The Two Weight Issues

When you have a Chihuahua, you will wonder if your Chihuahua is overweight or if your Chihuahua is underweight.  A Chihuahua is such a little dog, even a small weight change of just 1/2 pound will make a huge difference in the appearance of your dog.  Its naturally small bone structure allows for this breed to become overweight very quickly if care if not taken.

A Chihuahua should weigh between 1 and 6 pounds (.45 to 2.72 kilograms) depending on body structure.

If your full grown Chihuahua is less than a pound, you will want to establish if she is underweight.  If your Chihuahua is over 6 pounds, you will want to determine if she is overweight.  Once understanding if your dog does have a weight issue, you can then work to correct this.

Thin or Fat?

Since a range of 1 to 6 pounds is standard for a Chihuahua dog, a 4 pound Chihuahua may be underweight or may be overweight.  It will depend on that particular dog's bone structure.  To explain it very simply, you can follow these guidelines to quickly know if your  Chihuahua is overweight or underweight. To forget about being politically correct for a moment, this will let you know if your Chihuahua is fat or skinny!

The easiest way to note if your Chihuahua is at the correct weight is to judge by his or her ribs. This is the one part of your Chihuahua's body that will tell you instantly if your dog is eating too much or if your dog needs to be given more meals. There are 7 stages that the rib cage area will be in.  Each stage will tell you to what degree your Chihuahua has a weight issue. Look at the rib cage, are they...

Can you see your Chihuahua's ribs from across the room?  Do you see other bones that seem to be trying to poke out?  If so, your dog is extremely emaciated.  This point of being underweight is usually only seen in cases of severe animal neglect.  If you are doing a good job feeding your Chihuahua, without delay take your dog to the vet as a dog this underweight must have medical problems.

Can you see the ribs of your Chihuahua when sitting near her?  Do you see a bit of bones trying to poke through? If so, your dog is on her way to being dangerously thin and if you are feeding her correctly bring her to the vet right away.

If you can touch your dog and right away see the different ribs? Does there seem to be a quite a tuck in the waist area, your Chihuahua is thin.  It would be a good idea to supplement her meals with healthy dog treats.  If your Chihuahua just does not want to eat, try switching to a new dog food. 

When touching your dog's ribs, do you not feel a lot of fat in the way?  Looking from above, you can clearly see where the waist begins and ends.  Looking from the side, the tummy area seems tucked in a bit.  This is the perfect weight.

Trying to feel your Chihuahua's ribs but having a difficult time because there is fat in the way? From above, you can see a minor difference in where the waist ends and begins, but it is not distinct.  There is not much of a tuck or none at all from the side.  Your dog is overweight. Your Chihuahua is eating too much or is eating incorrect foods. 

What about when you can't feel your dog's ribs no matter what? You even see fat on its tail? There is no form of a waist no matter which viewpoint you look from. Your Chihuahua is technically obese.

If ribs are covered by obvious layers of fat?  Your dog waddles instead of sprinting and finds it hard to move about, Your Chihuahua is grossly obese.

Note:  This is an overview of how to care for an overweight Chihuahua.  To make sure that you have the healthiest, happiest Chi possible...both physically & emotionally healthy...and to learn what only the Pros know...click here to learn more.

What to Do if Your Chihuahua is Too Thin

If your Chihuahua is emaciated you must first make sure that your dog does not have any medical issues that would be causing a weight problem.  One medical reason for weight loss or lack of ability to gain weight for a dog is diabetes. Another is a low thyroid.  There are many other medical issues and only your dog's vet can run appropriate tests and determine what, if anything, is wrong.

When a Chihuahua does not like the taste of their food, they can stubbornly decline to eat.  In this case, you must try a wide assortment of food.  A 75% dry dog food, 25% wet dog food diet is recommended, and try lots of different flavors.  Flavors that you might think would take awful may be just the food that your dog loves.
 
What to Do If Your Chihuahua Is Too Fat

Knowing that your Chihuahua weighs too much is not an enjoyable thing to find out.  You love your Chihuahua and it is quite disheartening to know that your dog is fat and unhealthy. However, look at the longer term picture:  This is reversible.  We highly suggest never feeding any Chihuahua manufactured dog food.  At all times, we recommend home cooked food.  This does not mean table scraps.  This includes wholesome foods, period.  All manufactured dog foods contain fillers, no matter how high the "quality".  These fillers can lead a dog to become overweight.  In addition, you will want to make sure to stop feeding table scraps (if you have been doing that), cut down on the servings amounts just a tad (1/8 cup less per meal) and to increase exercise.  You may wish to read more about home cooking here.

Each day that does by, will be one step closer to accomplishing a healthy weight. An overweight Chihuahua can lose weight swiftly.  Because of their stature, even a 1 pound loss can make a significant change in the dog's appearance.  While dieting, make sure to take your dog for an extra walk each day or increase the daily walk by 15 minutes.  Be sure to stop and allow your Chi to rest if he or she seems out of breath.