If you own a long-haired Chihuahua puppy, you need to learn how to take care of this bundle of joy. Even though these dogs are very small, they require just as much care as their bigger relatives.
Purse-sized puppies look like toys but they are far from being them. In fact, small dogs are often very fragile and require extra attention. They can tire fast and get leg injuries when jumping from their owner’s hand.
Meanwhile, they have long hair that needs careful trimming. If you are ready to give your dog the best care possible, you can benefit from a few smart tips.
How to Take Care of Your Long-Haired Chihuahua Puppy
As soon as you purchase the dog, take it to the vet. Get a professional opinion about the dog’s current condition, set up an immunization schedule, take care of the trimming, and run all the necessary tests. Chihuahuas are not the healthiest dogs on the planet. They are prone to heart and trachea problems.
Make sure to purchase high-quality food for your long-haired Chihuahua. Their metabolism is very fast, while their stomachs are rather small. You need to make sure the puppies are well fed in order to be healthy and have shiny coats.
It’s recommended to split the daily ration into smaller meals. While most dogs are fine with eating once a day, Chihuahuas can appreciate several meals. One-quarter to one-half cup of dog food a day should be enough to feed your puppy.
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The long hair of your Chihuahua puppy requires special attention. You need to be ready to brush it at least once a week. If your puppy is overly active outside, you might need to do it more often. Make sure you take care of all the dead hair so the coat looks clean. Increase the brushing time when it’s shedding season.
Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Chihuahua Puppies
Every dog owner knows that a puppy means responsibility. Besides keeping the pup neat, fed, and happy, you need to take good care of its health. Regular vet check-ups are mandatory for any dog.
Chihuahua puppies require extra attention due to their size. These dogs are a breed that needs to be groomed on a regular basis. If you don’t take care of the long-haired chihuahua, they will soon turn into a walking mat.
The hair, the paws, the eyes, and the ears must be inspected regularly. You should get all the brushing and combing accessories together with a dog bed and a dog bowl.
1. Brush the Tail
The tail is one of the most hairy parts of the Chihuahua. They tend to pick up plenty of dirt with the tail so you need to give it special attention. You might want to check the tail at least once every two days.
2. Wash regularly
Chihuahua puppies need to be washed once every 2 months. However, it all depends on how dirty your pet can get. Puppies are more active than adults and may require more frequent washing. Make sure to brush the hair and remove all the dead strands before washing the dog.
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3. Check the ears
Try to check the dog’s ears once a week. Chihuahua puppies have sensitive ears, which are prone to infection. If you see something you don’t like, make sure to bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Ear infections can spread quickly.
4. Play around
Purse sized long haired Chihuahua puppies are a lot of fun to play around with. When they are small, they can become great models for various creative photo shoots. Don’t miss this valuable time in your puppy’s life. Take advantage of it!
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5. Get active
Chihuahuas are very active dogs. When they are puppies, it’s hard to stop them from moving around all the time. Make sure you give the dog an opportunity to get plenty of fresh air on a daily basis. It’s up to you to always be ready for some playing.
6. Be smooth
If you are not a fan of plenty of hair care, you can consider a short-haired Chihuahua. They are just as fun and beautiful as their long-haired counterparts. You get less hair hassle but have to forgo fun hairstyles.
7. Brush the teeth
You have to pay close attention to the condition of your dog’s teeth. They need to be brushed on a daily basis. As soon as you buy a long-haired Chihuahua puppy, make sure to start a teeth-brushing routine. The faster the dog learns that it’s part of her daily life, the fewer care problems you’ll have in the future.
8. Watch closely
Your Chihuahua is a cute dog thanks to its size. And it’s the size that leaves it vulnerable to other animals, including cats and dogs.
Never leave your puppy alone outside since it can be preyed on by larger animals. Make sure to have a kennel to carry it around. You have to always be there to snatch the dog from danger’s hands or paws.
9. Buy Toys
These dogs are very playful, and if you don’t have the time or energy to keep them entertained around the clock, make sure they have something to play with. Puppies enjoy a variety of dog toys, so keep them coming. Chew toys can help keep your furniture safe.
10. Trim the nails
Make sure to keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Check your pet’s paws every time you brush their hair. Long nails can break and cause the animal many painful moments. If you are not sure how to trim the nails, watch the groomer do it first.
11. Not for children
Chihuahua puppies are loyal to their family but not to humans or other dogs. In fact, these pets might become aggressive if they don’t like something. As a result, this breed is not suitable for families with small children.
12. Check the gums
Chihuahuas are prone to gum problems. Because of this, pay attention to the gums as well when brushing their teeth. At the first sign of trouble, take the dog to the vet.
13. Make it safe
When you just bring the puppy home, make sure you have a safe area for it to play around in. Allowing your puppy to roam the house might not be a good idea since it can hurt itself or topple over from a table or a chair.
14. Create a soft bed
Long-haired Chihuahua puppies love the softness. Make sure to arrange a soft bed for your animal. A plentiful supply of blankets is an excellent way to make your dog feel safe and content in your home. Remember to clean the blankets on a regular basis.
15. Newspapers are a must
Until your puppy is potty trained, it will cause you plenty of problems on the floor. So stock up on newspapers to make sure your floors don’t suffer from the potty attacks a little pet is capable of.
16. Regular Vet Visits
Even though it’s already mentioned that regular vet check-ups are essential, it’s critical to maintain a consistent schedule. These visits will help detect any health issues early on, especially since Chihuahuas are known to have certain breed-specific health conditions like heart problems and dental issues.
17. Be Gentle While Grooming
Given the size and fragility of Chihuahuas, it’s vital to be extra careful and gentle during grooming sessions. Avoid pulling or tugging on their fur while brushing or washing. Always handle them gently and lovingly.
18. Check Eyes Regularly
Chihuahuas have large, expressive eyes that are prone to various issues such as dryness, infections, or even injury. Regularly check their eyes for any redness, discharge, or discomfort. If any unusual symptoms appear, consult with a vet promptly.
19. Use Appropriate Dog Shampoos
Chihuahuas, particularly long-haired ones, have sensitive skin. It’s important to use a dog-specific shampoo that’s mild and ideally hypoallergenic to avoid any skin irritation. Avoid human shampoos or soaps as they may disrupt the dog’s skin pH balance and cause dryness or itching.
20. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Lastly, a good diet is key to maintaining a healthy coat. Ensure your Chihuahua puppy is getting a balanced diet, rich in nutrients, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Always consult with your vet regarding the best dietary options for your specific dog.
If you are planning to get a Chihuahua puppy with long hair, you need to be ready for its temperament and peculiarities. These suggestions will help you make the most of your new family member.