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Providing the right care is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your tiny companion. [cite: 1, 2]
Bathing and Hygiene Essentials
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To maintain coat health without stripping natural oils, bathe your Chihuahua every 3-4 weeks. [cite: 9]
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- Preparation: Use lukewarm water only [cite: 6] [cite_start]and place cotton balls in their ears. [cite: 6]
- Safety: Choose a gentle dog shampoo [cite: 6] [cite_start]and keep sessions short and calm. [cite: 7]
- Drying: Dry thoroughly with soft towels. [cite: 8]
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Coat Care by Type
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- Long-Coat: Requires daily brushing with a slicker brush to prevent matting, especially behind the ears. [cite: 27, 29]
- Short-Coat: Needs weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush to remove loose hair. [cite: 32]
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Professional Maintenance
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- Nail Clipping: Trim at a $45^{\circ}$ angle [cite: 19] [cite_start]using small dog clippers. [cite: 14] [cite_start]Stop before the pink “quick”. [cite: 17, 20]
- Ear Care: Inspect weekly for redness or odor. [cite: 38, 39] [cite_start]Wipe the outer ear only using vet-approved cleaner. [cite: 42, 45]
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Health and Preventative Care
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Follow this vaccination timeline: [cite: 49]
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- 6-8 Weeks: First DHPP vaccine. [cite: 50, 51]
- 10-12 Weeks: Second DHPP booster and optional Bordetella. [cite: 58, 60]
- 14-16 Weeks: Third DHPP booster and Rabies vaccination. [cite: 52, 53]
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Dental Health: Chihuahuas are prone to dental disease due to crowded teeth; daily brushing is recommended. [cite: 91, 96]
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Monitoring: A typical healthy weight is 4-6 pounds. [cite: 104] [cite_start]If symptoms like lethargy or vomiting last more than 24 hours, contact your vet. [cite: 113, 114, 116]