WE GET ALONG GREAT WITH OTHER CHIHUAHUA'S We always like giving a helping hand. We are very good family protectors. *LIVER SHUNTS *  HYPOGLYCEMIA Hypoglycemia, low blood sugar, is a disorder that occurs mainly in small breed puppies between six and twelve weeks of age. It is often precipitated by stress and can occur without warning.It might appear after the puppy misses a meal, chills, becomes exhausted from playing, or has a digestive upset.These upsets place an added strain on it's energy reserves and bring on the symptoms. Hypoglycemia is a real threat to these tiny puppies, watch for your puppy to become tired or droopy.The first signs are those of listlessness and depression.They are followed by muscular weakness, tremors, and later convulsions, coma and even death.The puppy may appear depressed or may be weak, wobbly and jerky, or the puppy may be found in a coma. If your puppy has any symptoms of hypoglycemia you must act fast.If the puppy is awake, give it Nutri-cal, honey, or Karo syrup by mouth. You should see signs of improvement in thirty minutes. If no improvement, then call your veterinarian at once. Prevent Hypoglycemia from happening by allowing only twenty minutes of play at a time, followed by rest or sleep. Do not allow the puppy to overtire at first. Supervise closely with children to make sure puppy is getting enough rest. Keep puppy warm, don't let it become chilled. Your puppy is a house dog and should not be living outdoors. Prevent attacks by feeding your puppy nutri-cal three times a day.See that puppy eats at least every eight hours. More often if he is very small. You can give 1/2 teaspoon of Nutri-cal morning and night for the first couple of days to help prevent the low blood sugar that can come with the excitement and stress of going to a new home.Keep dry food and water available at all times. *  Coccida: (opportunistic protozoa) Coccidia lives in the bowels of all dogs. Something has to weaken the immune system for the protozoa to have the opportunity to multiply and cause problems. Usually this is brought on by stress of some sort. The first signs are usually decreased appetite and loose, foul smelling stool that may contain bloody mucous. This can escalate into a bout of hypoglycemia. If your puppy shows signs of this, immediately seek veterinary advice. A daily supply of plain yogurt containg acidophilus can prevent coccidia from multiplying by keeping a balance of good bacteria in the GI tract. What is Coccidiosis? Coccidiosis is a Protozoan & #8211; a one celled animal. It is not visible to the naked eye, but is visible under a microscope. It is easy to identify in fecal flotations. Cocci usually produces infection in young kittens and puppies, but adult pets can be affected. How is it transmitted? Transmission occurs from animal to animal through feces that contain oocysts. Other animals can act as an intermediate or transport host. The entire life cycle lasts one week. Cocci can be found in the stools without causing any problems until a stress factor causes an outbreak. What are the symptoms? Diarrhea is the main sign. In severe cases the feces are mucus like and bloody. It can be complicated by a loss of appetite, weakness, dehydration and anemia. What is the treatment? If puppy shows signs take to your vet and place your puppy on Albon Medication for 11 days.  *  COLLAPSED TRACHEA A fit of sneezing, snorting, honking and wheezing are not necessarily a collapsed trachea. Pulling on a leash (which a harness should always be used). Drinking to fast or excitement can cause reversed sneezing. This is usually caused by an elongated soft palate that is thought to become temporarily misaligned. It is a common trait in toy breeds. Although this may appear to be scary, it only last a few short seconds and can be ended by massaging the dog's neck and throat and encouraging the dog to swallow. Other ways to slow the reverse sneeze is to clap your hands, distract the dog or close off the dog's nostrils with your fingers, simply forcing them to breathe through their mouths and to swallow. *  Subluxation of the Patella In dog lingo, subluxation of the patella is called slipped stifles or loose kneecaps. When it occurs, the kneecap (we're talking about the rear legs) slips out of its groove - sometimes often and sometimes rarely - depending on the severity of the problem. If your dog is one of the unlucky few whose kneecaps slip often, surgery may be the solution. A dog with a mild case can live a normal life, kind of like a person with a trick knee. Subluxation of the patella is a relatively common problem in small breeds and some large ones as well. *  Hydrocephalus A dog with hydrocephalus (a.k.a. water on the brain) may have an unusually large head for his size caused by swelling. Other signs of this fatal condition are frequent falling, seizures, a lot of white showing in the eyes, an unsteady gait, and east-west eyes (the opposite of crossed eyes). A dog with hydrocephalus is in pain and won't live long, so euthanasia is the humane solution. (Euthanasia is the medical term for a humane, vet-assisted death.) *  Heart Murmur Heart murmurs are relatively uncommon in Chihuahuas and even those that have one usually have the functional type. As in people, that means they can be as active and athletic as they want and live long, normal lives. *   Molera Chihuahua's Molera (a.k.a. fontanel) is considered a breed characteristic and not a defect. Most Chihuahuas (80 to 90 percent) have a Molera - a soft spot on the top of their head similar to a human baby's soft spot. But unlike babies, most Chihuahuas don't outgrow it. Although it usually shrinks as the dog matures and ends up between nickel-and dime-sized, it will not be a problem as long as you're gentle when petting or handling his head. In rare cases, the Molera remains quite large and can be a sign of a serious problem called hydrocephalus. *  Collapsing Trachea Is a problem for toy dogs of many breeds. The symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and exhaustion. Although it appears more often in dogs older than 5 years, an occasional puppy has it from birth. To understand the condition, think of the trachea as a straw made of cartilage that carries air from the neck to the chest. When the cartilage collapses, breathing becomes difficult, kind of like sipping soda through a flattened straw. Your vet can treat the condition with medication, but if you smoke, your Chi's prognosis may be poor. Secondhand smoke is a proven contributing factor to the problem...and smoke tends to settle low, where a little dog's nose is. *  Hernias A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissues. