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Pros and Cons of Allowing Your Dog to Sleep in Your Bed

About 62 percent of American dog and cat owners keep their animals in the house at night, and of those, about half the cats and one-third of the dogs spend the night on the bed according to the findings of a survey from the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Passionate pooch owners are divided on this issue, and feelings run deep. There are those who swear by their pets and would not have them sleep anywhere other than on their beds, and there are those who just swear at the thought of having their beloved Lassie sharing the bed with them.

Who is right? What are the issues?

Pros

There is scientific evidence to suggest that sharing your life with a pet will increase your years. And what better way to bond with your pet than sharing a cuddle at night?

There is also evidence to suggest that brains subconsciously interact, even in sleep, and the peaceful waves emitted by your loved pet can positively influence your brain

Cons and Complications

Health and Safety Risks

Disease, dirt, and fleas can be picked up by your cute little puppy and brought into your bed.

There’s also a danger factor, especially if you have young children. Even the most good-natured dog can snap in self-defense when startled. A child running past furniture or beds where a dog is resting may unwittingly surprise the animal.

The tragic result of an elevated dog’s teeth coming into contact with a small child’s face can be physically traumatic for the child but may cost a startled dog its life.

Loss of Quality of Sleep

Disturbed sleep and restless nights are another bonus that studies show to be gained from sharing your bed with a pet.

It’s not just dogs, either. Behaviorist at the Veterinary Specialty Center in Lynnwood, Dr. Lynne Seibert, says that the most common problem with sleeping with cats is that they don’t sleep.

“Most of the issues I see are about exuberant play,” she says. “They’ve got a captive audience and end up pouncing and scratching.” As is to be expected from an animal that spends all day sleeping!

Family Strife and Jealousy

Jealousy, aggressive behavior, and family divisions have also been attributed to pet sleeping arrangements.

There are many stories of marriages placed in jeopardy because the family pet has assumed the role as leader of the pack and dominates the bedroom as well.

How can you prevent this from happening in your bedroom?

Cesar Milan on the Pack Relationship

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, says, “You may prefer to have your dog sleep in bed with you. It is perfectly natural for a dog to sleep with other pack members, and it is also a powerful way to bond with your dog. But don’t forget the rules, boundaries, and limitations; it’s your bed—not your dog’s.”

You must have your “pack” relationship properly established before considering allowing your dog to sleep with you. This means educating your pet that sleeping with you is a privilege, not a right, and that when you say “off,” they must vacate the bed (a married couple needs some privacy after all!).

What an Expert Says

Carol Byrnes gives her opinion on this issue in the following article.

Should You Sleep With Your Dog?

There is much written by experts that suggests that allowing your dog in your bed sends mixed messages, that it lowers your pack status, that a dog who shares a bed considers himself an equal on the pack pole.

On the other hand, plenty of non-experts report that their dogs slept with them for years without a hitch.

Here’s my opinion: It depends on the dog and the human.

If you have a healthy working relationship with your dog based on mutual trust and respect and you don’t mind waking up with a dog’s tail in your face or paws braced against your back, by all means, sleep with your well-adjusted dog – under the covers if you want!

It’s not the well-adjusted, respectful dogs who should be banished, but the ones who don’t see the humans in their lives as leaders, dogs who would dare talk back or bite you, in (or out of) the bed, who don’t belong there. I think it’s a shame that great dogs who don’t need to be banished are punished for the ones who can’t handle it.

The bed doesn’t cause the problem, but it can certainly magnify a problem that is already there.

If you are having difficulties with your relationship with your dog, if he is bossy, bratty and disrespectful, then he should not be in your bed at night.

The dog who steals sandwiches from your child’s hand and knocks him over in doorways shouldn’t share your child’s pillow, even if he would be fine sharing yours.

Puppies should learn how to sleep alone so they don’t grow up clingy and co-dependent or develop the mistaken impression that the bed is a right, not a privilege.

Dog behavior specialists like Dr. Ian Dunbar, Ph.D., and British behaviorist John Rogerson quote horrifying statistics that the most severe bites to dog owners occur in the owner’s bed.

