Small Dogs – Page 2

How Much Should A Chiweenie Eat? – Answered

So, you want to get a Chiweenie (or perhaps you already have one) and you’re wondering “How much should a Chiweenie eat?” If you are wondering this, you’ve come to the right place.

You’re going to want to feed an adult Chiweenie about 390-460 calories per day. Do note, however, that this will change based on factors like whether the dog has been neutered or spayed and how much exercise they have been getting on average.

A black, brown, and white Chiweenie dog sitting on a tan couch — Attribution: Image by Mike N Carolyn Smith on Facebook

Factors That Change How Much They Should Eat

Alright, now you know how much you should feed your Chiweenie, but what are all the factors that effect how much your Chiweenie should eat?

They are the age of your Chiweenie, if your Chiweenie has been spayed or neutered, how active your Chiweenie is on average, the sex of your Chiweenie, and how healthy your Chiweenie is.

How Old Your Chiweenie Is

As I mentioned before, the age of your Chiweenie can drastically change how much they should eat.

Puppies and senior dogs will need extra nutrients than adults in their prime age would, as their bodies are growing or getting weaker and they will need extra help.

If Your Chiweenie Have Been Spayed Or Neutered

The amount of food your Chiweenie should eat also has to do with whether or not your Chiweenie has been spayed or neutered.

When dogs get spayed or neutered, their reproductive hormones which have systematic roles and the muscle and tendon mass will decrease as a result.

His bones will also stop growing, which is why it is recommended that you only neuter or spay your dog after a certain period of time.

So, if they has been spayed or neutered, you’re going to have to feed your Chiweenie more to help keep him strong and healthy.

How Active Your Chiweenie Is

Active dogs will need a lot more nutrition than non-active dogs, because their bodies will be using a lot more nutrients.

If your dog is very active, consider finding a more calorie-dense dog food that contains all the nutrients they need like protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.

The Sex of Your Chiweenie

The sex will also help determine how much you should feed your Chiweenie.

Males are typically larger than females, so they will need more food. However, if a female dog is pregnant or nursing, she will require significantly more nutrients during this time.

I recommend checking out this article from Hills. It goes into more detail about what to feed a pregnant or nursing dog.

The Health f Your Chiweenie

Lastly, their health also helps determine how much your Chiweenie should eat.

Chiweenies with health conditions may have to eat more or less depending on their health condition. Perhaps their diet may even need to change all together.

For example, diabetes is a common health condition that can change how much your dog should eat or even their diet.

Another health condition that can change their diet could be bladder stones. Bladder stones are caused by an excessive amount of calcium and phosphorus. To help prevent this health condition, consider getting your dog food that is lower in those minerals.

But do note that calcium and phosphorus is not bad for dogs. It’s only when it’s more than they need that it’s when it’s dangerous for them.

Best Dog Foods For Adult Chiweenies

Adult dogs will need to have a diet that is high in vitamins, healthy fats, and calories.

At the time of me writing this article, I’m using Iam’s for my adult Chiweenie. This brand may not be the best dog food for your Chiweenie, however, so I recommend looking at other brands as well and deciding which brand is best for you and your dog.

If you’d like to learn more about this subject, I recommend looking at this article from the AKC about what kind of dog food to buy.

Best Dog Food For Senior Chiweenies

Senior Chiweenies will need more nutrients than adults. At this stage of life, their bodies are becoming less efficient and will need extra help to keep them going. They may also deal with weight and joint problems during this stage.

Make sure you get dog food that has the right amount of calories and has plenty of vitamins and healthy fats. You might want to get a dog food specifically made for seniors.

I recommend checking out this article from the AKC about choosing the best dog food for seniors. It goes into greater detail about this subject.

Considerations Before Buying Dog Food

Alright, we know what kind of dog food is best for adult and senior Chiweenies and how much to feed an adult Chiweenie, but what should we look for in dog food?

Typically, you want a dog food that your Chiweenie will enjoy, is reasonably priced, and is actually healthy for your Chiweenie.

