Blog

It’s now not uncommon for Chihuahuas to have one large puppy.

The gestation length for Chihuahuas is a little over two months, however plenty can happen for the duration of that time, and a few of it is able to be dangerous to your mama Chi and her pups. Those who have experience with pregnant Chihuahuas recognize the dangers and often advocate adoption over breeding.

If you’re decided to end up a grandparent to Chihuahua puppies, it is sensible to familiarize yourself with the potential risks for pregnant Chihuahuas, such as the scale and quantity of puppies, and fitness problems consisting of hypoglycemia and eclampsia. It’s also crucial to understand the warning symptoms to look at.

Size of the Puppies

Newborn Chis are tiny, however now not proportionately so in assessment to their mother. In addition to being “big” dogs as compared to their moms, Chihuahua puppies have huge, spherical heads that are tough for the mothers to push via the beginning canal. Because these issues can purpose problems for mom Chihuahuas, cesarean sections are frequently necessary; a few Chihuahua dad and mom even choose deliberate C-sections.

Size of the Litter

The common length of a Chihuahua muddle is 3 dogs, but they have got been known to give start to up to 10. The size of the litter can motive problems for mom Chihuahuas; fewer puppies is not a higher scenario. With a big clutter, the growing dogs might want greater room than the mom has to give. That can lead to premature delivery or maybe a burst uterus. If your Chihuahua is only carrying one or two puppies, though, they could develop uncommonly big, making it even extra hard for the mother to give start naturally.

Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia is a problem not unusual to Chihuahuas in general but, whilst a girl is pregnant, it is able to come to be an issue for mom and puppies alike. Your mom-to-be needs sufficient nutrition to make sure that her blood sugar would not drop to dangerous ranges that can reason seizures or even death. A mother Chi who has hypoglycemia can have hypoglycemic puppies, as well.

Milk Fever

Sometimes mother Chihuahuas broaden a circumstance called eclampsia, additionally referred to as milk fever. It’s as a result of low blood calcium and may be added on through negative nutrition throughout pregnancy. A large muddle for a small dog can be a problem, too, as numerous puppies will demand extra nutrients from their mama. This situation is normally one that occurs within a month after dogs are born but additionally has been known to show up inside the previous few weeks of pregnancy.

Watch for Warning Signs

You must seek advice from an experienced veterinarian regarding the fitness and treatment of your pregnant pooch; any odd behavior or signs ought to be introduced to the eye of your vet. Stumbling, glassy eyes, listlessness and once in a while seizures are signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. Irritability, panting, muscle spasms and fever can indicate that your Chihuahua has developed eclampsia.

Additionally, in case you take your pregnant Chi in for everyday checkups at some stage in gestation, your vet can hold an eye fixed on developing issues, in addition, to reveal the growth of the dogs to help determine if a planned C-section might be necessary.

One of the most not unusual medical conditions with Chihuahua’s, in particular females, is Patellar Luxation. When we say ‘most not unusual’ it is estimated through professionals that around 10% of the breed will go through with this. So, even though the numbers are not hugely high, it is always really worth keeping an eye in your Chihuahua.

Especially, as previously noted within the ‘Joint Care’ article, Chihuahuas do have a propensity to be lively and fearless whilst jumping off something at height.

What is the Patella?

The Patella is a tiny flat, circular-triangular bone that sits within a tiny groove inside the femur (thigh bone). It is located simply above the tendon of insertion of the quadriceps muscle group, that’s a collection of muscle mass found inside the hind legs of your Chihuahua.

The patella nearly acts like a lever whilst the leg is prolonged and slides very slightly within its groove. It protects the anterior articular floor of the knee joint.

What is Patellar Luxation?

The time period luxate means ‘to put out of joint’ or ‘dislocate’ so Patellar Luxation is in which the kneecap becomes dislocated and moves out of its normal function, the tiny groove in the femur (thigh bone). Usually, once the quadriceps muscular tissues loosen up and lengthen, the patella will go back to its normal role.

