May 2015

Chihuahua Pictures and Visitor Photo Gallery

May 29, 2015 maximios Dogs

Want to see YOUR Chihuahua listed here? Send us a picture at [email protected] and we will gladly upload it here on our photo gallery. For more details, please read these submission rules.

Protecting Your Chihuahua From The Deadly Parvovirus (Parvo)

May 3, 2015 maximios Dogs

The canine Parvovirus (referred to as Parvo for short) is a type 2 virus that every Chihuahua owner needs to be aware of. Once a Chihuahua is exposed to it, they may experience a wide range of symptoms include dehydration, diarrhea and vomiting. If treatment is not given within 24-48 hours, an infected Chihuahua may end up dying. As an owner, it’s your responsibility to protect your Chihuahua (or Chihuahuas) from this horrible virus.

Parvovirus

You might be surprised to learn that the Parvovirus didn’t start appearing in dogs until 1978. Before this time, there were no vases of this deadly virus, and owners didn’t have to worry about protecting their dogs from it. However, scientists believe a mutation of the feline distemper virus (panleukopenia) ultimately led to the creation of what we know refer to as Parvo. Even though it’s only been around for a couple decades (which is relatively new in the whole scheme of things), Parvo has quickly become one of the most deadly canine viruses, which is why you need to keep your Chihuahua protected from it.

Transmission

One of the reasons why Parvo is so effective (from a virus standpoint) is because it’s able to live on surfaces without a hose for up to 6 months, with freezing temperatures not phasing it a bit. When an infected dog using the bathroom outside, the virus will linger here and wait for the opportunity to take over another host. It can be even be transmitted from general skin contact with an infected dog, but typically it’s through fecal matter.

Parvo can quickly spread once an infected dog enters the home where other dogs reside. The virus will then latch on to the carpet, furniture, food and water bowls, blankets, bedding and more. If other dogs are exposed to these items or areas, there’s a good chance the virus will enter their system. It’s then up to their immune system to try and fight it off without the virus spreading and taking hold. Young puppies and dogs without their vaccinations are placed at a greater risk for infection.

Some dogs, such as Dobermans, Labs, German Shepherds and Beagles, are naturally more susceptible to Parvo than others. With that said, no breed (Chihuahuas included) are completely safe from this deadly virus. It’s unclear exactly why certain breeds are targeted more than others, but it could simply be how the virus evolved.

Symptoms

Lethargy/weakness.
Diarrhea (can lead to severe dehydration if not treated).
Elevated fever.
Bloody stool with the possibility of an unusual odor.
Physical pain, more specifically in the abdominal region.

Note: An infected Chihuahua may not experience every symptom listed here. The most common symptoms of Parvo include lethargy and a bloody stool, so be on the lookout for these. If your Chihuahua experiences ANY of the symptoms listed above, take them to the veterinarian immediately for a professional diagnosis.

Chihuahua Walking Outside

Diagnosis

The only way to properly diagnose the Parvovirus in a Chihuahua or any other canine is through the guidance of a professional veterinarian. There are a couple different testing methods available, one of which is a basic blood test. A small tube of blood is taken from the Chihuahua and tested for strains of the virus. Although, the most effective and commonly used testing method is through a stool sample. Most veterinarians have the necessary kits and equipment to test for Parvo in a stool sample. Once the sample is collected, it should take less than 20 minutes to determine whether or not the canine is infected.

Like most virus testing methods, there’s no 100% accurate way to test for canine Parvo. Checking the stool for the virus is the most effective way, but it could still result in a false negative outcome. Don’t assume your Chihuahua isn’t infected just because the test came out negative. Look for the symptoms and keep an eye on their behavior.

Parvo Vaccine

Treatment and Prevention

Unfortunately, there’s no known cure for the Canine Parvovirus. However, you should still take your Chihuahua to the veterinarian immediately if you believe there’s even a chance they could be infected. Some Chihuahuas may have a strong enough immune system to fight off the disease on their own, but this isn’t a risk you should take. A licensed vet will have the skills and equipment necessary to give your Chihuahua a better chance at surviving it. They can place them on an IV-drip, monitor their vitals and provide pain-relieving medication.

