Chihuahua Information Center
                
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Weaning Chihuahuas







Early Weaning

When it is time for a Chihuahua puppy to leave its mother, between 8 to 12 months old, there will be a big change to make.  The pup will be going from the security of lying close to its mother to being out in the "real" world with its new owner.  One of the biggest adjustments will be the switch of weaning the puppy.

It you are in charge of the weaning process, it is up to you to make sure that it is done properly.  If someone has no practice in this responsibility and does not carefully follow the step-by-step procedures of this weaning method, the Chihuahua being weaned will be in danger.  Not only because the puppy must have the proper amount of nutrients but because early weaning can result in health issues later.  A pup that is weaned premature and does not have a smooth changeover from mother's milk to dog food can end up with food allergies.  Dog allergies can become a big concern for the owners of the dog; as they must be extremely attentive in regards to what the dog eats most likely for the rest of his life.

If you are owner to both mom and pup, be very careful when you feed the mother.  A puppy can eat her food out of curiosity and end up with a very upset tummy at the least.  It is the water dish that poses the most danger.  Chihuahua puppies are so small from just 1/4 pound to 1/2 pound (.11 to .226 kg) and can very easily drown in the water.  If it seems unlikely, think again.  All a pup must do is play around, crawl on top of its brothers and sister and end up in the dish.  So, to take all correct precautions, you must keep the adult dog food and water away!  Only take it to the mother dog when it is feeding time and keep your eyes on the Chihuahua puppies at all times.



Overview

A Chihuahua pup is a tiny dog: only 1/4 to 1/2 pound (.11 to .226 kg) in weight and extremely sensitive to the new world that he has entered.  Weaning this little dog is an important aspect of helping him grow from puppy to adult dog.  

From 18 months until 3 years old, your Chihuahua will be considered an adolescent; Nevertheless rules and guidelines for an adult dog will apply such as feeding, grooming, vet visits and more.

A Chihuahua puppy should never leave its litter before 8 weeks old.  A puppy should remain with its mother until he is 12 weeks old.  The dog will receive the nutrients it needs from mom's milk and have time to become skilled at some behavior rules to grow enough to join your family.





Please Note:  This is just an overview of what is needed to properly bottle feed a Chi puppy !  To keep a Chi pup alive, much more information is needed.. Find out all of the details by clicking here to see what we have created for you



How to Wean

The adjustment of weaning a Chihuahua puppy from milk to dog food is a huge step.  If you are using dry dog food you must add water to it so that it forms an easy to eat mushy consistency.  Each week or so, you can add less water to the dog food until you find that you do not need to put any additional liquid in the dish. 

While you are paying attention to feeding the Chihuahua puppies, this will give the mother dog a good opportunity to leave for a bit.  She will be very exhausted and in need of some alone time; much like a human mother who just needs to get away for a few moments to regroup.  As time goes by, the weaning puppies will get used to having their mom gone for a longer and longer period of time. Simultaneously, the weaning puppies will become more adjusted to your presence.  This will continue on like a domino affect, until the Chihuahua puppies are completely ready to move out on their own.  

                                  

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