Patellar Luxation is typical all the way down to genetic disposition and is greater commonplace in toy breeds inclusive of Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, and Maltese to call a few.

As with many other medical situations of bones and joints, it’s worth bearing in thoughts that this situation can also be resulting from trauma.

There are four grades of Patellar Luxation. The number of instances your Chihuahua’s kneecap will become dislocated will rely on the diploma of severity:

How are you able to tell if your Chihuahua has Patellar Luxation?

If you believe you studied your Chihuahua has this condition there are a few common tell-tale signs:

• elevating their hind leg for some moments
• kicking their leg out to the facet
• skipping

When the patella does come to be dislocated your Chihuahua may have hassle bearing weight on that leg, even though hardly ever would there be symptoms of pain. By kicking their leg to the facet it hyperextends the knee which in turn snaps the kneecap back into vicinity, but again, your Chihuahua will not often display any signs of pain while this happens.

Kicking their leg out to the facet may also appear to appear like your Chihuahua is skipping, in which they’ll take a few lame steps but will quick return to ordinary, how regularly your Chihuahua does this is depending on the severity of the condition.

Is a Luxation of the Patella painful on your Chihuahua?

Once the kneecap has emerge as dislocated your Chihuahua should no longer feel any pain, however, there may be a moderate ache as the kneecap to start with slides out of place. It’s not going that your Chihuahua will show any symptoms of pain, so as referred to previously, it’s high-quality to appearance out for tell-tale signs and symptoms.

Keep studying for greater information about remedy and long-term outcomes.

Can your Chihuahua live with Patella Luxation?

Diagnosis and remedies for Patellar Luxation

If you suspect your Chihuahua may additionally have Patellar Luxation it is really helpful to e-book an appointment with your veterinarian. Patellar Luxation can every now and then be recognized through routine check-ups together with your vet as it’s miles generally identified through feel. Other techniques of diagnosis include x-rays and fluid samples taken from the joint. Once identified your vet may be able to assign a grade primarily based on the severity of the situation.

Grade 1 will hardly ever require any treatment and will in no way require surgical procedure. Grade 2 will depend upon the severity and can be dealt with on a canine-with the aid of-canine basis, each Chihuahua is special and every analysis may also be barely unique: handiest Chihuahua’s showing extreme clinical signs and symptoms will require surgery. Grades 3 and 4 will normally require surgical treatment to correct the condition.

Surgery generally includes carving out a deeper groove in the femur to stop the Patella transferring out of area or becoming dislocated. Sometimes, a small implant can be placed at the aspect of the knee that forestalls the Patella moving over it, holding it in place.

Recovery is usually quite quick, around 6 to eight weeks, however remember: each dog is extraordinary so each canine’s recovery time can also be exceptional. With the proper pain medication, care and rehabilitation plan your Chihuahua will be back to their vintage self in no time!

Non-surgical remedies include weight management, a trade in exercise exercises and diet, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, anti-inflammatories, and joint care supplements. Your vet could be able to advocate you at the excellent remedy plan.

Is it fine to get a prognosis quicker rather than later?

Yes! There are a few long-term results Patellar Luxation may additionally have to your Chihuahua if it is going untreated, along with arthritis and torn cruciate ligaments which can purpose a few pain. There is also a hazard of changes to your Chihuahua’s hips and shins because of the way they will weight-endure.

If Patellar Luxation makes it uncomfortable to undergo weight then your Chihuahua will find alternative positions for comfort, this may have an effect on other bones and joints. Avoiding prognosis or treatment may want to also result in it decreased mobility and potential joint pains.

The sooner the diagnosis, the earlier the remedy starts, the much less probably you are to cause any ability long-term consequences.

What is the analysis after the remedy?

With timely diagnosis and the proper remedy plan, whether it’s surgical or non-surgical, the diagnosis is excellent. There is no cause that your Chihuahua wouldn’t regain complete use in their leg.