While there’s no cure for Parvo, there are vaccinations available. Keeping your Chihuahua up to date with their vaccinations is vital to protecting them from Parvo. So, when should they get their Parvo vaccination? Talk with your veterinarian to determine what age is best for your Chihuahua, but a good rule of thumb is to get their first vaccination around 5 weeks of age, with booster shots following about once a month until they are about 16-20 weeks old.

The key thing to remember is that you need to keep your Chihuahua away from other dogs until they’ve had all of their necessary vaccinations. Most experienced breeders will tell you to keep your Chihuahua inside the home, and it’s because of this reason. Socializing is important when raising a Chihuahua puppy, but you can’t risk them contracting Parvo when already have a weakened immune system.

Cleaning a Parvo-Infected Home

In the event that your Chihuahua becomes infected with Parvo, you will need to thoroughly clean your home to rid it of the virus. As previously stated, however, Parvo is an extremely resilient virus that’s able to live for months on end without a host; therefore, trying to rid your home of it can be difficult to say the least. The best approach is to throw away any blankets and bedding that your Chihuahua was using and replace it with new ones. Also, use water-diluted bleach to clean the floors, crate and anywhere else you can. Obviously you won’t be able to bleach the carpet, but you can still use it on linoleum, hardwood and tile flooring.

References:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-parvovirus.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvovirus

http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/animalhealth/page.php?id=1089

Patellar Luxation in Chihuahuas – What You Should Know

May 3, 2015 maximios Dogs

If you’ve noticed your Chihuahua hopping while holding one of their back legs up, chances are they are suffering from a knee condition known as “patellar luxation.” This is one of the breed’s most common health problems, as Chihuahua experts and health professionally estimate roughly 10% of the population suffers from it. At first glance, it may not seem like a concerning issue, but the fact is that patellar luxation can become progressively worse over time, which is why it’s important to closely observe your Chihuahua if they are suffering from it. Here we’ll take a closer look at the causes, symptoms and treatment options for patellar luxation in Chihuahuas.

What is Patellar Luxation?

Chihuahua Knee X-Ray

Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) slides out of its normal place, which is frequently off to the side. In a healthy canine, there are grooves at the base of the femur where the kneecap gently slides in and out of as the canine walks and moves about. These cartridge grooves are necessary to create a smooth surface for the knee to move back and forth. However, when the bony sides of the groove are compressed, the area too small for the kneecap to fit; therefore, it slides or luxates out of place.

Patellar luxation is generally broken down into one of two different categories — medial and lateral. A Chihuahua suffering from medial patellar luxation will have their kneecap slip toward their body, while a Chihuahua suffering from lateral will have their kneecap slip out to the sides and away from their body. An experienced veterinarian should be able to tell what type of patellar luxation your Chihuahua is suffering from by a simple examination and x-ray.

Here are the (4) levels of severity with patellar luxation:

Grade I – The most minor grade of patellar luxation where the Chihuahua may or may not exhibit visible symptoms. When the patella slips out of place, it can oftentimes be manually maneuvered into the socket by hand. You’ll want a skilled veterinarian to show you exactly how to do this before trying it on your own.
Grade II – The kneecaps are more likely to slip out of their normal position in Grade II patellar luxation. Typically, this occurs when the Chihuahua is running, walking or jumping, but it can also happen for no reason at all in Grade II. A Chihuahua suffering from this condition may begin to show signs of pain and discomfort, and they may also begin to develop arthritis as a result.
Grade III – This is one of the more severe grades of patellar luxation in which the kneecap tends to stay out of place most of the time. This prevents the Chihuahua from walking or running as they normally do, except when/if it pops back in place. Most Chihuahuas with Grade III patellar luxation will have their kneecap remain out of place most of the time.
Grade IV – The kneecap is permantantly out of its normal position and doesn’t go back on their own. Most Chihuahuas suffering from Grade IV patellar luxation will have a difficult time walking, which is why they hold their leg up. You should consult with a veterinarian to see if surgery is a viable option for Chihuahuas suffering from this condition.

