All about Chihuahuas!
So, you're interested in learning about Chihuahuas? That is awesome! Chihuahuas are amazing little dogs.
What’s Good About Them/ What’s Bad About Them?
Chihuahuas are comical, entertaining, and loyal little dogs, absolutely brimming with personality – often a quirky and eccentric personality unmatched by any other breed. However, Chihuahuas can be extremely variable. You can find individuals who are lively or prefer to be couch potatoes; ones that are wild and free spirited or some that just want to be near their human. Some may be excessively stubborn, but some can also be ready and eager to please no matter what the day calls for!
How a Chihuahua's temperament goes greatly depends on the genetic temperament of its parents and grandparents. There are some lines of shaky, scared, introverted, antisocial Chihuahuas; but there are also lines of sound, hearty, outgoing, social Chihuahuas. Fortunately, our Chihuahuas are extremely sweet, well socialized and are from lines going back generations of temperamentally sound dogs!
With that being said; socialization and training are still extremely important! In fact, even if your Chihuahua has inherited all of these temperament traits from his lineage, how they're socialized and raised has a huge impact on their overall personality as they mature!
Many people treat their Chihuahua like a doll, or something that can break easily. They carry the Chihuahua everywhere in their arms, don’t teach any commands, laugh at signs of aggression, make excuses for bad behavior, and constantly baby the dog. Yes, Chihuahuas are small, adorable, and easy to love on and hold... But... They're still dogs! They love to run/walk/play/get messy just like a bigger dog would!
All dogs, whatever their size, must be taught how to walk on their own four feet, how to do what they’re told, and how to get along peacefully with the world. It’s up to YOU to draw and enforce the line.
Chihuahuas will play with other larger dogs, but they do prefer to play with dogs their size. Having two Chihuahuas is always better than having one. They keep each other company when you’re gone, they play together, and keep each other warm by snuggling together.
The most difficult thing to teach a Chihuahua? Housebreaking. Chihuahuas can be VERY difficult to housebreak – one of the most difficult of all breeds – especially in cold or wet weather. It can be very difficult to "catch them in the act" so when potty training you must be ever so vigilant and they must not have run of the house during this time.
We start our babies out early on grass mats or tiles and have had great success with this method, even after going to their new homes! The mats/tiles can be moved, cleaned, and easily replaced and are not expensive. They are also incredibly helpful in transitioning to outside potty habits as you can just move the mat closer and closer to the door, then outside, then not at all. Even though we start housebreaking at a very early age here, you will have to maintain boundaries and expectations for your pup to be successful.
Chihuahuas and Hypoglycemia
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a metabolic condition characterized by low blood sugar levels. The term comes from the Greek language, with “hypo” meaning “under,” “glykys” meaning “sweet” and “haima” meaning “blood.” Chihuahuas with hypoglycemia have below-normal levels of glucose in their blood.
Glucose is a simple sugar that comes primarily from carbohydrates. When Chihuahuas eat, their digestive systems will break down the carbohydrates into glucose. The glucose will then enter their bloodstream where it provides them with energy.
Glucose is the primary source of energy for all mammals, including Chihuahuas. The cells in a Chihuahua’s body need it to perform their respective functions. If deprived of glucose, their bodies may shut down.
Why Hypoglycemia Is So Common in Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas and other toy breeds are genetically predisposed to hypoglycemia. When compared to larger breeds, toy breeds have higher metabolic rates. They require more energy relative to their body size. This energy comes from glucose in the blood or from stored glucose known as glycogen. Chihuahuas may quickly consume their glucose and glycogen, resulting in hypoglycemia.
In addition to higher metabolic rates, toy breeds have smaller glycogen storage capacities than larger breeds. Glycogen is stored in the liver, fat cells and muscle cells Toy breeds have smaller livers, less fat mass and less muscle mass, so they can’t store as much glycogen as larger breeds.
Another reason hypoglycemia is so common in Chihuahuas is temperature sensitivity. Chihuahuas are more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures than larger breeds. Extreme temperatures can affect their metabolism, resulting in hormonal changes that place them at risk for hypoglycemia.
Treatment for Hypoglycemia:
Hypoglycemia episodes can range in severity. Some of them are minor and involve a small drop in blood sugar levels. Other hypoglycemia episodes are more severe and involve a big drop in blood sugar levels. Minor hypoglycemia episodes can often be treated at home with honey or corn syrup.
Rubbing a small amount of honey or corn syrup directly onto your Chihuahua’s gums should raise his blood sugar levels. Your Chihuahua won’t need to swallow it. The sweet substance will quickly absorb into your Chihuahua’s gums. It should stop or shorten the duration of your Chihuahua’s hypoglycemia episode.
For severe hypoglycemia episodes in which your Chihuahua doesn’t respond to the honey or corn syrup, take him to the veterinarian clinic immediately. Severe hypoglycemia episodes can cause seizures, brain damage or death. Veterinarians can treat these severe episodes, however, with an electrolyte solution that contains dextrose. They may hook your Chihuahua up to an intravenous (IV) line that delivers the electrolyte solution containing dextrose. As the dextrose enters your Chihuahua’s body, his blood sugar levels will increase.