The myth that I will bust this week is that Chihuahuas are not good with children. That could not be further from the truth! Chihuahuas are very loyal dogs, and they love their humans more than anything. This includes the tiny human members of their families. I have seen Chihuahuas snuggle with newborn babies, tag along beside toddlers learning to walk and chill with teenagers and their friends. Chihuahuas are very much family dogs, and they can bond with all members of the family. In fact, I have known (actually, I raised) Chihuahua puppies that loved their children so much that they saved a newborn's life one time!
So, Chihuahuas definitely do not deserve the designation as "bad dogs to be around children", but they are labeled as such all the time. Why is that? As with most things having to do with Chihuahua temperament, the answer is in the socialization. Chihuahua puppies must be socialized from birth. That is just a simple fact of the breed, but sadly, not all who raise Chihuahuas understand the breed. They don't socialize from birth, and they don't educate their puppies' owners about the importance of continuing that socialization after they go home. As a result, there are far too many Chihuahuas in the world who have not been properly or completely socialized, and those Chihuahuas can have issues with people in general, but are more likely to have problems with children because children are unpredictable.
There is another issue associated with how Chihuahuas get along with children that many people consider taboo, but it is a very real issue. That is, if you want a Chihuahua to be nice to children, you must also teach the children to be nice to the Chihuahua. In most cases where children and well socialized Chihuahuas do not get along, the cause is that the children were not taught how to properly handle the Chihuahua as a puppy. Children who pull on ears and tails, carry puppies around by their necks and engage in other similar actions are probably not going to be well liked by the family Chihuahua, or any family dog, for that matter. Granted, there are those select few breeds that don't seem to mind that, but small breeds cannot tolerate such physical handling.
So, the answer to having a Chihuahua that bonds well with your children is first to ensure that your puppy comes from someone who understands the necessity of socializing from birth. Then, you must continue the socialization process throughout your puppy's first year. This includes gentle and supervised socialization with your children. You must teach your children how to properly handle the puppy and monitor their interactions with the puppy to ensure that they practice what you taught them. If your children and your puppy get off to a good start, you can be assured that your Chihuahua will bond with and protect your children just as he/she does for you and the other adults in your home.
Tips and General Information for Chihuahua Owners and Lovers
Monday, April 29, 2019
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Chihuahua Myths Series - #1 Chihuahuas Are Not Good With Other Dogs.
Now that we have completed our parasite series, I want to start a series that will be a little less unsavory! Let's get to work debunking the myths about Chihuahuas. This series is specifically about Chihuahuas as a breed, though some of it might ring true for other dog breeds as well. While each topic in this series is labeled a myth, some truth may be inherent in some of the topics, but in those instances, I will explain how to ensure that is remains a myth for your particular Chihuahua.
The first myth that we will tackle this week is that Chihuahuas are not good with other dogs! This is one of those topics that does have a pinch of truth to it in certain circumstances, but your Chihuahua does not have to be the Cujo type with other dogs. As you read on, you will understand the key to preventing that unwanted behavior.
Chihuahuas have always been considered a clanish breed. It's widely accepted that Chihuahuas recognize their own "kind" and stick with them, shunning all others. I have found that to be very untrue. While Chihuahuas usually do great with other Chihuahuas, there are some exceptions to that rule. There are also a great many exceptions to the idea that Chi's don't do well with other breeds of dog....many many exceptions to that, in fact. The simple fact is this...if a Chihuahua is socialized properly from the start, he will likely do well with all other dogs....and most other animals in general. We have successfully placed our puppies in home with all other breeds of dog, including Great Danes, as well as cats, pet goats and pigs, ferrets, rabbits and many others. Our babies bond with anything that doesn't eat them first!
The truth is, Chihuahuas form bonds with one another similar to the bonds they form with their human caregivers. That is a fact...no denying it. But if a Chi isn't ever around other animals, he's not any more likely to love a strange Chi than he is a strange dog of any other breed.
By the same rule, if a Chihuahua has been introduced to any animal from a young age, he is very likely to accept that animal as one that he can bond with, even if it's a cat, goat, ferret, pot-bellied pig or whatever. The key to that is early socialization, but if you have an adult Chihuahua that did not get that early socialization, don't panic. You can still work to socialize him/her and make great strides in terms of behavior with other dogs. More on that later!
