Worried about my small Chihuahua. I did not know she would be this small.?

Question

I thought she would grow to 4 or 5 pounds, but now am being told that since she is only 1.6 pounds at 4 months, she is probably never going to get that large. I did not set out to buy a Chi this small, just found her and had to get her (she was in a bad place). Now I read about all the health problems she may face being this small and its scarring the poop outta me. Anything I can do to make her life long and happy? Do all small Chis end up with so many health issues?

Answer 1

Wonderful breed. I raise chihuahuas. One thing with a chi that small you have to watch for low blood sugar(hypoglycemia). I free feed my dogs. Food is out for them all day so they can eat when they want to. Not every tiny dog will have health problems they are just more prone to them than one a little larger. I have 2 males that are less than 3 lb. One is 6 yr old and his health has been pretty good. Minor problems, but nothing big. The other is 10 mo old and is very healthy. I sold a chi pup about 3 yr ago and his adult weight is 2.5 lb. He is perfectly healthy, so far has had no problems. I sold one 2 yr ago that weighed 1 lb at 4 1/2 mo, so she was smaller than yours, and she is healthy, no problems at all so far. They can have heart trouble, liver problems, bad knees. The best thing is just watch her carefully for any problems. Take her to the vet a couple of times a year to make sure she is still healthy. Good luck with your little one. They are such wonderful dogs. By the way, your chi will probably be about 3-3 1/2 lb grown weight so that is not too bad.

Answer 2

A rule about dogs is, the smaller they are, the longer that they live. An 8 year old Great Dane is very old, where as a Chihuahua may live to be 18 years old or older. I agree with one of your answers that you should feed her a premium dog food, like Science Diet or Iams. Most pure bred dogs have their independant set of health issues.....like smaller dogs tend to have tonsilitis, where as larger dogs such as shepards may have hip displasia. Chihuahuas are an extremely loyal and brave dog.....and will "protect" their territory from strangers.....no matter what size the "enemy" is. They're also a very loving dog, and they tend to connect to one person in particular....like you for example. I believe that you have an awesome little dog there, so give it all the love that you want. Your puppy will be there for the long run....so make sure she stays current on her shots, and keep her on heartworm medicine as recommended by your vet. I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 3

Don't worry, because it she's only 4 months, she's not done growing yet, and she will get bigger. Chihauhuas are not fully developed until the age of two. Just feed her a high quality nutritious food, give her plenty of water, keep up on the vet visits, and shots, and give her lot's of love. Not all Chihuahuas will have big health issues . She'll grow in time. Just enjoy her!

Answer 4

Listen you saved her life, so she will probably save yours.I got a chihuahua once for 25dollars.They let fleas eat her up, so I took her home and cured her.I had my 2 pound chi for 15 years.The only problem I had was finding food that would fit in her mouth.The vet said good dry food.I had to get Kibble & bits and take out the smallest pieces.I just lost her to old age and sure miss her.My dog reacted to the rabie vaccine,lost her hair and a big knot stayed there for 5 months,so be careful when it comes time.If you live in Bakersfield,Ca. area and decide you can't put up with her let me know.I could sure use a companion of any size..Enjoy her.

Answer 5

I probably wouldn't take her to play at the dog park.
I don't think her small size is a death sentence by any means. A lot of people want dogs that are that small and breeders breed for this sort of thing. It doesn't make it right, but if all of them died at a young age, I am sure that it would catch on and their wouldn't be such a demand for dogs of that size.

Don't worry and enjoy your puppy.

Answer 6

Ours was very small when we got her, but as yet she hasn't had any health problems. She is a good little dog and very protective. Ours was in a bad place to and ate up with fleas bigger than she was. Just watch her when you take her to the vet because if they haven't told you sometimes they need to take like Tylenol or Motrin (children's) when they get shots because they are so small. They also tend to break the shots up or at least our vet did.

Answer 7

god are you hysterical about this ? I mean not all of them have health problems they are great little cuddly clingy companion dogs and I love my boy chi. I think you just need to calm down and figure out what you want to do . If you want to get rid of her though please email me and I will take her because she would never last at a shelter they would put her to sleep cause she is so small . Just find out if she does have health problems before you go freaking out . good luck and I hope I helped.

Answer 8

She may very well put on a few pounds in the next few months. I suggest feeding her high quality dog food and just love her : )

Answer 9

Ok Paris. So, you wanted a Chihuahua but didn't bother to read up on the breed or what to expect? Or maybe you just wanted the cute bag, but felt stupid not having a dog in it?

Read up on the breed some more and it will tell you how to help her through any problems she may have. And yes, small dogs do have problems (usually internal) as do large dogs (joint and bone). That's why it's so important to read the literature on an animal before you decide to bring it into your life.

Answer 10

Look on the positive side and all the fun you can have with her!!

You can stick her in your purse and when people ask you for something...reach in your purse....pull her out and say "Whoa....how did this get in there!!!".....that in itself would be worth a good chuckle or two!!