May 14th is Chihuahua Appreciation Day! These plucky little dogs have some very devoted fans. There are over 400 officially-recognized dog breeds, and Fido is officially the littlest one of all. These guys usually only weigh between 3 and 8 pounds. Named after their ancestral region, the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, they are playful, loyal, and cuddly. A Seminole, FL vet discusses the Chihuahua below.
Fido is from a pretty warm climate, as his thin fur shows. These cute pups can get chilly easily! Fortunately, that’s not usually a problem around here. However, if a cold snap does come through, make sure your canine buddy has a warm bed, and keep him indoors as much as possible.
Just like people, dogs need proper exercise to truly thrive. Fido isn’t well-suited for long, vigorous walks, though: he actually gets a good workout by just running around on those tiny legs. Swimming is also off the table: Chihuahuas are just too small to swim safely.
Only purchase things that are the right size for your pint-sized pup. Fido can hurt himself with toys and treats made for bigger dogs! We also strongly advise getting a harness instead of a collar, for safety reasons.
Don’t be surprised if Fido needs some work on his petiquette. Although Chihuahuas are very loving to their humans, they can be suspicious of others. Given their small size, you wouldn’t think this would be much of an issue, but believe it or not, they can be quite aggressive. Those little teeth can still hurt! Training is also important to Fido’s safety. Many Chihuahuas have a sort of doggy Napoleon complex, and won’t hesitate to charge larger dogs. Needless to say, this can be dangerous. Make sure your furry pal obeys basic commands.
Sadly, Chihuahuas are one of the breeds most likely to be euthanized. They also sometimes have trouble getting adopted, as people assume they’re loud and rather bossy. Fido may bark and tremble a lot at first, but that’s natural, given how stressful a shelter can be. It may take time for him to feel safe. Offer great TLC, and keep up with his veterinary care needs. You’ll have that teeny tiny tail going before you know it!
Do you have questions about caring for a Chihuahua? Contact us, your Seminole, FL pet hospital, today!