AKC Chihuahuas at ChuppyLove ~ New Owner Info

HAIR LOSS OR THINNING
In chihuahuas, when they are between 8 and 12 weeks of age, you may notice a sudden thinning splotchy
pattern in the coat. Some breeders call this the "hen pecked look" because the coat looks just like a
chicken has pulled out tufts of hair in the shape of a chickens beak. This has very often been
misdiagnosed as mange of one kind or another. Many Vets opt to do skin scrapings to determine if mites
are present. Please note that this is a very normal condition that usually only lasts a couple of weeks to a
month and will completely clear itself up with time. It is caused by the changing of the coat. Smooth coats
looked like they have bare places and some long coats will shed off their coats until they are nearly as slick
as an onion skin. It will grow back and is perfectly normal. It will sometimes occur again when they are
about a year and a half old. Females blow coat when they experience heat cycles and when they are
recovering from nursing puppies. You should only be alarmed if the shedding is also accompanied with
some sort of rash or what appears to be pimples on the skin. This is usually a sign of demodectic mange
mites or some sort of allergy.
TEETHING AND IT'S EFFECTS ON PUPPIES
Chihuahuas usually have a full set of baby teeth by the time they are 6 weeks old. But some of them lack
jaw muscles strong enough to crush dry kibble in order to get enough nutrition. You should watch your
puppy for signs of hunger and make sure it is getting enough to eat even if you have to feed it "soft" food
for a couple of weeks. When chihuahuas get about 12 weeks old, they usually start to cut their
permanent teeth. This is a process that sometimes goes on for 3 to 6 months. It can effect different
puppies in different ways. You may notice some that had very erect ears are now resembling Beagles. Or
you will see them with one ear up and one ear down. Tomorrow it can be the other ear up and the mate
down. It is not uncommon to see one or both ears actually roll up backwards like window shades. This is
all perfectly normal and if given enough time the ears will stand erect again all by themselves. There are
cases of puppies coming from lines with "weak" ear leather where you may have to tape the ears in order
to help them keep them erect until they can again hold them up on their own.

Hepatitis
Young puppies who contract hepatitis usually die, unfortunately, although the severity of the disease varies. Hepatitis affects
the kidneys, pancreas, the liver, and the walls of the blood vessels. Symptoms of hepatitis infection include lethargy, pain in the
abdomen, fever, and diarrhea. Treatment will include fluid and antibiotics, and in more severe cases, a blood transfusion may
be needed.
Distemper
Distemper is a very contagious virus that is quite similar to measles. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous
systems. Symptoms a dog infected with distemper will have include lethargy, vomiting, a discharge from the eyes and nose,
coughing, and diarrhea. When the disease reaches an advanced stage, neurological problems start to show. These include
seizures, weakness, and lack of coordination.
Treatment is usually fluids and antibiotics, but in as many as half the cases, affected dogs die. Dogs of all ages can be affected,
but usually cases of distemper are seen in unvaccinated puppies.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza is not as severe as many of these other illnesses. Sometimes, no treatment is needed for infected dogs.
Symptoms of dogs infected with parainfluenza include coughing, watery eyes, and a nasal discharge.
Coronavirus
This is a disease that affects puppies more than older dogs. Symptoms of a coronavirus infected puppy include orange or
yellow diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and a lower appetite. These symptoms result from the fact that the coronavirus causes the
intestines to become inflamed. Dogs usually recover from a coronavirus infection. They are treated with fluids and antibiotics.
Leptosporosis
Some dogs are allergic to the leptosporosis vaccine, so this should be discussed with your vet. The leptosporosis vaccine is
often not included with the regular dog vaccinations your puppy will get, but is given separately, starting the next year your
dog is due for a vaccination. Leptosporosis infections occur from water that is contaminated with infected urine. So, always
keep your dog's water fresh and change it regularly.
Leptosporosis affects the kidneys, liver, and the urinary tract. Symptoms include lethargy, pain in the abdomen, and vomiting.
As the disease progresses, dogs can get a low temperature, and become very thirsty. Infected dogs are given fluid and
antibiotics.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
The Bordetella Bronchiseptica vaccine is given during your second visit to the vet for vaccinations, or at 12 weeks of age. This
is a very infectious disease that is highly recommended your dog is vaccinated against if you're planning on taking him to puppy
classes, or a boarding kennel. Indeed, anywhere where he is likely to interact with a lot of other dogs, including dog parks, is a
potential place of infection that a vaccine can guard against. Dogs love to socialize, so it's not in his best interests to isolate him
either.
Symptoms of infection with bordetella bronchispetica include a dry cough, and treatment is usually antibiotics. If you do get the
vaccination, you may need to get a booster. This can be discussed with your vet. Vaccines aren't 100% effective, but they do
reduce the risk.
Rabies
Rabies vaccinations can be given when your dog reaches 16 weeks of age. In countries where rabies is a problem, this is a
highly recommended vaccine as it is nearly always fatal. Some states in the US require compulsory rabies vaccinations.
Rabies infections occur from a bite by an infected animal. It can affect all warm blooded animals, but skunks, bats and raccoons
seem to be more affected. Given that humans can be infected, this is an important vaccination. Subtle behavioral changes are
the first to occur if your dog becomes infected. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Lyme disease
Lyme Borreliosis or Lyme disease is the most frequently diagnosed tick/insect-borne disease in the Untied States and in Texas.
In humans, infection is initially characterized by flu-like symptoms and a circular rash but can ultimately result in chronic joint
and nervous system problems.
Lyme Disease is prevalent in North America and may exist in any region where Borrelia burgdorferi infected ticks live. To keep
your pets and yourself safe, you should be wary of any tick you find attached to either yourself or your dog. Studies have
shown that migratory birds have helped disperse the infected ticks, contributing to the spread of this disease. In addition, dogs
and other animals that go into infested areas have the potential for carrying the infected ticks back into their own habitat. If
you travel during the warm summer months and plan to take your dog with you, exercise caution in secluded or heavily
wooded areas. These are natural environments for ticks and the Lyme Disease bacteria.
The signs of Lyme Disease are similar in both dogs and humans. Once infected, your dog may experience arthritis, sudden pain
or lameness, fever, loss of energy, loss of appetite, and even depression. To properly diagnose Lyme Disease, blood tests may
be performed to search for the disease fighting proteins known as antibodies after the symptoms of Lyme Disease have been
observed. Sadly though, blood tests being used to diagnose this condition are often inconclusive. Lyme Disease in dogs may be
treated by using broad spectrum antibiotics, but treatment may not always be successful. Vaccines available through your
veterinarian were developed after years of careful testing for both effectiveness and safety. While no vaccine is ever 100%
effective, the canine Lyme Disease vaccine has proven in studies to be highly effective. Following an initial series of vaccines
given weeks apart, your pet should then receive an annual booster vaccine.