Dogs who would take advantage of their owners when standing upright will certainly take more advantage when their owners are prone.

A bossy dog who thinks it’s HIS bed and he’s sharing his space with you, might also think he has the right to correct you for bumping his highness in the bed, with dire consequences.

If your dog thinks he runs your house, get professional help for that issue. It’s not “The Bed” that is the real problem—it’s just a symptom of a more serious issue: an unhealthy relationship.

Velcro-dogs may not be good candidates for bed sharing.

If your dog is clingy and co-dependent, or if he suffers from separation anxiety, he should not be in your bed. A dog who suffers great stress when you are away needs to practice feeling secure when not in your direct presence.

If he is your ever-present shadow, whining because you are on the other side of a shower door, he needs to learn to be ok with separation. Sleeping plastered against you all night only feeds this co-dependence. Nighttime is a great time for him to practice feeling secure with you out of reach.

Some Good Guidelines

• Evaluate your relationship. Are you a good leader? Is your dog emotionally secure?

• Your dog should wait for permission and sleep where you tell him to.

• If you have to be careful to avoid disturbing his highness in bed for fear of eliciting a growl or a bite, boot him out of the whole room, not just the bed, and get help from a behavior professional.

 

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7 Reasons Why Your Dog Should Absolutely Sleep In Your Bed At Night

The world can be a pretty lonely place for any of us, especially at night.

As a nation who unfortunately have terrible sleeping patterns, perhaps adding a furry friend into the mix late at night would sort everything right out and allow us all to sleep as soundly as children do.

For those of you who are pro the puppy movement, these 7 reasons you should bring your dog to bed with you will definitely, definitely tickle your fancy.

1. They provide utter comfort

Have you seen them?! Their warm, fluffy bodies are basically hope animalified.

(Yes, it’s a word)

2. It can make you live longer

No, really.

There is scientific evidence to suggest that sharing your life with a pet will increase your years.

What a time to be alive!

3. They can help fight insomnia

Now, this is just a maybe, as sometimes it doesn’t always work – but dogs sleeping in your bed have known to calm the owner, allowing the slumbering to feel at their total ease, and eliminating every chance of insomnia.

4. They relieve stress

As therapy dogs suggest,  dog’s positive outlook on life can be as infectious as it is wonderful – leaving you happier all round.

There is also evidence to suggest that you and your pooch’s brains subconsciously interact, even in sleep, and the peaceful waves emitted by man’s best friend can even influence your brain for the better.

5. They can improve your mental health

Unconditional love is pretty much on tap for those of you lucky enough to have a pooch. For someone battling demons, this type of connection and social encouragement can be life-changing.

So to receive it, especially at night when you’ve all that thinking time to yourself, could be the best thing for you.

6. Warmth

You do need something to keep you warm during those long Winter nights, ya hear.

7. It’s good for your pup, too

You are your dog’s best friend, life partner and favourite being on the planet – meaning that if you willingly share all of your time with them, their days (and nights) will be made.

They also crave the love and safety that you do, meaning this arrangement is ideal for everyone!

 

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What Can Give Your Dog Hives?

Introduction

Picture it: you and your pooch are relaxing together when you notice them. He’s been uncharacteristically itchy lately, so you’ve been a bit suspicious, but finally, you see them – the raised, red welts all over his body.

Your doggo has hives, and you’re left with a ton of confusion. How did he get them? Where did they come from? What do I do about these hives now that they’re here? Could I have prevented them?

The truth is, dogs can get hives for a number of reasons and treating them is vital to your dog’s well-being!

It’s important to understand what hives are and where they come from because not every irritation or bump on your dog means he has hives. Overall, hives can be boiled down to non-life-threatening, though, if left alone, could develop into bigger issues.

For that reason, keeping an eye on your dog, knowing the signs to look out for, and figuring out how to treat your dog’s hives are all important pieces of knowledge to have on hand! Your dog can get hives from food allergies, chemical reactions, plants (like poison ivy), vaccines, bites or stings, and pretty much any allergen your pet is hypersensitive to.

