Among all breed of dogs, one of the best ones to have is a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are cute, adorable, and dogs that are friendly and loyal to their owners.
Chihuahuas are excellent and easy to love pets, but owners must be reminded that their lifespan is shorter than the human lifespan.
This being said, every owner of this adorable fur baby must remember that it is essential that their Chihuahua lives healthily and happily.
A healthy Chihuahua is a happy Chihuahua that you will surely cherish and love.
This won’t promise that Chihuahuas, or in this matter, any other dog breeds will live for a lifetime, but here in this article are five tips that can help ensure that your furry baby will live a happy and longer life.
WHY HAVE A CHIHUAHUA AS A PET?
These cute fur babies are excellent companion dogs. Chihuahuas love attention, which makes them loyal to their owners.
They can be trained as well and have a charming aura to them. When treated respectfully, Chihuahuas can become good family pets.
One thing to know as well with a Chihuahua is its reputation for snapping at small children or strangers whom they find threatening to their size.
This said, a Chihuahua may be small, but it knows how to protect, you, the owner, and themselves.
Aside from these factors, Chihuahuas are dogs who are fast learners and are intelligent.
Just like other dogs, they can compete in obedience and agility trials with all enthusiasm.
With this, you can see that Chihuahuas are truly willful breeds. Their unique size and positive personality make them perfect fur buddies that are wonderful anywhere companions—most people who do live and have Chihuahuas as pets become devoted to them.
Many Chihuahua owners even say that once you share and experience living with one, you’ll feel that no other breed will be perfect for you.
5 TIPS TO USE TO ENSURE A LONGER LIFE SPAN FOR YOUR CHIHUAHUA
These tips won’t rid of the fact that Chihuahuas have shorter lifespans, but these can be useful in keeping them longer than usual.
Here are five tips you can always remember and practice to ensure that your fur baby lives longer, and at the same time, healthily and happily.
1. DOGGY TRAINING AND EXERCISES ARE A MUST
Us, humans, keep ourselves healthy through regular exercises, Chihuahuas need that too.
Regular training and exercise will help in keeping your pet in tip-top shape. Exercising is key and an essential component that can help in prolonging your dog’s life.
For humans and dogs alike, regular exercise is proven to increase endorphins, lower stress, and balance emotions and mood.
Moreover, physical training and activities help Chihuahuas maintain healthy muscle mass and weight and keep its cardiovascular system in good shape.
2. KEEP YOUR CHIHUAHUA SAFE
Known for their small size, Chihuahuas are prone to being physically hurt and being vulnerable.
Practice safety measures which can contribute to their overall well-being and physical state:
- To avoid potential harms during walks, make sure to leash them so you can control where it goes and rein or steer clear from possible harms.
- If you are one with a household filled with children, teach them how to properly handle a Chihuahua because they can be sensitive if dropped. When moving around as well, children must be careful not to step on the Chihuahua.
- The house can be crowded most times, so make sure that you allot a specific space wherein it becomes your dog’s bed and space away from noise and hustles.
3. GET THOSE TEETH CHECKED
If some may not know, Chihuahuas can be susceptible with regards to dental problems.
Also, poor dental hygiene may lead to gingivitis and plaque, which may eventually cause periodontal disease that is a bacterial infection linked to organ damage and heart disease in dogs.
Make sure that your Chihuahua’s dental health is checked, and its teeth get regularly cleaned to prevent the forming of harmful bacteria that can destabilize your dog’s health.
Luckily, there are simple ways that help in keeping those teeth in good shape.
Besides the regular brushing of teeth, you just have to make sure that you provide them with dentally safe treats and chew toys.
Additionally, it is also good to have a vet check their teeth regularly, at least on a monthly visit.
4. GO FOR A HEALTHY DIET
For dogs, eating less equates with living longer. According to a study conducted in 2011, dogs raised with restricted calorie diets live at an average of two more years longer than dogs fed more.
Restricted calorie diet is a 25% lesser calorie intake of the normal amount of food for dogs.
Like any other dog breed, Chihuahuas having a proper and balanced diet is a contributing factor to a longer life.
Some dog foods contain nutrients that are beneficial for your dog. Remember to steer clear from your pet’s leftover foods because these aren’t good for Chihuahuas.
Additionally, with a proper and balanced diet, try to give Chihuahuas food with little to no preservatives and no artificial contents.
5. VACCINES AND REGULAR VET CHECKS
How long a Chihuahua can live may depend on their overall health and well-being.
Even though at times, you are confident that your dog is a picture of health, she should at least have once a year check-up to a vet and twice often as they grow older.
Getting Chihuahuas checked regularly will make sure that they are monitored and are in tip-top shape.
Checks may help detect something you may have missed and given suggestions that will contribute to further improvement of the dog’s health.
Wrapping It Up
A healthy Chihuahua is a happy one. Aside from said tips, make sure to enjoy every second spent with your fur baby and let them have fun too.
Playing and physical activities won’t keep your Chihuahua happy, but their mind and body are active as well.
