Roscoe n Stella

The post Do Dogs Get Jealous of Babies: Vet-Verified Facts & Prevention Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs quickly develop a deep bond with their owners and rarely take kindly to any threats that might affect them. While many of us know unfamiliar pets can cause some conflict in the home, dogs often become equally jealous of new babies. Owners with newborns will discover as much when their dog displays frustrating attention-seeking and stressful behaviors when the latest family member comes home.

Raising a newborn is hard enough without a pet’s resentment, so easing the transition for your dog will make the new routine much more manageable. If you’re wondering whether dogs can get jealous of babies, we’ll explain how your dog’s feelings can change and how to prevent unwanted interactions and behaviors.

How Dogs Form Attachments

Studies have found that 2-year-old infants can feel rudimentary jealousy, so it’s not a stretch to assume dogs can also get jealous. After all, the dog-owner relationship is similar to the infant-mother dynamic.

Dogs develop close attachments to their human caregivers and a dependency on them for mental and physical needs. They use owners as safe havens where they can retreat and as secure bases from which they can comfortably experience the world.

The dog-owner dyad resulted from thousands of years of domestication, creating the modern dog’s dependence on humans for affection, attention, companionship, resources, and basic survival. With that, dogs adapted unique communicative abilities, including:

A dog’s relatively sophisticated socio-cognitive capacity suggests that they also evolved the ability to feel and react to jealousy, whether toward other dogs or a new baby getting attention from owners.

Can Dogs Feel Jealousy?

Emotions fall into primary or secondary categories. Primary emotions are universally recognized, including essential feelings like anger, fear, joy, or surprise. They appear as events occur, generally without much cognitive effort.

Secondary emotions are more complex and occur as a response to primary emotions. In many instances, they require a deeper understanding and consideration of our experiences, beliefs, and, in the case of jealousy, possibly self-consciousness.

While overarching primary emotions occur among humans and numerous non-human species, there have been questions surrounding whether non-primates can feel and understand secondary emotions like jealousy.

Image Credit: Albina Gavrilovic, Shutterstock

Primordial vs. Complex Jealousy

Complex considerations of self-reflection emerge in adults who feel jealousy, such as in romantic relationships. Is my partner moving away from me? Am I doing something wrong? Is the other person better than me? Why don’t people love me? Questions like these affect how we think about our self-esteem and the meaning of our relationships.

Though we can’t expect dogs to have these reflective and forward-thinking thoughts, jealousy can be a primordial occurrence. Some suggest that because dogs often compete with siblings for food, care, and attention from their mother, jealousy may be a naturally evolved trait that helps ensure survival.

The jealousy infants experience is an apt parallel. They may not have a sense of self in the equation, but they can desire to preserve their bond when they lose their attachment figure’s attention to an interloper. A threat (or “rival”) to the material and emotional resources stemming from that relationship is present. Jealousy thus becomes a form of social-resource guarding.

Signs of Jealousy

Several studies have shown dogs display jealousy in experiments involving owners giving attention to a fake dog and various inanimate objects (e.g., a book or a plastic toy). Generally, dogs showed much greater arousal and jealousy toward the fake rival, differentiating the relationships between their owner and the various objects.

Some have suggested dogs might also steal their owner’s attention in other ways, such as performing tricks without commands. Other signs may emerge, though many may be more due to the stress from changes in the routine and environment that come with a new baby in the household.

Image Credit: dahancoo, Pixabay

Signs of Stress

Dogs thrive on the routine and attention they receive from their caregivers. Predictability makes them comfortable and secure in their attachments. Sudden upheaval removes that reliability and creates frustration, confusion, and stress. Although it may not be jealousy, this anxiety can manifest in various signs, such as:

The 7 Tips to Prevent Your Dog Getting Jealous of Your Baby

The loss of attention, change in routine, and addition of new stressors like your baby’s cry can upset your dog’s emotions. Owners should work on preparing their dogs for the new arrival to ease the transition. After the baby arrives, you can overcome lingering unease, anxiety, and jealousy by affirming your dog’s value and nurturing their confidence.