Does It Contain Enough Nutrients?

As I said many times earlier, good dog food that is high in nutrition is always recommended.

On the other hand, you don’t want to have any ingredients that are bad and will hurt your dog’s health.

Educate yourself on what dog foods to avoid. Recalls will help alert you what dog foods that made a mistake or put an ingredient in their dog food that is not healthy for dogs.

Can I Afford To Buy This Dog Food When I Need It?

What’s almost just as important is the price of the dog food you want. Can you actually afford the dog food you want for the long-term?

Even though it might be healthy for your dog, you don’t want to get dog food that you cannot afford long-term and have to get lower-quality dog food.

Will My Chiweenie Eat It?

Lastly, make sure that your Chiweenie will actually eat the food you buy. While you may think that they will eat it, you may be surprised.

I know for a fact that my Chiweenie, Miles, is very picky. I remember a time when they didn’t even eat dry food and we had to feed him wet dog food.

Unfortunately, you can’t tell for certain if they will eat it, so you may have to try multiple dog food brands and flavors to find out which one they likes the best.

Conclusion

So, how much should a Chiweenie eat? Well, it depends on their age, sex, activity level, and how healthy they are.

So, how much do you feed your Chiweenie? Let me know in the comment section below!

Featured Image Attribution: Image By Nakia Lillian- May Bell on Facebook – Image Was Cropped

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Do Chiweenies Sleep A Lot?

Some people are very active and love to do things with their dogs. However, some dogs like to sleep a lot. So, a logical question you may ask is, “Do Chiweenies sleep a lot?”

Chiweenies sleep about 12 hours per day on average. Make sure your Chiweenie has plenty of sleep by giving him a place to rest that is quiet and comfortable. There are also other factors that change the amount of sleep that your Chiweenie gets, like the amount of exercise he gets.

How Much Sleep Does My Puppy Chiweenie Need?

While puppies are always so playful, a puppy sleeps for 18–20 hours every day! That means he’s awake for only 4-6 hours.

Make sure he has plenty of sleep. To help make sure he does, I recommend dedicating a quiet, dark room for his crate. This way, he can get all the sleep he needs without being awaken by somebody, a pet, or another dog.

Also, consider making a sleeping schedule. With a schedule, your puppy will learn that night time is the time to sleep and will help both you and your chiweenie get enough sleep.

Ensuring Your Dog Has Enough Sleep

Okay, Chiweenies sleep for around 12 hours a day, but how do I ensure that my Chiweenie has enough sleep?

There are a few factors that will change the amount of sleep your chiweenie gets. They are the amount of exercise he gets, how comfortable the place he sleeps is, and how quiet the room is.

Quieting Things Down After A Period of Time

Make sure that you quiet things down after a period of time so that your chiweenie can have all the rest he needs.

This time may be simply when you go to bed, or it may be a few hours before. Whenever it is, however, make sure that your dog gets the sleep he needs.

Providing A Comfortable Place To Sleep For Your Chiweenie

It’s essential that you have dedicated a quiet and safe room for your chiweenie to sleep. Without one, your chiweenie will have a hard time getting enough sleep.

For me, this place is the laundry room, but for you it may be different. Places that may work are your bedroom, the living room, or a basement.

Exercising Your Chiweenie Enough

Lastly, if you think your chiweenie isn’t getting enough sleep, he may need more exercise.

Exercise options include walks, jogs, playing fetch, bird watching, geocaching, and swimming.

Should I Have An Alarm For My Chiweenie?

Personally, I recommend that you let your chiweenie naturally wake up. An alarm can startle your dog and make him nervous.

If you think your chiweenie is sleeping a lot more than usual, it might be a sign that he has a health condition like diabetes or even kidney disease. If this is the case, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Should I Sleep With My Chiweenie?

A lot of dog owners like to sleep with their dogs. In fact, the AKC stated that just under 50% of dog owners sleep with their dogs.