Patellar Luxation Surgery

Patellar Luxation Symptoms

Patellar luxation is most easily identified by looking for a characteristic hopping behavior where they are intentionally trying to keep weight off a problematic leg. Instead of walking or running as they normally would, a Chihuahua suffering from this condition will typically hold up their leg (usually the back) because the knee cap locks up and won’t perform as it should. Thankfully, though, their knee should go back into its normal position once your Chihuahua stops to relax.

Chihuahuas suffering from extreme cases of patellar luxation (grade I and II) may experience pain and discomfort as a result of the patella rubbing the bony area outside the groove. When the kneecap locks up, they may whimper or yelp as a result of the pain it causes. The best thing you can do when this happens is to comfort your dog and help them find a comfortable resting area. The pain should go away away when the patella goes back in its original position.

Patellar Luxation Treatment

Unfortunately, treatment options are limited for Chihuahuas suffering from patellar luxation. Most veterinarians recommend that Chihuahua with grade I or II patellar luxation be closely observed and watched. Instead of allowing the jump down from the couch, bed or chair, pick them up and place them on the ground. High jumps can frequently cause their kneecap to slip out of its place and lockup; therefore, creating an episode where your Chihuahua is forced to hold up their problematic leg. Also, it’s recommended that you avoid placing pressure on their leg with patellar luxation. When you pick up your Chihuahua, gently hold them by their body and avoid the area that’s causing them pain or discomfort.

For Chihuahuas suffering from grade II or IV patellar luxation, sugery may be recommended depending on the severity of their condition. While there are several different surgical procedures intended to treat this condition, the most common involves widening the groove where the patella slides, along with repositioning the necessary ligaments and tightening the capsules. This is a fairly invasive procedure with several risks of its own, which is why only Chihuahuas suffering from serious cases of patella luxation are recommended for it.

As long as your Chihuahua isn’t experiencing pain or discomfort from their patellar luxation, surgery typically isn’t recommended. Before jumping the gun, you should take your Chihuahua to a veterinarian who’s skilled and experienced in this condition to determine if it’s a helpful option for them. The veterinarian should be able to determine this by performing a physical examination of their patella and by running a series of x-rays on the area.

Video of 3lb Chihuahua Suffering From Patellar Luxation

References:

Patellar Luxation By David M. Nunamaker

Patellar Luxation Surgery and Treatment

History of The Chihuahua Breed

May 3, 2015 maximios Dogs

Like many other modern-day dog breeds, the history and origin of the Chihuahua breed is unknown. While scientists and historians have speculated on the Chihuahua’s origin for quite some time, there’s still no definitive proof as to where it actually came from. However, there are a few different likely scenarios that may answer this age-old question. If you’re wondering where the Chihuahua breed came from, keep reading and we’ll uncover some of the facts regarding their history and origin.

Chihuahua, Mexico

Mexico Flag

While there’s a lot of speculation surrounding the true origins of the Chihuahua breed, we do know some of them were discovered during the mid-to-late 1800s in the ruins surrounding Casas Grandes in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico.

Once these dogs were discovered, they were brought back to some of the nearby populated Mexican cities where they were bred. These dogs instantly became popular were named after “Chihuahuas” after the state in which some of the earlier specimens were found.

So, we know for a fact that a small number of Chihuahuas were originally discovered in some old ruins in Chihuahua, Mexico, but how did they get there? This is where some historians and breed experts butt heads, as there’s no definitive answer to this question. With that said, there are a couple different possible scenarios regarding the Chihuahua’s origin.

Toltec Ruins

Techichi

One of the most plausible scenarios is that the Chihuahua is a descendant of a small-framed dog known as the Techichi, which were revered amongst the Toltec civilization. During their reign (950-1140 A.P), it’s believed that the Toltecs believed Techichis would follow them to the afterlife; therefore, they oftentimes sacrificed and buried them along with their owners.

Several archaeological discoveries has revealed the bones of Techichis in ancient Toltec tombs. Old carvings have also been discovered on the walls of the Toltec ruins and surrounding area.

It’s possible that the Chihuahua is a direct descendant of the Techichi breed, but other historians believe it was crossed bred by with another small dog known as the Chinese Crested dog.

When Spanish invaders took took over parts of ancient China, they may have picked up the Chinese Crested dog and brought it over to Mexico when they invaded the region. Once the Chinese Crested was in Mexico, it would then have the chance to breed with the Techichi, and the Chihuahua would have been the result. Of course this is simply speculation, but many people believe this is how the Chihuahua originated.