Signs Your Dog May Have Hives

While you might think it’s fairly obvious to tell if your dog has hives, it can be a difficult call sometimes. How do you know your dog’s itchiness means he’s having a reaction? Maybe he’s just scratching, like all dogs do from time to time. It is important you’re able to make the distinction though, so you must watch out for signs that your dog may be giving you.

First, keep an eye out for excess scratching or itching. That’s the first sign that your dog’s skin is irritated, and it’s likely that he’ll want to scratch if something is bugging him.

Next, you might notice large areas of swelling and redness around his face, belly, or legs. You might even notice excess swelling around his muzzle, too. His eyes might puff up, become irritated, and water a lot, so check for tear stains on lighter-colored dogs as an indicator. Your pup might even drool more than usual if he’s developing hives or a rash.

Body Language

Odds are, your dog is probably giving you all the body language cues you need to know that something is going on – you just have to know what to look for. Take a good, hard look at your pup to see if some of these signs have been in his wheelhouse as of late:

Head, tilting, Panting, Scratching, Pacing

Other Signs

But that’s not all your dog may do to let you know he’s experiencing hives, a rash, or something similar. Keep those body language cues in mind, but don’t forget to check for these signs, too:

Mosquito-Bite Like Bumps

Large, Red, Raised Bumps

Eye Watering and Closure

Eye Swelling

Muzzle Swelling

Drooling

Scratching & Itching

The Treatments that Historically Work For Hives

While we always recommend checking with your dog-tor before you treat your dog yourself, here are a few tried and true methods that have historically worked to help reduce or treat your doggo’s hives.

First, head to your vet to see what can be done! Traditionally, hives will be treated by professionals with antihistamines like Benadryl or steroids, depending on how severe the hives actually are. Discuss with your vet before feeding your pet any medications, of course.

Additionally, it’s quite possible that hives can resolve on their own once the allergen is removed, however, it can be tough to determine what the cause is. To combat this, you can take your pup to the vet for allergy testing to help determine what he should stay away from.

Dog-tors advice using a cold towel or ice to help soothe your doggo’s skin if he’s extra itchy, too. If it’s a first-time reaction, certainly make sure your dog sees his vet immediately – if left untreated, sometimes hives can develop into more severe issues.

How Hives Work Scientifically

Understanding how hives work and what they are can help you understand how to avoid them and how to treat your dog if he does get them.

Hives, also called urticaria, are a hypersensitive skin reaction that’s defined by very itchy, raised, smooth bumps that are discolored compared to the surrounding skin. If exposed to certain allergens, your dog can develop these types of skin bumps on his body – either just a few or an entire rash of them. Sometimes, hives can even be caused by stress.

Typically, they will be around .2 inches around, though they can be bigger. Antihistamines can help reduce hives and get rid of itching because they block histamines, a chemical in the skin that can cause an outbreak of hives. Sometimes, steroids can help reduce hives as well.

How to Prevent Hives and Train your Dog to Deal With Them

The best way to avoid your dog from getting hives is to understand what causes them in the first place. Whether it’s a plant, a chemical in his bath soap, a food, or a vaccination, understanding what irritates your dog is the first step to preventing it.

To do that, talk to your vet about getting an allergy test for your four-legged friend. This test will involve quite a bit of pricking, so ensure that you’ve trained your pup to remain calm and collected at the vet’s office. Don’t hesitate to give him lots of treats for his good behavior!

Additionally, training your dog to stay away from things he’s allergic to is key. In this case, ensuring he’s got a firm grasp on commands like “no,” “leave it,” and “drop it,” will come in handy.

You might also want to train your dog to take medicine. Though hives can be prevented, sometimes things just happen, and to combat the reaction, Benadryl, or a prescribed medicine from your vet, can make all the difference. Train your dog to take medicine from your hand, play a throw-and-catch game with his pills, or show him how to eat it with his food.