There is no harm in sleeping with your dog, and in fact, it is thought to be even beneficial, but it is not necessary. So, should I sleep with my dog? It’s really up to you.

Why Do My Chiweenie’s Ears Twitch When He Sleeps?

When dogs sleep, you may find that their ears twitch. This twitching is typically associated with dreams.

The twitching is more common in puppies and senior dogs. There is one theory that suggests when the dog is asleep, his brain stem sends signals to relax the muscles so that when he dreams of chasing something, he doesn’t actually get up and start running around.

It is possible that this part of the brain is not fully developed for puppies not as efficient in senior dogs.

What About Sleeping Aids For Dogs?

If your dog isn’t sleeping well, you may be wondering if you could simply use a sleeping aid. While you can use a sleeping aid, it’s unfortunately not one-size-fits-all.

Typically, if you want to solve any sleep-related problems, it’s best if you find the actual cause of it first.

Anxious dogs may need pheromone products or only a light dose of Benadryl, though it is not recommended to do it without consulting your veterinarian first.

Conclusion

So, do Chiweenies sleep a lot? Chiweenies sleep an average of 10–12 hours per day. Make sure that your chiweenie has plenty of exercise and a safe, comfortable place to sleep.

Do you have a chiweenie? If so, does he sleep a lot? Let me know in the comment section below!

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How Long Will A Chiweenie Live?

We all love our Chiweenies, and we want to be with them as long as we can. So, a question we may ask is, “How long will a Chiweenie live?”

A Chiweenie will live about 13–15 years on average, assuming he is well nurtured. Some Chiweenie owners have claimed their Chiweenie has lived for as long as 20 years, however. Make sure your Chiweenie has plenty of exercise, is groomed properly, and has the proper diet.

Are Chiweenies Prone To Many Health Problems?

Chiweenies are prone to getting back problems and can get other health conditions like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and cancer.

Make sure your Chiweenie is checked by your local vet regularly to ensure he doesn’t have any health conditions you should be worried about.

Key Health Conditions To Watch Out For

Okay, Chiweenies can get health problems, but what are some more health conditions that they can get, and what are their symptoms?

In this section, we will be looking at diabetes, cancer, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, hypothyroidism, and their symptoms.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus or more simply known as diabetes is a common disorder found both in humans and in dogs where the body does not produce enough insulin, thus making the blood sugar level imbalanced and unstable.

This is usually caused by one of two factors: genetics or a poor diet. If your Chiweenie has these symptoms, contact a vet immediately.

The symptoms include …

Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Lethargy
Cataracts
Vomiting
Depressed attitude

Cancer

According to cancer.gov, cancer is a “disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.”

The victim will develop cancerous lumps that can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is fairly common, though it’s hard to get rid of and it’s typically fatal.

There are many different kinds of cancer for dogs. They include melanoma (skin cancer) , osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and lymphoma (lymph node cancer).

Typically, a dog with bone cancer (Osteosarcoma) will gnaw at a leg or limp a lot.

On the other hand, a dog with brain cancer will develop odd behavioral issues. This is why it is recommended that you know how your Chiweenie typically acts so you can know when he’s not acting right.

In all cancers, the victim will have sudden weight loss. This is a general sign that the cancer is in its last stages.

If you think your Chiweenie has cancer, contact your local vet immediately.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is where the ball and socket of the hip do not fit or develop properly.

This health condition is typically found in larger dogs, though smaller dogs can get it as well.

It is typically caused by genetics, though other causes include improper diet, improper weight, and an unbalanced diet.

Symptoms include ….

Decreased activity
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
Lameness in the hind end
Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
Loss of thigh muscle mass
Pain
Grating in the joint during movement

Luxating Patella

Luxating patella is a health condition where the kneecap shifts sideways away from the normal position at the front of the knee. In other words, it’s a dislocated kneecap.

Around 75% of the time, a luxating patella will tend to be inward or toward the other knee. This version is called medial patellar luxation (MPL).