However, if you bring an older Chihuahua into your family, don't be surprised if he doesn't get along with other pets well, at least not at first. If that dog was an only pet, as many Chihuahuas are, he has not had the opportunity to be in contact with other animals and he may be timid and downright rude when it comes to the animals wanting to have contact with him. With some effort on your part and a lot of patience, though, you should be able to change that. Chi's are very social animals and they have the desire to be social with other animals as well as people. You may just have to put a little work into bringing that out in them.
For starters, limit a timid Chihuahua's contact with other animals at first, and make sure it is always supervised. If your Chihuahua comes running back to you as soon as another dog sniffs him, don't pick him up and cuddle him. This reinforces his idea that he should stay away from that dog. Instead, gently tell him it's alright and perhaps invite the other dog over to sniff the Chihuahua near you, where the Chi feels more comfortable. Treat the other animal as you normally would, but don't ignore the Chi...try to make him a part of a cuddle session with all three of you. Make this attempt a few times a day and you should see some improvement, though it may take a little while for your Chi to be comfortable in his surroundings enough to want another furry friend.
Another tactic that seems to work very well is to use positive reinforcement. With this method, you teach your Chihuahua to associate other dogs or animals with something that your Chi loves very much. That is usually a special treat but may also be a favorite toy, a specific game that you play with him or anything that your Chi really loves. When another dog is around, and your Chihuahua is polite to the dog, he gets his favorite thing. When he is rude to the other dog, his favorite thing is withheld. Chihuahuas are very smart. You might be surprised how quickly your dog will catch on to this.
As time goes on, gradually increase the requirement for getting the treat. For example, at first, you might give a treat if your Chi simply allows the other dog to pass by him without growling. As he learns to associate good behavior with the treat, you will increase that to include the requirement for your Chi to actually interact with the other dog just a bit. This interaction might be a small as a polite sniff at first, but should increase to being able to sit next to each other, and hopefully to actually playing with the other dog eventually. This process may take some time and patience, but it will be time well spent. Plus, it also helps you bond with your Chihuahua.
In the end, most Chihuahuas, if exposed to other animals from an early age, do very well with them, no matter what the animal is. If yours doesn't, just use your patience and training skills to change it. All dogs can learn, no matter what their age!
The first myth that we will tackle this week is that Chihuahuas are not good with other dogs! This is one of those topics that does have a pinch of truth to it in certain circumstances, but your Chihuahua does not have to be the Cujo type with other dogs. As you read on, you will understand the key to preventing that unwanted behavior.
Chihuahuas have always been considered a clanish breed. It's widely accepted that Chihuahuas recognize their own "kind" and stick with them, shunning all others. I have found that to be very untrue. While Chihuahuas usually do great with other Chihuahuas, there are some exceptions to that rule. There are also a great many exceptions to the idea that Chi's don't do well with other breeds of dog....many many exceptions to that, in fact. The simple fact is this...if a Chihuahua is socialized properly from the start, he will likely do well with all other dogs....and most other animals in general. We have successfully placed our puppies in home with all other breeds of dog, including Great Danes, as well as cats, pet goats and pigs, ferrets, rabbits and many others. Our babies bond with anything that doesn't eat them first!
The truth is, Chihuahuas form bonds with one another similar to the bonds they form with their human caregivers. That is a fact...no denying it. But if a Chi isn't ever around other animals, he's not any more likely to love a strange Chi than he is a strange dog of any other breed.
By the same rule, if a Chihuahua has been introduced to any animal from a young age, he is very likely to accept that animal as one that he can bond with, even if it's a cat, goat, ferret, pot-bellied pig or whatever. The key to that is early socialization, but if you have an adult Chihuahua that did not get that early socialization, don't panic. You can still work to socialize him/her and make great strides in terms of behavior with other dogs. More on that later!
However, if you bring an older Chihuahua into your family, don't be surprised if he doesn't get along with other pets well, at least not at first. If that dog was an only pet, as many Chihuahuas are, he has not had the opportunity to be in contact with other animals and he may be timid and downright rude when it comes to the animals wanting to have contact with him. With some effort on your part and a lot of patience, though, you should be able to change that. Chi's are very social animals and they have the desire to be social with other animals as well as people. You may just have to put a little work into bringing that out in them.
For starters, limit a timid Chihuahua's contact with other animals at first, and make sure it is always supervised. If your Chihuahua comes running back to you as soon as another dog sniffs him, don't pick him up and cuddle him. This reinforces his idea that he should stay away from that dog. Instead, gently tell him it's alright and perhaps invite the other dog over to sniff the Chihuahua near you, where the Chi feels more comfortable. Treat the other animal as you normally would, but don't ignore the Chi...try to make him a part of a cuddle session with all three of you. Make this attempt a few times a day and you should see some improvement, though it may take a little while for your Chi to be comfortable in his surroundings enough to want another furry friend.
