By Clarence Clark
The Short-Haired Chihuahua is one of the two official breeds of Chihuahuas recognized by the American Kennel Club. Compared to its Long-haired cousin, this breed of Chihuahua has a shorter coat of hair and is more popular in countries with warmer climates. Caring for the Short-haired Chihuahua is extremely important for Chihuahua owners as these dogs are relatively fragile and vulnerable to illnesses given their small size as compared to other dogs.
Nutrition is an important consideration when taking care of a Short-haired Chihuahua. Chihuahuas need regular meals of high quality food in order to obtain the necessary nutrients required for a healthy life. Ideally food should consist of proteins, carbohydrates and a vegetable. Generally, dried food is recommended to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. The Short-haired Chihuahua should be fed two meals daily. Care should be taken by owners to regulate the feeding portions for their Short-haired Chihuahua as Chihuahuas are prone to overeat, resulting in obesity. Food should be in small bite-sized proportions in order for ease of chewing and digestion as Chihuahuas have very small teeth. Also, food should be fresh and any unconsumed food after each meal should be discarded to prevent the growth of bacteria and germs. Plenty of drinking water should be provided for hydration purposes. This is especially important in places with warmer temperature.
The Short-haired Chihuahua should be groomed on a regular basis. Tangles are less likely with its smooth short-haired coat. As such, occasional grooming with a soft bristle brush would be necessary. In countries with warmer temperatures, frequent bathing would be preferable to prevent fleas and other skin-related illnesses. Otherwise, a bathe a month would be sufficient. However, Chihuahua owners would have to be careful to prevent water from entering the ears of their Short-haired Chihuahua to prevent infection.
Exercise is necessary to prevent obesity for the Short-haired Chihuahua. While Chihuahuas are often dubbed as pocket dogs, exercise is necessary to prevent Chihuahua obesity. Frequent short walks are necessary to prevent such a situation and to facilitate greater interaction and better relations between the Short-haired Chihuahua and its owner. However, moderation has to be exercised in terms of the distance covered and duration as Chihuahuas generally have a shorter stamina as compared to other breeds of dogs.
Given its thin short coat, it is necessary to provide the Short-haired Chihuahua with sufficient warm clothing especially in cooler countries. Generally, Chihuahuas do not adapt well to cold weather given their small size. In choosing clothing, it is important to understand that the Short-haired Chihuahua may have allergies to outfits made of certain fabrics. As such, it is important for Chihuahua owners to let their Short-haired Chihuahuas try out a particular new outfit for a short period of time. Should there be observations of rash, itch or discomfort, the outfit in question may not be suitable for the Chihuahua's use.
Timely checkups are also a necessity to determine the overall health state of the Chihuahua. Veterinarians would be able to dispense professional advice to Chihuahua owners on issues such as nutrition.
Most importantly, Chihuahua owners must be prepared for a long term commitment as far as Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of about 11 to 18 years. With sufficient care and commitment, Chihuahua owners would be able to look forward to a fulfilling experience with their pets.
Clarence Clark is an avid Chihuahua dog lover providing valuable advice at http://www.chihuahuatime.com for fellow chihuahua dog lovers. Where he shares chihuahua info and training tips with Chihuahua lovers worldwide. Click Here to gain FREE access to this Chihuahua networking website.
Here's another interesting
article!
Dealing with Urinary
Tract Infections in Dogs - UTI In Dogs
By
Mike Kay
Urinary tract infection is the most common disease acquired by dogs. This is because most dogs don't have the liberty to just go out and heed the call of nature whenever they wish. Most dogs need to adhere to the schedule given to them by their masters. And because they can't always go when they need to go, they have no choice but to hold it in. That's the main reason why dogs develop UTI.
You'll know if your dog has UTI if it winces in pain every time it pees. Another telltale sign is the presence of blood in their urine as well. Other physical signs of UTI in dogs would be weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pains.
Your dog needs to receive immediate treatment from UTI the moment you suspect your pet had acquired it or when your veterinarian had positively diagnosed it. If left ignored, UTI can bring about crippling pain and discomfort to your dog. UTI can also develop into a much severe disease like cancer and tumors if not treated properly.
To provide relief from UTI in dogs, veterinarians would normally prescribe a certain course of treatment. If the disease is not so severe, a change in your dog's diet should be sufficient, along with some antibiotics. Otherwise, surgery might be necessary. Veterinarians would conduct several diagnostic tests on your dog to determine the extent of the disease. X-ray and ultrasound are the most common methods employed. Veterinarians need to check if your dog would benefit from oral medications or if it needs a more obtrusive mode of treatment.
But more than treating the disease, prevention is still the best way to go. Prevent UTI by giving your dogs the right type of food. Never give your dog human food, especially those with high salt content. Salty foods and foods with too much preservatives are not going to help your pet at all. Give them only all-natural dog meals and pet foods that are especially formulated to treat UTI. There are also many home remedies for UTI that you can give your pets. Good examples are citrus juices, distilled water, and fresh meals.
Dog owners are advised to strictly follow the instructions of their doctors in order to treat their pets. This might mean regular visits to the clinic. It could cost you a little but then again, it would definitely keep your pet away from the complications of UTI. The most common of which are renal failure, high fever, and a weakened immune system.
Ensure your dog's health all the time. Quality time spent with your best friend is essential because only then you can fully observe the behavior and temperament of your pets. And the moment the signs of UTI arise, you will definitely know how to deal with it.
Read more about
UTI In Dogs, how to
prevent UTI in dogs and
treat UTI in dogs at UTI-in-dogs.com. Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Kay