How To React If Your Dog Has Hives

  • Rub ice or a cold cloth on your dog’s irritated skin.
  • Get an allergy test to figure out what your dog is sensitive to.
  • Contact your vet.
  • Help your dog avoid allergens.
  • With vet permission and prescription, give steroids to your pup.
  • With vet permission, give an antihistamine to your pup.

 

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How Long Does a Dog Stay In Heat?

Generally, from around the age of 6 months old, a female dog will experience her first heat cycle (when she reaches puberty).

During this heat cycle (i.e. estrous) there are four distinct phases, one of which is the estrus phase. During this phase she can become pregnant and this is when she will be “in heat”.

This cycle will continue for the rest of her life, unless she is spayed.

In this article we will explore the four stages of the estrous cycle and the symptoms associated with each stage.

We will also consider the health concerns associated with heat cycles and whether you can stop your dog coming into heat.

Your Dog’s Heat Cycle

Most female dogs have two estrus phases per year, meaning they will come into heat twice a year (i.e. monoestrous). The Basenji breed defies all explanation as they have one cycle per year.

What is it? Reproduction in Dogs

Estrus, or heat, is all part and parcel of a female dog’s reproductive cycle (i.e. estrous cycle). It is one part of the four stage cycle where she becomes fertile and receptive to mating with males:

  1. Proestrus
  2. Estrus
  3. Diestrus
  4. Anestrus

The estrous, or heat cycle of an unspayed, non-pregnant female is divided into four phases. Proestrus, Estrus, Diestrus and Anestrus.

When Will My Dog Have Her First Estrus Cycle?

Your unspayed female will have her first Estrus cycle when she is fully matured. This of course varies from breed to breed. It can range from 6 to 24 months of age.

Smaller breeds tend to mature a lot younger than larger breeds. For example, Morkies are defined as mature at 1 year of age, whereas a Sheepadoodle, who is larger, isn’t defined as mature until the age of 2.

Most females will have a biannual estrus, meaning they will come into heat twice a year. However, it is not cause for concern if your smaller breed has 3-4 heat cycles per year, or your larger breed only one.

Their first heat will usually be very quiet and show less signs due to the hormone levels being lower than an adult dog. This indicates they have reached sexual maturity.

Top-Tip

Never breed during 1st or 2nd heat cycle. There are two main reasons for why a female dog should never be bred during her first two heats; physiological and physiologically. Females who are bred too early show unpredictable and erratic behavior during and after pregnancy.

To understand what happens when your dog is in heat, we will now explore the four phases of the estrous cycle in more detail.

Quick Summary of Heat Cycle Phases

How often do they go into heat?

Most dogs will come into heat twice a year. But, it has been known for smaller breeds to have 3-4 heat cycles per year and larger breeds to only have one. Any concerns regarding how often your dog is coming into heat, pop to see your veterinarian.

How long do they stay in heat?

PhaseAverage DurationSigns and Symptoms
Proestrus9 daysBloody discharge, Swollen vulva and Frequent licking of genitalia
Estrus9 daysReceptive to males, Actively seeking males and Straw like discharge
Diestrus/Metestrus2-3 monthsRejecting male attention
Anestrus3-5 monthsVulva returns to normal, No discharge and No interest in males

When does a heat cycle stop for a female dog?

An unspayed female dog will be fertile for her whole life. There is no menopause for dogs! The only way to prevent a heat cycle is to have her spayed. We’ll discuss that in more detail later in this article.

Dog Heat Cycle Phases (Non Pregnant Dogs)

Proestrus – The First Phase

The First Stage of a dog’s estrous lasts for 9 days and is known as the Proestrus phase.
On average this stage lasts for 9 days, but, it has been reported to last for anywhere between 3-27 days. The most reliable indicator of the start of this phase is vaginal hemorrhaging (bloody discharge).

Other symptoms in this phase include:

  • Swelling of the vulva
  • Showing increased interest in their genitalia, for example, frequent licking
  • You may also notice that she is urinating more frequently.

A male will show interest in this phase as the female is secreting male attracting pheromones, but the female will not allow mounting or mating.