1. Exchange Scents After the Baby Arrives

Take advantage of your time in the hospital after having your baby to acquaint your dog with their upcoming appearance in the home. Just as you would exchange scents before letting new pets interact, you can prepare your dog by bringing them items that smell like your baby. Bring home a receiving blanket or hospital hat to create some initial familiarity before your baby arrives.

2. Don’t Force Interactions

Your dog can feel stress and jealousy over a new baby and may be hesitant to accept them. Don’t make them uncomfortable by forcing them to interact with your baby. Your dog’s anxiety will only heighten and potentially worsen their negative feelings toward this new rival for your attention.

Image Credit: Jimartinfotografo, Shutterstock

3. Create as Consistent a Routine as Possible

If you can keep the day as predictable as possible, you’ll retain your dog’s trust and make it easier for them to accept your new baby. Schedule consistent events like feeding, training, and play sessions during the week.

4. Reward Positive Behaviors

Ignore the negative and reward the positive. You shouldn’t punish your dog over natural jealousy. Dogs feel they are losing something valuable and doing what they need to maintain their bond, so owners should show appreciation for it. Don’t encourage bad or aggressive actions; focus on calm, positive behaviors.

When your dog relaxes around the baby, offer a treat to show they’re doing well. Be equitable in how you show attention. Dogs sense unfairness, and jealousy may be a natural result of it. Providing praise, treats, and play when they show positive behaviors around the baby will change their perspective and their habits.

5. Train Your Dog Frequently

Training sessions only need to take 5–15 minutes each, so it’s easy to work them into a routine even when you bring a baby and their unpredictable needs home. It offers excellent enrichment to promote calmer behaviors, and the extra time together will solidify your bond. Your dog will be happier during the day and less likely to get jealous of the baby.

Image Credit: Luca Nichetti, Shutterstock

6. Counter Condition and Desensitize Your Dog to the Baby

Although it may not be due to jealousy over the baby, dogs can act out when stressed over the environmental changes babies create. New furniture, for example, can change the house’s layout and make it unfamiliar. More importantly, the sudden shrill cries and new baby smells can startle your dog and keep them on edge.

Working with your dog when they show signs of stress will desensitize them to the new stimuli. Keeping your dog separated from the baby for a period will help dampen the blow until they feel comfortable in the same room. Reward their calm behavior when your baby cries or you have to give them attention so your dog makes positive associations.

7. Include Your Baby in Enrichment Sessions

Keeping your baby around when engaging with your dog will show that the newest family member can be positive. Take your dog on walks with your baby in their stroller. Put your baby in a shaded bassinet when you play outside. Over time, your dog will realize the baby isn’t a rival for attention but another family member they can bond with.

Final Thoughts

We still don’t fully understand jealousy in dogs, but the signs of agitation are unmistakable. We must appreciate the meaning behind our bonds for the sake of everyone in the family and take preventive steps to ensure a happy household. Monitor for signs of jealousy, and follow these tips to help your dog and baby develop a strong, loving bond.

Featured Image Credit: Markus Photo and video, Shutterstock

The post Do Dogs Get Jealous of Babies: Vet-Verified Facts & Prevention Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Can Dogs Eat Tamarind? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Tamarind is a pod-like fruit with a tangy and sweet flavor. It’s native to tropical Africa, though it can grow in some places in the United States (namely Southern Florida). Though it is not as easy to find in most supermarkets as other North American-grown fruit, its pulp is widely used for sauces, marinades, drinks, and desserts. If you happen to have found some tamarind in your local grocery store, you might be wondering if it’s something your dog can safely eat.

While your pup can safely consume numerous other fruits, tamarinds are not safe. They contain a high level of tartaric acid, which is highly toxic to dogs and can even kill them. Read on to learn more.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Tamarind?

The biggest issue with tamarind is its high concentration of tartaric acid.

According to the Pet Poison Hotline, tartaric acid can attack a dog’s kidneys, making them less efficient and potentially causing kidney failure and even death.

