Thursday, December 20, 2007

AKC Texas Diva Chihuahuas "Pooches and Planes"

    Pooches and Planes

It’s wonderful when you can bring your dog with you on a trip. But, there are many rules and regulations that you need to consider before bringing your dog on board. In fact, some airlines don’t accept dogs. Let’s take a quick look at some important rules for bringing a pooch on a plane.

If you’re thinking of traveling by air with your dog, your first order of business is to research whether or not your dog is allowed on the plane. Many commercial airlines do not allow pets to fly.

If you find a commercial airline that allows your pet to travel with you, there may be strict rules and restrictions that must be followed. Some include:

  • Fees: Depending on the airline and your destination, you may be required to pay a fee in order to travel with your dog. Domestic flights range from USD (US dollars) $50 – $100 and international flights are approximately USD $250.
  • Restricted travel: Some airlines restrict travel privileges based on breed and health concerns. For example, short-nosed breeds such as Pugs may have a harder time breathing at higher altitudes. Other times, if a dog is vomiting, dehydrated or physically ill, an airline will not allow the dog to fly. These restrictions are reinforced for the safety of the dog.
  • Temperature restrictions: Certain temperatures can have a large effect on whether or not a dog should travel in cargo. For example if a dog travels on a day when the temperature is below 20°F then he may be too cold. Likewise, if temperatures soar above 85°F then a dog can suffer from heat exhaustion.
  • No sedating a pet: Some owners believe that sedating a dog will keep him more comfortable while traveling. But the truth is that many airlines will not allow it. This is because a dog who is not 100% coherent can injure himself.
  • Must have proper documentation: Before traveling with your dog, call the airline to see if any veterinary documents will be required upon boarding the plane or arriving at your destination. Any travel outside the state will definitively require a current Health Certificate from a veterinarian.
  • Age restrictions: Many airlines require that a dog be a certain age before traveling. Generally, a dog younger than eight weeks old will not be allowed to travel. This is especially true if the dog has not yet been weaned (no longer requiring his mother’s milk).
  • Travel crate restrictions: Many airlines will allow small dogs to be carried on board in a special carrying case. Call ahead and ask the airline what their rules are regarding carry-on pet travel. Many airlines have strict limits on the number of animals allowed in the passenger area, so arrangements should be made as soon as possible if you want to take your small dog in the cabin with you. As well, most airlines have allotted cargo space, and crate sizes must fit within specified requirements in order for a dog to travel.

Friday, November 23, 2007

AKC Texas Diva Chihuahuas 817-503-0008

    Puppy topics that begin with “B” Barking, Bathing, Begging Barking

Puppies bark to communicate. Owners will quickly learn the message their pup is trying to pass along, for example, reporting that something is going on, calling for help with an invader to their territory, or simply trying to attract someone’s attention. Inappropriate barking may become an annoyance to family members and neighbors. Your vet is the best person to advise you on methods for correcting this behavior. He or she can also give you the names of any pet behaviorists in the area.

Bathing

Only bathe your puppy if it's absolutely necessary as too frequent bathing can cause dry, irritated skin. Often a good wipe with a damp cloth will work just as well as a full bath. Use dog shampoo instead of human shampoo. As a rule, puppies only need to be bathed if they're really dirty, although there are some breeds, such as West Highland White Terriers, that need regular clipping and bathing by a professional dog groomer. If using a domestic bathtub, place a non-slip mat on the bottom.

Towel dry your puppy thoroughly after bathing. Hair dryers can scare a pup who's not used to the experience; never blow the dryer towards your puppy’s face. Instead, blow towards his hind end from the front, moving towards the rear and directing the hot air along the hair shaft, not directly at the skin. Your puppy should then be kept in a warm, draft-free room for several hours.