On the other hand, the shift can occur outward or away from the other kneecap. This version is known as lateral patellar luxation (LPL).

Symptoms may only be a sudden limp. Some dogs may yelp while they do, while others don’t even show any real sign of pain or discomfort.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is where the thyroid is not active as it should, resulting in less thyroid hormones and the functions of the body slowing down.

This is a common health condition, but that doesn’t mean you can take it lightly. It is very serious.

Symptoms include …

Weight gain
Lethargy and laziness
Getting cold often
Chronic ear and skin infections
Dry and brittle hair and thinning hair coat
Inability to grow new hair after it has been shaven

Ensuring Your Dog Has A Long & Happy Life

Okay, now you know what some of the key health conditions that you need to watch out for and their symptoms are, we will now look at how to make sure your Chiweenie has a long and happy life.

Make sure that your Chiweenie has plenty of exercise, a well-balanced diet, is bathed and groomed properly, and has plenty of love! Let’s look at each one.

A container of of dog food spilled over with dog toys in the background.

Give Your Dog A Good Diet

It’s essential that your dog has a well-balanced diet. Without one, your dog can develop many health conditions which can even be fatal.

Some recommend a raw diet, while others recommend a diet primarily of kibble. Whatever you do, make sure your Chiweenie is well fed and has all the nutrients he needs.

Exercise Your Dog More

Exercise is always recommended for all dogs. While not all dogs are always extremely active, you’re going to have to make them exercise enough for them to have a healthy, well-balanced life.

Exercise options include playing fetch, going to a dog park, walking, and swimming.

Make Sure To Bathe Your Chiweenie Often

Many parasites and other health conditions are often caused by being insanitary. So, a good way to prevent such health conditions is to simply bathe your Chiweenie more.

I recommend that you bathe your Chiweenie at least once a month or every time he gets into a mess. Also, make sure his teeth are cleaned often and his nails trimmed when needed.

Give Them Plenty of Love

While this may not directly help the health of your Chiweenie, knowing you love him (even if he is spoiled sometimes) will help him live a long and happy life.

It might be as simple as holding him in your lap and petting him, or it might be going on a long walk. Just let him know that you love him and that he’s your fur-baby.

When You Have To Say Goodbye

No one wants to think about their beloved pet dying, but it is something we will have to face sooner or later.

When you’re dealing with grief, never let it take control of you. No, I can’t imagine losing my Chiweenie, but you can’t let the death of your dog stop you from doing the things that need to be done.

I recommend talking to other people who have lost their dog or pet so you can talk with them and tell them what you’re going through.

Conclusion

So, how long do Chiweenies live? Chiweenies live for about 15-20 years on average. Make sure that your Chiweenie stays healthy and has plenty of love so that he will live as long as possible.

How old is your Chiweenie? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Can Chiweenies Live Outside? (Answered)

Chiweenies are amazing dogs, but let’s be honest, Chiweenies can be pretty annoying sometimes! So, a question you may be asking is, “Can Chiweenie live outside?”

Chiweenies cannot live outside. Chiweenies are prone to separation anxiety and can’t handle the cold or extreme heat, so unless you live in a moderate climate and plan on living with your Chiweenie, Chiweenies cannot and should not live outside.

How Long Can A Chiweenie Stay Outside?

I wouldn’t leave my Chiweenie out for more than 8 hours at a time. If your Chiweenie stays any longer than that, I suggest letting him in every once in a while to give him some resting time.

Remember, he should always have enough food and water no matter how long he stays outside or what temperature it is outside. Never give your Chiweenie any time to get hungry or dehydrated.

Can Chiweenies Sleep Outside?

Chiweenies cannot sleep outdoors. Again, Chiweenies have separation anxiety, so they will develop bad behaviors like excessive howling, barking, and tearing up the house and yard when they are away from their owners.

It can also get fairly cold at night, especially if you live in a colder climate, which Chiweenies cannot handle. Also, note that there are often predators (like mountain lions if you live where I do) in the night who can carry your Chiweenie away.