ChuppyLove Chihuahuas

The first signs are listlessness and depression. They are followed by muscular weakness, vomiting and/ or diarrhea,
tremors (especially in the facial muscles), and later convulsions, coma, and probable death. The entire sequence of
symptoms is not always seen. The dog may simply appear to be depressed or he may be weak, wobbly and jerky or he
may be found stiff, unable to coordinate or in a coma.
Hypoglycemia can occur without warning when a puppy is placed in a new home. It might appear after a puppy misses a
meal, chills, becomes exhausted from too much playing, or has a digestive problem. These problems cause an added strain
on the energy reserves of the liver and bring on the symptoms.
~TREATMENT~
Starting at once! Treatment is directed at restoring blood levels of glucose. Give the puppy mouthful of NUTRI-CAL* or
Karo Syrup. If he can not swallow it all at once, it will begin to absorb under the tongue to begin bringing him back to a
conscious state so that he will be able to swallow the rest. When he can swallow, give him water (about 1 cc at a time so
he does not choke). Continue to give him Nutri-Cal and water about every 10 min. Until he is conscious and moving about.
CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY IF THE PUPPY DOES NOT RESPOND!!! *Nutri-Cal is high calorie supplement. It will help the
puppy's blood sugar level and energy. You can buy it at most pet stores or any vets office. If you do not have Nutri-Cal,
honey or syrup can be used. The dose is 1 cc every 10 min till recovered. As soon as the puppy begins to recover, give him
some canned food and try to get him to eat. You will also need to begin some pepto to help him from getting bad diarrhea.
The large dose of Nutri-Cal or Karo syrup will probably cause some diarrhea to occur. Prevent recurrent attacks by making
sure the puppy eats at regular intervals. He should have dry food and fresh water available at all the time and should be
fed canned food at least 2 times a day. A daily vitamin should be givien, (Nutri-Cal 1 cc 2 or 3 time a day) also cottage
cheese or yogurt can be added to the diet. Owners of toy puppies should not allow them to become overtired or chilled.
Play time should be limited and controlled to prevent undue stress and tiring. Hypoglycemia must be offset by frequent
feedings. A puppy who does not eat frequently, for whatever reason, is heading for trouble.
~TIPS FOR THE FIRST DAY HOME ~
1. Your puppy will be as excited as you are. But he or she may feel timid until the new surroundings begin to feel like home.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they purchase a new puppy is they immediately have to take it visiting to
show it off. NOT GOOD IDEA!!! Take your puppy straight home and try your best to keep it there until it has adjusted to its
new surroundings and its new "parents". Don't do anything that will stress the puppy out. Introduce your puppy to family
members one at a time. It is not unusual for puppies to tremble when in a new situation.
2. Puppies spend most of their time sleeping until they are several months old. So PLEASE limit play time the first day. Given
the chance most puppies will play until they are past exhaustion. We suggest you and your puppy play as hard as you like
for up to 15 or 20 minutes but then allow undisturbed time for a nap or rest in their bed. Do not carry your puppy around
or let the puppy take naps on your lap all day. Puppy needs to in their own safe place and rest. After a nap your puppy
should be ready to go again. Remember they have just been on a long trip. Think about how you feel after
traveling.~PLENTY OF FREE TIME FOR REST AND SLEEP AND AVOID STRESS~
