Smptoms and signs of a sick chihuahua: when to see a veterinarian!

your chihuahua can not explain its symptoms, so it’s your responsibility to keep him or her healthy and to determine whether or not they need veterinary care. chihuahuas tend to want to hide their illness, so it is up to you to check your chihuahua for abnormalities.

it is also a good idea to learn the best kept secrets to proper chihuahua care in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace and to learn simple health tips that could potentially save your chihuahua’s life in an emergency. this is a must for any chihuahua owner! the ultimate guide to taking care of your chihuahua contains all of this helpful chihuahua care information as well as valuable information for new chihuahua buyers and breeders.

indications of a “sick chihuahua” include:

• lethargy
• disorientation
• weakness
• weight loss
• seizure
• lack of appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• unproductive retching, straining to urinate
• bloody urine
• difficulty or inability to walk
• bleeding, pale mucous membranes
• difficulty breathing and persistent cough

you know your chihuahua best and can often notice subtle early warning signs that someone else may not detect. if you notice any of the mentioned symptoms or other signs, call your veterinary hospital immediately, do not wait! your chihuahua must be examined.

be prepared: questions your veterinarian may ask

your veterinarian may ask additional questions to help localize or diagnose the problem. it may help to be prepared to answer some of the following questions:

• how long have you owned your chihuahua?
• where did you get your chihuahua (adoption center, breeder, previous stray)?
• what other type of pets do you have?
• what is the age of your chihuahua?

• has your chihuahua experienced any previous illnesses?
• is your chihuahua currently under treatment for an illness or disease?
• what preventative medications is your chihuahua currently taking?
• does your chihuahua receive consistent flea treatment?
• are any other pets ill?
• has he/she been vaccinated? if so, when? which vaccines?
• have there been any recent pet acquisitions?
• have there been any recent activities such as boarding, grooming, trip to the park?
• is a majority of your chihuahua’s time spent indoors or outdoors?
• have there been any recent changes in diet or eating habits?
• what brand of food, how much and how frequently does your chihuahua eat?
• what type of table scraps are offered and how frequently?
• what type of treats are offered and how frequently?
• how much water does your chihuahua typically drink per day?
• have there been any recent changes in water consumption?
• have you noticed any coughing or sneezing?
• have you noticed any lumps or bumps on your chihuahua?
• is your chihuahua urinating normally?
• is your dog having normal bowel movements?
• when is the last time he/she had a bowel movement?
• have you noticed any recent weight loss or weight gain?

after answering some general questions, more specific questions need to be answered. a brief cursory exam of your chihuahua at home can help you determine the answers. these questions are also commonly asked when chihuahua owners are seeking help over the phone.

be prepared to answer the following questions, depending on the problem with your chihuahua:

regarding the eyes

• have you noticed an increase or decrease in tear production?
• do the eyes appear cloudy or red?
• have you noticed any discharge coming from the eyes?
• do the eyes appear bloodshot?
• are the pupils the same size in both eyes?
• have you noticed your chihuahua rubbing or pawing at the eyes?
• is your chihuahua squinting?
• do the eyes appear to be sunken or excessively protruding?

regarding the ears

• do you notice any swelling or discharge from the ears?
• are the ears drooping when they normally stand erect?
• are the ears red and inflamed?
• do you notice any odor to the ears?
• is your chihuahua rubbing or pawing at the ears?
• have you noticed a lot of head shaking?
• have you noticed any pain or crying when you rub or scratch your chihuahua’s ears?

regarding the nose

• have you noticed any congestion, sneezing or coughing?
• have you noticed any blood coming from the nose?
• have you noticed any nasal discharge?

regarding the mouth

• have you noticed any swelling of the lips or tongue?
• have you noticed any bleeding from the mouth?
• what color are the gums – tissue just above the teeth?

looking inside the mouth

• are there any foreign objects such as bones or sticks stuck on the roof of the mouth or around the teeth?
• is your chihuahua able to open and close the mouth normally?
• is there any pain involved in opening or closing the mouth?
• have you noticed any excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth?
• is your chihuahua able swallow food normally?

