One of the chihuahua’s most pronounced physical characteristics is its tendency to shiver. Mostly they shiver because they are cold. A Chihuahua is not the kind of pet that should be left out in the backyard old day. It is susceptible to the cold and appreciates being outfitted in a sweater on cooler days.
You should be sensitive to the fact that shorthaired Chihuahuas, and even longhaired ones, are vulnerable to the cold. It is recommended that you put a dog sweater on your chi
In temperatures below 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Also watch the wind chill factor as that can cause their eyes to excessively create tears and their ears to ache painfully.
Chihuahuas also shiver when they are wary, excited, unhappy, or frightened. This is the result of having a high metabolism, and is a normal characteristic of this breed.
As a Chihuahua has a short nose it tends to make wheezing and snoring sounds while he sleeps. These sounds are accentuated when the animal burrows under the covers to keep himself warm.
Chihuahuas also have very prominent eyes with a large surface. They are susceptible to corneal dryness and infection. Check your pup’s eyes daily to make sure nothing has gotten under the lid or that he is not tearing because of a foreign object. A Chihuahua’s eyes tear a lot anyway so it can be hard to tell if the cause is an infection.
The breed in general is prone to gum problems, colds, stress, and rheumatism.
Chihuahuas are also prone to obesity, as a result of eating people food and a sedentary lifestyle as a lap dog. Make sure that he or she gets plenty of exercise and is fed a light diet.
Chihuahua puppies are born with large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled veterinarian. They are extremely vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppy hood.
Some of the breed can be born with a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life. If your dog still has a molera after it is two years old, be very careful. This makes the dog prone to injury.
Chihuahuas love to burrow. It is a characteristic of the Chihuahua to prefer to sleep under a cloth or blanket. They will even get under pillows in order to feel snug so check underneath them before you lie down. Chihuahuas will do this even if they don’t feel particularly cold.
They also love to lick people’s faces. Chihuahua’s are some of the most prolific lickers in the dog world. It is how they express affection.
Chihuahuas also like to bask in the sun for hours. . Unfortunately, they don’t seem to have a very good idea of when they are overheating. Watch your Chihuahua in hot weather to be sure that they don’t suffer from heat stroke as they don’t seem to know when it is time to get out of the sun.