3. Make sure that puppy has fresh water and dry food all day and your puppy can able to drink and eat whenever they
can. The most important thing is that PUPPY MUST EAT AND EAT ENOUGH TO KEEP HIS SYSTEM STABLE WHILE PUPPY IS
GETTING USED TO HIS NEW HOME. If you have a human baby, you will make sure that your baby has full belly.
4. It is best to wait at least a day before introducing other pets such as dogs or cats. Then when you do introduce them
just observe. It is natural for animals such as dogs to find out right away who is the more dominate. So as long as they are
just sniffing each other or one standing over the other, the other one cowering, this is normal. If one gets more aggressive
you may need to wait a little longer to put them together.
5. Have your vet appointment set up and make sure that you follow through on any additional vaccinations needed as they
grow and an annual booster. DO NOT LET YOUR PUPPY WALK AROUND OUTSIDE OR TAKE IT WITH YOU TO SUCH
PLACES AS PETS SHOP OR PARKS UNTIL THE PUPPY HAS HAD ALL THEIR VACCINATIONS. When you go to the vet use
common sense, keep your puppy in a crate or in your lap when your visiting the vet office. DO NOT LET YOUR PUPPY
ROMP ON THE FLOOR OR FURNITURE AND MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT ALLOW IT TO SOCIALIZE WITH OTHER ANIMALS
that may be in the office at the same time. Where do people take sick animals? Where is the best place to pick up germs to
contact disease? Remember, the puppy is like your new born baby!!!
6. Prevention is most important. Give your puppy NUTRI-CAL (1-1.5 cc) 3-4 times daily in the morning, when puppy is
playing hard during the day and a big helping at bedtime, until puppy is 4-5 months old. This will make sure your puppy is
getting the nutrients and sugar to maintain good health. PLEASE DO THIS FOR YOUR PUPPY'S HEALTH. Don't stop
because the puppy is doing great, puppy is doing great because of your preventative measures. Hypoglycemia can be
deadly but is easily prevented by following this guide.

AKC CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES ~ LONG AND SMOOTH COAT VARIETIES
SMALL HOME BREEDER LOCATED IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

HYPOGLYCEMIA
(LOW BLOOD SUGAR)

This is a central nervous system disorder caused by low blood sugar levels. It
occurs mainly in toy breeds between 6 and 16 weeks of age.
~STRESS IS THE LEADING CAUSE~

© ChuppyLove Chihuahuas/Gary and Holly Bradshaw ~ 2009 all rights reserved. No image or script may be used on any web site without my expressed written permission. Use
of the information contained on this web site constitutes an acknowledgement that the user hereby releases and indemnifies, ChuppyLove Chihuahuas/Gary and Holly
Bradshaw and its officers, directors, members, and agents from any and all liability and damages sustained by the user as a result of any information obtained from this web site.

~ALLOW YOUR NEW PUPPY PLENTY OF FREE TIME FOR REST AND SLEEP DURING THE DAY TO AVOID STRESS~

Northern California Chihuahua puppies, AKC Chihuahua breeder of appledome and deer head Chihuahuas puppies, Northern California chihuahua breeder of champion line AKC Chihuahua puppies

"Norman", now living in
Rio Linda, Ca.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT! DO NOT COPY! © ChuppyLove Chihuahuas/Gary and Holly Bradshaw ~ 2009 all rights reserved. No image or script may be used on any web site
without my expressed written permission. Use of the information contained on this web site constitutes an acknowledgement that the user hereby releases and indemnifies,
ChuppyLove Chihuahuas/Gary and Holly Bradshaw and its officers, directors, members, and agents from any and all liability and damages sustained by the user as a result of any
information obtained from this web site.