Another tactic that seems to work very well is to use positive reinforcement. With this method, you teach your Chihuahua to associate other dogs or animals with something that your Chi loves very much. That is usually a special treat but may also be a favorite toy, a specific game that you play with him or anything that your Chi really loves. When another dog is around, and your Chihuahua is polite to the dog, he gets his favorite thing. When he is rude to the other dog, his favorite thing is withheld. Chihuahuas are very smart. You might be surprised how quickly your dog will catch on to this.
As time goes on, gradually increase the requirement for getting the treat. For example, at first, you might give a treat if your Chi simply allows the other dog to pass by him without growling. As he learns to associate good behavior with the treat, you will increase that to include the requirement for your Chi to actually interact with the other dog just a bit. This interaction might be a small as a polite sniff at first, but should increase to being able to sit next to each other, and hopefully to actually playing with the other dog eventually. This process may take some time and patience, but it will be time well spent. Plus, it also helps you bond with your Chihuahua.
In the end, most Chihuahuas, if exposed to other animals from an early age, do very well with them, no matter what the animal is. If yours doesn't, just use your patience and training skills to change it. All dogs can learn, no matter what their age!
Monday, April 15, 2019
#6 Parasites - Heartworms
All dogs can get them, but they also can all be protected from these nasty and potentially deadly parasites. Heartworms are definitely not a dog's best friend.
There isn't a great deal to say about this type of worms. Mature heartworms live in the hearts of their hosts and lay eggs, which are swept away with the blood pumping through the heart. The eggs circulate throughout the body until they are mature, and then they come to rest in the heart. Heartworms are passed from dog to dog by mosquitos. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it carries the heartworm eggs from that dog to the next one that it bites.
The part that makes these worms deadly is their numbers. The heart of a dog, especially a tiny breed like Chihuahuas, can only handle so many heartworms clogging it up before the heart begins to have to work overtime to keep up with the demands of the body. Too many worms blocking off heart valves, filling up the chambers of the heart and clogging up major arteries and veins can lead to disastrous consequences for your dog. Dogs with heartworms most often die from what is essentially congestive heart failure.
The worse news? Often the treatment that vets use carries just as deadly a consequence. The only way to kill heartworms is to poison them. It takes large doses of Ivomectin to kill adult heartworms, which in turn, means that you're also administering large doses of this poison to your dog, and sometimes the dog's system cannot withstand it. Dogs can die from heartworm treatment.
The good news is, it's easy to prevent your dog from getting heartworms. There are many monthly heartworm preventatives on the market now, including Heart Guard and Revolution. Your dog must be tested for heartworms to ensure that he is negative, and you must have a vet's prescription for these preventatives, but they are well worth it. Also, there are topical flea and tick treatment for dogs that have mosquito repellant in them, such as Frontline Plus and K-9 Advantix. Those are effective in keeping the heartworm carrying mosquitos off of your dog.
It is very important for the health and safety of your dog that you get him on heartworm preventative and have him tested at least yearly for heartworms. Keep in mind though, most vets won't test for heartworms or start heartworm preventative until six months of age. You will still want to try to keep the mosquitos off of your puppy until then though. In puppies, a flea and tick spray that also works on mosquitoes is the best bet.
See the link below for more information.
https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs
There isn't a great deal to say about this type of worms. Mature heartworms live in the hearts of their hosts and lay eggs, which are swept away with the blood pumping through the heart. The eggs circulate throughout the body until they are mature, and then they come to rest in the heart. Heartworms are passed from dog to dog by mosquitos. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it carries the heartworm eggs from that dog to the next one that it bites.
The part that makes these worms deadly is their numbers. The heart of a dog, especially a tiny breed like Chihuahuas, can only handle so many heartworms clogging it up before the heart begins to have to work overtime to keep up with the demands of the body. Too many worms blocking off heart valves, filling up the chambers of the heart and clogging up major arteries and veins can lead to disastrous consequences for your dog. Dogs with heartworms most often die from what is essentially congestive heart failure.
The worse news? Often the treatment that vets use carries just as deadly a consequence. The only way to kill heartworms is to poison them. It takes large doses of Ivomectin to kill adult heartworms, which in turn, means that you're also administering large doses of this poison to your dog, and sometimes the dog's system cannot withstand it. Dogs can die from heartworm treatment.