regarding the chest

• is your chihuahua experiencing any difficulty breathing?
• have you noticed excessive panting?
• is there any pain when the chest area is petted?
• have you noticed any recent coughing?
• is the heartbeat steady and consistent?
• what is the heart rate?

place your hand or your ear on the left side of your chihuahua’s chest, just behind the elbow. you should be able to feel or hear the heartbeat. count how many beats the heart pumps in one minute.

regarding the abdomen/stomach area

• has your chihuahua been having any diarrhea or vomiting?
• is your chihuahua able to eat and drink normally?
• does the abdomen/stomach area appear swollen or distended?
• does your chihuahua appear to be in pain when the stomach area is petted?
• is your chihuahua known to chew on non-food items such as clothing, towels, rocks, or other items?

regarding the urinary and reproductive systems

• have you noticed any difference in urinating?
• does your chihuahua seem to strain to urinate or cry in pain?
• does your chihuahua repeatedly try to urinate with no urine produced?
• is there any blood in the urine?
• how frequently does your chihuahua urinate?
• is your female chihuahua spayed?
• has your female ever had puppies? if so, at what age?
• if your female is not spayed, when was her last heat cycle and was she bred?
• do you notice any discharge from the vaginal area?
• is your male chihuahua neutered? if so, at what age?
• do you notice any discharge from the penis?
• if your chihuahua is not neutered, do you notice any swelling of the testicles?
• have you noticed your chihuahua excessively licking or grooming the genital area?

regarding the musculoskeletal system – bones and joints

• have you noticed any limping?
• are any legs or joints swollen?
• has your chihuahua been excessively licking at one area of his/her legs?
• does your chihuahua show signs of pain when walking?
• is your chihuahua able to walk normally?
• does your chihuahua walk on his/her knuckles?
• does your chihuahua drag any legs when walking?
• does your chihuahua seem to be in pain when petting him or her?

by supplying the answers these questions, your veterinarian will be in a much better position to help your chihuahua. additional tests may be necessary to find out what the problem is, but the answers to the above questions can greatly narrow the area of concern.

please note that famous chihuahua is providing this information to chihuahua owners as a guide so you know when to take  your chihuahua to see your veterinarian.

the editor of famous chihuahua would like to encourage chihuahua owners to follow this advice as their rule of thumb as to when to take their chihuahua to the vet:

if at any time your chihuahua is showing signs or symptoms of illness and discomfort, don’t wait, just go the vet!

http://www.famouschihuahua.com

Chihuahua Physical Appearance, Characteristics, Temperaments and Average Life Span

General Appearance
The two basic body types of purebred these small dogs are Apple headed or Deer headed.
Apple-headed Chi Dogs have short noses, an apple shaped head, and close-set eyes, while Deer-headed Chi Dogs have an elongated nose that resembles Doberman Pinschers. They both have the same chance of being teacup or miniature.
An in depth comparison about these two body types of Chihuahua will be discussed below this page. With the information, you are able to recognize instantly the advantages anddisadvantages of that particular Chi Dog.
Nose
Color can be in Black, Pink or Chocolate.
Coat and Color
Chiwawa basically has only 2 varieties as shown on the pictures below:-
A detailed comparison is done below this page; you may use the information to help you make the right choice.
a) Long-coated (long-haired)          b) Smooth-coated (short-haired).
Size
Height: 6.0 - 10.0 inches (15.0 - 25.0 cm)
Weight: 3.3 - 6.6 pounds (1.5 - 3.0 kg)
Average Life Span
10 - 15 years
Average Litter Size
1 - 4 puppies
Characteristics/Temperaments and Energy level
As per AKC definition, Chihuahuas are graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression. They are projecting the 'terrier-like' attitudes of self importance, confidence, and self-reliance.
Chiwawa is one of the highest energy levels of any purebred dog. This is the reason why some owners always has problem on how to train a Chihuahua. The secret is Chihuahua training should come together with exercise.
Chi dogs like to give affection to their owners and also acts friendly to other pets. Long-coated Chi tend to be a little reserved and cautious when meeting with strangers for the first time.

