I totally agree with the previous person, you be very cautious of vets who are constantly wanting to do any type of invasive procedures or excessive tests, I can not believe some ot the stories I have heard. My neighbor (who is 80 years old) vet convinced her that her dog had to be put to sleep to have her nails cut and it was costing her 150 every 6 weeks. When my chi was neutered at 6 months he had one tooth that was coming in on top of his new one and causing it to come in crocked and he removed it (he did not charge me). But he told me that some babies take up to a year to loose them also. I just read from one of the posters that their vet neutered their dog at 12 weeks - I do not agree with this at all. I see no purpose in this at all esp. on chi's who are so small. My boy was done at 6 months and had no male issues at all! They do not even start getting their testosterone until they are older certainly not at 12 weeks old. I suggest to get a couple of books written for Chihuahua's only. I have some great ones but can't think of them now. I learned a lot from them and asking questions from other owners of chihuahuas. You can also search at some of the breeders websites as they offer some great suggestions for people getting chi's for the first time, like getting the paste or Karo syrup in case of hyperglycemia that is common in chis and other items that we should all have. See if you can find a good local breeder and see what vet she recommends. Also, I think that this is a great resource most of us know from experience what works and what are the special needs of these precious babies. I am always learning something new as I consider myself a newbie as I have only had them for 4 years. Their are people in this group who have had them for years. I hate to see Vets rip off their customers. I worked in health care for 25 years and saw many Dr's do a lot of unnecessary procedures and tests and the bottom line that is how they make their money. You sound like you are going to be a great mommy because you are taking the time to learn and ask questions. I am still learning new things every day. Most important enjoy your baby, they are so awesome:) Nancy PS and yes they are smart - most of them are smarter than we are and they learn how to get what they want :) congratulations and again have fun!
--- On Mon, 10/11/10, charlierom2003 <[email protected]> wrote: From: charlierom2003 <[email protected]> Subject: [Chihuahuas] Re: Chi questions from first time owner To: [email protected] Date: Monday, October 11, 2010, 12:15 AM I would definitely not pull any baby teeth unless they are still in there at a year. At 5 months it is normal for him to have all his baby teeth. He will probably lose them between 6 to 9 months. I am a bit concerned that your vet does not know this and is looking to do surgical extraction, as it is rather common knowledge! --- In [email protected], s p <sarahp1...@...> wrote: > > Hello everyone! > > I got my first chihuahua in Sept, my baby is now 5 months old and 2 lbs 3oz! > He's a dollbaby and I couldn't be happier but I have some questions. I've > owned bulldogs and dachshunds but never a dog this tiny. > > How long do they continue to grow? I know large dogs grow slowly for 2 years > or so but I don't know anything about chihuahua growth. He's charting between > 2.5 and 3 lbs depending on the week but he's not getting much bigger. He is a > cobby and he's all muscle but I don't know when to expect him to taper off on > the growing. > > When will he start losing baby teeth? Our vet said between 3 or 4 months but > he's 5 now and hasn't lost one. They're talking about pulling his baby teeth > when we get him fixed next month but that makes me nervous given that he has > ALL his baby teeth not like one or two left. > > What tricks have you taught yours? I'm running low on ideas he does sit, > down, crawl, high five, fist bumb, shake (sometimes), yoga, tell me (speak > where he only does a little growl because he doesn't bark), spin and off. > I've never had a dog this smart, I'm trying to think of new tricks and would > love some suggestions that chis are good at. He's very paw'y and likes to tap > his feet on things so the paw tricks have gone over really well. > > Thanks for the input for a new mom. And you can see my baby on facebook, he > has his own page LOL http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001407173632 > That is Charlie the wonder Chi > > Thanks again, > Sarah > > > > "If you do not change your beliefs...Your life will always be like this." ~ > Lazyboy > > "Some will say there is safety in numbers, tell that myth to the edge of the > herd." ~ "Blood" by Gaia Consort > ------------------------------------ " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " Yahoo! Groups Links