Begging

Puppies very quickly learn that if they beg they will receive a tasty tidbit from their owner. Not only does this grow into an annoying habit, it can also put your pup on the road to obesity. From the very beginning, ignore any begging behavior, and teach your pup that he has set mealtimes and should not expect anything in between. Never feed your puppy from the dinner table.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

The health of your Chihuahua

The health of your Chihuahua

This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are also prone to the sometimes painful disease Hydrocephalus. It is often diagnosed by the puppy having an abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more noticeable (since "a large head" is such a broad description). Chihuahua puppies exhibiting Hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically are lethargic and do not grow at the same pace as their siblings. A true case of Hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, though the prognosis is grim.

Chihuahuas are also known for their moleras, a soft spot in their skulls. Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs to be taken during the first six months until the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are not familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus. The Chihuahua Club of America has issued a statement regarding this often deadly misdiagnosis [1].

Chihuahuas can also be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Left unattended, hypoglycemia can lead to coma. Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance. Chihuahuas also have a tendency to tremble but this is not a health issue, rather it takes place when the dog is stressed or excited. One reason for this may be because small dogs have a higher metabolism than larger dogs and therefore dissipate heat faster. Although figures often vary, as with any breed, the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately 8 to 18 years of age.

Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition. At the same time, care must be exercised not to overfeed this tiny breed. Overweight Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

SO WHAT IS A CHIHUAHUA?

SO WHAT IS A CHIHUAHUA? "To know me is to love me." -- Chihuahua's motto, if they could talk.

This FAQ is written for both the experienced owners and casual readers in mind. Please note that The Chihuahua FAQ is a guide only, and should NOT replace veterinarian advice and/or more authoritative published works written on this breed. Since I only have the experience of owning one Chihuahua, I would appreciate feedback from other Chihuahua owners.

If you already own a Chihuahua, then I'll be preaching to the converted when I say that they are one of the most loyal, sweet-tempered, and gentle of the toy breeds. The Chihuahua, with its apple-dome skull and large luminous eyes, can wear a remarkably human expression at times; she or he will want to be with you most, if not all, of the time. A warning to casual dog owners: Don't buy a Chihuahua if you don't have the emotional real estate in your heart or the time for the complete love and attention of this furry little person.


History

Carvings found in the Monastery of Huejotzingo, on the highway from Mexico City to Puebla, give strong evidence as to the Chihuahua's origins. This monastery was constructed by Franciscan Monks around 1530. The Monks used stones from the Toltec civilization. Little is known of the Toltecs, but we do know that they existed as early as the 9th century A.D. in what is now Mexico. The Toltecs had a breed of dog they called the "Techichi". And the carvings on the stones at Huejotzingo give a full head view and a picture of an entire dog that closely resembles the modern-day Chihuahua. From this evidence, we can safely assume that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi.

Additionally, there are remains at some pyramids and other pointers to the early existence of the Techichi at Chichen Itza in Yucatan.

The Techichi was a religious necessity among the ancient Toltec tribes and later among the Aztecs. Archaeologists have found the remains of this breed in human graves in Mexico and in parts of the United States.

The first Chihuahua to be officially registered by the American Kennel Club was "Midget" in 1904.

Physical Description

Chihuahuas go under the classification of "toy breeds." They are the smallest breed of dog in the world. They are, in fact, the only "natural" toy breed. That is, they are naturally small and aren't a result of "breeding-down" larger breeds, as were other toy breeds.

Chihuahua can be smoothcoats or longcoats. Interestingly, there is no breeding distinction made between the two in the United States, since in the States, both smoothcoats and longcoats can occur in a litter; however, in the United Kingdom, smoothcoats and longcoats are considered two different breeds and are never interbred.

The breed standard, approved September 11, 1990 disqualifies any dog over 6 pounds from the conformation ring; however, they can weigh up to 9 pounds or more.

One of the Chihuahua's most distinctive characteristics is its head, which is well-rounded and referred to by breeders as an "apple-dome" type skull. In contrast, its muzzle is extraordinarily tiny in contrast. Pink noses are sometimes found on blonde Chihuahuas.