While fruits like bananas and strawberries also contain a small amount of tartaric acid, their content is negligible compared to tamarinds’ content. Tamarinds and grapes have the highest levels of tartaric acid concentration of all fruits, which is why they’re both considered toxic for dogs.

What Should I Do if My Dog Ate a Tamarind?

If your dog eats tamarind, they may exhibit clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased thirst, dehydration, and abdominal pain. However, acute kidney injury can develop following tamarind ingestion. Evidence for the amount of tamarind that can cause toxicity in dogs is currently inconclusive, which may be partly due to the variable amount of tartaric acid they can contain. So, if your dog gets into your tamarind stash, treat it as an emergency.

You can also contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. However, the sooner your pup’s tamarind ingestion is addressed, the easier, safer, and less expensive to treat. Not to mention, the sooner your dog receives treatment, the better their prognosis will be.

A 2022 study examined dogs who developed kidney issues after eating tamarinds or cream of tartar (the powdered form of tartaric acid). The study found that even despite IV fluids and symptomatic and supportive care, some of the dogs developed anuria (non-passage of urine) and oliguria (low urine output). Four of the dogs examined had to be euthanized due to their response to these ingredients.

Your veterinary team may suggest decontamination and intravenous fluid diuresis, among other supportive and symptomatic treatments.

Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

What Fruits Are Safe for Dogs?

So, we now know that tamarinds and grapes should be off-limits for our pup, but what fruits are safe?

Final Thoughts

Tamarinds may be useful for cooking things like pad Thai and making marinades, but you do not want to share this fruit with your dog. Its high tartaric acid content can cause painful side effects, kidney injury, and even death.

If you know your dog has eaten tamarind, take them to your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice. Though there is a fee for this service, they can tell you if your pup needs emergency care or at-home monitoring.

Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

The post Can Dogs Eat Tamarind? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Are Boxers Aggressive? Vet-Verified Behavior Explained by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

According to the American Boxer Club, the Boxers’ most notable trait is their innate desire for human affection.1 They’re generally happiest when spending time with people, especially children. These loyal, affectionate, and intelligent dogs are silly and courageous. They’re muscular and athletic, patient and protective. Boxers take their job as watchdogs and family guardians very seriously, but are they known for being aggressive?

Any dog has the capacity to act aggressively if put in a situation where they feel threatened, cornered, or in pain. However, Boxers aren’t typically known for their aggression, often more likely to cause injury through excited jumping than biting. However, as with any dog breed, their propensity toward aggression will depend on their upbringing, training, and socialization.

Read on to learn more about the origin of the Boxer, their propensity toward aggression, and more about how dog aggression is tested.

The Origins of the Boxer

Boxers were developed in Germany during the 1800s from the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct breed known for its agility and strength. During medieval times, the Bullenbeisser (which literally translates to “bull biter”) was Germany’s big game hunter who ran, caught, and stood up against big game like bears and bison. As the need for faster dogs arose, the Bullenbeisser was needed less, and a smaller version was developed. This smaller version is generally considered to be a direct relative of the modern Boxer.

By the late 1800s, a sleeker and more elegant dog had been developed, which is the Boxer we know and love today.

Boxers have performed well in many different jobs since their inception. They’re renowned athletes and have served alongside police officers and in both world wars. Boxers have also made a name for themselves as good watchdogs and guard dogs. They’ll meet threats that put their families at risk fearlessly and courageously.

Over the years, selective breeding created a Boxer with a distinctly shortened muzzle, and exaggerated brachycephalic features. More recently, however, breeders have begun to aim for a healthier form, with a more elongated face.

Image Credit: Cari Rubin Photography, Shutterstock

Are Boxers Inherently Aggressive?

Every Boxer will have their own personality traits, behaviors, and preferences. No breed description or testimonial from owners or veterinarians will describe all Boxers. In fact, a 2022 study found that a dog’s breed offers little predictive value for individuals, with only about 9% of a dog’s behavior being influenced by their breed.2

But are Boxers inherently aggressive?