European Descent

Yet another possibility is that Chihuahuas are from European descent, more specifically the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The reasoning behind this theory is that there was a small dog that inhabited the island. Like the modern day Chihuahua, this dog breed also had a soft spot on their skull known as a natural molera. You can feel these soft spots by running your hand over a Chihuahua’s head, as the skin will sink down a bit. Essentially, these soft spots, or natural moleras, are small openings in the skull that roughly 3 out of 4 Chihuahuas have.

Another piece of evidence reinforcing this theory lies in a painting that’s on display at the Sistine Chapel. In 1942, Sandro Botticelli painted a fresco of a boy holding a small dog that seems to have an uncanny resemblance to a Chihuahua. This fresco, known as “Scenes From The Life of Moses” is now on display at Italy’s Sistine Chapel. One could argue that Botticelli painted a Techichi that was brought over from Mexico, but the fact is that he painted the fresco 10 years before Columbus sailed to the Americas; therefore, it would have been impossible for him to know what the Techichi looked like.

Modern Day Chihuahua

Chihuahuas Today

The fact is that any one of the popular theories listed above could be the true origin of the Chihuahua, or it may be something completely different. In any case, we know that Chihuahuas appeared in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico around the mid to late 1800s. Once they were brought into some of the populated cities around the region, word spread about this small, affectionate dog that no one had seen before. During this time, a group of Americans were traveling to the region when they saw the Chihuahua and immediately fell in love. They decided to take several Chihuahuas back to the states where they used them as show dogs.

With the Chihuahua breed now in the U.S., the American Kennel Club (AKC) saw their first registered Chihuahua in 1904. The first AKC registered Chihuahua, named Midget, was owned by a Texan resident who was looking to increase the breed’s awareness. The club’s second registered Chihuahua, Beppie, came just years later. Before long, the breed’s popularity in the AKC climbed higher than anyone could have expected. In 1952, the AKC separated the Chihuahua breed into two different varieties — the smooth and long coat.

The Chihuahua Club of America was founded in 1923 with the goal of creating a community tailored to this popular new breed. This club enabled Chihuahua owners to come together to share advice on health problems, grooming and general breed characteristics. As you can expect, this provided valuable information that helped breeders to raise their Chihuahuas with better health.

References:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/585352/Techichi

How To Choose The Right Chihuahua Puppy From a Litter

May 3, 2015 maximios Dogs

Chihuahua Puppy

Taking trips to local breeders in search of a new Chihuahua puppy is an exciting time for everyone involved. Just being able to watch these playful balls of fur rolls around on one another is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. However, you’ll want to think long and hard about which puppy is the best fit for your family and living environment. Some people simply choose the smallest or cutest one, but this isn’t the best approach. Instead, base your decision on the following criteria listed below.

Before we begin, it’s important that you spend ample time visiting the puppy litter before making a decision. Most breeders will more than likely try to encourage you to purchase a puppy on your first trip so they can bring in new customers, but you must refrain from doing so. Spontaneously choosing a puppy based off your emotions and instinct could result in the wrong match for your family. The bottom line is that you need to make several visits to the breeder’s home or location to spend time with the puppies; otherwise, it’s a guessing game that you probably won’t win.

Chihuahua Puppy Cuddling With Owner

Male or Female – Which One Should I Choose?

Arguably, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when selecting a Chihuahua puppy is whether you want a male or female. As puppies, there won’t be many (if any) notable differences between male and female puppies. Once they grow older, however, you will see certain characteristics associated with each gender.

Male Chihuahua puppies tend are typically more loyal and affectionate than their female counterpart. I know some people would assume the opposite is true, but it’s actually males who are more loving. If you are looking for a loyal, loving family dog, there’s no better choice than a male.

Be warned, though, un-neutered males are known for marking their territory indoors by hiking a back leg and peeing on furniture and furnishings. It’s not a pleasant sight to come home and see your living room furniture marked by your Chihuahua. The good news is that you can potty-train them through positive reinforcement and obedience, so take this into consideration as well.