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area. A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must be brought to the immediate attention of your veterinarian. Some of the most common types of hernias are: Umbilical Hernia An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In the case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is as a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. If the pup has a large hernia, or one that can be pushed into the abdomen with a finger, consult your veterinarian regarding possible surgical repair. Inguinal Hernia An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s). Inguinal hernias can also occur in un spayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy, or atrophy of abdominal tissue and musculature due to advanced age. Diaphragmatic Hernia A diaphragmatic hernia is the result of a tear in the diaphragm which allows abdominal organ portions to pass into the chest area. The most common occurrence of a diaphragmatic hernia is following an accident. If the tear is small, there may not be any obvious clinical indications. If the hernia is significant, however, there are indications such as strained respiration, lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing or vomiting. If a large portion of the abdominal organ have passed through the diaphragmatic tear the dog tends to stand with an extremely "tucked up" abdominal area.   *  XYLITOL   I have always followed the rule of thumb that dog food is for dogs and people food is for people, though I know that I am in the minority on that one. However, as much as we think of our pups as man's best friends, their digestion is definitely different, and they cannot tolerate a number of "people products," including the sugar-free and low-calorie sweetener xylitol (often found in gums, breath mints, candies, toothpastes and baked goods). In fact, xylitol in dogs can be down right deadly. Eric K. Dunayer, VMD, veterinary toxicologist at the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about the recent report regarding dogs and xylitol, he told me that dogs actually have a sweet tooth and seem especially attracted to xylitol. This sweet tooth can get dogs into serious trouble, even, on occasion, kill them. With their powerful sense of smell, dogs can ferret out xylitol products in seconds and have been known to consume an entire jumbo-sized pack of xylitol sweetened gum lickety split, according to Dr. Dunayer. DANGERS OF XYLITOL AND DOGS Two major physiological events might then occur. For reasons unknown, dogs metabolize xylitol differently than humans -- their insulin levels increase which is why their blood glucose levels drop -- which can lead to hypoglycemia. The dog becomes sleepy, weak and unsteady on the feet and may collapse and seize. This cascade can develop rapidly, says Dr. Dunayer, starting within 30 to 60 minutes after xylitol consumption, depending on the size and age of the dog. The second danger, however, is even more insidious -- fatal liver failure and internal bleeding can develop in dogs who did not show hypoglycemia initially. These reactions have occurred in dogs of various breeds, mixes and both genders, says Dr. Dunayer. Consequently, he says, anyone whose pet has ingested the sweetener must call the vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless the vet tells you to do so. The reason: The symptoms move quickly and if the dog should collapse, it could choke on its vomit. So, all you softies who feed your doggies little yum-yums, stick with the ones that are doggie approved and keep the xylitol along with any chocolate (including cocoa), raisins and grapes far from Fido's reach. (If you didn't know, chocolate can cause rapid heartbeat and excitement... and raisins and grapes can trigger kidney failure in dogs.) I have to say that I was up at Pet Smart and the dog trainer there talked me into getting some treats called (Yogart Treats), now they were about the size of a dime.  I remember eating one and remembered so well on how sweet it was.  I gave my Cricket 2 of them for she is a 8 lbs Chihuahua and I felt she could have 2 since the others Peaches and Little Momma were littler I gave them one.  Well, next thing I know Cricket was in my bed and couldn't move and was shaking, and she pee'd the bed.  Cricket has never been sick a day of her life.  So strange for her ears her tounge her skin all over was as red as a apple, I rushed her to the vet and blood work came back and it was a reaction to the sugar that was in the yoguart drops.  I bought two packages of those things and one wasn't open but they both went into the trash.  She has yet to ever have had another problem.  So even if they might not have a reaction the first time I wouldn't chance it, for I really thought I was going to loose her that day.  Thanks for listening, regards Deb CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR GUARANTEE

HE TOOK IT AWAY FROM YOU? We will protect you from almost anything, for our love is unconditional. We are bigger than what most people think. I WANTED A BATH, OK We fit just about anywhere.

Awarded by: Next Day Pets

Dogs, Pet Supplies, Dog Toys, Dog Pet Products, Dog Beds, Dog Care

Here is our linking information Dog Toys

Here is our linking information Title - Dog Toys URL - http://www.terrificpets.com/pet_supplies/dog/toys/ Description - Browse a huge selection of dog toys and games for your dog. Many items at discount and wholesale prices. You are sure to find the perfect dog toy for your pet. Dog Toy Pet Store.