Let me ask you something.
Have you ever met a Chihuahua?
I mean, REALLY met one?
I have. And honestly? My Chihuahua, Peanut, runs my entire household. She’s 4 pounds of pure sass, attitude, and unconditional love. She’s also the boss of me, my Golden Retriever, and probably the neighbors too.
Here’s the thing about Chihuahuas—people treat them like accessories. Like they’re tiny, cute, and completely harmless. But anyone who’s ever owned one knows the truth. These little dogs have BIG personalities, and they WILL let you know when you’ve crossed a line.
I’ve made mistakes with Peanut. A LOT of mistakes. I’ve treated her like a “little dog” when she needed to be treated like a REAL dog. I’ve spoiled her rotten (okay, I still do that). And I’ve learned some hard lessons about what these tiny tyrants really need.
So grab a coffee (or a margarita—you’ll need it), and let me share the six things you should NEVER do with a Chihuahua. Learn from my mistakes, people. I’ve made them all so you don’t have to. 😉
1. Never Overfeed Your Chihuahua
You know what’s adorable? A chunky little Chihuahua. You know what’s NOT adorable? The joint problems, diabetes, heart issues, and shortened lifespan that come with that chunky little Chihuahua. I’m not trying to be dramatic, but overfeeding your Chihuahua is basically setting them up for a lifetime of health problems.
The Problem
Chihuahuas are tiny. Like, really tiny. And their calorie needs are equally tiny. A single extra treat can be the equivalent of a human eating an entire extra meal. Overfeeding leads to obesity, and obesity in small dogs is particularly dangerous because their little joints can’t handle the extra weight.
How to Fix It
Portion Control is Everything:
- Adult Chihuahua: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality food daily (split into 2 meals)
- Puppy Chihuahua: 1/4 to 1/3 cup of puppy food (split into 3-4 meals)
- Treats: No more than 10% of daily calories
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Measure your dog’s food. Use a measuring cup—don’t eyeball it! Those extra kibbles add up fast.
- Weigh your Chihuahua weekly. A kitchen scale works perfectly for tiny dogs.
- Ask your vet about the ideal weight for your specific dog.
- Choose small treats. Break treats into tiny pieces. Your dog won’t know the difference!
- Avoid table scraps. Human food is often too rich for tiny Chihuahua tummies.
- Use treats for training only. Don’t just randomly hand out treats throughout the day.
- Exercise daily. Even tiny dogs need regular activity to maintain a healthy weight.
Why You’ll Love This Approach
I used to spoil Peanut rotten. She’d get treats every time she looked cute (which was constantly), and she started gaining weight FAST. When my vet told me she was overweight, I felt terrible. Now I measure every single meal and treat, and she’s at a perfect, healthy weight. She has more energy, and I have peace of mind knowing I’m not shortening her life.
Pro tip: Use a kitchen scale to weigh your Chihuahua. It’s the most accurate way to track their weight!
2. Never Let Your Chihuahua Jump Off Furniture
Why This Mistake Can Lead to Disaster
Okay, I KNOW it’s cute when your Chihuahua leaps off the couch like a tiny furry superhero. But here’s the truth—those tiny little legs and fragile joints weren’t designed for high-impact landings. A jump off the couch might not seem like much to you, but to a 4-pound dog, it’s like jumping off a cliff.
The Problem
Chihuahuas are prone to patellar luxation (kneecap issues), hip problems, and spinal injuries. Jumping off furniture is one of the leading causes of these injuries. A single bad landing can result in a dislocated kneecap, a fractured leg, or even a spinal injury that could leave your dog paralyzed.
How to Fix It
Provide Safe Access:
- Use pet stairs or ramps for all furniture
- Train your Chihuahua to use the stairs
- Keep furniture arranged so jumps are minimized
- Supervise when your dog is on high surfaces
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Buy pet stairs or ramps. Position them next to your couch and bed.
- Train your Chihuahua to use them. Use treats to guide them up and down.
- Block access to high furniture when you can’t supervise.
- Don’t encourage jumping. Don’t call your dog to jump down to you.
- Be consistent. Everyone in the household needs to enforce this rule.
- Consider carpeting on stairs for extra grip.
- Regular vet checkups to monitor joint health.
Why You’ll Love This Approach
Peanut used to leap off the couch like she was invincible. Until one day, she landed wrong and started limping. I rushed her to the vet, and thank goodness it was just a sprain—not a fracture. That was the wake-up call I needed. Now we have pet stairs everywhere, and she uses them like a pro. No more scary landings!
Pro tip: Get carpeted or textured pet stairs—they provide better grip for tiny paws!
3. Never Neglect Dental Care
Why This Mistake Leads to Painful Problems
You know what most people forget about Chihuahuas? Their teeth. These tiny dogs have BIG dental problems. In fact, Chihuahuas are notorious for dental issues because their tiny mouths get overcrowded with teeth. And if you’re not brushing their teeth regularly, you’re setting them up for painful infections, tooth loss, and even heart problems.
