Keeping Your Chihuahua Warm

If you've ever been around Chihuahuas before, then you've probably seen them shiver and shake from being cold. The fact is that they get cold much easier than other dog breeds. However, keeping your Chihuahua warm is fairly simple if you use some common sense and follow some of the tips I suggest.

If your wondering why the Chihuahua breed gets colder than other dogs, it's because of their origin. The Chihuahua originated in the humid, warm climate of Chihuahua, Mexico. When they lived there, they didn't have much need for a thick coat or a defensive mechanism from the cold. However, once they ended up in other places across the world, they became vulnerable to the cold. In addition, because they are so small (actually the smallest breed in the world), their bodies become cold much quicker than the larger breeds do.

Keeping your Chihuahua warm will directly relate to weather and climate you have. Obviously if it's cold or snowing outside, they will need help staying warm. However, if it's warm and sunny, they should be fine.

One of the easiest and most efficient ways of keeping your Chihuahua warm is to buy them a warm shirt or sweater. When it gets cold, you should always make them wear it when they go outside. It will give them an extra layer of insulation between their bodies and the cold, allowing them to stay warm. Just be sure the shirt or sweater is comfortable, warm, and fits their body properly. If it is the wrong size, it can be uncomfortable for your Chihuahua to wear.

Another important method of keeping your Chihuahua warm is to be sure they don't stay wet when it's cold outside. If it's raining, or even snowing, their tiny little bodies can become drenched within minutes. This can cause their bodies to become very cold, very quickly. Take a towel and dry off your Chihuahua as soon as they come inside. If it's snowing outside, you may even want to shovel a path in the yard, so your Chihuahua doesn't have to walk in the cold snow.

Those are the best methods to use for the outside, but what about inside the home? Well, if you don't know by now, Chihuahuas love to burrow in blankets. It's in their nature to do so. So, get some warm blankets, make a nice area in their bed to sleep in, and lay some out in the living room. You may not see your Chihuahua for a while, but you will know they are warm when they are burrowed underneath the covers!

There are many owners who don't take the time to help keep their Chihuahuas warm. They think it's not their problem. However, as owners it's up to us to take care of them and give them a healthy and happy life.