The good news is, it's easy to prevent your dog from getting heartworms. There are many monthly heartworm preventatives on the market now, including Heart Guard and Revolution. Your dog must be tested for heartworms to ensure that he is negative, and you must have a vet's prescription for these preventatives, but they are well worth it. Also, there are topical flea and tick treatment for dogs that have mosquito repellant in them, such as Frontline Plus and K-9 Advantix. Those are effective in keeping the heartworm carrying mosquitos off of your dog.
It is very important for the health and safety of your dog that you get him on heartworm preventative and have him tested at least yearly for heartworms. Keep in mind though, most vets won't test for heartworms or start heartworm preventative until six months of age. You will still want to try to keep the mosquitos off of your puppy until then though. In puppies, a flea and tick spray that also works on mosquitoes is the best bet.
See the link below for more information.
https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs
Monday, April 8, 2019
#5 Parasites - Ear Mites
Ear mites are a parasite that many dogs owners have probably already dealt with. They are very common and quite contagious. Ear mites are a fairly simple parasite and there isn't a great deal to say about them.
Ear mites spend their entire life cycle on their host. They irritate the linings of the ear, down in the ear canal and can cause some pretty intense itching. The most common signs of an ear mite infection are a black, waxy build up in the ear and an animal that pays more than normal attention to it's ears, such as scratching at the ears or shaking it's head more than normal.
Treatment of ear mites usually involves a pyrethrin and mineral oil solution that is massaged into the ear. Treatments may not be effective if the ears are not cleaned thoroughly before treatment, or if the treatment is discontinued too early. Treatment is often recommend in 3 cycles, one week apart, with a cleaning of the ear prior to each cycle.
Because pyrethrin can be toxic if administered incorrectly, it is best to ask your vet if you see signs of ear mites.
For more information on ear mites, visit the link below.
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-mites-otodectes-in-cats-and-dogs
Ear mites spend their entire life cycle on their host. They irritate the linings of the ear, down in the ear canal and can cause some pretty intense itching. The most common signs of an ear mite infection are a black, waxy build up in the ear and an animal that pays more than normal attention to it's ears, such as scratching at the ears or shaking it's head more than normal.
Treatment of ear mites usually involves a pyrethrin and mineral oil solution that is massaged into the ear. Treatments may not be effective if the ears are not cleaned thoroughly before treatment, or if the treatment is discontinued too early. Treatment is often recommend in 3 cycles, one week apart, with a cleaning of the ear prior to each cycle.
Because pyrethrin can be toxic if administered incorrectly, it is best to ask your vet if you see signs of ear mites.
For more information on ear mites, visit the link below.
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-mites-otodectes-in-cats-and-dogs
Monday, April 1, 2019
#4 Parasites - Fleas and Ticks
This week I will continue my series on parasites with a discussion about flea and tick control.
Fleas are the most common external parasites for dogs, followed closely by ticks. Each of these parasites comes complete with a unique set of problems that they cause their host. But the good news is, they are easily controlled.
Fleas are most commonly associated with itching, but they carry other problems as well. For instance, fleas transmit tape worms, and some dogs have allergies to fleas that can cause major skin irritations.
Ticks are a little different. There are several different types of ticks and they carry several different types of diseases which can be very problematic for dogs and humans alike. Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever and Lyme Disease are among these diseases and are possibly the most common.
Luckily for dog owners, fleas and ticks are easy to control in dogs. In my experience, it is easiest to control fleas and tick in your yard rather than putting chemicals on your dog. Go to any Wal-Mart or hardware store and you should find a variety of granules or sprays that will handle fleas and ticks in the yard.
If you prefer spot-on treatments, there are numerous products on the market to control fleas and ticks. Canine Advantix, Revolution, Bio Spot, Zodiac, Adams and several others are effective spot on treatments, which are a single application per month, applied to the skin between the shoulder blades. We have found in recent years that it is best to stay away from Frontline because it is less effective now than it was. Also, do not, under any circumstances, use Hartz or Sergeant's brands of spot-ons or sprays. They can cause sever reactions and large, painful sores.
I do have one word of warning about the spot-on treatments though. Keep in mind how they work. It is administered onto the surface of the skin, but it then gets absorbed and collects in the dog's lymphatic system to be secreted out through normal secretions. That is how it works across the dog's body and throughout the month that each treatment is designed to cover. However, I have to wonder how good it is for the dogs to be actually absorbing these chemicals its body. That is why, for my dogs, I prefer keeping the yard treated and using a spray for temporary control in the event that we do see fleas.
