Chihuahuas are for pampering, not cooking
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.
8 IMPORTANT Tips to Keep Dogs Safe This Summer
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Leave a commentWe 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.
Chihuahuas Love Parties
We Chihuahuas enjoy a party as much as the next dog. Well, maybe some more than others. As long as there is food and treats.
There are three main Chihuahua personality types:
The social butterfly. This is me. I love people. I will run to almost anyone and greet them, after a moment of preliminary sniffing. It’s my ‘getting to know you’ period.
The barky bitey type. This was my daddy’s previous Chihuahua, Tasha. She hated most people and would just as soon bite them than allow them to touch her or her daddy. A party would not be a good idea for this type of personality.
The nervous and shy type. Some Chihuahuas are afraid of almost everything. A quiet treat at home may be a better idea than tormenting your Chi on their birthday with a roomful of people and dogs.
Should your guest list include other dogs?
Make sure your Chihuahua likes other dogs before inviting them. If they only like a few, just invite those chosen ones. Never invite dogs your Chihuahua doesn’t know or like. Why ruin the party with unwanted guests.
Encourage your guests to bring lots of presents.
We Chis like treats, stuffed animals, chewy toys, squeaky toys, pull toys, crunchy toys, balls of various sorts and sizes. Also bones, biscuits, jerky, cookies and did I mention treats?
Avoid clothes, collars, tags and other boring stuff. You wouldn’t give that to a child, would you?
What to serve at your Chi’s party.
Food. Find your local dog bakery and splurge on a dog friendly cake or other party-like treats. Meat snacks also go well. Forget the sugary snacks. They’re not good for anyone. If you must feed humans too, then a cake is okay. But not chocolate. Drop a piece of chocolate cake on the floor and it will be covered by the nearest Chihuahua in an instant. And remember, chocolate is toxic to dogs of all kinds.
How to dress your Chihuahua for their party.
Most dogs prefer being naked. Let’s face it, dogs hate wearing clothes unless it’s very cold. I especially detest hats, collars, boots, shoes of any kind, anything on my head including bows and ribbons. All these items are for chewing, not wearing. I come with a pre-built-in fur coat. It’s one of a kind and fits great.
Human types should wear comfortable clothes that resist dog hair. Avoid colors that are too dark or light. Never wear a fur coat of any kind, unless it’s fake.
Eating Out with your Chi
If throwing a party for your Chihuahua is too stressful or expensive, why not take your little companion out to dinner to celebrate. We will totally enjoy your company and of course good food. I love eating out with my daddies and have done so quite frequently.
There are many restaurants that have outdoor dining and welcome dogs. Find one that’s not too noisy or distracting, but has pleasant surroundings, interesting sights and shade or heat, where appropriate.
Bring your Chi’s favorite blankie for your lap or else a comfortable carrier so they will feel at home. Don’t forget a water dish and treats. Be careful about sharing your own meal with your Chihuahua. Rich foods can cause stomach problems as well as obesity. Besides, just being with you is all your little Chi needs. That and lots of love.
Dog Friendly Restaurants Near Redondo Beach, CA
Other Stuff to Read:
Another in a series of “Don’t Leave Me!” Articles
The joys of bringing your Chihuahua on Vacation
Don't forget your Chihuahua's favorite toy, pillow and blanket.
My daddies are going on a mini vacation. We’re off to Fresno and I’m going too. Traveling can be stressful for your little Chihuahua, no matter how much we love to be with our human companions.
I enjoy my routines, especially the napping time. I also like to eat at my regular breakfast and dinner times.
I can always tell when a trip is coming. Suitcases appear from nowhere. That’s a big hint. People stuff is gathered and placed on the bed for packing, too.
When I travel I am stuffed into a carrier and seat-belted in for added protection. My carrier used to be roomier when I was smaller. I don’t get it.
My carrier is still pretty cozy and has plenty of screened windows to the world around me. It’s my own little space, which is good because one of my daddy’s brother and sister are going with us.
Things to bring
- Food and water. Bring plenty of your Chi’s regular food and water.
- Toys. A few of your little companion’s favorites will make the trip less stressful.
- Blankets and bed. If possible, bring your Chi’s bed and bedding so they will have a safe place to sleep. Avoid the bedbugs too.
- Treats. My usual treats are always welcome and better for me than a chicken nugget or french fry. Not that I wouldn’t mind getting a fried treat now and again.
- Bowls for water and food. Bring your pet’s favorite bowls so they will feel the most comfortable.
Things to do when driving with your Chihuahua
- Make sure your little Chi is safe and secure. Hanging out the window is dangerous for you and your Chi. Get a carrier or doggie seat and strap in your pet. Preferably in the back seat to avoid air bag issues.
