Chihuahuas For Dummies Cheat Sheet

When you decide to bring a Chihuahua puppy into your life, you need to choose with your head as well as your heart. The tips in the following list can help you bring home a puppy you’ll be happy to raise:

• Trust your instincts. Does one puppy catch your eye immediately? First impressions are important, and love at first sight can last a lifetime. But take time to ensure that your furry favorite is healthy and has a pleasant personality.
• Observe carefully. Watch the puppies play together for several minutes without human interference. Your best bet is a middle-of-the-road puppy — not the one who plays too rough and not the one who hides in a corner.
• Eye the eyes. They should be bright, alert, and clear of mucus. (Don’t mistake clear tears for mucus, though.)
• Check the coat. A healthy coat is smooth to the touch and glossy, with no bare patches. No puppy should have skin showing through on the back or sides.
• Know the nose. Breathing should be quiet and rhythmic, and the nostrils should be free of mucus.
• Note how puppies move when they play. Despite a bit of puppy clumsiness, they should appear quick, bouncy, and agile, standing straight on legs that look strong enough to carry their bodies.

If you’re introducing a Chihuahua to the household, you can make your new furry friend feel welcome by purchasing items to meet a small canine’s needs. The following shopping list offers the essentials:

• Two dishes — one for water and one for food
• Puppy (or dog) food
• Collar — flat, not a chain
• Leash — leather or nylon
• Natural bristle brush
• Hard rubber comb and a mat splitter if you have a long-coated Chihuahua
• Nail clippers — guillotine style
• Toothbrush and doggie toothpaste
• Doggie shampoo (long-coated Chihuahuas also need a coat conditioner)
• Three or four toys
• Dog crate
• Dog bed
• Warm sweater (if it’s chilly outdoors)
• Poop bags or scooper
• Identification tag
• An excellent veterinarian

Bringing a Chihuahua into your life means taking responsibility for your dog’s health, so you need to have a vet lined up before your pooch comes home. Sharpen your search for a good vet with one or more of the tactics in the following list:

• Ask your Chihuahua’s breeder. Even if the breeder lives far away, he or she may have sold pups to people in your area who can recommend a vet.
• When you see people walking Toy dogs in your neighborhood, ask them what vets they use and if they’re satisfied with the quality of care.
• Check the website of the American Animal Hospital Association for practices with AAHA certification.
• Look for a member directory on the website of your state’s veterinary association.
• Seek out clinics or practitioners with Fear Free certifications or certifications in Low Stress Handling.

Just as you have an annual checkup with your doctor, your Chihuahua should see the vet regularly. Once you get the hang of them, they’re no big deal, but you can use the tips on the following list to help get you through your Chihuahua’s first checkup:

• Withhold food a couple of hours before the car ride to reduce the likelihood of carsickness.
• Take along a roll of paper towels and a container of wet wipes in case a quick cleanup is necessary.
• Take a copy of your dog’s health record.
• Transport your dog in a crate or soft carrier. Secure the crate so it won’t tumble if you have to swerve or make a quick stop.
• Make a list of your dog care questions and bring it along. Vets are glad to answer appropriate questions about feeding, grooming, toenail trimming, and anything else related to your Chihuahua’s health.
• Take notes when the veterinarian gives instructions.
• Follow the instructions exactly. Medications must be given at the right time and in the correct dosage or they won’t work.