"Comparing Chihuahuas"

If you are going to enter your Chihuahua for dog show competition, you should select the Apple-headed Chi dog as AKC disqualifies the Deer-headed Chi dog.
To help you understand better, I will show you 2 photos to distinguish the differencesbetween 2 types of Chi dogs. Hope that I am able to help you to save some time on searching for such information from the Internet or the time to discuss with the breeders near your place.

"Apple-headed vs. Deer-headed"

• Apple-headed Chi Dogs have shorter muzzle and nose and it is more desirable.



• According to the standard by some kennel clubs such as American Kennel Club (AKC). They only accept Apple-headed chi dogs. If you are not going to join any of the dog show competition, you wouldn't have to worry about this.



• Deer-headed Chi Dogs have longer muzzle and nose.



• Some Apple-headed Chi Dogs has super-short muzzles which are NOT desirable. The reason is the muzzles that are too short could cause breathing problems.



• Shorter muzzles mean wider mouths. So, Apple-headed Chiwawas are expecting to eat faster than Deer-headed Chiwawas. So, just be careful when feeding Apple-headed Chiwawas to prevent any choking incident.

"Smooth-coated vs. Long-coated"

• Smooth-coated Chi Dogs have more sensitive body
Since Smooth-coated Chi Dogs may or may not have undercoat; they will have more sensitive body. Long-coated Chi Dogs, on the other hand, will have undercoat.


• Long-coated Chis handle cold weather better.
Long-coated chis can handle the cold weather especially in cold countries that has winter. They also may play in the snow. If you are taking a smooth-coated chi for a walk, it is advisable to wear him a sweater during winter.


• Smooth-coated chi dog enjoy your affection more
When you give affection to a smooth-coated chi, he will enjoy more as he feels the warmth of your hand.


• Long-coated shed less frequently
Long-coated Chi dogs shed about twice a year, but they shed a lot those times. While smooth-coated shed all the time by replacing old hair with new one.


• Smooth-coated Chiwawas are more outgoing
Smooth-coated chiwawas accept new friends easily compare with long-coated. Long-coated chiwawas tend to be more reserved.


• Detection of fleas or ticks is easier on Smooth-coated
Since smooth-coated has shorter hair, you can detect fleas or ticks easier. You will find it a little harder to find fleas on Long-coated chi.

Picture below shows Apple-headed Chihuahua with Smooth-coated.

Picture below shows Deer-headed Chihuahua with Long-coated.

http://www.puppy-training-at-home.com

Apple head chihuahuas vs. Deer head chihuahuas: how they differ

we have all heard the terms apple head vs. deer head when it comes to describing characteristics of the chihuahua breed, but what exactly makes an apple head chihuahua different from a deer head chihuahua?

the term apple head is used to describe any chihuahua with a round or ‘dome-like’ head similar to the shape of an apple. the upper part of the chihuahua’s skull is wider than the lower part in the jaw area.

if you look close at the top of the skull of most chihuahuas, you will notice that it is slightly sunken in just like the top of an apple. this area is called molera, a spanish word for ‘fontanel’, or any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus and it is similar to the ‘soft spot’ that human babies have on their heads upon birth.

according to chihuahua breed standards, the term apple head is required in the description of the ‘head’ of a chihuahua that includes an apple domed skull with either the presence or absence of molera. it is also used when referencing chihuahua puppies at an age where it is noticeable.

the term deer head is used to describe any chihuahua that does not have the characteristic apple shaped head. deer head chihuahuas tend to have a longer noses and a head shape similar to that of a miniature young deer. they also tend to have less chihuahua health problems.

in this picture of teaka the famous chihuahua, you can see her deer-like features, so she is a deer head chihuahua. at birth she was given the temporary name of fawn, which means a young deer under a year old.

