua from PetChiDog.com for more information on this touchy subject.