Another distinctive physical feature of the Chihuahua is the ears: large, held erect, and flaring to the sides at an angle of about 45 degrees, the Chihuahua uses its ears to express a variety of emotions and responses.

The eyes, usually dark and luminous, are wide-set. Again, blondes may have lighter eyes. Tears are often produced in abundance to keep the large eyes lubricated, and it is not unusual for tears to fly from a Chihuahua's face when it shakes its head during play.

The back should be level and the rib-cage rounded. Some Chihuahuas may actually have barrel-shaped rib-cages, but professional breeders find this undesireable. The hindquarters are muscular and thin.

The Chihuahua has stick-like legs and dainty feet. The tail is longish carried either in a sickle fashion or in a loop with the tip touching the back.

Finally, coat color: there are a variety of shades, including brindle, blonde, black, brown, fawn, blue, and "splashed." It is interesting to note that Mexico prefers the jet black with tan markings, and the black and white spotted; the United States overwhelmingly prefers the solid colors, especially fawn.

Temperament

I hear from experienced Chihuahua owners that each dog of this breed has their own unique personality; this is a very individualistic breed. However, a few generalizations can be made. Chihuahuas are graceful, energetic, and swift-moving canines. They have often been described as having "terrier-like" qualities; that is, the qualities of being alert, observant, and keen on interacting with their masters. They are extremely loyal and get attached to one or two persons.

These tiny dogs are certainly unaware of their diminutive stature: they can be bold with other dogs much larger than themselves, and protective of their masters. They are fiercely loyal to their masters and wary of any strangers or new guests introduced into the household, which the Chihuahua considers to be its personal domain. For these reasons, Chihuahuas make good watch dogs (not guard dogs, though!).

The Chihuahua needs a great deal of human contact: touching, petting, and general attention. If the Chihuahua does not get this, she or he will use various attention-getting tricks until you give her/him attention. (My own uses her paws to lightly scratch my hand, a signal that says, "Pet me now!") Some owners who have had other, more independent breeds may find the Chihuahua too needy. However, Chis give alot of love and affection in return for your care.

Keeping more than one Chihuahua can greatly ease the dog's stress when left alone each day if the owner works. (They will compete for your attention when you get home, though!)

Because they are by nature gentle, loyal, and sweet-tempered, Chihuahuas are ideal for single people, the elderly, the handicapped, and shut-ins. They will keep you company for hours by lying on your lap or beside your torso if in bed, and treat you like royalty. No one with a Chi in their household will ever be truly alone!

Care and Maintenance

Chihuahuas are a good breed for city-dwellers, or those who just don't have the time to walk their dogs that often. They are quite happy in apartments, as long as there is enough to play with and explore. (They love exploring like most dogs.)

Opinions from dog authorities differ on how often to bathe a Chihuahua. Some say that bathing too often removes the natural oils from the coat, and thus dandruff will result and the coat will look dull. Others say that shampooing on occassion with certain brands of shampoo can actually enhance the sheen of the coat.

It has been my experience that Chihuahuas should be bathed at least once a month, otherwise they develop an unpleasant smell. This is actually due to the skin cells that humans slough off onto the Chihuahua! So humans are the main contributors to that smell that can develop.

When bathing, take care not to get water into their ears, as an infection can develop.

Since the Chihuahua is mainly a housepets, you will need to trim their nails at least once a month. On the smaller Chis, cat claw trimmers can be used. It's good to start a nail-trimming routine early-on so that your dog becomes accustomed to your handling its paws (not to mention getting used to the big shiny clippers!).

You should consult your veterinarian about the nutritional needs of your Chihuahua. According to some of the dog care books I consulted: after weaning (up to six weeks), puppies should be fed four meals a day until three months old; from 3 months to 6 months they should be fed three meals a day; and from six months to a year they should be fed twice a day. After 1 year, once a day is fine. However, it has been my experience that even into adulthood, Chihuahuas prefer several small meals as opposed to one big meal per day. I have found that regular adult dog food is just fine for this breed. Dry food or a mixture of dry food with canned food is preferable, since in some cases canned food is difficult for this breed to digest (resulting in diarrhea).