It is during this phase, the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are secreted by the pituitary gland, stimulate growth of follicles in the ovaries. Levels of estrogen also rise.

Estrus / Standing Heat – The Second Phase

This phase is characterized by receptive behavior towards males. Females will also actively seek out males.

On average, this phase lasts 9 days, just like the previous Proestrus phase. However, it has been known to last from anywhere between 3-29 days!

Here the swollen vulva is less noticeable, but the bloody discharge may continue. It is more common to notice a straw like colored discharge.

Her estrogen levels will drop but progesterone levels increase. Ovulation (i.e release of an egg) occurs due to a surge in luteinizing hormone.

Larger breeds will tend to release more eggs than smaller breeds and they remain viable for 12-72 hours.

In short this is when your dog is fertile, so care should be taken to avoid unwanted pregnancies. For example:

  • Ensure she is kept on leash when out on a walk
  • Make sure not to leave her unsupervised when out
To prevent unwanted pregnancies make sure your dog is kept on a lease during the estrus period.

Diestrus / Metestrus – The Third Phase

During this phase, if successful breeding has occurred, pregnancy will start.

There is some disagreement over how long this phase lasts. But, it is generally accepted anywhere between 2-3 months. In this phase, the female is obviously rejecting any male attention. If the female has been bred successfully during estrus, it is this phase that is the start of pregnancy, but we’ll come back to that a little later in this article.

Here progesterone levels are higher; slowly returning to basal levels at the end of the phase.

You may have also heard about phantom or false pregnancies? It is towards the end of this phase that they occur, due to the lowering levels of progesterone. This in turn increases levels of prolactin which causes lactation and maternal behavior. False pregnancies are common in dogs and is usually just a sign that they ovulated; not a sign of reproductive issues!

Anestrus – The Fourth Phase

The final phase of the cycle which is the transition phase to reset the female.

This is the transition phase between one cycle and the next. It has been documented to last anywhere between 1 and 9 months. But generally expected between the 3 and 5 month mark!

Here, the female is much calmer, showing no interest in males. Her vulva is no longer swollen, there is no discharge. Her ovaries are inactive too.

We’ve considered the estrous cycle of a non-pregnant female. It is worth noting the differences when a dog becomes pregnant.

Typical Estrous (i.e. Heat) Cycle for Pregnant Dogs

A dog’s heat cycle has four distinct phases which typically last for 6 months in total.

So what’s the difference for a dog during their heat cycle if they are pregnant? It all changes during the 3rd phase (i.e. diestrus).

If a female has been mated during estrus, (the 2nd phase of the Estrous cycle), pregnancy occurs during the diestrus phase (the 3rd phase). As with a non-pregnant female, the pregnant female will be rejecting of male advances.

Pregnancy or gestation is defined as the length of time from mating to parturition (giving birth).

The diestrus phase in a pregnant female typically lasts 58-63 days – in short, there will be about 2 months until those puppies are born!

Signs and symptoms to watch out for in a pregnant female:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Enlarging abdomen
  • Enlarging mammary glands
  • Nesting behaviour
  • Irritability

Once the female has given birth, she will enter anestrus in order to recover. Her body will be getting ready for her next cycle!

Is My Dog in Heat? Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

We have discussed some of the physical symptoms of when an unspayed female is in heat. You will notice:

  • Swollen vulva
  • Bloody discharge
  • Frequent urinating
  • Licking genitalia

Due to the change in hormone levels, you may also notice behavioral changes.

Your dog may become more agitated or nervous, she may seem moody or withdrawn. She may also become snappy towards males during proestrus. You may see a change in appetite, this varies from dog to dog.

Not all female dogs will show the bloody discharge signaling the start of proestrus. In order to establish the fertility of your dog, it is possible to carry out certain tests.

Vaginal Smear Test
Vaginal Cytocology is where vaginal cells are taken, stained and placed under a microscope. Due to the change in hormones throughout the estrous cycle, the cells present very differently. Through identifying the differences, it is possible to establish whether or not the female is fertile. A canine fertility test some may say.