No. Boxers are not known for having aggressive tendencies. However, a Boxer who’s been well-socialized and trained consistently will be far less likely to react with aggression than dogs that have not received any training.

Do Boxers Have a Reputation for Biting?

Any dog can bite, but do Boxers have a reputation for fatal bites?

Not really.

According to statistics from DogsBite.org, 433 Americans were killed by dogs over a 13-year period. Pit bulls accounted for 66% (284) of these deaths, with Rottweilers coming in second at 10.4% (45) and German Shepherds in third at 4.6% (20).

However, Boxers do find themselves in the top ten breeds responsible for fatal attacks on Americans between 2005 and 2017. In that time frame, Boxers killed seven people, accounting for 1.6% of all fatal dog attacks.3

It is important to remember that the factors potentially causing the incidents were not listed. The Boxers might have not been socialized properly or previously been abused.

Image Credit: Lenkadan, Shutterstock

How Is Aggression Tested?

Temperament testing can determine a breed’s propensity toward aggression. There are several different tests available at the time of writing, but these are not the only way to assess canine aggression. Each individual dog has their own set of personality traits, and just because the breed passes or fails these temperament tests doesn’t automatically make every individual aggressive.

AKC Temperament Test

The American Kennel Club launched its AKC Temperament Test (ATT) in 2019. The ATT was developed to provide a meaningful evaluation for assessing the temperament of various dog breeds. It tests how dogs react to numerous stimuli.

The Boxer’s temperament, according to the ATT, is described as self-assured, affectionate, social, wary of strangers, and fearlessly courageous if threatened.

American Temperament Testing Society

The American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS) is a not-for-profit organization established in the 1970s by Alfons Ertel. The testing was created to check how dogs react in various situations, including with strangers, to different types of stimuli (auditory and visual), and in unusual situations outdoors.

This test is not done in homes or indoors and has never been about testing companion dogs for their suitability as family pets. However, the ATTS is often mentioned during conversations about aggressive breed bans and pit bull-type dogs, as these breeds generally score very well on the test despite being categorized as “aggressive”.

However, as mentioned, a good score does not automatically mean a suitable companion. Using the ATTS to gauge a breed’s tendency toward attacks is impossible as the test is administered in controlled conditions when the dog is being controlled by their owner.

That said, the Boxer scored 84.5% on the ATTS test.4 Of the 489 Boxers tested, 413 passed, and only 76 failed.

Image Credit: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock

Final Thoughts

Boxers aren’t known for being aggressive dogs, though they can be steadfast in their loyalty toward their humans, making them excellent watchdogs and guardians.

Any dog can become aggressive; however, how they’re raised, trained, and socialized can play a critical role in a dog’s behavior and temperament. Families that prioritize training and socialization will have a well-adjusted dog that’s less likely to react with aggression.

Featured Image Credit: Dmitry Kalinovsky, Shutterstock

The post Are Boxers Aggressive? Vet-Verified Behavior Explained by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Do Dogs Have Wet Dreams? Canine Physiology Explained by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Responsible pet parents are forever monitoring their dogs’ behaviors to address developing issues and improve their quality of life, even when those behaviors become genuinely awkward. If you’ve ever caught your dog having a wet dream, you know exactly how that feels! While it’s not uncommon for dogs to ejaculate when they are asleep, the prevalence doesn’t make the situation any less uncomfortable for owners.

Fortunately, wet dreams are also perfectly natural and unlikely to be a long-term issue. If you’re wondering how to manage these moments and whether they warrant concern, we’ll discuss if dogs have wet dreams and explain the causes behind their nighttime behavior.

Do Dogs Have Wet Dreams?

There is little research on wet dream occurrences among dogs, but plenty of anecdotal evidence reveals that they are a common and not unhealthy part of their development.

Wet dreams, or “nocturnal emissions,” are autonomic reflexes the dog’s sympathetic nervous system controls. Dogs may ejaculate even if they aren’t having a sexual dream. In many instances, people don’t remember or are unaware of their emissions, and this is possibly true for dogs.

