Teacup Chihuahua puppies are fragile in puppyhood, and in need of extra special care.
Teacup Chihuahuas are intelligent, courageous and are well known for their sweet nature. Weighing in at just two to three pounds, they are also charming and irresistibly cute. Although born in litters along with regular sized Chihuahuas, Teacup Chihuahuas are not fully developed when born. They are, colloquially speaking, the runts of the litter. This tends to make them fragile throughout puppy-hood, and in need of extra care and attention. It is particularly important to pay attention to your puppy's eating habits, as Teacup Chihuahua puppies are prone to hypoglycemia.
Instructions
1. High quality dry dog food should be available to your Teacup Chihuahua at all times. When your puppy is an adult, you can feed it two to three meals a day, but young Teacup Chihuahua puppies are susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and should always have food available. Offer the puppy a couple of spoonfuls of wet dog food two to three times a day in addition to the dry food.
2. Watch for signs of hypoglycemia in your puppy. This can occur if the puppy has not eaten sufficient amounts of food, has gotten chilled or is stressed. The signs are weakness; listlessness; lack of coordination; cold to the touch; blue or gray color to the ears, gums or skin; acting confused; and/or extreme drowsiness. If you see any of these signs, dab a small amount of corn syrup or sugar onto the puppy's gums, and then feed it a protein-rich food, such as canned dog food or meat baby food.
3. Bathe your puppy as needed in a mild shampoo or wipe it with a damp cloth. Dry it thoroughly afterward. Take care not to get water in the puppy's nose or mouth.
4. Take your puppy to a veterinarian for vaccinations. The puppy should be vaccinated for Distemper and Parvovirus at age 9-10 weeks, and again at 14 weeks and 16-18 weeks. A rabies vaccine should be given at age 20 weeks.
5. Discipline your puppy to prevent behavioral problems. Do not allow your puppy to bark or growl at other dogs or people. Correct the puppy with a firm but gentle "no." Praise your puppy when it is acting calm and relaxed around others.
6. Socialize your puppy after he has been vaccinated. Teacup Chihuahuas, like most Chihuahuas, although small, can become aggressive if not socialized early. Take him to places where there are other dogs and young children, so he gets used to being around others while he is still young.
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