Mary Allen
Chihuahuas can sleep indoors. Since they have better temperature control, they are better suited for indoor use. For afternoon naps, turn on the air conditioning to keep them comfortable. In winter you can heat your home with heaters and even a fireplace. Try to keep the room temperature at 60-18 C (15-18 C).
Danger #1: You Get Lonely Quickly
Chihuahuas are great at communication. However, they often feel lonely, especially when they are young. They can become so fearful that it is best to keep them indoors. This makes it easier for them to smell their owners. You should also give them several safe rooms within the home. You can make them feel safer if they have lots of places to explore.
Here are some recommended spots your Chihuahua will love:
Her room
Due to their small size, Chihuahuas can be placed in any room. As a result, you can let them stay and enjoy your room, especially if you have air conditioning there.
Dining room
This is another good spot for Chihuahuas. You can teach them to sit and stay here because they are small and there is a lot of food.
Caution: keep your kitchen doors closed while you cook in your dining room. The temperature changes might make your Chihuahua uncomfortable.
Living room
This is the best place for Chihuahuas. Here they can enjoy their time or find a resting place.
Caution: Make sure hard-to-reach places like the backs of closets or under sofas are dog-proof. Chihuahuas are small, so they’ll be easy to reach! If you have to keep your Chihuahua outside for any reason, have a sitter, neighbor, or relative accompany him so he doesn’t feel lonely.
Danger #2: They Could Injure You Behind Your Back
Chihuahuas are notorious for getting into a lot of tight spaces. If your gate has holes, they could escape onto the open road. They could also get stuck on shelves or tight corners.
Because Chihuahuas have small and delicate bone structures, they can develop health issues such as:
Arthrosis
Slowly, the cartilage that keeps your dog’s leg bones from rubbing against each other becomes damaged. This is a painful condition that is more common in older Chihuahuas.
Hip dysplasia
Your pet’s weight can cause their hips to become crooked. This can deprive them of the ability to walk or even play sports safely.
Patella dislocation
Your pet’s kneecap may come off after running, getting their leg stuck, or walking at an unusual angle. This can cause long-term damage and require surgery to fix.
Note: In all of these disorders, a limp is often the first symptom. You need to catch this quickly before your Chihuahua develops complications. Here’s a good video on limping and how to recognize signs in your pet:
Most treatments for bone problems are expensive and can require extensive treatment. These preventive measures are important.
Danger #3: They Will Loudly Defend Their Territory
Although Chihuahuas may not be as noisy as other breeds, they are territorial. They bark the cutest when they see stray dogs or cats. This can make the area noisy, which can be inconvenient for those wanting a good night’s sleep.
However, there are other things that can make your Chihuahua bark at night:
Cars
Horn honking at night can be a problem if your dog lives near a busy freeway. They might think they are intruders if the noise gets too close to their gate.
Pests
Critters like ants or lice can also keep your Chihuahua busy. Their bites can be very itchy, which can cause your Chihuahua to bark when it becomes unbearable.
Note: If your dog gets lice, get him checked out as soon as possible! Because Chihuahuas have small blood-sucking lice, they can become anemic.
Passers-by
Your dogs can identify strangers passing through your gate as intruders. Chihuahuas are nocturnal and can wreak havoc if they see someone funny.
#4 Danger: The Weather Is Your Worst Enemy
Chihuahuas are sensitive to the weather. Although some may have double coats, their small size means they absorb heat or cold easily. In fact, the best temperatures for them are 60-18F (15-18C) while they can handle 32F (32C) best. Your Chihuahua could be injured if temperatures rise above these levels.
The worst thing is that dog owners often don’t see any problems until their dog is suffering in front of them because dogs are clever at hiding their pain. Knowing more about hypothermia or hyperthermia can be of great help.
Danger #5: You Can Be Traumatized By Loud Noises
Chihuahuas are brave dogs who can hear even more than we can. You can hear even the smallest footsteps and spot thieves and intruders. Unfortunately, that’s also a weakness. When they hear noises like thunder or blaring speakers, they may flinch and show the following symptoms:
Hide
Chihuahuas can hide under things to feel safe. You should dog-proof your tables and shelves. You might get stuck trying to weather the storm.
Poop
Thunder can trick a dog into doing its business too quickly by making a loud, crackling noise. When your dog is trained, he will pick up any feces and place them in his toilet area. This shows them that their poop area stays the same.
Nervous pace
Chihuahuas tend to pace nervously when they notice changes in their surroundings. If you see this, bring her inside and let her know you’re close enough to pet her. Noise anxiety can be difficult to prevent as your dog is exposed to all sorts of noises every day.