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
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.
Doris Day is a great fan of us little dogs and animals of all kinds. April 3rd was her birthday and she called in “live” to a streamed broadcast on KIDD 630-AM in Carmel, California.
Ed Dickinson was the DJ host from 8am to noon, PST. Some of Doris’ famous songs as well as tributes and Doris herself was heard.
My daddy has been a great fan of Doris Day since 1962 when he first saw Jumbo at Radio City Music Hall. That’s a long, long, time ago I think. He even met her twice and she was very nice to him.
Don’t forget to check the Doris Day Tribute website for more information.
Update 4/3/11: It appears KIDD 630-AM did not have live streaming of Doris Day’s birthday celebration. But you can still listen to Doris and help celebrate her birthday on this special website.
Update 4/4/11: Listen to excerpts of Doris’ live phone call on her birthday. Also check the official Doris Day website to see when a recording of her birthday celebration will be posted.
Update 4/13/11: Listen to a more complete, commercial free version of Doris Day’s birthday interview on her official website.
Leave a commentIt’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.
Here I am, resting on my "tuffet".
I am one lucky Chihuahua. I have four beds, each in a different room, and a “tuffet” (fluffy pillow) on the sofa.
My daddy insists on walking me several times a day so I do get a bit dirty. At least on the bottom of my feet. That means my beds get a bit dirty, a little bit at a time. I don’t notice it, but my daddies do. So occasionally my beds need to be cleaned.
Cleaning Your Pet’s Bed
Make sure the bed, blanket and pillows are machine washable. Surprisingly so many pet blankets and beds must be hand washed and line dried. Dogs tend to get messy and so does their bedding. How inconvenient to have to hand wash your dog’s bedding. Especially if they have more than one bed.
Machine Washable Pet Beds
When you do machine wash your dog’s bedding, use the most gentle cycle available. Preferably the hand washable or gentle setting.
Try to use scent free detergent. Our noses are very sensitive to all smells, and we prefer our own. Perfumed soaps and softeners can be overwhelming.
Wash your pet’s bed in sections.
If possible, wash parts of your pet’s bedding on different days. Blankets one day. Bottom pad another. Main bed the next day. This way, we have some familiar smells mingled with the clean smell we have to get rid of.
Don’t forget to dry your pet’s bedding on low so you don’t shrink it.
Last time my daddy washed me and all my bedding at once and I was not happy. All my familiar and comforting smells were gone. I freaked and did not want to go in my bed. My daddy had to put his used jammies in my bed in order to give it that comfy and familiar smell before I would give in and use the bed. Daddy won’t make that same mistake again. I never get to sleep in the big bed.
For more tips check out How to Clean a Pet’s Bed from eHow. Also Washing and Drying Instructions for Dog Beds from Orvis.
Leave a commentThe 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 commentYes. We Chihuahuas, like all “dogs”, are very intuitive. We can sense when our human companions are stressed, sad, happy or any other emotion. Mostly because people don’t hide their feelings from us. Dogs are like a therapist you can talk to all the time and they never talk back. At least not in English.
Dogs feel emotions. If you’re yelling at your dog, they know they did something wrong. They may not know what, but they know enough to hide. And if you’re yelling at your spouse or other human companion, your dog knows to stay out of the way.
If you’re happy, your dog will sense that too and want to be a part of it. Dogs are very social creatures. If we see two humans kissing or what-not, we want part of that action.
If you’re playing, we want to play. If you’re watching TV or reading, we want to play. If you’re busy working, well, we want to play. And then take a nice, long nap.
Read more about how your dog can tell how you feel from PetPlace.com. And feel free to share your experiences with your dog and emotions.
Destination Las Vegas
Last weekend I went to Las Vegas for the first time. I can’t say I was very impressed with my mini vacation. Can you believe they don’t allow little Chihuahuas in casinos?! Not that I have any money to gamble with, but I could have done a lot of people watching.
Enjoying the Vegas Strip
Have Chihuahua, Will Travel
I suspected this was going to be a longer car trip than usual because I saw suitcases and my stuff being packed away.
I was placed in my car carrier, strapped to the back seat, and we drove and drove. I tried to nap but I was too excited. I kept my eyes open and watched. Finally we stopped for lunch in Baker. It was a small town. Warm and breezy. Luckily this was October and not July or August, or I would have melted.
Fine dining was limited to Burger King, the only place in town with outdoor tables that were dog friendly.
Checking in to Motel 6
We arrived in Las Vegas around 2 pm. Then we checked in to the Motel 6, next to Hooters and across from the MGM Grand. It was cheap, clean and Chihuahua friendly. The floor was not carpeted but I had my comfy bed, blankets and pillow from home so I was all set. My water bowl was set out, my toys were unpacked and I had a little snack.
Then off we went on a very long walk down what it commonly called the “Strip”. There were too many people for my taste. I was the only Chihuahua walking on this busy street and got lots of attention. Everyone wanted to pet me but I was a bit apprehensive.
Finally we took a detour and eventually ended up back at our new home away from home, Motel 6.
And then I was left alone. But I was so tired I didn’t care. I needed uninterrupted sleep as I had missed several of my naps.
Keeping Your Chihuahua Busy
The next day was much the same. A few long walks, several short walks, a little play time and then some alone time to nap.
Before you know it we were packed and heading home. My little car carrier is nice and safe but a bit constraining. I was so very glad when we pulled into our driveway. I was up and out and ready to play.
I think our next vacation should be a little more Chihuahua friendly.
Here are some vacation trips for your Chihuahua:
- When driving, keep your Chi in a carrier, strapped to the back seat. In case of accident you don’t want your little Chi to fly out of the car.
- Stop often to let your little dog take a walk and relieve themselves.
- Bring your pet’s favorite toys, bed, food, bowls, blankets and treats.
- If you must leave your Chi alone make sure they are safe, have an ID tag, and perhaps leave the TV on for company.
- Try to find a place with fun activities your Chihuahua will enjoy.
For more information check out Tips on Driving with Your Chihuahua. Also see Las Vegas, Nevada Dog-Friendly City Guide.
Leave a commentCandy is a Chihuahua No No
Chihuahuas, like most dogs, love Halloween. Sort of. Actually we love finding candy treats and will steal them if we can. Therefore it is not a good idea to leave candy lying around. Especially chocolate. We are not picky. We’ll eat any kind of candy. Including the wrappers. Why not. So be careful.
Dressing Your Chihuahua in a Costume Can Be Fun, or Not
Some dogs love getting dressed up for Halloween. I do not. What’s the point. It’s not like I get to go trick-or-treating and keep the candy. If your Chi does not like wearing clothes of any kind, please don’t dress them in a costume. It’s embarrassing.
Friendly Visitors or Annoying Beggars
A constant stream of noisy children coming to the door, begging for treats can be a bit bothersome for a sensitive Chihuahua. Begging for treats is my job. And I prefer to do it uninterrupted. So if your Chi is upset by all the commotion, please provide a comfortable, safe and noise-free place for them to hide.
Check out “Halloween Safety for Dogs” for some great advice from About.com.
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