[ Home  |  FAQ-Related Q&As  |  General Q&As  |  Answered Questions ]


    Search the Q&A Archives


hi i have a 8 month old little boy chi and he is the love of...

<< Back to: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ

Question by vee
Submitted on 10/8/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
Rating: Rate this question: Vote
hi i have a 8 month old little boy chi and he is the love of our lives.
but we have problems getting him to put on weight.first when we got him the breeder had been feeding him nutra nugget dog food.well unfortunately they dont sell that brand in the small town im from. so i tried puppy chow and he didnt seem to want that. ive tried iams he didnt want that now i am trying purina one. he nibbles on that actually he nibbled on all of them one piece at a time. now mind you he ate the nutra nugget like it was candy. any how we have been breaking down giving him people food he has a major liking for hamburger meat no matter how cooked. But my baby is so skinny its killing me. its like he likes something today but not tomorrow.he has been wormed several times with nemex wormer so im pretty sure there are no worms at this point any way.other wise he is a perfectly loving playful baby just boney as hell. im begging some body please give me some advice on how to put some weight on my baby boy.


Answer by chimama
Submitted on 10/9/2003
Rating:  Rate this answer: Vote
First, stop giving him people food.  I know it's tempting to do whatever it takes to get him to eat, but don't do it.  People food isn't nutritionally balanced, and chihuahuas have such tiny tummies that they really can't afford to eat anything that isn't packed with the right nutrients.

Has your vet told you that he is underweight?  I assume he is under veterinary care, since he has been wormed several times.  I do wonder why the vet is deworming him unless puppy has worms in his poops.  If you are doing this yourself, Stop It!  De-worming is strenuous and shouldn't be one unless there is a demonstrated need.  Your puppy should be under regular veterinary care, if this vet isn't familiar with chihuahuas (or toy breeds in general)than you need to find one that is.

The reason I ask what your vets opinion on puppy's weight is that I have two chis.  One is built like a supermodel, thin and dainty (3 pounds, size 2 in human terms), a lot of people think she is underweight because you can see her hip bones.  My other is built much more sturdily (5 pounds, size 8 or 10 in human terms), next to her sister she looks fat.  Both of them are just fine, have energy to burn, and according to my vet are perfectly healthy.

As to why he's not eating dog food, why should he when he can get you to feed him much more tasty people food by being picky?  He's trained you very well.  If he has plenty of energy, he's not starving.  Maybe he liked the Nutra Nuggets because they had a lot of sugar or etc. that made them especially tasty.  I'm not familiar with that brand.  Searches of the web found that other brands recommended just as much are Waltham Lamb and Rice and Science Diet (which is what I usually feed mine, although I have been known to mix in Royal Canine, Natures Choice or Purina one when they have Free-after-rebate deals).

You may be unaware of how little a chi really eats.  I found that even now, it is unusual for either of mine to eat more than 1/4 cup per day, spread out over two meals.  Even with the difference in size, they both eat about the same, as little Gremlin is more active than her larger and mellower sister Nixie.  I subscribe to the belief that food should always be available, the dog will eat when it is hungry and stop when it is full.  I see that with both my girls, when they're full they don't want any more, even if Mommy tries to coax them.  They did prefer smaller kibble, I started them on Science Diet small-bites puppy food.  Now that they are adults, they will eat the larger kibbles as long as they are flat rather than chunky.  Also, my larger chi doesn't like to eat or do her business in front of me, she's very shy.  Perhaps your puppy is sneaking food (or being snuck treats?) when you're not looking.

I strongly suggest you use a vet that gives you a feeling of confidence and can answer your questions, ask for the names of other clients who are happy with the care their small breeds receive.  An uncompensated plug, I use Banfield Pet Hospitals which are all over the country.  Also, please have him neutered.  Only excellent examples of breed standard, e. g. champion show dogs, in the care of experienced breeders should remain intact.  He won't miss it, and will be much happier and less likely to scent-mark your house, as well as less likely to stray in search of females.

A very good book is Chihuahuas for Dummies, the best I have read on the care and nurturing of these adorable creatures.

 

Answer by tequila16
Submitted on 5/29/2005
Rating: Not yet rated Rate this answer: Vote
I was having the same problem with my Chi. I read in the Chihuahua for Dummies book that chi's like to eat on rugs or carpets. So I bought a very very soft carpet sample from Menard's and put it under his food with enough room for him to sit on it. That helped about 50%, then I also mix wet canned food with dry food in the morning and then give him just the dry food at night. This has also helped. Good Luck. They can be stubborn little pups.

 

Answer by tracie
Submitted on 12/26/2005
Rating: Not yet rated Rate this answer: Vote
I have the same problem with my chihuahua i have taken him to the vet so many times they have determined after many tests that he is perfectly healthy he just has fast metablosim and is very active.  Don't worry. the vet old me he is fine and he only weighs 3 pounds at 10 months

 

Your answer will be published for anyone to see and rate.  Your answer will not be displayed immediately.  If you'd like to get expert points and benefit from positive ratings, please create a new account or login into an existing account below.


Your name or nickname:
If you'd like to create a new account or access your existing account, put in your password here:
Your answer:

FAQS.ORG reserves the right to edit your answer as to improve its clarity.  By submitting your answer you authorize FAQS.ORG to publish your answer on the WWW without any restrictions. You agree to hold harmless and indemnify FAQS.ORG against any claims, costs, or damages resulting from publishing your answer.

 

FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of the poster. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. FAQS.ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts.

 

<< Back to: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ


[ Home  |  FAQ-Related Q&As  |  General Q&As  |  Answered Questions ]

© 2008 FAQS.ORG. All rights reserved.