Of course female Chihuahua can also make loyal, loving family companions. Most Chihuahua breeders and experts will agree that females are generally calmer and less rambunctious, making them a good choice for apartment complexes or small homes. While they still enjoy occasional play time throughout the day,female Chihuahua puppies prefer to kick back and relax in their owner’s lap.

Female Chihuahuas will go into heat around the ages of 6-9 months. Because they are still so young and vulnerable at this age, most veterinarians DO NOT recommend spaying before your puppy’s first heat cycle. Talk with your vet to determine when the appropriate time for spaying is.

Puppy Health Inspection

Unfortunately, not all Chihuahua puppies are born healthy. Some of them may have worms, bone disorders, or they suffer from a certain disease or illness. Unless you want to spend thousands of dollars in vet bills and many sleepless nights worrying, you should choose a Chihuahua puppy that appears to be in good health. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing or adopting an ill Chihuahua puppy, but you need to know what you are getting into.

So, how are you able to determine whether or not they are healthy? Here are some of the things you should look for when performing a puppy health inspection:

Run your fingers through the puppy’s coat to check for any fleas or ticks. Reputable breeders should raise their Chihuahua puppies in a tick and flea-free environment.
Be on the lookout for lethargic and abnormally weak puppies, as this could be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. Healthy Chihuahua puppies should be responsive and playful.
Puppies should have a clean, shiny and tangle-free coat. Some puppies will roll around in their pee, but a good breeder should stay on top of cleaning them.
Check the eyes, ears and nose for any signs of mucus buildup or discharge. Problems such as these are usually caused by infections, which the breeder should take care of.
As the puppies play and run around with one another, pay attention to their movements. Puppies that hop or limp along may suffer from congenital defects that aren’t easily fixed.
Perform an oral examination by opening the puppy’s mouth and looking at their gums and teeth. A healthy puppy should have soft pink gums, white teeth and no foul-smelling breath.
Is the puppy a healthy weight? Ribs visibly sticking out of their chest is sign they aren’t eating enough. On the other hand, a large belly could signal a gastrointestinal issue or worms.
Vomiting and diarrhea are two problematic signs that something is wrong with a Chihuahua puppy, at least health wise.

White Chihuahua Puppy

Behavior and Temperament

Chihuahua puppies vary greatly in their behavior and overall temperament. This should be apparent from the moment you walk into a breeder’s home with a litter of puppies running around on the floor. Some of them will by running around biting on the furniture or their toys, and others will be napping together in a large ball of fur. How they behave as puppies will essentially lay the foundation for their behavior and temperament as adults, which is why you must take this into consideration when choosing a puppy.

There are a couple things to be aware of when selecting a puppy. I recommend getting down on the floor and calling the puppy over to see how they respond. Even if they don’t recognize the “come here” command yet, they should still notice you are trying to get their attention. Make eye contact with the puppy and pat the ground saying. If the puppy eagerly pounces towards your position, you can rest assured knowing they will be easy to train. On the other hand, Chihuahua puppies that ignore your movements and gestures altogether will have difficulty training.

References:

http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-articles/choosing-a-puppy-from-a-litter

Common Causes of Allergies In Chihuahuas

May 3, 2015 maximios Dogs

Chihuahua Allergies

Chihuahuas can suffer from allergies just like we can. In fact, it’s believed that 1 in 5 of all dogs experience some form of allergies. Although they usually don’t pose a serious threat to their health, watching a Chihuahua experience an allergic episode can be a frightening sight for their owner. But what exactly causes these cute little canines to exhibit this behavior? Keep reading and we’ll go over some of the most common causes of allergies in Chihuahuas.

Depending on the severity of the situation, a Chihuahua suffering from allergies may require medical attention, or they may simply need to wait it out. The real problem occurs when the allergic reaction creates new concerns of its own. If you believe your Chihuahua is suffering from allergies, the first thing you should do is consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment.

Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with allergies:

Excessive licking, especially around the paws.
Wheezing and honking noises (AKA reverse sneezing).
Sneezing.
Dry, peeling skin.
Eye/nose mucus or discharge.
Itchiness associated with scratching.
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness/lethargy.