related: what is a blue chihuahua?  what is a teacup chihuahua?

apple head and deer head chihuahua names

tiny dog clothing for apple head and deer head chihuahuas

article source: chihuahuadogcare.com/applehead-chihuahuas
skull photo source: skullsunlimited.com/chihuahua-skull.htmlthe term apple head is used to describe any chihuahua with a round or ‘dome-like’ head similar to the shape of an apple. the upper part of the chihuahua’s skull is wider than the lower part in the jaw area.

if you look close at the top of the skull of most chihuahuas, you will notice that it is slightly sunken in just like the top of an apple. this area is called molera, a spanish word for ‘fontanel’, or any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus and it is similar to the ‘soft spot’ that human babies have on their heads upon birth.

according to chihuahua breed standards, the term apple head is required in the description of the ‘head’ of a chihuahua that includes an apple domed skull with either the presence or absence of molera. it is also used when referencing chihuahua puppies at an age where it is noticeable.

the term deer head is used to describe any chihuahua that does not have the characteristic apple shaped head. deer head chihuahuas tend to have a longer noses and a head shape similar to that of a miniature young deer. they also tend to have less chihuahua health problems.

in this picture of teaka the famous chihuahua, you can see her deer-like features, so she is a deer head chihuahua. at birth she was given the temporary name of fawn, which means a young deer under a year old.

related: what is a blue chihuahua?  what is a teacup chihuahua?

apple head and deer head chihuahua names

tiny dog clothing for apple head and deer head chihuahuas

article source: chihuahuadogcare.com/applehead-chihuahuas
skull photo source: skullsunlimited.com/chihuahua-skull.html

Dog barking: Learn how to stop your pet chihuahua from barking

chihuahuas love to bark. it’s a perfectly natural thing for them to do, just as it’s normal for us humans to speak. it’s when our chihuahuas bark excessively that it becomes a problem for all concerned, including the neighbors. the goal isn’t to to stop our chihuahuas from barking, but rather learn how to control the excessive barking.

the fact is, chihuahuas bark. they do it when they’re excited or when they sense danger. some do it when they’re bored – or worse, for no reason at all. in these cases, you want to teach your chihuahua that barking is only permitted under certain circumstances.

in the picture above, we see teaka the famous chihuahua barking at the sound of the doorbell. she no longer does this thanks to the training strategies practiced below.

the first step in modifying this problem is to determine the reason why your chihuahua is barking in the first place. once you’ve identified the cause or trigger, you can then plan your training solution.

why do chihuahuas bark?

• to express their needs (being bossy).
• they are staking out their territory.
• to alert other members of their pack (that’s you and your family) of impending danger.
• when playing, just through sheer excitement.
• barking at other animals. depending on where you are in the world, it could be squirrels or any other small animal.
• if they are isolated.
• some chihuahuas bark excessively when separated from their pack (you and your family).
• if they are trapped behind some type of barrier like a fence or window.
• just for fun!
• to express dominance (puppies normally test you out at some stage with a display of dominance barking).
• they bark because their owners have inadvertently rewarded excessive barking in the past (this is crucial to understand).

 
• through boredom or a lack of physical and mental stimulation.
• may feel stressed or uncomfortable for some reason. things like feeling threatened or if they don’t have an appropriate place to sleep can cause excessive barking problems.
• chihuahuas that haven’t been properly socialized often become nuisance barkers.
• may be looking for a response or some attention from their pack.

another thing to keep in mind is that even though it may appear to you that your chihuahua is barking at nothing, this is not necessarily the case.

this is because your chihuahua has a much more acute sense of hearing, smell and sight than us humans. your chihuahuas excessive barking is probably being triggered by something.

how to stop your chihuahua from barking

the most important piece of advice to remember when trying to modify any dog behavioral problem, is to clearly communicate to your chihuahua what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

one of the biggest mistakes us chihuahua owners make is to inadvertently reward our chihuahuas excessive barking. we actually encourage and reinforce the barking problem when we commit these three dog training sins:

