Chihuahua Breed Maintenance
fluffy Chihuahua and therefore need to be brushed several times a week with a soft bristle brush. They do shed but this is minimal.
You can give your pup a bath once every month or so but make sure they don’t get water in their ears. They, along with their eyes and teeth, are prone to infection, so you need to be careful when cleaning them. You’ll also need to trim their nails regularly.
It’s best to keep Chihuahuas on a leash when you’re out, and you may want to get them a sweater when it’s cold as they are sensitive to this. A harness is advised over a collar for this breed as tracheal collapse can be an issue.
This breed enjoys their walks, although this can be for a much shorter length of time than larger breeds. They are suitable for living in apartments as long as you get them out for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. Their low exercise needs and small size means you may like to carry them when going longer distances.
Chihuahua health risks
Chihuahuas typically live long and healthy lives. But, of course, there are a few health conditions you need to be aware of. These include:
- Patellar luxation
- Heart murmurs
There is also a chance of hypoglycemia, pulmonic stenosis, hydrocephalus, tracheal collapse, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and molera - although these are only minor concerns.
You want to make sure you have the best insurance for you and your dog. So, does your policy cover these conditions? Browse and compare top pet insurance providers to ensure you have the best cover for your Chihuahua.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation is more common in toy breeds and often hereditary. This is when the kneecap becomes dislocated from the knee joint. It could be congenital - which means a Chihuahua puppy is born with it or developmental, so it develops later in life.
Heart murmurs
A heart murmur can be a sign of an abnormality of the heart or valves, inflammation of the heart or a narrowing of the arteries. This would be discovered when a vet listens to their heart and hears vibrations that don’t sound normal.
Feeding a Chihuahua - what’s the best diet?
Chihuahua puppies should be fed several small meals a day. This helps to prevent hypoglycemia which this breed can be prone to. Once they are older, you can feed them two meals a day.
But remember, their small size means that Chihuahuas don’t eat a huge amount. They can easily become overweight so keep an eye on how much they are eating - including treats.
They should be fed high-quality dry dog food. They can be picky, so you may need to try a few different brands to discover what they like.
You want your Chihuahua to be enjoying the best possible diet. Not sure what to feed them? Take a look at the advice from our friends at Dog Food Advisor and discover the best dog food for small dogs and the best dog food for Chihuahuas.