Advice for our new chihuahua..?

Question

We are picking up our new baby tonite !! We are dog owners so we know how to care for them but wondering if people have any advice for us - we never had one so young- she is 7 wks. any tips would be great. And is there anything I should be requesting to my vet when they see her- we dont know much on this breed. I just want to make sure we give her the best start we can-
thanks for your time

Answer 1

well first off socialize her so that she is used to ppl so she does not get snotty or yappy . also feed her good food preferably holistic food .and only bathe her once a month. also get her on heartworm preventative and flea preventative. but the most important of these is socialization . I have 2 chihuahuas. enjoy her cause they are one of the smartest dogs in the world to me .

Answer 2

Congratulations on your new Chihuahua!

For puppies, starting at birth through age sixteen weeks, you should be aware of some potential health issues.

Chihuahuas, among other small breeds, often develop "reverse sneezing," which can be caused by excitement, soft palate problems, dust and pollen, cold air, or a collapsed trachea. Your Chihuahua may sound like it is gasping or huffing for air, honking like a goose, or wheezing.

Another Chihuahua health risk is hypoglycemia, as Chihuahuas have a very small fat reserve around the liver. This problem can happen at any age, although small, young Chihuahua puppies have a higher potential for developing hypoglycemia.

Hope this doesn't alarm you in any way, because they are beautiful pets to have.

Answer 3

I used to breed Yorkies and for these tiny breeds would always prefer to keep them with their mother and/or siblings until they were at least 10/12 weeks old. 7 weeks is very young for a tiny dog to be going to a new home. I hope the breeder is a responsible and caring breeder who is going to be there for you with a lots of advice and support. That is the best sort of person to give you any help you need.

Get your vet to check the puppy within 24 hours of getting her/him home. Leave any vaccinations/worming for at least a week after you get home to give the puppy time to settle (preferably longer but that is your choice).

Make sure the puppy has a safe box of his/her own to sleep in, where it is safe and warm, and has plenty of chance to sleep and play safely. A play pen is a good idea too for when you are busy around the house. They are easily trapped in doorways, trodden on or have things dropped on them.

You sound like a very caring and considerate owner and I wish you and your new puppy lots of happy years to enjoy each others company.

Answer 4

Congrats on your new puppy! Chihuahuas are the best! One thing I always tell puppy buyers is to leave their puppy food out at all times. Chi pups can become hypoglycemic(low blood sugar) so easily. I also suggest you buy some Nutrical from your pet store or vet. It is a high calorie vitamin/mineral supplement. Give just a little in the morning and at night. Chihuahua puppies are always underfoot do be careful where you walk. We do the "chihuahua shuffle"..lol Keep the feet low to the floor so you don't step on them. Watch where you sit or lay down because they love to burrow ubder covers and pillows. Just love them and spend a lot of time with them. They want to be with their humans constant;y/ Good luck with your new little one.

Answer 5

For best mental health pups should stay with the litter until at least 8 weeks. Along with shots take the dog places to socialize her, on errands, walking along a strip mall and lots of obed. classes have a puppy kindergarten which is great for pups. Get her used to loud noises, different looking people, people with beards, hats sunglasses etc. Use diff footing, stairs as many diff people, animals and things as you can. The more she is exposed to the better she will handle the world. Chihuahuas are great dogs if they are bred right and allowed to be dogs. Many are top obed dogs. They do not need to be carried and babied, it only ruins the dog and makes people think Chis are worthless shaking noisemakers. Have guests over and have them give her great treats in tiny amounts.

Answer 6

Well 7 weeks is far to young to leave the mother ..The breeder should know better.She has to have her injections first of all.
She has to be wormed..Feed every 6 hours at least.If the breeder is a reputable one you would have been given specific instructions as to feeding, care. bedding etc All printed out for you... I hope she is alright... Good luck to you.And look after that little munchkin..

Answer 7

For the best start possible, leave her with her mother for another week. She should also come with 1st shots, deworming, and health certificate stating the vet sees no signs of infectious disease- insist on these things.

Answer 8

Where did you buy this puppy????? There's NO WAY that a 7 week old puppy should be taken from it's mother and littermates! Only an irresponsible breeder would let a puppy leave so young .

Answer 9

A chihuahua pup is no different than any other pup cept its smaller. Its still a DOG, treat it just like your other pups.

Answer 10

u r so lucky to get a puppy!