1. yell and scream at the chihuahua – this just gives them the attention they were crying out for.
2. let them inside. if your chihuahua is barking his/her head off outside, then you let it in, this just rewards the barking.
3. if your chihuahua is barking and you react by giving him/her a comforting cuddle or a treat of some sort, you are definitely encouraging your chihuahua to bark again. by doing this you are communicating to your chihuahua that you are happy with them. you should be making it clear that his excessive barking is inappropriate.

training techniques to try and reasons why your chihuahua barks

chihuahua goes crazy every time the phone rings

this is a very common and annoying time for chihuahuas to bark excessively. try these training techniques:

• never yell at your chihuahua.
• get your chihuahua used to the phone ringing, don’t make it such a big deal. ring your home number from your cell phone or get a friend to keep calling you. when the phone rings just sit there, don’t say or do a thing. repeat this process over a few days, your chihuahua will probably continue to bark for a while but will give up before long.
• if you give your chihuahua basic obedience training, behavioral problems such as excessive barking are easily controlled. your chihuahua looks up to you as their pack leader and is eager to please you in any situation. teaching the quiet! or stop! obedience training command will soon correct nuisance barking problems.
• you may have some success by changing the tone and volume of your ring tone.

chihuahua barks when you are not home

chihuahuas are social creatures, when they are separated from their owners they can become stressed and frustrated. this type of excessive barking is often caused by separation anxiety.

• keep your chihuahua well exercised (physical and mental) and provide fresh water, chewing toys and a nice comfortable place to sleep. you can also try to block your chihuahuas view of the street or other distractions. basically, make sure your chihuahua is happy.
• if you know your chihuahua has been barking while you have been away, you must ignore him/her for a while when you return home. this is difficult for lots of chihuahua owners, but if you don’t do this your chihuahua believes that their barking is the reason you came back home to them. just go about your business for a little while when you get home, ignoring your chihuahua. when they have settled down, you can then initiate contact with them.
• this next method takes time and patience, but can be a very effective. it’s based on that important rule applicable to all training situations. praise or reward when your chihuahua does something good, create a negative association when they do something bad. leave the house as you normally would, but just hide somewhere nearby. when your chihuahua starts to bark spray him/her with water or throw a tin can full of coins or rocks in their direction (this is the negative association). try to keep out of your chihuahuas sight while doing this if possible. go and hide again, if he/she is quiet for a while, go in and reward their good behavior with some praise and maybe a treat. this process may need to be repeated over and over until you have broken the excessive barking habit.

chihuahua barks for attention or to demand something

this is one excessive barking problem that can be corrected very quickly.

• if you establish yourself as the pack leader or alpha dog in your owner-chihuahua relationship, this type of barking problem won’t occur. you’ll also form a strong bond with your chihuahua based on trust and respect.
• another effective method you can try to stop this attention barking is simply ignoring your chihuahua. your chihuahua will probably become frustrated and bark a lot initially, but once they realize that it is not getting them anywhere, they will stop. this training method can be hard on the ears for a while!

chihuahua barks at passers by

workers like the postman and delivery driver’s are constantly being barked at throughout their day.

• your chihuahua perceives these type of people as intruders or a threat to their territory. they bark and every time they bark they are rewarded as the intruder goes away. your chihuahua is then very pleased that they have averted this threat, which leads them to do it again and again. their behavior is reinforced and therefore this can be a difficult problem to turn around.
• if possible, you could try to block your chihuahuas vision or access to the area where these people pass by.
• if your chihuahua consistently barks at a particular person, you may need this person to help modify your chihuahuas behavior. just say your chihuahua gets really agitated each time the postman arrives. have a chat to your postman and give him some of your chihuahuas favorite treats. each time they deliver to your house, they can also deliver a tasty treat to your chihuahua. in your chihuahuas mind the postman goes from being a threat, to a welcome guest.

if you consistently apply the above training techniques and add a little patience, you should have your chihuahua under control before long.

source: dog-obedience-training-review.com/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-barking.html