Considerations Before Leaving Your Chiweenie Outside

Okay, Chiweenies can’t sleep or stay outside for more than 8 hours at a time, but what if I’m going somewhere and have to leave him outside?

There a.re a few things you must consider. Those three things are the food and water you have, ticks, fleas and other pests, and the outside temperature. Let’s look at each one.

Food & Water Supply

4 dog water bowls with a small dog figurine.

Make extra sure that your Chiweenie has plenty of food and water when he’s outside, especially if it’s hot outside.

If it’s very cold outside, I recommend keeping the food and water indoors so it doesn’t freeze over, but also in reach so he can have some whenever he wants some.

If its very hot on the other hand, consider adding a few ice cubes into your dog’s water so it can stay cool. If you can, have someone to check on the water and add more ice cubes when it begins to get hot.

Ticks, Fleas & Other Pests

Bugs like fleas and ticks are a big problem when you take your dog outside, even during the winter.

While you might think ticks and fleas aren’t a very big problem in the cold, you’re sorely mistaken. You see, ticks and fleas can handle extreme temperatures, but they don’t like the cold very much, so they gravitate to warm places which are typically animals, like your Chiweenie!

If you think you’re having trouble with these pests, consider getting a tick and flea repellent.

The Outside Temperature

The outside temperature is also a big consideration when it comes to taking your Chiweenie outside.

Chiweenies cannot handle extreme temperatures (especially the extreme cold) and will tend to have some big-time problems if they are left out in it for too long.

This is why I recommend that you look at the forecast if you’re going to leave for a while before you leave your house. This way, you’ll know what temperatures you should expect and whether it’s actually safe to take your Chiweenie outside at all.

Caring For Your Chiweenie In The Heat

So, how do I care for a Chiweenie in the heat? Well, first, add ice to the water as I mentioned earlier in this article.

Second, find a place for your Chiweenie to rest. This might be your garage, a dog house, or just a shaded area. Just make sure that your Chiweenie has a place to rest whenever he feels like it.

Lastly, spray your Chiweenie with a flea and tick repellent. Fleas and ticks are very prevalent in the heat (and Spring especially) and your dog will likely come across them while you’re gone.

Caring For Your Chiweenie In The Cold

Great, I know how to care for my Chiweenie in the heat, but what if it’s going to be cold while I’m gone? What to I do then?

First, take their food and water bowl inside as mentioned earlier. The food and water will often get frozen if it’s very cold outside, especially in the night.

Second, find a warm place for your Chiweenie to stay when he’s cold. This is preferably a dog house, but a garage will do as well.

Lastly, ticks and fleas are still a worry, so consider getting a tick and flea repellent as well.

Fun Outside Activities For Your Chiweenie

What are some fun outdoor activities for me and my Chiweenie? There are many fun activities, but I recommend these four.

They are going for a walk, playing fetch, geocaching, and going to a dog park. Let’s look at each one.

Walks

I know, I know. Walking is a very common activity that most dog owners will do, but it all has to do with where you walk!

Walking your dog down your street probably won’t be very fun, but if you’re walking in the forest or on the beach, then that is a different story!

Walking is also full of experiences for your Chiweenie. Your Chiweenie will encounter other dogs, animals, and new smells that he has never smelled before.

Fetch

Fetch is also a very common activity, but I think it’s still a fun activity for you and your Chiweenie.

Playing fetch will, of course, entertain you and your Chiweenie, but will also give your dog the exercise he needs.

Geocaching

Geocaching isn’t as popular as the other two above, but I believe it’s an activity you should consider doing.

If you don’t know what geocaching is, it is an “outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called ‘geocaches’ or “caches,’ at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world,” according to Wikipedia.

In other words, geocaching is basically a treasure hunt, only the treasures are things that multiple people have put in the box and typically aren’t very valuable, and when you find a “treasure box,” you add something in it as well.