However, if surgical treatment is achieved after arthritis has developed then there may be a higher danger of your Chihuahua experiencing a few aches within the joint and the chance that arthritis could progress. It is critical to visit your veterinarian for approximately ongoing treatment and take care of your Chihuahua.

It’s important to understand that many Chihuahuas and different small puppies can stay their whole lives with Patellar Luxation without it inflicting arthritis, pain, or commonly interfering with their everyday lives. That said, in case you suspect your Chihuahua can also have Patellar Luxation it’s miles ALWAYS really useful to book an appointment together with your veterinarian to get it checked out.

Chihuahua’s have very tiny paws and incredibly tiny nails that develop relatively fast so you’ll need to trim them down to keep your Chihuahua happy on their paws to remain nice and healthy.

What can happen to the back paw nails is that they sometimes start to curl into the pad oval, which can be incredibly uncomfortable for your Chihuahua.

If your Chihuahua does have any nails digging into their pads this may reason a break within the pores and skin and ought to likely result in infection if left unattended, when this happens it is encouraged which you searching for a remedy from your vet.

Your vet might be able to trim the nails back and bandage up the broken skin to make certain a pleasant wholesome recovery.

As with any sort of training or grooming, it’s miles recommended which you begin trimming your Chihuahua’s nails early on. The same as every other breed, they may get used to things easier whilst they’re a puppy as it will become a part of their routine.
Here are some pinnacle guidelines on a way to trim your Chihuahua’s nails:

Here are some pinnacle guidelines on a way to trim your Chihuahua’s

Nail Trimmers

Always ensure you use the appropriate nail clippers to your canine. Never use human nails clippers as this could purpose a whole lot of discomfort in your Chihuahua. Dog nail clippers are designed in particular for dog nails, not like human nails that lay quite flat, canine nails have a tendency to be rounder and load thicker, therefore, need a specific clipper.

Human nail clippers are designed for flat nails and might weigh down your Chihuahua’s nails. Dog nail clippers will come in quite a few sorts and sizes, make certain you buy the precise ones suitable for the dimensions of your dog. If you are uncertain, you are seeking advice out of your vet or from one of the specialists that work in your neighborhood puppy store.

Exercise.

It is always an awesome idea to trim your Chihuahua’s nails after they have had some exercise as they may be worn-out and move less and can be more willing to be able to try. After a bathtub is additionally endorsed as their nails will melt slightly within the warm water making it less complicated if you want to trim them. A Chihuahua’s nails, although very tiny, can nonetheless be pretty tough and dense.

Sit Comfortably.

Make certain you’re sitting with no trouble with your Chihuahua and they may be quality and glad, the primary few times you try and trim their nails they will be apprehensive and a touch nervous as to what you’re doing. Remember to hold praising and petting your Chihuahua to make certain they recognize they’re being exact, this ought to lead to trimming is high-quality revel in.

Reassurance.

You can in no way reassure your Chihuahua sufficient! Chihuahua responds well to you and in your emotions, by reassuring your Chihuahua you’ll place their thoughts at ease and ensure they recognize that everything that is taking place is good enough and nothing horrific will happen.
Try not to be anxious approximately trimming their nails, your Chihuahua will choose up on your anxiety in flip making them very anxious. They are very tuned into what you are feeling, so remain fine throughout, even if you have to reassure yourself as well as your Chihuahua.

Holding Your Chihuahuas Paw.

After making sure your Chihuahua is comfortable and you’ve got given them lots of reassurance take maintain of one in all their paws. Gently squeeze the middle of the pads to unfold the claws.

Take a observe the nail, within the nail all dogs have what is referred to as a ‘brief’, that is the red bit that you may see in the nail, that is in which blood vessels and nerves are, very similar to our nails. If trimmed too quickly you run the danger of clipping the short, this could bleed so be careful not to.

If your Chihuahua has black nails you may be not able to see the quick, be aware it is there even though you may see it. It is endorsed which you trim a completely small amount at a time, even supposing this means you need to trim the identical nail three to four instances, it’s far crucial to take some time and even greater crucial no longer to clip the short.