There are a number of sprays that are effective in controlling fleas and ticks. My personal favorites are Zodiac, Adams and Vet's Best. Again, stay away from Frontline. Vet's Best is an all natural spray, but it is not quite as effective, in my experience. Though these sprays are effective, they wear off quickly (most in about 7 days). Also, be aware that dogs cannot lick the spray while it is wet. Sprays are chemicals similar to spot-on treatments, so you must keep your dog from trying to lick it off until it dries.
If you have a strong infestation, it is best to spray the dog with a spray, allow it it sit for a few minutes to kill active insects and then bathe the dog. Then, you can use a spot-on until you can get the infestation in your yard under control.
Please note: for puppies, you should not use a spot-on until at least six months of age. Prior to that, you should not treat for fleas and ticks unless there is a need. In that event, spray a clean cloth with a flea and tick spray and wrap the puppy in it for about ten minutes. Then bathe the puppy. Repeat daily until the infestation is under control.
You can also use flea and tick shampoos. Some of them claim that they last a month, but my experience is that they only protect for about a week. Still, it is a good alternative to spot-on treatments when there is not an active infestation.
For information on flea and tick control click the following links
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=591
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=601
For information on Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick fever in dogs, click the link below
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=472
For information on the types of ticks click the link below
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1588&articleid=603
For information on Lyme Disease in humans click the link below
http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/matthewgoss/typeofticks.html
Fleas are the most common external parasites for dogs, followed closely by ticks. Each of these parasites comes complete with a unique set of problems that they cause their host. But the good news is, they are easily controlled.
Fleas are most commonly associated with itching, but they carry other problems as well. For instance, fleas transmit tape worms, and some dogs have allergies to fleas that can cause major skin irritations.
Ticks are a little different. There are several different types of ticks and they carry several different types of diseases which can be very problematic for dogs and humans alike. Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever and Lyme Disease are among these diseases and are possibly the most common.
Luckily for dog owners, fleas and ticks are easy to control in dogs. In my experience, it is easiest to control fleas and tick in your yard rather than putting chemicals on your dog. Go to any Wal-Mart or hardware store and you should find a variety of granules or sprays that will handle fleas and ticks in the yard.
If you prefer spot-on treatments, there are numerous products on the market to control fleas and ticks. Canine Advantix, Revolution, Bio Spot, Zodiac, Adams and several others are effective spot on treatments, which are a single application per month, applied to the skin between the shoulder blades. We have found in recent years that it is best to stay away from Frontline because it is less effective now than it was. Also, do not, under any circumstances, use Hartz or Sergeant's brands of spot-ons or sprays. They can cause sever reactions and large, painful sores.
I do have one word of warning about the spot-on treatments though. Keep in mind how they work. It is administered onto the surface of the skin, but it then gets absorbed and collects in the dog's lymphatic system to be secreted out through normal secretions. That is how it works across the dog's body and throughout the month that each treatment is designed to cover. However, I have to wonder how good it is for the dogs to be actually absorbing these chemicals its body. That is why, for my dogs, I prefer keeping the yard treated and using a spray for temporary control in the event that we do see fleas.
There are a number of sprays that are effective in controlling fleas and ticks. My personal favorites are Zodiac, Adams and Vet's Best. Again, stay away from Frontline. Vet's Best is an all natural spray, but it is not quite as effective, in my experience. Though these sprays are effective, they wear off quickly (most in about 7 days). Also, be aware that dogs cannot lick the spray while it is wet. Sprays are chemicals similar to spot-on treatments, so you must keep your dog from trying to lick it off until it dries.
If you have a strong infestation, it is best to spray the dog with a spray, allow it it sit for a few minutes to kill active insects and then bathe the dog. Then, you can use a spot-on until you can get the infestation in your yard under control.
Please note: for puppies, you should not use a spot-on until at least six months of age. Prior to that, you should not treat for fleas and ticks unless there is a need. In that event, spray a clean cloth with a flea and tick spray and wrap the puppy in it for about ten minutes. Then bathe the puppy. Repeat daily until the infestation is under control.
You can also use flea and tick shampoos. Some of them claim that they last a month, but my experience is that they only protect for about a week. Still, it is a good alternative to spot-on treatments when there is not an active infestation.
For information on flea and tick control click the following links
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=591
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=601
For information on Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick fever in dogs, click the link below
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=472
For information on the types of ticks click the link below
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1588&articleid=603
For information on Lyme Disease in humans click the link below
http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/matthewgoss/typeofticks.html
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