The Problem
Chihuahuas are prone to periodontal disease. Their small mouths mean teeth are crowded, making it easy for plaque and tartar to build up. Without regular dental care, your dog can develop painful infections, lose teeth, and even develop heart problems from bacteria entering the bloodstream.
How to Fix It
Make Dental Care a Priority:
- Brush daily (yes, DAILY!)
- Use dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste!)
- Provide dental chews and toys
- Schedule professional cleanings as recommended by your vet
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Start early. Get your puppy used to having their teeth brushed.
- Use the right tools. A finger brush or small dog toothbrush works best.
- Use dog toothpaste. It’s safe to swallow and comes in flavors dogs love.
- Go slowly. Start with just rubbing the toothpaste on their gums.
- Build up to brushing. Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth.
- Provide dental chews that are appropriate for tiny mouths.
- Schedule professional cleanings. Your vet will recommend frequency based on your dog’s needs.
Why You’ll Love This Approach
I’ll be honest—I was terrible about brushing Peanut’s teeth. I thought, “She’s so small, it’s not a big deal.” Then she developed a nasty dental infection that required a professional cleaning and three extractions. It was expensive, painful for her, and completely preventable. Now we brush daily, and her teeth are in great shape. She even gets excited about “toothbrush time” because she gets a special treat afterward!
Pro tip: Use a dental water additive for extra protection. It’s an easy way to reduce plaque between brushings!
4. Never Underestimate the Cold
Why This Mistake Makes Your Dog Miserable
You know what’s funny? People see Chihuahuas shivering and think it’s cute. You know what’s NOT cute? Hypothermia. Chihuahuas have virtually NO body fat and very little fur. They get cold FAST. And they don’t just get a little chilly—they can actually develop hypothermia in temperatures that feel perfectly comfortable to us.
The Problem
Chihuahuas are descended from dogs from warm climates. They’re not built for cold weather. Their tiny bodies lose heat quickly, and without proper protection, they can become dangerously cold in temperatures below 60°F. Shivering isn’t just cute—it’s a sign they’re struggling to stay warm.
How to Fix It
Keep Your Chihuahua Warm:
- Sweaters and coats for cold weather
- Booties for icy ground
- Heated beds for indoor comfort
- Limit outdoor time in cold weather
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Invest in good sweaters. Look for ones that cover the belly and chest.
- Get a winter coat for really cold days. Look for waterproof and windproof options.
- Use booties to protect paws from ice and salt.
- Limit time outside when it’s cold. Quick potty breaks only!
- Provide a warm bed. Heated dog beds are a game-changer!
- Keep your home warm. Don’t let the temperature drop too low.
- Consider an indoor potty for very cold days.
Why You’ll Love This Approach
I used to think Peanut’s shivering was just “cute.” Then I learned that she was actually cold and uncomfortable. I felt terrible! Now she has a whole wardrobe of sweaters and coats, and she gets so excited when I pull out her “warm weather” clothes. She’s comfortable, warm, and looks absolutely adorable too!
Pro tip: Buy sweaters that are easy to put on—Chihuahuas can be wiggly! Velcro closures are your friend!
5. Never Treat Them Like a “Lap Dog” Only
Why This Mistake Leads to Behavioral Problems
Let me ask you something. Do you carry your Chihuahua everywhere? Do you pick them up at the first sign of nervousness? Do you treat them like a fragile little baby?
I get it. I really do. Chihuahuas are SO tiny and SO cute. But treating them like a delicate accessory creates a tiny tyrant with serious behavioral issues. These dogs need to be treated like, well, DOGS!
The Problem
When you treat your Chihuahua like a baby, they start to believe they’re in charge. They become anxious, reactive, and sometimes aggressive because they don’t know their place in the pack. Carrying them everywhere prevents them from learning how to navigate the world on their own four paws.
How to Fix It
Treat Your Chihuahua Like a Dog:
- Let them walk (don’t carry them everywhere)
- Set boundaries (just like you would with a big dog)
- Socialize them with other dogs and people
- Train them using positive reinforcement
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Let your Chihuahua walk when it’s safe. They need to feel the ground under their paws!
- Train basic commands. Sit, stay, come, and leave it are essential for every dog.
- Socialize early. Expose your puppy to new people, dogs, and environments.
- Set boundaries. No begging, no jumping on furniture without permission, etc.
- Don’t pick them up at the first sign of fear. Help them work through it instead.
- Treat them with respect. They’re small, but they’re still dogs!
- Consider group training classes. It’s great for socialization and building confidence.
Why You’ll Love This Approach
I used to carry Peanut everywhere. I thought I was protecting her. Instead, I was creating a nervous, anxious little dog who couldn’t handle ANYTHING without me. Once I started letting her walk on her own, she gained so much confidence! Now she trots around like she owns the place (which she does), and she’s so much happier and more relaxed.
