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Vaccinations - Isolation is the best form of protection for a new puppy until it has had his/her 12 week vaccination and
he/she can begin building its own immunity. Parvo and other problems can be brought into an environment on the bottom of shoes,
on clothing (airborne virus) and by other animals, or by humans who have been exposed to infected animals. If your puppy is
under 16 weeks of age it is a good idea to keep him/her away from other animals as much as possible, ask your friends to wash
their hands before handling your new addition. Another dog may look normal and be perfectly healthy itself, but can be a passive
carrier of a virus or bacteria that your puppy has no immunity to. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it
comes to exposing your new puppy to outside dogs.
Watch your puppy carefully the first few days after you bring him/her home. You will quickly learn what is normal behavior
patterns for him/her. Monitor his/her eating habits, bowel movements, play patterns, and sleep times. Most puppies have two
speeds; full speed ahead and "crash". A quit area, warm, clean bedding should be provided, puppies need lots of sleep the
first few months. Any time you see variations in behavior that trouble you, don’t hesitate to call us, if we can’t
give you a satisfactory answer then call your vet. With Chihuahuas it is better to address a potential problem before the
little animal is in serious trouble.
Diarrhea or vomiting may be caused by a chill, infection, stress, contaminated food or worms. If not severe try a teaspoon
of plain (not fruit) yogurt with acidophilus every 2 hours - constant diarrhoea/vomitting can kill your puppy very quickly
- seek urgent help from your Vet.
Warmth - all Chihuahuas dislike the cold, make sure your puppy does not chill. A warm bed out of drafts, a warm coat in
winter will keep him well and happy. Chihuahuas love the sun, most don't know when they have had to much, it is up to you
to know when they have had enough. Never leave your Chihuahua outside alone, large birds can and will carry them away.
Anal Glands - ask your vet to show you how to check and empty if necessary (ideal time is bath time).
Reverse breathing - most Chihuahuas at some time or another will make this snorting/snuffling/honking sound - do not panic,
gently cover his nose with your hand thus making him breathe through his mouth and it will stop or softly rub his throat area
and calm him down if stressed.
No dog article would be complete without mentioning fleas. Never let your puppy get fleas, as they can become anemic if
they are being eaten by fleas. Fleas carry tapeworm larvae and dogs get tapeworms by ingesting fleas. Invest in a flea prevention
program from your vet.
After about six months of age the Chihuahua is a very hearty little dog, they require very little grooming (weekly for
a smooth coat and every third day for a long coat will keep knots away)
Bathing - use your discretion (too often dries the coat and too little and he/she will begin to smell doggy) An all natural
shampoo is best for their skin and coats, making sure to rinse off all soap or he will be itchy. Towell dry and keep him out
of drafts till he is completly dry. Nails need to be cut monthly.
Eyes - as Chihuahuas do protrude some and their eyes are very close to the ground they are apt to pick up little particles
of dust and suffer from watery eyes. Wipe the eyes with a cool tea bag. Murine or Optrex eye drops will not harm him if used
occasionally. If persistent mention it to your Vet.
Chihuahuas live a long time. Feed the best foods available and your little dogs immune system will be sturdy well into
its old age. He/she is what you feed him - so to speak.
When we sell someone a puppy we always tell him/her we are available to call us any time that they need to. If it is 3.00am
and the puppy has a problem, feel free to call, maybe we can help without a trip to the vet. We do not recommend that anyone
buy a dog from a breeder who doesn’t have a similar attitude. Your breeder should be your mentor and a shoulder to lean
on for as long as you need the assistance. We breeders help guide the creation of these little animals and we owe it to them
to make sure that we are there for them as well as for the new owners.
Read and follow the information packet we provide you. If you change pups diet, do so gradually otherwise the puppy will
get an upset stomach. Have your vet worm regularly, vaccinate yearly after the first series of shots are given. A little bit
of information and some common sense can keep your Chihuahua with you for many years to come. Consult your breeder (the good
ones don’t mind) or your veterinarian as needed.
If your puppy is shipped we would apperciate a call soon after you pick him/her up so we know they arrived safely!
Good luck with your new family addition!
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