Like all dogs, Chihuahuas appreciate "treats." Be careful, though, in your selection. The following treats, in small quantitites, are useful as rewards when training or as general special snacks: cheese, Alpo snacks, raw-hides, Bonz, peanut butter. However, do be careful not to over-indulge with snacks, as overweight is a health-hazard for dogs in general.


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Sunday, April 29, 2007

Your Chihuahua and the outdoors

Not-So-Great Outdoors April 26, 2007

Letting your dog romp around as you garden allows for quality bonding time. But beware:


Insecticides, fertilizers, weed killers, and lawnmower gasoline can all be harmful if your pet laps up even a small amount.
Chemical treatments used on grass should be dry before letting your dog walk on it. Follow instructions on the product label. If your pup licks the chemicals off his paws, he'll soon have an upset tummy -- or worse.
Garden plants should not be nibbled. Lily of the valley, azalea, yew, rhododendron, and kalanchoe can cause heart problems; rhubarb leaves and shamrock may lead to kidney failure; and sago palms can damage the liver.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Test and Prevent: Heartworm Must-Do's for your Chihauhua

Test and Prevent: Heartworm Must-Do's March 15, 2007

The best defense against heartworm disease -- a sneaky, potentially life-threatening condition -- is prevention.

All it takes is one bite from a carrier mosquito for your dog to become infected with larvae that eventually develop into organ-damaging heartworms. Protect your pet by first making sure he's free of heartworm disease with a test performed by your vet. Then, ask the vet to prescribe a preventive medication that's well suited to your dog. Most medications are given monthly for the duration of the mosquito season. If you live in an area where mosquitoes are a constant annoyance, heartworm-preventing medication must be given year-round.

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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Wecome to the Chihuahua February issue of Dog KnowsTM!

Hello,
Welcome to the Chihuahua February issue of Dog KnowsTM!

Training a dog can be a difficult task. So imagine the added challenges with a dog that has difficulty hearing. We’ll examine simple solutions to help make training a deaf dog easier.

Next, we will take a look at some of the common eye problems that dogs face. Discover the signs and causes of these conditions and learn about how they can be treated.

And just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’ll take a look at how gratifying a relationship between your child and dog can be. They spend a lot of time together, so learn how to turn this time into a rewarding training experience for both of them.

Finally, Dr. Kate will address the issue of chronic ear infections. He’s scratching, he’s rubbing, he’s shaking his head. Learn about why this is happening, and what you can do to help.


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Saturday, January 13, 2007

Let The Chihuahua's Sniffer Be Her Eyes ,

Blind dogs rely on smelling and hearing to make their way in the world. Here's how you can take advantage of Fido's keenest sense.

Bumping into things and having trouble navigating is not uncommon for dogs who are vision-impaired. You can minimize mishaps and make getting around a lot easier by marking each area of the house with a different scent, using pinecones, candles, or air fresheners to create a sniffable map of his surroundings. Try a drop of vanilla extract by his food and water dishes, a spot of peppermint essential oil on his bed, and your favorite potpourri by the door you use when taking him out for walks.

Saturday, January 6, 2007

A Chihuahua Sticky Situation

A Chihuahua Sticky Situation


They're inexpensive, easy to clean, and often tip-proof, but when temperatures drop outside, stainless steel water and food bowls may be hazardous to your hound's health.

Ever get your tongue stuck to a popsicle, ice cube, or icicle? That's exactly what could happen to Fido when he tries to lap water from a frozen metal bowl. But getting it unstuck won't be easy -- or painless -- for him. A heavy ceramic bowl is a safer option. Plastic is fine, too, as long as he's not allergic to it. Check several times a day to be sure the water is plentiful, clean, and not frozen. If your pet spends a lot of time outside in the cold, a heated water bowl may be worth the investment of $20 or so.

Bianca