Pro tip: Use a harness, not a collar, for walks. Chihuahuas have delicate tracheas, and collars can cause injury!
6. Never Skip Vaccinations or Preventative Care
Why This Mistake Is Dangerous for Tiny Dogs
You know what’s scary? A sick Chihuahua. Their tiny bodies can’t handle illness the same way bigger dogs can. A minor illness in a large breed can be life-threatening in a Chihuahua. Skipping vaccines, heartworm prevention, or regular checkups is incredibly dangerous for these little dogs.
The Problem
Chihuahuas are susceptible to a variety of health issues. Parvovirus, distemper, and heartworm disease can be fatal in small dogs. Missing a vaccination or skipping heartworm prevention puts your tiny dog at serious risk. And because they’re so small, they don’t have the reserves to fight off serious illness.
How to Fix It
Stay on Top of Preventative Care:
- Regular vet checkups (every 6-12 months)
- Stay current on vaccines (core and optional)
- Year-round heartworm prevention
- Flea and tick prevention (year-round)
- Dental checkups (at least yearly)
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Keep a calendar of vet appointments. Put reminders in your phone.
- Set alarms for medication days (heartworm, flea/tick prevention).
- Ask your vet for a vaccine schedule that’s right for your dog.
- Don’t skip heartworm prevention. It’s too risky, especially in small dogs.
- Consider pet insurance. It can make emergency care more affordable.
- Know what’s normal. Monitor your Chihuahua’s eating, drinking, and energy levels.
- Act fast if something seems wrong. Better to be safe than sorry!
Why You’ll Love This Approach
I used to be lax about Peanut’s vet visits. I thought, “She’s healthy, she doesn’t need to go.” Until she got sick with a respiratory infection that could have been prevented with a simple vaccine. The vet visit, medications, and stress were way worse than keeping up with preventative care would have been. Now I never miss a vet appointment or a preventative medication dose!
Pro tip: Bundle heartworm and flea/tick prevention into one easy monthly medication. It makes remembering so much easier!
The Ultimate Guide to Chihuahua Care Success
You’ve got the “never do” list, but here’s the secret sauce—my best advice for making Chihuahua care work beautifully!
Build a Routine
Chihuahuas thrive on routine. Regular feeding times, walk times, and bedtimes create a sense of security for your tiny pup. Plus, routines make potty training SO much easier!
Socialization is Key
Chihuahuas can be prone to fear and aggression if they’re not properly socialized. Start early, go slowly, and always make experiences positive. A well-socialized Chihuahua is a happy Chihuahua!
Be Consistent
Everyone in the household needs to follow the same rules. Inconsistent rules confuse your dog and undermine your training efforts.
Watch the Treats
Those big eyes can be hard to resist, but too many treats = an overweight Chihuahua. Be stingy with treats and generous with praise!
Invest in Good Products
A quality harness, good food, and appropriate-sized toys make a huge difference in your Chihuahua’s comfort and health.
Patience is Your Best Friend
Chihuahuas can be stubborn. Like, REALLY stubborn. Be patient and consistent, and your dog will eventually figure out what you’re asking.
Enjoy the Quirks
Every Chihuahua has their own unique personality. Embrace the weirdness—it’s what makes them special!
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Conclusion: Love Your Chihuahua, But Set Boundaries!
So there we have it—six things you should NEVER do with a Chihuahua!
We’ve covered overfeeding (watch those portions!). Letting them jump off furniture (pet stairs are your friend!). Neglecting dental care (brush those teeth!). Underestimating the cold (sweaters save lives!). Treating them like a “lap dog” only (they’re dogs, not accessories!). And skipping vaccinations and preventative care (stay on top of it!).
Every single rule is essential for your Chihuahua’s health and happiness. Every single one will make your life easier. And every single one will help you raise a well-adjusted, confident little dog.
Here’s the thing—Chihuahuas are amazing dogs. They’re fiercely loyal, incredibly loving, and have more personality than dogs twice their size. But they have specific needs that can’t be ignored. Treat them with the respect they deserve, and they’ll reward you with a lifetime of love and loyalty.
Peanut has taught me so much about patience, boundaries, and the importance of treating every dog as an individual. She’s sassy, bossy, and absolutely perfect. And I know your Chihuahua is too!
One last reminder: I’m not a professional trainer or vet, just a Chihuahua mom who’s made every mistake in the book. Always work with your vet and a reputable trainer for personalized advice.
Now go love that tiny Chihuahua! And remember—they may be small, but they’re mighty!
Happy Chihuahua raising, dog-loving, and tail-wagging, everyone! 🐾
This article contains affiliate links that support my dog’s treat addiction. All opinions, tips, and hilarious mishaps are entirely my own. Peanut personally oversaw every suggestion (she’s the real expert on being a Chihuahua!)