Geocaching is a fun experience for both you and your dog. Your Chiweenie can see and smell things in the geocaches that other people have put in them and may even see other dogs and animals on the way to the geocache.

Going To A Dog Park

Sometimes, you may just need to set up a play date (or you can go alone if you’d like) at a dog park with a friend or family member that has a dog.

Going to a dog park can be a lot of fun for you and your Chiweenie. Chiweenies can meet and play with other dogs, and you can meet other people.

Dog parks aren’t perfect, however, and can cause you and your dog to have a lot of problems. For instance, dogs can develop behavioral problems if you’re not careful.

When you leave your dog in a large playing area to let him free, your dog can develop the idea that you have no control over him and that he can do what he wants when he wants.

This is a serious problem and can cause you and/or your dog to get hurt. So, should you actually go to a dog park? It’s really up to you. I recommend studying dog parks a little more before you make any final decision.

Should My Chiweenie Be On A Leash?

Personally, I would keep my Chiweenie on a leash when he’s in an open area. My Chiweenie, Miles, is very disobedient and would run away from us (he will eventually come back though) in a heartbeat if he had the opportunity, and I’d hate to think of what would happen if we went somewhere far away from home and he ran away.

Chiweenies are generally thought to be loyal, however. This is proof that it depends on the individual more than the breed (or designer breed in this case).

Do Chiweenies Like Going Outside?

My Chiweenie loves going outside with his favorite buddy, Lexi, to lie in the sun, and bark at cars, people, other animals, and dogs.

However, your Chiweenie may be different. Like I said, it really depends on the individual. My Chiweenie likes going outside, but yours may not.

Just make sure that your Chiweenie isn’t outside for too long. While Chiweenies like going outside, they can get hurt if they stay out for too long.

Conclusion

So, can Chiweenies live outside? Unfortunately, no, but they can go outside, and mine loves it!

So, do you know a Chiweenie? If so, what do you like to do outside with him? Let me know in the comment section below!

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Can Chiweenies Swim? (Answered!)

Let’s be honest, we all like to take vacations, and a popular thing to do when you’re on vacation is swimming, and many dog owners like to take their dogs with them, so a question you might ask is “Can Chiweenies swim?”

Yes, Chiweenies can swim, though I recommend taking him to swimming lessons so you know he can swim well. Chiweenies can swim okay, but it might be hard for them saying they have such short legs. Chiweenies are also prone to hypothermia which makes swimming a lot less appealing.

How Long Can A Chiweenie Swim?

I wouldn’t let my Chiweenie swim for more than 15-30 minutes. Chiweenies are prone to getting hypothermia as mentioned above, so your Chiweenie may not even want to swim that long. Some Chiweenie owners like to let them swim for a bit and then put them on a floaty.

Not all dogs are born amazing swimmers. In fact, some dogs don’t even like water. I know my Chiweenie isn’t particularly fond of getting baths! So, sometimes your Chiweenie just won’t want to swim for very long.

Taking Your Chiweenies To Swimming Lessons

Taking your Chiweenie to swimming lessons is a good idea if you want to make sure he can swim well, but you could also do it yourself.

Teaching your Chiweenie how to swim can save a lot of extra time and money by paying for the lessons and going back and forth from where the lessons are being held.

Let’s see some tips to teaching your dog how to swim.

Get A Life Jacket

If you are planning on teaching your dog to swim, remember that a life jacket is necessary to help keep him safe and confident when he’s in the water.

When your dog has a life jacket on, he will feel more confident because he feels more safe.

Use A Toy To Give Him To Encourage Him

Dogs love to play with toys, so a great way to encourage your Chiweenie is to throw a toy (like a ball) in the water.

This, along with a life vest, should help encourage him to go into the water. If he doesn’t, it’s possible that he just doesn’t like the water.

Get A Swimming Buddy

Consider getting a swimming buddy. This will help your Chiweenie get confident swimming.

Just think, if you were doing something for the first time, wouldn’t it help you if you saw someone do it?

