Caring For Chihuahuas: Basic Chihuahua Care By Luke Blaise At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Caring for Chihuahuas can be a lot of fun and if you do it right you can greatly increase the quality of life your Chihuahua has. Basic Chihuahua care is not difficult and with a little knowledge about what to do, you can keep them healthy for a long time.

Today Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club. Because of their small size when caring for Chihuahuas you have to careful when you are bathing them. Since they have such a small body mass, they have trouble maintaining their body heat when wet, so as soon as you get done bathing them be sure to thoroughly dry them off with some towels.

Also after bathing them it is a good time to trim their toenails. After bathing them their toenails are softer than normal. The best way to trim a Chihuahua’s toenails are with a guillotine type toenail clippers. You can get this type of clipper from most pet stores. Also while trimming dog nails you will want to have a bottle of Kwik Stop powder available in case you trim too far back and hit the quick. The quick is an area of the toenail where there is the blood supply to the nail. If you cut into the quick there will be bleeding. By directly applying the Quick Stop powder you can stop the bleeding rapidly.

When you first get your Chihuahua it is also a good idea to pet proof your house. To start this, survey your house, garage, and yard for anything you think might be a danger for your dog. Wrap electrical cords or hide them out of the way. Cleaners and chemicals should be stored in a closed cabinet. Plants that are toxic to dogs should be placed in an area where the dogs cannot reach them. Remember Chihuahuas are very curious animals and are constantly exploring their environment, so be proactive when pet proofing your house.

Also when caring for Chihuahuas, once a month it is a good idea to give them a quick little physical exam. You don’t have to be a veterinarian to be able to do a rudimentary physical exam. Start at the head and examine the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for signs of redness or drainage, which could be signs of infection. Run your hands all over the body to check for any lumps or masses. By doing this simple little physical exam every month you will learn a lot more about your Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas do have a very interesting history. It is believed they originated in Central America hundreds of years ago. There are records the the Aztecs higly prized the Chihuahua. The Aztecs believed that the Chihuahua was a spirit guide. Because of this when the owner died, the dog was also sacrificed to guide the owner's spirit after death.

Chihuahuas may be one of the oldest breeds of dogs but they are also one of the most delicate despite their temperament. Take caution when caring for Chihuahuas and they can live a long healthy life.

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