Chihuahua Care Tips

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they’re big on personality—and they need a little extra care to stay healthy, safe, and happy. Below are some quick, practical tips for everyday life with your Chi, plus links to products many small-dog owners like. Always check with your vet before making big changes to diet, exercise, or health routines.

Dental Care 🦷

Small dogs like chihuahuas are prone to dental disease, so mouth care is a huge deal. Vets typically recommend brushing small-breed teeth daily if you can, or at least several times a week, plus regular professional cleanings.

• Use a soft, small dog toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste).
• Start slow: let your Chi lick the toothpaste first, then gently brush just a few teeth at a time.
• Add dental chews or water additives as a supplement, not a replacement for brushing.
• Schedule professional cleanings with your vet as they recommend.

Helpful Amazon picks:

• Dog dental kit (toothpaste + brush + finger brush):
  Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste Kits on Amazon

Protection from Coyotes, Birds & Other Animals 🦅🦊

Because chihuahuas are so small, they’re more vulnerable to wildlife like coyotes, hawks, owls, and even larger off-leash dogs. The goal is supervision + smart gear.

• Stay outside with your Chi, especially at dawn, dusk, and night when predators are more active.
• Use a sturdy leash and harness so they can’t bolt or wander off.
• Avoid leaving food or treats outside—this can attract predators into your yard.
• Stick to well-lit, populated walking routes when possible.
• Consider a protective vest with spikes for extra peace of mind in high-risk areas.

Helpful Amazon picks:

• Coyote-style protective vest for small dogs:
  CoyoteVest SpikeVest for Small Dogs
• No-pull small-dog harness for safer walks:
  BARKBAY No-Pull Harness for Small Dogs

Food 🍽️

Chihuahuas have fast metabolisms and tiny mouths. Most vets recommend a high-quality small-breed formula with smaller kibble and appropriate calories for their size and age.

• Look for food labeled for small breeds or toy breeds with small kibble pieces.
• Feed on a consistent schedule to help prevent low blood sugar (especially in tiny or young Chis).
• Ask your vet how much your individual dog should eat per day based on weight and activity.
• Transition slowly when changing foods (over about 7–10 days) to avoid tummy upset.

Helpful Amazon picks:

• Breed-specific dry food for chihuahuas:
  Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult (search on Amazon)
• General small-breed formulas:
  Small-Breed Dog Food Options on Amazon

Snacks & Treats 🦴

Treats are great for training and bonding, but they add up quickly for a 5–8 lb dog. Aim for tiny, soft treats and keep them to a small portion of daily calories.

• Choose small, soft treats that are easy to chew and won’t crack tiny teeth.
• Use treats mainly for training and rewards, not all-day snacking.
• Break larger treats into pea-sized pieces for your Chi.
• Avoid anything super hard (bones, hooves) that can chip teeth.

Helpful Amazon picks:

• Tiny soft training treats:
  Wellness CORE Tiny Trainers
• More small soft training treats:
  Soft Training Treats for Dogs on Amazon

Walks & Exercise 🚶‍♀️

Even though they’re small, chihuahuas still need daily movement to stay fit and avoid behavior issues. Many sources recommend roughly 30–60 minutes of total activity per day for adult Chis, split into short walks and play sessions.

• Use a harness instead of a collar to protect the neck and trachea.
• Do several short walks instead of one long hike—tiny legs tire faster!
• Watch the weather: avoid hot pavement in summer and use sweaters/coats in cold weather.
• Mix walks with indoor play (tug, fetch, puzzle toys) to burn energy safely.

Helpful Amazon picks:

• Lightweight no-pull harness for tiny dogs:
  PHOEPET No-Pull Harness (XS–Small)
• Small retractable or standard leashes:
  Small Dog Leashes on Amazon

Note: Product links are provided for convenience and are not medical advice. Always check ingredients, sizing, and reviews, and talk with your veterinarian about what’s best for your individual dog.