Serum Progesterone Test
A blood test can be carried out which measures levels of progesterone. We know that progesterone levels increase around ovulation, therefore based on the results, it is possible to indicate where in her cycle the female is.

So we know what happens during a heat cycle and the symptoms to be aware of. You should also be aware of what can go wrong and when there is cause for concern.

How to Care for a Female Dog in Heat

There are times when a heat cycle may present as abnormal. This includes a split heat, prolonged heat or a silent heat.
Sometimes a heat cycle may present as abnormal, it’s important you understand them.
Abnormal HeatSigns/SymptomsCause
Silent HeatThe heat is completely undetectable to humans. The dog does not present with the typical bloody discharge or associated symptoms.Younger dogs have lower levels of hormones than adult dogs, therefore the heat presents as quieter. Tests may be carried out to establish where in the cycle your dog is.
Split HeatThe dog starts her heat, stops for a few days, continues and then it ceases.Generally due to low LH levels.
Prolonged HeatA heat cycle longer than 21 days.Hormone imbalance, usually persistent elevated estrogen levels. Often caused by cysts or tumor. Sometimes associated with liver issues as the metabolism of estrogen is reduced.

Certain drugs may induce anestrus which can alter the length of a cycle. These include; anabolic drugs, androgens, glucocorticoids and progestogens. These drugs are often used to enhance performance of working and show dogs.

There are also a number of health conditions associated with irregular heats:

  • Hypothyroidism – this is when the thyroid glands aren’t producing enough hormones, having a detrimental effect on the reproductive system.
  • Renal failure – Estrogen serves as a protective factor to the kidneys. Low estrogen levels therefore impact on kidney function.
  • Hypercorticism – Cushing’s Disease – This is when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol; usually caused by pituitary or adrenal tumors.

If you are concerned that your dog’s cycle is irregular, seek veterinarian advice.

Can I Prevent my Dog from Going into Heat?

We’ve already established that a dog is fertile for her whole life. They don’t go through the menopause. The only way to stop a dog going into heat is to have her spayed or as some call it, desexed.

General guidance states that all dogs should be spayed/neutered if they are not being used for breeding purposes. Firstly, to prevent unwanted puppies and secondly to prevent future potential health issues such as pyometra and cancer.

What is spaying?
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries, or both the uterus and ovaries.

What are the benefits?
Spaying your dog, if you aren’t intending to breed, is good for you, your pet and the community.

  1. Spayed dogs live a much longer and healthier life.
  2. Female dogs can often cry in heat and show nervous behavior.
  3. Unaltered dogs can display temperament problems.

When can my dog be spayed?
It is generally accepted that females can be spayed around 6 months of age. However, the arguments for allowing the female to have one heat cycle before they are spayed. Especially in larger breeds, dogs who are more prone to urinary tract infections or incontinence and those dogs who have a history of vulval dermatitis/vaginitis.

It is also possible for a veterinarian to suppress estrus for no longer than a 24 month period through the administration of certain medications, yet this does have its side effects including: pyometra, obesity and neoplasia of the uterus and mammary glands.

Reproductive Hormones 101

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone is one of the gonadotrophic hormones. It is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the function of the ovaries and testes. In female dogs it stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles for ovulation.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

  • Luteinizing hormone is also one of the gonadotrophic hormones. It is the surge of LH that matures the ovarian follicles during ovulation. LH also stimulates the production of progesterone, which we know is required to support the early stages of pregnancy.

Estrogen

  • Estrogen is secreted primarily from the ovaries, but can also be secreted from the adrenal glands and the placenta towards the end of pregnancy.
  • Estrogen levels are at their highest during an unspayed female’s estrus cycle. It contributes to the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and also to the release of eggs.

Progesterone

  • Progesterone is a hormone released by the ovaries. It is essential in maintaining pregnancies in dogs.
  • Progesterone is produced in large amounts around ovulation and continues to rise into the first half of diestrus whether or not the female is pregnant. All breeds of dogs, no matter what size, will ovulate at the same level of progesterone!