- Don’t ever leave your Chi alone in a car that is too hot or too cold. Either way, they could die. Yikes!
- Stop for frequent walks. We Chihuahuas may like to sleep but being in a cozy carrier can be difficult after a few hours. We need exercise too. And a potty break.
- Food breaks. Sometimes humans get hungry and must stop for food. Many restaurants have outside seating, especially fast food places. Choose one of those because you can take your Chi with you and, again, you never want to leave your Chi in a car that can be too hot or too cold.
Pet-Friendly Motels
There are plenty of pet-friendly motels. Motel 6 is one of our favorites. The trouble with most motels and hotels is that they require you either never leave your pet alone in the room or to “crate” them if you must.
This is for the pet’s safety as well as the cleaning crew. Sometimes we get scared, alone in a strange place and may run out, if given the chance, to find you.
Did you know some senior living communities have spare apartments they rent out by the day. And some of these are pet-friendly? It’s true so check it out.
Leaving your Chihuahua home
If you absolutely can’t take your Chi with you, then leaving them home with a reliable pet sitter is the next best alternative. They will be in their own surroundings and will have company too.
As a last resort, find a highly recommended kennel or boarding place. But keep in mind that most pets hate this. I know I would absolutely hate being alone in a cage, of any sort, while my daddies went off to play without me. If that doesn’t add enough guilt, try whining and sulking.
For more information on traveling with or without your “dog”, check out the following articles:
The Pros and Cons of Kenneling (Boarding) vs. Getting a Pet Sitter for Your Dog by Dr. Debra Primovic
Kenneling Your Dog by Dr. Douglas Brum
Pet Sitter Instructions for Your Dog by PetPlace Staff
Getting a Pet Sitter for Your Dog by Stephen Sawicki
Pet Friendly Travel Ideas by PetPlace Staff
Tasty but Deadly Grapes and Raisins
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!
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.
Leave a commentI 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?”
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.
It’s Always Best to be Informed of Your Chihuahua’s Health
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.
This is not always an easy task. I, for one, do not want medicine. Especially if I don’t feel well. Keep those pills and ear drops away from me.
On the occasion when I do need medicine, my daddy thinks he’s cleverer than I am. He tries to hide pills or liquid medicine in tasty food treats. I know better. If it’s a nasty liquid I won’t eat the treat. If it’s a pill, I can often detect it and spit it out. Especially if it’s bitter. Once in a while I would give in and eat the whole treat, just to please my daddy. But it has to be a premium treat, like meat or ice cream.
Pills
The easy way to give a pill is to hide it in a premium treat. There’s peanut butter, cheese, pieces of meat, canned (really!) dog food, and my favorite, ice cream.
The hard way is to gently open your Chihuahua’s little mouth and stick the pill at the back of their throat. Then close their mouth and wait for them to swallow. If you’re Chi is like me, that will never happen. I’d just as soon bite you rather than let you put your hand down my throat.
Check out How to Administer Pill Medication to Your Dog by Dr. Dawn Ruben for more information.
Topical Medication
This could be anything from ointment for bites to flea medicine. I hate anyone touching my feet. Especially the front ones. But I do enjoy biting and licking them myself.
The trick is to get me when I’m really tired and too sleepy to resist. I may let my daddy put ointment on my feet but he must be quick before I wake into the biting stage.
I hate flea medicine. It’s cold and yucky and smells. How would you like somebody to squeeze a smelly liquid onto your back and feeling it drip down. Can you blame me for hiding after that ordeal?!
Wait a few days after a bath before using flea medicine. Give the skin’s oils a chance to come back to normal levels so that they can absorb the medicine. Plus your pet will not enjoy ruining that fresh, clean after bath feeling with yucky flea medicine.
How to Apply Topical Medication to Your Dog from PetPlace.com
Ear Medication
Worse than flea medicine, when I had an ear infection my daddies had to put COLD liquid medicine in my ears. Why that medicine needs to be refrigerated is beyond me. But it’s the worst. It takes two daddies. One to hold me and one to annoy me with the drops in my ears. I know, I know. It’s for my own good. But I still reserve the right to bite.
How to Administer Ear Medication to Your Dog by Dr. Dawn Ruben
Eye Medication
Try to get your Chihuahua still so you can put the drops in their eye(s). Good luck with that. I have not needed eye drops but I’m sure I would not like it.
How to Administer Eye Medication to Your Dog from PetPlace.com
Human Medication Not Good for Your Chihuahua
Do not give your Chi human medicine unless your vet says it’s okay. Remember, we are little dogs and human medicine is for big people. Don’t ever overdose your little Chi. Even a bit of aspirin can be dangerous if not given properly.
3 Medications You Should Never Give Your Dog By Dr. Jon
Leave a commentI’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.
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