Although researchers haven’t studied wet dreams in dogs, we can see similarities between their behavior and ours. Studies on humans may give us insights into why and when our pets may have nocturnal emissions.

Image Credit: Kuznetsov Alexey, Shutterstock

When Do Dogs Have Wet Dreams?

For humans, most wet dreams happen during adolescence as the body matures, and the flood of hormones fuels new sexual development. Human males typically discover their sexual parts at around seven years and begin masturbating by age 15. Nocturnal emissions aren’t uncommon at this age, with some estimates saying they may occur as often as every 2 weeks.

Dogs typically reach sexual maturity and enter their “teenage phase” between 6 and 12 months of age, although this can be later in some large and giant breeds. Wet dreams occur as a buildup of semen. Without any conscious sexual activity (i.e., intercourse or masturbation), nocturnal emissions may be the only source of relief.

A dog that doesn’t have a female for mating and can’t self-stimulate by mounting objects or licking themselves may have frequent wet dreams. Nocturnal emissions will generally decrease and disappear as the dog transitions to a mature adult at 2–3 years.

Image Credit: APIWICH PUDSUMRAN, Shutterstock

Should I Worry About My Dog’s Wet Dreams?

Wet dreams are usually nothing to worry about if your dog’s semen looks normal. Sometimes, your dog may also urinate in their sleep, which is more common in older dogs.

Urination while asleep or off-colored liquid could be cause for a vet visit, as they may indicate underlying issues like UTIs, hormonal imbalances, or diabetes.

How to Manage Your Dog’s Wet Dreams

The easiest way to keep your dog from having wet dreams is usually to neuter them. Doing so will significantly reduce their need or urge to ejaculate. Desexing can also help limit other behavioral challenges, and your dog will have fewer social issues around intact females. Discuss neutering with your vet, they can advise you on the best timing based on your dog’s size, breed , health and behavior.

If your dog is intact, you can manage the fallout of their wet dreams by preparing their sleeping space. Crate training is an enormous help with potty training and managing anxiety.

During this awkward adolescent phase, it can contain any unwanted mishaps. For convenient cleaning, a waterproof dog bed protector is easy to remove and toss in the wash. A bed protector will extend the life of your dog’s bed and keep it fresh, and you won’t have to worry about messes on your bed or anywhere else in the house.

Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock

Final Thoughts

Whether dogs have sexual dreams causing nocturnal emissions isn’t clear, but plenty of owners know that the results of a dog’s “wet dream” are perfectly possible. Still, as natural as they are, they’re also embarrassing and often frustrating to manage. By anticipating and preparing for them as your dog approaches adolescence, you and your dog can navigate these awkward accidents gracefully and efficiently.

Featured Image Credit: Naruedol Rattanakornkul, Shutterstock

The post Do Dogs Have Wet Dreams? Canine Physiology Explained by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post How Long Do Teacup Chihuahuas Live? Vet-Verified Average Lifespan, Data & Care by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Chihuahuas are a popular dog breed known for their feisty attitudes and the strong bonds they form with their owners. They’re pretty small, weighing just six pounds and standing six to eight inches tall. But did you know there’s an even tinier version of the Chihuahua?

Teacup Chihuahuas aren’t a separate breed but are pint-sized versions of the regular Chihuahua. They’re generally defined as any Chi weighing under four pounds and standing less than six inches tall.

While their personalities are similar, these tiny pups tend to have shorter lifespans than their larger counterparts. Teacup Chihuahuas typically live between seven and 12 years, though some can live longer depending on their genetics and the care they’ve received. Read on to learn more about these pups, including how to care for them to extend their lifespan.

Teacup Chihuahua Average Lifespan

It’s a known fact that smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than larger ones, but this rule doesn’t necessarily apply to the Teacup Chihuahua.

Normal-sized Chis can live anywhere between 14 to 16 years, though it’s not unusual for them to live even longer than that.

Teacup Chihuahuas, however, can be prone to numerous health issues that can severely impact their lifespan. They generally live for seven to 12 years.