What’s The Best Place To Take Your Dog Swimming?

A view of a beach with the sun on the horizon.

Okay, I know that Chiweenies can swim, but where’s the best place to take my Chiweenie swimming?

Well, there are three places where dog owners typically take their dogs swimming: beaches, lakes, and pools.

Let’s look at each one.

Beaches

Beaches are typically popular because of their stunning views and warm temperatures, but should your Chiweenie go too?

Personally, if I were you, I wouldn’t let him out of the water because I wouldn’t want to lose him, but that’s really up to you. If you do choose to go to the beach, there are many different activities you can do, like playing fetch and just laying out in the sun.

Lakes

I wouldn’t be as hesitant to taking my Chiweenie out to the lake. Lakes are fairly large, but not as large as the ocean. You may have to worry about alligators or crocodiles, depending on where you are, though.

Going to a lake can be full of activities for you and your dog. Some activities include bird watching, staying at a cabin and fetch.

Pools

The pool would be my ideal place to go swimming with your Chiweenie. Pools are usually small and not extremely deep.

Pools are also generally more sanitary, so you won’t have to worry about getting sick as much. This may be a better option if you aren’t near any large bodies of water, as they are fairly common.

What To Do If Your Chiweenie Is Hesitant About Swimming

Great, Chiweenies can swim and can swim in lakes, the ocean, and pools, but what if my Chiweenie doesn’t want to swim?

If you tried everything, the best option may be to just not force him. If he doesn’t want to swim, then he doesn’t want to swim!

If you really want him to swim, though, try again another day. But if he doesn’t want to swim, just don’t force him. Some dogs don’t like the water!

Preparing To Swim – What To Do

Okay, I’m ready to swim with my Chiweenie, what do I need to do? First, get a life jacket! As mentioned before, if your Chiweenie is new to swimming, getting a life jacket will help him stay confident as he swims.

Second, find the proper place to swim near you. I recommend the pool, but lakes and beaches are fine too.

Lastly, get him some toys to help encourage him to go into the water. Some Chiweenies may be hesitant to go into the water at first, but a toy may perk them up.

What To Do After Your Chiweenie’s Done

Once your Chiweenie is out of the water, dry him with a warm towel. Your Chiweenie is probably cold (you know this if you ever swam in a pool yourself) and this will help bring his temperature back to normal.

Next, you’re going to want to check his skin and ears. Chiweenies tend to be sensitive to chlorine, which can irritate their skin.

Lastly, give your Chiweenie some food and water. He will likely be hungry and thirsty after the exercise.

Do Chiweenies Like To Swim?

It really depends on the individual. Some Chiweenies will love the water, while others will act more like cats than dogs!

If you’re unsure if your Chiweenie likes the water or not, the best thing to do is be patient when you’re introducing him. As stated before, throwing your Chiweenie into the water without any life jacket will make him panic and will likely end in trouble!

Conclusion

So, can Chiweenies swim? Yes, Chiweenies can swim, but don’t force him if he doesn’t want to. Some Chiweenies just don’t like water.

Do you have a Chiweenie? If so, do you let him swim? Let me know in the comment section below!

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Can Chiweenies Be Left Alone?

We all love our Chiweenies, but sometimes we have to leave them to go to work, get groceries, or go on a vacation. So, a reasonable question that you may ask is, “Can my Chiweenie be left alone?”

Typically, you won’t want to let your Chiweenie out for longer than 6–8 hours at a time, but there are some exceptions to this rule. Yes, Chiweenie can be left alone, but make sure they aren’t alone for too long. They like to be around their owners, and if they are left alone for very long, they can get stressed.

Can I Have A Chiweenie If I Have A Full-Time Job?

Okay, maybe you have a full-time job and you want a Chiweenie. So, can you get one?

Well, personally, I think it’s possible to pull it off as long as you check on him as often as you can. I recommend at least checking on him on lunch breaks.