Summary

Your female dog will be fertile for her whole life, providing she doesn’t have any health concerns which affects her reproductive system.

Her estrous cycle has four distinct phases;

  1. Proestrus
  2. Estrus
  3. Diestrus
  4. Anestrus

Proestrus is signaled by the bloody discharge and frequent cleaning of her genitalia. When she is in Estrus she is at her most fertile time, this is when breeding dogs would be mated.

To avoid unwanted pregnancies, females in estrus should be closely supervised and walked on leash. Diestrus is when pregnancy occurs in the mated female, or in the unmated female, you will often see or hear about phantom or false pregnancies. Anestrus is the quieter phase, where she is getting ready for her next cycle.

There are instances when a female may have an abnormal heat, usually as a result of other heath issues affecting hormone production. The only way to stop your female coming into heat is to have her spayed by a qualified veterinarian. This also reduces the risk of pyometra and certain cancers.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s cycle or reproductive system, you should seek veterinarian advice.

 

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10 Tips for Chihuahua Parents

Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest breed of dog. This tiny breed  comes with specific needs which is why you need these Chihuahua tips. Here are ten tips to help you take care of your Chihuahua.

1. Keep the Floors Clean

Chihuahuas are small and that means they have tiny stomachs. It’s important to keep your floors clean of anything that could choke or harm them. Believe me, they will find it and try to eat it! Chuy has gotten a hold of Legos, crumbs, pills, my debit card . . . and those are some of the things we KNEW of! Constantly scan your floors, vacuum, and sweep!

2. Give Them Dog Toys

Chihuahuas are naturally a little more hyper than some other dog breeds. Make sure they have dog toys around to play with and chew on. If not, they will chew on non-dog friendly items! On a budget?

3. Get Your Chihuahua a Harness

Chihuahuas have tiny necks and are very sensitive. Do not walk them with a collar as that can cause injury. Invest in a walking harness. You’ll be surprised how much better your chi chi walks with a harness!

4. Keep Children’s Benadryl Handy!

Chihuahuas are prone to allergies. Especially during Spring and Fall. Always check with your vet, but ours recommends keeping children’s Benadryl around for battling allergies. Call your vet to find out the recommended dose and if it’s ok for YOUR chi.

5. Flea and Tick Prevention is a Must for Chihuahuas

Just because Chihuahuas are indoor dogs that doesn’t mean they don’t need a flea and tick preventive medication. They still go outside and on walks which means they are subjected to creepy crawlies. Due to their small size, they can react negatively to the medications. Check with your vet for their recommendation.

6. Give Them a Sweater

It’s not just a fashion statement. Chihuahuas don’t adapt well to cold weather. If it’s chilly outside, please put a jacket or sweater on your Chihuahua!

7. Train Your Chihuahua!

Just because they are cute and you can carry them everywhere does not excuse your Chihuahua from training. Get them the proper training and socialization from the time they are a puppy. You’ll be glad you did!

8. Crate Train

If you’re like me, your Chihuahua sleeps in your bed every night! BUT, we started out by crate training Chuy. That way, when we aren’t home he is safe and can’t get into things. It’s not cruel. It keeps your Chihuahua safe from getting hurt, choking, or falling while you aren’t home. You can find nice dog crates at Petsmart.com

9. Exercise with Your Chihuahua

Make sure your Chihuahua gets the proper exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If it’s too cold or hot, play ball or fetch in the house. Since they are smaller, they can get away with not taking a walkevery single day. However, when weather permits, get that little chi chi outside. It’s good for both of you!

10. Enjoy Your Chihuahua

Take the time to enjoy each and every day with your Chihuahua. There are so many fun things to do with a Chihuahua. I love going on new adventures with Chuy. Chihuahuas are such a joy and bring so much happiness to our lives!

More Information About Chihuahuas

I hope you enjoyed these tips for Chihuahua parents.  I highly recommend the book, “Chihuahuas for Dummies” for any new or current Chihuahua parents. We bought this book when we got Chuy and it was a life saver! You can order it here or by clicking on the image below.