Note: All Chihuahuas respond to allergies in different ways; therefore, it’s highly unlikely that your Chihuahua will exhibit all of the previously listed symptoms.

Chihuahua Suffering From Allergies

Internal Allergies

Allergies can generally be broken down into two different categories – internal and external. The first ones we’ll cover, internal allergies, are triggered by things inside the Chihuahua’s body as opposed to things outside their body.

One of the most common types of internal allergy triggers are food. If you notice your Chihuahua exhibiting any of the previously mentioned symptoms immediately after eating, there’s a good chance they are allergic to the type of food you are feeding them. Internal allergies such as this may include itching of the throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. We talk a little more about choosing a high-quality dog food for your Chihuahua in an earlier post, but in general you should avoid foods with a high gluten content, corn and “filler” products. Stick with organic meat and vegetable blends, and only purchase your dog food from a reputable store or dealer.

Of course, Chihuahuas may experience internal allergies from food they shouldn’t eat but have. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, sneaky little Chihuahuas are bound to get their paws on some of your table food. Whether it’s from you feeding it to them or from them reaching up on the coffee table when you aren’t looking. Unfortunately, however, table food is more likely to trigger an allergic reaction simply because of their bodies aren’t used to digesting the ingredients.

Certain medicine can also trigger an allergic reaction in Chihuahuas. If you notice your Chihuahua experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking any medication, immediately discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian. The side of effects of an allergic reaction from medication are oftentimes worse than the health condition its used to treat.

External Allergies

On the other side of the fence are external allergies; and as the name suggests, these are triggered by forces outside of the Chihuahua’s body. Because these triggers occur externally and not internally, there’s a far greater number of things that may cause external allergies.

Shampoos, conditioners and soaps are some of the most common sources of external allergies. Many owners don’t realize that these commonly used products contain fragrances and dyes that Chihuahuas simply aren’t used to. As a result, some of them may experience an allergic reaction as their bodies response to these foreign chemicals and ingredients. Allergies from shampoos, conditioners and soap will typically result in itchiness accompanied with redness from scratching the affected area.

Flea bites are another common source of external allergies in Chihuahuas. Just a single flea can bite a Chihuahua as many as 400 times a day, all of which leave behind an open would that triggers an allergic reaction. Imagine having hundreds of even thousands of itching, painful bites all over your body. To make matters worse, there’s nothing a small Chihuahua can do to soothe the pain. Whether you believe your Chihuahua is allergic to flea bites or not, you should take the necessary precautions to keep them safe from these awful insects.

The truth is that practically anything can trigger external allergies in a Chihuahua. If their bodies believes a chemical or ingredient is foreign, it may respond by throwing the Chihuahua into an allergy attack. External allergies are typically less severe than internal allergies, but they can still be concerning, especially if it’s a common occurrence that doesn’t seem to go away on its own.

Dealing and Treating Allergies

The first step in treating a Chihuahua suffering from severe allergies is to talk with your veterinarian to voice your concerns. Only a professional and experienced veterinarian will be able to diagnose your Chihuahua’s condition as an allergic reaction. Depending on how severe their condition is, your veterinarian may recommend a medication like antihistamine. In fact, some veterinarians tell owners to give their Chihuahua a small dose of Benedryl. But this should only be done after consulting your veterinarian.

Treatment will vary depending on what’s triggering your Chihuahua’s allergies. If they are primarily experiencing a skin allergy, your veterinarian may recommend a topical cream. On the other hand, your veterinarian may tell you to change your Chihuahua’s diet if they believe their food is triggering the allergic reaction. There are some Chihuahuas that are allergic to all types of dog food, forcing their owner to cook their meals by hand.

As you can see, Chihuahua allergies are a serious problem that can result in a wide range of unwanted symptoms. Minor allergic reactions may only result in a slight itching sensation, while more severe ones can cause upper respiratory problems, vomiting and diarrhea. Thankfully, veterinarians are trained to diagnose and treat allergies in Chihuahuas. No matter how minor your Chihuahua’s allergy attacks are, it’s important to seek the advice of a professionally trained veterinarian.

References:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-allergies.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergies_in_dogs

Breed Information

May 3, 2015 maximios Dogs

Refer to the following chart for a prediction of your Chihuahua puppy’s growth. It uses a puppy’s current age and weight to predict their future weight. Identifying a Chihuahua pup’s future size is important for a number of reasons; it allows owners to purchase the right size crate, bed, collar/harness, and knowing their future size […]

Female Chihuahuas can make wonderful, loving family pets. In fact, many people prefer them because they don’t mark their territory like their male counterparts. If you plan on raising a female Chihuahua, though, you’ll need to be aware of their heat cycle. This is a critical time in their life that requires special care and […]

Choosing a dog food for your Chihuahua isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. Like all dogs, Chihuahuas have very specific nutritional needs that must be met through proper dieting. Unfortunately, most of the dog foods sold in pet stores and grocery stores fail to provide enough nutrients for healthy growth and development. While […]

Purebred Chihuahuas are categorized as either long-coat or smooth-coat (AKA short coat). Contrary to what some people may believe, these aren’t actual breeds but rather varieties of the Chihuahua. If you’re thinking of adding a new Chihuahua to your family in the near future, it’s important to understand the differences between long-coats and smooth-coats. While […]

If you’ve done any research into the Chihuahua breed, you’ve probably heard of deer head and apple head being used to describe them. Breeders, veterinarians, experts and owners frequently use these terms to describe specific Chihuahuas based on their physical characteristics and appearance. The fact is that most Chihuahuas can either be classified as deer […]

Whether you currently own a Chihuahua or are thinking of owning one, you’ve probably heard people refer to some of them as “teacups” or similar names. Typically, owners and breeders may refer to their ultra-small Chihuahuas using terms such as these. This can undoubtedly be confusing giving the fact that the American Kennel Club (AKC) […]

Are you thinking about adding a new Chihuahua to your family? Before you start calling around breeders in your area, you should check into some of the local Chihuahua rescues. Many people seem to forget about these organizations and the loving, loyal and downright adorable Chihuahuas they offer. While they may not offer as many […]

Health and Nutrition

May 2, 2015 maximios Dogs

As with any breed, a Chihuahua’s lifespan varies depending on a number of different factors (see below for a complete list). Some of these factors are controllable, whereas others are outside of owners’ control. Owners should familiarize themselves with these factors so they give their Chihuahua the longest, fullest life possible. There’s no foil-proof method for predicting […]

It’s not uncommon for Chihuahuas to pick up ticks when they are running and playing outside. Once a tick falls into their fur, it will bite down and begin feasting on the Chihuahua’s blood. Ticks will fall off in 2-4 days when they are full of blood, but most veterinarians advise owners to remove ticks […]

Although fleas are the #1 cause of allergic reactions in canines, food still comprises of 10% of all allergies suffered by man’s best friend. Depending on the severity of the condition, a Chihuahua suffering from food allergies may experience a wide range of symptoms from mild itching to nausea and vomiting. Whether it’s mild or […]

A lot of owners seem to overlook the importance of having their Chihuahuas spayed or neutered. When you are busy looking at puppies trying to find the one that’s right for your family, it’s easy to forget about future issues like spaying and neutering. Unfortunately, this results in a large number of Chihuahuas growing up […]

Degenerative arthritis (AKA osteoarthritis) is a common and oftentimes painful joint condition that affects as much as 20% of the Chihuahua population. Chihuahuas suffering from this condition may exhibit signs of general discomfort and weakness around their joints, making it difficult for them to walk normally. While there’s no cure for canine arthritis, there are […]

Have you noticed your Chihuahua munching down on grass when you walk them in the yard? Some owners brush this behavior off as a non-concerning issue, but others are alarmed and even frightened at the sight of their Chihuahua eating such an unusual substance. After all, I’m sure some premium chicken and lamb dog food […]

Seeing a perky dog with their head popped up in the passenger side seat of a car driving down the road is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. Whether you are young or old, chances are you’ll get a kick of seeing this on the highway. If you plan on driving with your […]

The canine Parvovirus (referred to as Parvo for short) is a type 2 virus that every Chihuahua owner needs to be aware of. Once a Chihuahua is exposed to it, they may experience a wide range of symptoms include dehydration, diarrhea and vomiting. If treatment is not given within 24-48 hours, an infected Chihuahua may […]