| Tinkerbell Hilton, Paris Hilton's tiny Teacup Chihuahua, | | | | prevent water from entering the ears of the |
| made famous as a result of extensive media | | | | Chihuahua as this would often lead to infection. |
| coverage, has led to an increased interest in this | | | | Given the small size of the Teacup Chihuahua, it |
| variant of the popular Chihuahua as a choice of pet. | | | | would be a good idea to invest in a warm coat for |
| While the cuteness of this tiny dog is widely | | | | the dog especially if you are living in a country with a |
| acknowledge, few understand that it is precisely the | | | | cooler temperature. The small size of the Teacup |
| smallness of the Teacup Chihuahua which results in it | | | | Chihuahua means that these dogs have less fat as |
| to be extremely vulnerable to various illnesses. Given | | | | compared to their regular sized cousins to insulate |
| this, it is every Teacup Chihuahua owner's | | | | them from the cold. It is important however, for |
| responsibility to acquire the necessary knowledge for | | | | Teacup Chihuahua owners to observe for signs of |
| taking care of your Teacup Chihuahua. | | | | discomfort or allergies when purchasing clothing for |
| Despite their small size, Teacup Chihuahuas need | | | | their Teacup Chihuahua. Comfort should be given top |
| regular meals of high quality food. Food should consist | | | | priority over style when making clothing Teacup |
| of meat proteins, carbohydrates and a vegetable. To | | | | Chihuahuas. |
| prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, dried dog | | | | Teacup Chihuahuas are also more prone to injuries as |
| food is generally recommended. Two meals should be | | | | compared to regular-sized Chihuahuas. Families with |
| given daily to the Teacup Chihuahua. Care should be | | | | children should not get Teacup Chihuahuas as these |
| taken by owners to regulate feeding portions as | | | | dogs as the fragility of these dogs means greater |
| Teacup Chihuahuas are prone to overeating, resulting | | | | chances of sustaining severe injuries in the children |
| in obesity. Food should be in small bite-sized | | | | decide to play rough with them. |
| proportions to ease chewing and digestion as | | | | Regular visits to the local veterinarian are a must for |
| Chihuahuas have very small teeth. Also, food should | | | | families who adopt Teacup Chihuahuas. The small size |
| be fresh and any unconsumed food after each meal | | | | of these dogs often means comparatively poorer |
| should be discarded to prevent the growth of | | | | health, leaving them to be extremely vulnerable to |
| bacteria and germs. Plenty of drinking water should | | | | health problems such as hypoglycemia, respiratory |
| be provided for hydration purposes. This is especially | | | | problems as well as dehydration. As puppies, |
| important in places with warmer temperature. | | | | checkups should be even more frequent for thyroid |
| For hygiene purposes, it is recommended that the | | | | and liver problems. |
| Teacup Chihuahuas be given a bath at least once a | | | | Smaller isn't always better. While the cuteness of the |
| month. Hygiene is necessary especially in warmer | | | | Teacup Chihuahua is something that most would |
| countries where inadequate levels of hygiene would | | | | choose to die for, it is important for potential |
| leave the Teacup Chihuahua prone to hygiene related | | | | Chihuahua owners to consider if they are ready to |
| illnesses and fleas. In fact, it is recommended that in | | | | put in the long-term effort and commitment required |
| such places, the Chihuahua be given bathes on a | | | | to raise a Teacup Chihuahua. |
| more frequent basis. Care should be taken to | | | | |