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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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
Lucy’s Funtabulous Newsletter
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Leave a commentChihuahuas 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
The world can be a dangerous place for your little Chihuahua. My daddy came across this video on Petplace.com. For your little dog’s safety (and cats too) I recommend you watch it.
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!
Leave a commentOne Life to Live ends forever on January 20th, 2012
You may wonder what a Chihuahua has to do with TV soap operas. I blame my daddy. He named my website All My Chihuahuas instead of The World of Lucy or some such thing.
My daddy is a soap opera junkie and has been since he was a kid. Trained by his mother, who passed on long before I was born, daddy grew up watching As The World Turns, Guiding Light and Search for Tomorrow. One Life to Live and The Young and the Restless was added to the mix when daddy was still in high school, before the era of VCRs (he’s very old).
That’s a lot of TV watching.
If you ask me, daddy watches too much TV. That’s time that could be spent either playing with me or feeding me. He should be grateful for the extra time being added to his life. After all, he only has one life to live and it should be spent devoted to his Chihuahua.
Options to Save the Soaps
Because my daddy still loves his daytime “stories” I’ve come up with a few ideas on how to either save One Life to Live and All My Children or at least keep the stories going.
- Internet Only. Find a way to keep the show going online. Probably not a practical idea since the cost of producing a soap is estimated at $50 million a year.
- Netflix to the rescue. Netflix is currently looking to add more streaming content, perhaps even becoming network-like. They’ve just added films from Miramax and one new series. Why not add a few soap operas which already have an audience of almost 2 million daily viewers or more, depending on how you count. Adding up to 2 million or more monthly subscribers would equal a lot of money. Just saying.
- Radio Soaps. Let’s go back to the beginning, before TV. Soaps began on the radio, why not bring them back. Money would be saved by eliminating the cost of sets, cameras, makeup, costumes, etc. Actors would have less work to do, meaning less pay. But at least the story would go on.
- Soap Grafix. If it’s true that people no longer want to watch soaps on TV, then how about a series of graphic, illustrated stories. They could be printed or created as an app for the iPhone, iPad or online.
- Novels and/or Serialized eBooks. The stories could still go on, if only in the reader’s head. The main cost would be for the writer(s) and perhaps the rights to the characters and story history.
These are just some ideas to help my daddy and others who will certainly miss their “stories”. Have you got others?
Leave a comment
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?”
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.
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