My Chihuaha is so cold at night. Any ideas?

Question

I have a one year old Chihuaha and she has never seen the cold. She is always under blankets and wearing sweaters. At night she is crated and has blankets and a bed in her kennel, but she is still always cold. Does anyone have any ideas on what else to do? I have a mini heater, but I don't want to leave it on during the night. I don't know what else to do, I have been letting her sleep with me because I feel so bad. But I don't get much sleep (I'm scared that I'll roll over and squish her. I've never had a small dog before, so I've never had to deal with this. My great dane isn't too picky about where she sleeps :)

Answer 1

Give her to someone that has a nice warm dog house.

Answer 2

My chihuahua is 3 and has slept in the bed with me, under the covers every night since I got her (8wks old). At first I worried she wouldn't be able to breathe under there or that I'd roll over on her, but 3 years later we still both sleep like babies. She usually ends up in the bend of my knees when I lay on my side. If this still sounds too scary, maybe try a heat rock like you'd use for a lizard. They don't get as hot as a heat blanket and are made to be on long periods of time so are safer. I used one when I hand raised a 3 day old orphaned kitten and it worked great. Good luck!

Answer 3

Maybe put some warm water bottles under her blanket in her crate? Make sure the room where she's in is closed so that the heat is trapped. Put a blanket over her entire crate so that it's a bit more insulated as well.

Answer 4

Just wanted to warn you about electric blankets and heating pads. They are a definate no no for pets. They create hot spots and can cause burns or worse short out after your pup "arranges" them into a bent or broken heating element. They are meant to cover, not to be laid upon. Or they could chew or pee on the electrical device, which could be disasterous!
Try elevating your pups kennel, warm air rises and cold air settles so its a little warmer a few feet of the floor than right on it.
Also try looking here
http://www.petmarket.com/snuggle-safe-heat-pad-p-7.html
I have used these for orphaned kittens, squirrels, coons, possums and puppies. The great thing about Snugglesafe is you can tuck it into a stuffed animal as a lovey!
Good luck with your" tiny treasure!"

Answer 5

Buy her a dog heating bed. You can find them at Petsmart, the heating dog bed is safe you don't have to worry about electrical cords. The price for a small one is about $40-$60 I'm not sure on the exact price. I use this for my 2 chihuahuas they LOVE the warmth and they stay warm and cozy all night and all day. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Try a rubber water bottle filled with warm water - not HOT - and wrap it in a blanket or an old pillow case where she can lay next to it and place it in her own bed that you can get at any grocery or pet store and place it in a corner next to your bed away from where you or others normally walk. You can also try this link below for some ideas.

Answer 7

Try putting those rice bags that people put on sore muscles in the crate under the blankets. Heat it up first in the microwave (not too hot).

Answer 8

You could get a heating pad made for reptiles and put it under her crate.There are also heating pads made just for dogs,but they cost more.Also,you might consider having her checked for hypothyroidism,as this will make dogs feel cold.The rice bag is a good idea; you can also make your own with corn. Use whole,shelled corn,put it in a cloth ( cotton) bag and sew it shut,then microwave for about three minutes ( make sure it isn't too hot) Corn seems to stay warm longer than rice.

Answer 9

Some large pet stores like PetSmart sell discs that you can microwave and they will hold heat for hours. You put them under the blankets or towels. This will keep your dog warm without risk of electrical shock or fire. The one I used is called "Snuggle Safe"

Answer 10

My little dog is always cold too. She sleeps with me but makes it very clear she's cold at night. So I bought her the warmest cozyest sweater I could find and she seems happy now. They even sale long sleeve long pant sweatsuits (open peepee area of course). I saw them in Chihuaha size at Petco.

Answer 11

i have a 14 year old boxer who if very fair haired and cant get to cold either we put a small heating blanket under him while he sleeps and when he eat we put some warm water in it to make it softer and warmer.other wise thats the only advice i got.