• A true tip if you are uncertain where the fast is, is to gently squeeze the nail with the clippers without truly clipping, in case your Chihuahua yelps you’re probably too close to the fast so do not clip. As long because the nails are simply above the floor while your Chihuahua is standing then you will have clipped enough without getting fast. So, again, if you are unsure, stand your Chihuahua on the floor and check their nails.
• Also, don’t forget to trim the dewclaw. This is the little nail determined a little also up to the interior in their paw. If the dewclaw will become too long it may capture on things and tear. All the same, apply to this claw, it also has a quick so trim little by little to ensure you omit it.
• Don’t feel you need to trim all the nails at once, if your Chihuahua is beginning to get uncomfortable then prevent, you can usually strive again the following day. You want your Chihuahua to think about this as a fine revel in, if they grow to be confused or uncomfortable at any point you could discover it extra hard the following time you try.

Praise them.

Praise is absolutely vital! You may want to even deliver them a little treat. Your Chihuahua has been superb and deserves to understand that, and of course, this all adds to the positive enjoy of having their nails trimmed making it less difficult the subsequent time.

What Happens If You Trim Too Much?

If you clip an excessive amount of the fast will bleed a touch, you may use a styptic powder so that you can act as a coagulant to prevent the bleeding. Alternatively, attempt a little flour on the cease of the nail to stop the bleeding.

Always recall that in case you are apprehensive or uncomfortable approximately trimming your Chihuahua’s nails then take them to your vet or a professional puppy grooming salon with a purpose to be capable of doing it for you. Never sense like you need to do it yourself if you are not satisfied too.

Top recommendations on what NOT to do:

• Force your Chihuahua to sit nonetheless or limit them from moving. This can from time to time damage them.
• Leave your Chihuahua’s nails to grow too long. The short gets longer because the nail does, making it very uncomfortable in your Chihuahua, as you trim the nail again the short can even recede, trim often to make sure the fast stays at the bottom of the nail.
• Do no longer inform your Chihuahua off for not letting you trim their nails. This will most effectively make them careworn and more difficult paintings for you.
• Be lazy or supply up. Getting your Chihuahua used to any kind of grooming will take time, you want to be patient.

You may have heard it said that Chihuahua’s are notoriously difficult to coach, however, with touch patience and therefore the right attitude training your Chihuahua is often both fun and rewarding.

Like any owner and their dog, training also can be an excellent thanks to building your relationship and your Chihuahua will enjoy it the maximum amount as you are doing. Chihuahua’s like to impress their owner and can take great pride in making you cheerful, this is often one among their best traits!

No matter what you’re trying to show your Chihuahua’s, whether it’s toilet training or teaching them tricks, these top tips should definitely assist you on your way!

Training Plan

Set yourself a training plan, this might help organize and prioritize what training you’re giving your Chihuahua. it might be beneficial to start out with toilet training, once that has been accomplished move onto something else, like teaching your Chihuahua to sit! It’s great to line yourself goals, especially once you see you’ve got achieved them! it might probably be known to add things like socialization also, socializing your Chihuahua will take a touch of coaching too!

Reward

All dogs like treats! Treats are an excellent thanks to rewarding your Chihuahua whilst training, but even as important is praise. Your Chihuahua will want to impress you and for you to point out them that you simply are impressed by praise and fuss will make them incredibly happy. Showing your Chihuahua they’re doing the proper thing will only make future training easier.

One thing to notice is that if you’re using treats to reward your Chihuahua permanently behaviors remember of what percentage you’re giving them, head over to our article about what your Chihuahua likes to eat for more information. Initially, it’s going to be easier to show your Chihuahua by giving them treats, once they begin to urge the hang of it, give more praise than treats or they’re going to learn to expect a treat whenever they perform that specific behavior.

