Their ideal weight is about 6 to 7 pounds approx.
They are not big dogs.That lack of size is the most influential factor in your pet Chihuahua’s behavior and how they see you and the world. They are not supposed to be heavy dogs but small and fast. Too much weight will slow them down.
If they get too heavy, then it is time for a great diet and lots of exercise. There really is no excuse to over-feed your pet as it is not healthy. Even feeding them great healthy food can make them overweight and unhealthy so watch how much you feed them at every meal.
They do not need a lot of food to be healthy and energetic.
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How Do I Know If My Chihuahua Is Overweight?
If you are looking for physical clues to see how heavy your pet is, then the first sign would be that their stomachs are bigger than their chests. This should be the reverse if your dog is at the right weight level.
Also, if you can feel a fat layer between their skin and ribs, then that is a sign that your pet is eating too much and not getting enough activity. This layer is normal, but it should be a thin layer, not a thick one.
Another physical sign would be if you cannot feel their spine. If there is a thick layer of fat in this area of their body, it means they are overweight. Like the ribs, the layer is normal but thin. Thin enough for you to feel their spine.
However, if you can see the spine or it is pronounced, then your dog is very underweight, and you will have to add some food to their diet. The right amount of food will depend on the size and weight of your dog.
They should be eating between 4 and 10 ounces of food per day not including some snacks in moderation.
What If My Chihuahua Is Overweight?
Once you discover that your pet chihuahua is overweight, then you need to take the right action. Just like when you or your friends are overweight, your pet needs to go on a strict dietary and exercise plan to lose that excess weight.
Here are some things you can do when you see your chihuahua a little bit too heavy for its own good:
- Cut back on calories- Cut down on the carbs or sweet foods
- Switch to a low-carb, high-protein food- Change their food but do this slowly so their stomachs do not get upset
- Add fiber to your dog’s diet- Keep to healthy food snacks and regular food
- Provide plenty of fresh water- Having more water in their system cuts down on their hunger pangs and helps them eat less
- Reward with fun, not food- Play their favorite games with them so they realize they are not being punished
- Provide extra exercise opportunities- Go for some extra walks. It will help you at the same time
- Be patient- Just like your weight loss program, your dogs will take time. The weight needs to come off slowly and in a healthy manner.
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Do Chihuahuas Get Overweight Easily?
Yes, they can. Since they are very tiny dogs, it is easy for them to overeat and gain weight. You have to watch the number of treats you feed your pet every day.
Also, it is best to let them walk instead of carrying them everywhere. That extra exercise will help keep the weight down. But if you carry them everywhere, then they do not get the exercise they need to stay at their optimum weight levels.
Is An Overweight Chihuahua Unhealthy?
Normally, the answer is yes, they are. Just like humans too much weight can lead to different health issues in Chihuahuas. Those issues include joint and bone problems they would not normally get if they were at the right weight.
Also, your dog could get many different diseases and other ailments, for example, diabetes and heart problems. Then, your pet could get back and have spinal problems when they are overweight.
While you like to feed and take care of them too many of those good things can harm your pet.
Some Final Words
When you bring a Chihuahua home, make sure you let your family know how to care for them. That will help stop your new dog from becoming overweight and sick.
Chihuahuas are great pets and for them to remain great pets, you need to keep them at their ideal weight levels.
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