Fortunately, there are now work-at-home jobs as well which is much more ideal if you plan on getting a Chiweenie. If you work at home, you can check on him more often than you would working out of home.

Either way, I believe it’s possible to have a chiweenie even if you have a full-time job as long as you make sure he’s checked on regularly and has plenty of food, water, and toys to play with.

How Often Can Chiweenies Be Left Alone

My Chiweenie is left alone once to twice a week, though I’m sure he could be left alone more often.

Personally, I wouldn’t let let him out more than 5 times a week if you can help it, though I don’t believe this is ideal. Chiweenies can be alone, as I said, but they like being around their owners.

Are Chiweenies Prone To Separation Anxiety?

Chiweenies are prone to separation anxiety, though my Chiweenie doesn’t seem to have a bad case of it.

Your Chiweenie may be different, however. This is why I don’t recommend leaving your Chiweenie for an incredibly long time.

If your Chiweenie has these symptoms, he might have separation anxiety.

He’s Destructive When You’re Gone

If your Chiweenie is destructive when you’re gone, he probably has separation anxiety.

Dogs with separation anxiety will scratch and rip up couches, tear apart shoes, flip food and water bowls over, and just destroy your house.

He Barks And/Or Howls A Lot When You’re Gone

If your Chiweenie barks and howls a lot when you leave him, this is a general sign that he’s afraid and has separation anxiety.

He Has A Lot of Potty Accidents

Dogs with separation anxiety will tend to have a lot of accidents when you’re gone. This is a sign that they are anxious.

Consider contacting your local vet as this is also a symptom of some health conditions.

What To Do If You Have To Go For A Long Period Of Time

Great, Chiweenies can stay outside, but I’m going somewhere and I’m going to go for a while. What do I do?

First, you should make sure your Chiweenie will have plenty of food and water and has a safe, dry place to sleep if you’re going more than a day.

Getting Someone To Keep Them For You

If you’re going for a very long time, you may just have to have someone keep them for you while you’re gone.

You may have to pay some money, but it’ll be best for you and your Chiweenie. If you give your Chiweenie to someone you know and trust, your Chiweenie won’t be alone and will be well fed and watered.

Take Your Chiweenie Outside

If you aren’t going for very long, consider leaving your Chiweenie in a fenced-in backyard. Then, your Chiweenie will have plenty of room to play and bark at cars, people, and animals that go by(be honest, you know he likes to bark at them).

This may not be the route to take, however, if you live in a very cold or hot climate. While Chiweenies like being outside, they don’t like going out in the freezing cold or burning hot!

Give Them Plenty of Distractions

Always give them plenty of distractions. These are generally toys, but a companion dog will also help your Chiweenie will be just as efficient.

My Chiweenie, Miles loves being around my Chug, Lexi. They love to play fight, bark at other dogs and cars together, or just lay down and be lazy in their dog beds!

What To Do If You’re Keeping Your Chiweenie Inside

If you’re planning on keeping your Chiweenie inside, you’re going to have to make sure he has plenty of food, water, and toys that he can find.

Keep him in a room that isn’t too dangerous or too small. I keep my Chiweenie in the laundry room, but it really depends on what works best for you and your dog.

You might want to get a dog camera. These cameras are used to watch your dog while you’re away, so you can check on him even if you’re not at home.

What To Do If You’re Keeping Your Chiweenie Outside

If you’re planning on keeping your Chiweenie outside, food and water are even more important, especially if it’s very hot outside.

Toys aren’t as necessary, but a few toys that your Chiweenie can play with are still nice to have.

I keep the back garage door open for Miles, but you may prefer a dog house. It really depends on what you like better.

Conclusion

So, can Chiweenies be left alone? The short answer is yes, but it really depends on how long he’s been left outside.

Chiweenies are prone to separation anxiety, however, so keep that in mind when you’re planning on leaving him alone for a very long time.

Do you have a Chiweenie? If so, how long do you leave your Chiweenie alone? Let me know in the comment section!

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