Image Credit: Rebekah Zemansky, Shutterstock

How to Care for Your Teacup Chihuahua for a Long Lifespan?

1. Feeding & Diet

A proper diet is crucial for Teacup Chihuahuas as their small size can make obesity a big (pun intended) problem. Feeding a healthy diet suitable for your pup’s life stage is just the beginning. Owners must also closely monitor treats and caloric intake to ensure they’re not overfeeding their pups. This breed can get overweight quickly, putting excess strain and stress on their delicate bones, joints, and heart.

The Teacup Chi’s small size also makes them more likely to develop hypoglycemia. Splitting up their food into several meals helps ensure they get a steady flow of food to keep blood sugar levels stable. Owners may need to feed them up to four times daily and familiarize themselves with the signs of hypoglycemia so they know what to look for.

2. Environment

Owners must take special precautions to ensure their pet’s living environment suits their size.

The Teacup Chihuahua’s small stature can make them more delicate and easily injured. Even something as simple as hopping off of the sofa or tripping over your Chi can cause injuries for these pups. Owners may want to invest in pet stairs to help their dogs get on and off the furniture and bright harnesses or collars with bells so their pups are easier to see.

3. Care

While other dog breeds require an hour or more of exercise daily, Teacup Chi’s only need around 30 minutes. It’s also best to avoid high impact activities or strenuous exercise to prevent injuries to their delicate structure.

Owners mustn’t encourage overexertion and should pay close attention to the weather before taking their pups outside. Chis, in general, are sensitive to cold temperatures due to their small stature and thin coats. Indoor exercise may be necessary during the cooler months of the year, otherwise you may need to invest in some outdoor attire.

Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock

4. Healthcare

Veterinary care is essential for every dog breed, but it’s vital for dogs prone to health issues, like the Teacup Chihuahua. These pups may be more likely to develop:

Teacup Chis should see their vet at least once a year for annual wellness checks. Depending on their health, more frequent visits may be necessary.

The 4 Life Stages of a Teacup Chihuahua

1. Puppy

A Teacup Chihuahua’s puppy stage begins at the moment of birth and lasts until they’re around six to nine months. It’s essential to feed a Teacup Chihuahua puppy food made specifically for puppies during this critical life stage. When they’re young, puppies need a lot more protein and fat to support their growth. Be sure to establish a veterinarian and get all of the recommended vaccinations.

The sooner owners can begin training and socializing their puppies, the better.

2. Young Adult

Teacup Chihuahuas are considered young adults until they’ve completed their physical and social maturation phase. At this stage, they’re like teenagers and will still require consistent training and socialization to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults.

Image Credit: Krakenimages.com, Shutterstock

3. Mature Adult

When a Teacup Chihuahua reaches the adult phase, they will likely begin to calm down. They will still have quite a bit of energy but maybe less of the puppy-like curiosity they’ve been entertaining since birth.

4. Senior

A Teacup Chihuahua will be considered a senior when they’ve reached the last 25% of their estimated lifespan, which is when they’re between five and nine years old.

In this phase, pups will begin slowing down and showing subtle signs of aging. They may start graying and could develop joint pain or arthritis.

How to Tell Your Teacup Chihuahua’s Age

The only 100% accurate way to know your Teacup Chihuahua’s age is to ask their breeder their exact date of birth. If you no longer have contact with your pup’s breeder or you have a rescue, there are some things you can look at to get a ballpark range of your pet’s age.

Image Credit: Sonia Dubois, Shutterstock

Conclusion

Teacup Chihuahuas aren’t a separate breed; they’re just pint-sized versions of the regular Chihuahua. Though small dogs are known for living longer than their medium and large breed counterparts, this isn’t the case with the Teacup Chihuahua. These pups may be prone to several health conditions and are especially susceptible to injuries due to their small size and fragile nature. For these reasons, the Teacup Chi’s average lifespan is between seven and 12 years.

Featured Image Credit: Olga Kalimulina, Shutterstock

The post How Long Do Teacup Chihuahuas Live? Vet-Verified Average Lifespan, Data & Care by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.