Make It Fun

As with humans, training is usually easier and more enjoyable during a fun environment. Toilet training could also be harder as this must be done as soon as you get your furry friend home and ideally must be done within your house, however, another training is often done anywhere! like all dog breeds, Chihuahua will love going for walks and adventures, so if you’re teaching your Chihuahua to take a seat why not roll in the hay in your garden or at your local green space. simply because your surroundings change it doesn’t mean your training plan needs to!

Be Patient

Chihuahua’s are often quite difficult to coach and should take slightly longer than other breeds but patience is vital, after all, Rome wasn’t inbuilt a day! It’s important to stay in your training plan, like all dogs, Chihuahua’s like routine, and building training into your routine will definitely help your furry friend adapt. there’ll little question be times once you desire to abandon but persist with it… you’ll get there within the end!

Stay Positive

As mentioned earlier, your Chihuahua will respond well to fuss and praise, positive attention will always help with training! Telling your Chihuahua off for not learning or making mistakes is going to be very detrimental to your training plan. you’ll get frustrated sometimes and it’s going to appear to be nothing you are doing is functioning, but twiddling my thumbs, stay positive and specialize in your goals, you’ll get there within the end!

Although Chihuahuas are generally companions or lap dogs they still need many exercise and stimulation. You’ll be surprised just what proportion energy your tiny friend has!

Your Chihuahua could also be completely happy to be with you wherever you go, and do whatever you’re doing, and it’s sometimes easy to overlook what proportion energy a Chihuahua actually has, but, like any breed, to take care of good heart health and promote healthy muscles and joints an honest 20 to a half-hour of exercise a day is important.

Of course, this may vary counting on your Chihuahua and their personality and can vary tons counting on you. Your Chihuahua will generally copy what you are doing, so, if you’re very sedentary reception then your Chihuahua will likely be sedentary too… if you’re a active person then your Chihuahua is going to be active too.

20 to a half-hour of exercise a day may be a minimum. It’s up to you whether you’re taking your Chihuahua out once or twice each day, generally, one good walk is going to be enough but it’s your choice. Just remember that if you’re going out quite once each day to space the walks out so your Chihuahua has enough time to rest in between.

Two walks each day could also be better if you’ve got to go away your Chihuahua reception all day whilst you’re at work, and enter the morning will give your Chihuahua much stimulations and can tire them somewhat in order that they will likely sleep throughout the day rather than getting up to mischief! an equivalent is often said once you return home after your outing, another walk will stimulate your Chihuahua again, ensuring they maintain a cheerful balance of exercise and sedentary behavior.

If, like us, your Chihuahua isn’t a lover of inclemency and rain they’ll not be happy to travel for a walk. you’ll exercise and stimulate your Chihuahua indoors if needs be, you’ll play games or encourage your Chihuahua to chase you and the other way around . Some fun games to play might be fetch or tug of war with their favourite toy.

Another good idea to stimulate your Chihuahua is to cover a number of their favourite treats round the house and encourage them to seek out them… this game will always be a favourite! It’s easy to overlook the additional stimulation your Chihuahua needs as they’ll follow you around all day which does give them some exercise, however, they are doing still need the additional play time.

Obesity is as big a drag within the canine world because it is within the human world, Chihuahua’s, like all dog, can, over time, put weight on. this is often very dangerous for a Chihuahua as their bones and joints won’t easily carry the additional weight putting them in peril of needing medical attention. Exercise and an honest diet should ensure your chihuahua maintains a healthy weight.

If it’s cold outside make certain to wrap your Chihuahua up, there’s many choice when it involves clothing, like hoodies, coats, boots, t-shirts, rain macs, you name it you’ll find a Chihuahua version. The Chihuahua’s ancestry starts in Mexico meaning these little dogs are from a warm climate and thanks to their size they’re going to get cold very quickly.

One of the foremost well-known traits of a Chihuahua is that the tremble… this may be right down to either excitement or because they’re cold. If you’re cold then your Chihuahua will certainly be cold, always bear that in mind when heading out anywhere.

