Dog Care

Question: Question about dog care?

(Posted by: Prrosthetik on 2009-11-21 16:25:45)

Okay, in March my guardian is allowing me to get a Chihuahua. I also have two cats, one I raised practically from kitten- hood, he's very, very sweet and loves other animals, besides big dogs, haha. But, I know he gets along with small dogs 'cause I tested it out yesterday with a friends Chihuahua. So I guess besides worrying about the other "alpha " cats reaction, what are some things a Huahua needs?

Posted by: Beverly on 2009-11-21, 16:40:15

We've only had our chihuahua since the end of May so I don't know a whole lot except that she enjoys being near someone as much as possible. She's good about being left alone, but prefers to be snuggled on someone's lap or next to them most of all. I believe she would be extra happy if we had a baby halter to carry her around with us all day. Dixie enjoys lying on our deck during the day in good weather. She's a great little watch dog. She is long coated so needs brushing every day. She is about 5 years old so we didn't get to experience her puppy days. The advantage of small dogs in general is that they are ALWAYS puppies.

Posted by: xXCuriousnessXx on 2009-11-21, 16:44:51

Chihuahuas' needs are the same as most other dogs. Here are the basics: -Make sure you keep the little guy (or girl) clean, but don't bathe it too often. A dog can actually be too clean! Washing it too much is bad for it's skin. If you're worried about it's dog smell getting bad,once every 2-3 weeks should be fine, and you could probably get away with once a month. If you don't mind the dog smell, don't worry about washing it very much. Once every few months would be fine in this case. When choosing a shampoo, it's good to get the flea killing stuff. Just make sure that it is for small dogs, is balanced for a dog's pH levels, and that you follow the instructions carefully. Also, if it has any skin conditions, suck as dry or itchy skin, there are special shampoos for that as well. -Don't let it's toenails grow out! If you let them grow too long, then it becomes hard for the poor thing to walk comfortably, and they can even grow back into the foot. Make sure that when you clip them, you don't clip to much. Taking only the very tip with dog clippers or electric files is enough (unless they've grown out a lot) and should about as often if you bathe it (so once every few weeks). -Make sure that it gets it's shots and it wormed, especially if it's a puppy. Take it to the vet when you get it so that it can have a checkup and get what it needs. -Make sure it's diet is a good one. Make sure you give it dog food that is formulated for small dogs, and limit table scraps if possible. Extra weight is extremely bad for small dogs, making it hard for them to walk, run, breathe, etc. It can also lead to health problems. -Make sure you train it properly. If it hasn't already been house trained, then choose the best way to do this to fit both of your needs. I don't suggest paper training it, because this can be a hard habit to break once it gets older, and it will most likely develop the habit of going wherever the paper was, whether its still there or not, and/ or going on any paper it sees. -Make sure it gets enough attention. Small dogs are very hyper, and it gets worse if they are left alone for long periods of time. Make sure that if you have to leave it, it has plenty of toys to keep it occupied. Also, let it calm down when you come back before you pet it. Petting it while it's super hyper will reinforce the act. -Take it to the vet regularly, especially as it gets older. Small dogs tend to age badly, developing arthritis and cataracts in their teen years. Taking it to the vet will help prevent this. I think I covered everything there, hope I helped ^_^ and good luck with your new huahua!

Posted by: Shadow on 2009-11-21, 16:51:28

Learn how to trim nails and get your pup used to having it done. Some animals absolutely freak out like it is the worse thing that ever happened to them. It needs to be done, and you want it to be a pleasant experience. Crate - this will be like his bedroom for him to go when he needs to get away and he will go in there at night. Do not use it to punish your dog, it should be a safe-happy place. Get a small crate that will allow him to stand up and turn around - if he doesn't have a lot of room to move around, he will be less likely to use his crate as a toilet. Vaccinations - all animals are supposed to have a current rabies vaccination. A lot of pets don't though, if your dog bites someone and is not up to date on his vaccine, you could be fine and he will need to undergo rabies examinations to test neurological symptoms to make sure he doesn't have rabies. Distemper/ parvo will protect your pet against those diseases which can be fatal for pups. Bordetella will protect your pet from "kennel cough " if he goes around other dogs. Heartworm preventative - Interceptor also protects against roundworms, hookworms and whipworms as well as heartworms. Heartworm infections can be fatal if your dog contracts them. Heartworms are transmitted from dog to dog by mosquitos - so even indoor-only animals can get heartworms. The treatment is like chemo for your dog. It is expensive, time consuming, hard on your dog, and he is not allowed to get exuberant for 6 wks. Interceptor guarantees that if tests negative for heartworms and you keep up to date on their heartworm preventative that they will pay the cost of treatment if your dog should ever get heartworms. Flea preventative - Your dog will be going in and out to go on walks and go to the bathroom. This means that he could be exposed to fleas and bring them into the house where your cats live. If any of your animals ingest fleas, they can get tapeworms. Make sure that your dog is on a monthly flea preventative to prevent fleas from getting into your house, on your animals and your selves, and prevent them from getting tapeworms. Dewormer - Most puppies have some kind of worms when you get them. Take a fecal sample to your vet ($10-20) and have it tested. If your dog has worms, get him dewormed (~$30). Intestinal parasites can be passed to you and your cats. Toys - most new dog owners will experience unwanted chewing. Get your dog some appropriate toys to keep him occupied so that he doesn't get bored and also to give him in place of anything you dont want him chewing on. Leash, Collar - keep your dog on a leash to prevent him from running off. This should keep him safe from most dog and car accidents. keep ID and rabies tags on your pets collar. Spay/ Neuter - too many unwanted animals are euthanized every year because people do not get their pets spayed/ neutered. This operation prevents aggression, wanderlust, stress from pregnancies/ heat cycles, ovarian and uterine cancers, testicular cancer, reduces risk of mammary tumors and prostate issues, and, of course, prevents your pet from adding to the pet population. Treats - get some soft liver treats than can be broken up into smaller pieces. This will help in training without you giving tons of treats to your pet everyday. This reduces the likely hood of eating too much which could lead to vomitting and obesity.