Puppies might not need quite the maximum amount exercise as an adult Chihuahua and always remember of their health, don’t take your puppy out for a walk until it’s had it’s jabs to guard them from canine disease and other harmful diseases and infections. A puppy will only need around 20 minutes of exercise each day , this is often because, sort of a human baby, they’re going to need tons of rest.

It is always best to use a harness and light-weight lead for your Chihuahua as against conventional collar and leads. this is often because your Chihuahua’s neck is extremely tiny and really fragile and pulling on a collar could potentially harm them. you’ll be as careful as you’ll but you can’t prevent your Chihuahua from pulling so a harness is usually a far better option.

Make sure you purchase the right size harness for your dog and make sure you adjust it accordingly thereto fits nice and comfortably. Some Chihuahua clothing will have inbuilt harness fixtures, like winter coats and rain macs, so when it’s colder these could also be a far better option. a light-weight lead is additionally recommended, your Chihuahua doesn’t weigh tons, and carrying an important lead clip could potentially cause some discomfort whilst walking. There are many options available to you if you’re unsure to visit your local pet store together with your Chihuahua where an assistant are going to be ready to assist you.

Your Chihuahua may surprise you at just what proportion play time they need! Chihuahua’s wish to celebrate so it’s always important to possess many soft toys and chew toys available for them to play with also as your daily walks together.

Americans spend almost 22 of 24 hours of their day indoors, which indicates the impact that poor indoor quality can wear human and pet health.

Chihuahuas need up to half-hour each day of exercise, in order that they are less likely than terriers or other ultra-active breeds to be call at the outdoors .

Every day, your chi is exposed to pollutants you’ll not even remember of – including herbicides, flame retardants in soft furnishings and chemicals in cleaning products.

In one EWG investigation, scientists found that four-pawed inhabitants had 2.4 times the amount of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) that humans did.

Chis who occupy home while their owners are away can indeed be more subject to the consequences of poor indoor quality to a far greater extent than their owners. How can this fact harm your pet, and the way are you able to prevent it?

HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF POOR INDOOR QUALITY

Humans living in polluted interiors can experience everything from itchy, watery eyes to coughing and respiratory difficulties.

Pets also can encounter these problems, also as many additional ones.

One study, as an example , found that the danger of bladder cancer was significantly increased in household dogs by the utilization of topical insecticides.

If you’re spraying insecticides in your home, chemicals also can make their way into your dog’s lungs – and people of a chihuahua are small, and thus very vulnerable to any chemicals they inhale.

Research has also shown that smoke from burning wood is detrimental to pet respiratory health, as is tobacco. In one study by researchers at Oklahoma State University, it had been found that secondhand smoke is especially harmful to pets because they lick their fur, thereby ingesting also as inhaling a plethora of dangerous chemicals.

THE EFFECT OF MOLD ON PET HEALTH

Another danger to human and chi health, is mold, which releases spores which will be breathed in. Inhaled mold can cause a good range of symptoms in your pet, including labored breathing, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose and eyes. It can additionally cause fever and lethargy.

Meanwhile, ingested mold can cause its own array of problems within the alimentary canal . Ensuring spaces are mold-free may be a matter of thorough cleaning, good ventilation and inspection of potential problems in HVAC systems and pipes.

HOW TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

As much as you’ll , choose natural furnishings. Because pressed wood can emit fumes, choose solid wood furniture instead.

Consider removing carpets, since these can accumulate mold, dust and pet dander, and if your chi loves lying down or rolling on the carpet, it could inherit very close contact indeed with dangerous chemicals.

Ventilate your home frequently, and clean with natural products so on reduce your chi’s exposure to bleach and other harsh chemicals.

Finally, try to not burn anything indoors; if you’re keen on candles, choose soy or beeswax, since paraffin candles contain harmful compounds when burned.

Your chi is sure to be a homebody, unless you’re taking him with you everywhere you go.

Make life a breeze for him by choosing natural furniture, flame retardant-free soft furnishings, and wooden or laminate flooring rather than carpets.