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Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world—and for good reason. They are one of the smallest dog breeds, and they are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Owning a new chihuahua can be a rewarding experience, and these small but feisty dogs make great companions. A pet chihuahua is always a welcomed addition to any household as these diminutive dogs are playful, sweet, and ideal for families with children. They make great house pets and can be easily trained.
If you’re looking for a small dog that is loyal and friendly, a chihuahua is the perfect choice. However, if you’re new to owning a chihuahua, you’ll need to invest in a few supplies to get started. Here are 9 essentials for getting started with your new Chihuahua!
The 9 Essential Chihuahua Supplies
Food and Feeding
1. Puppy Food & Treats
- Our Choice: Royal Canin Chihuahua Puppy Dry Dog Food
Some general guidelines to keep in mind when choosing food and treats for your Chihuahua include looking for products that are high in protein and healthy fats and free of artificial additives and preservatives. If you’ve welcomed a Chihuahua puppy into your home, remember that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. They need fewer carbohydrates so it’s important to choose a food that is specifically made for puppies.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed to help little dogs thrive, and this kibble is designed to be easy for your small dog to pick up and chew. Vitamin E and antioxidants support your dog’s immune system’s development and help keep their body strong as they grow. Potty training and general training both require treats. Small and tiny treats are best for these little guys since they don’t require all those extra calories.
2. Dog Food
- Our Choice: The Farmer’s Dog
When it comes to the best diet for you Chihuahua, there are a lot of options out there. But something a lot of pet owners are turning to nowadays is fresh, human-grade food. If you’re in the market for your new Chihuahua, we highly suggest The Farmer’s Dog. This company has a long-standing excellent reputation for creating the healthiest canine specific recipes!
If you go to The Farmer’s Dog website, you plug in detailed information about your dog and they automatically calculate the appropriate recipes necessary to keep your little one healthy. They then tailor products specifically to match the needs of your individual dog and send it to you in a shipment.
This is a subscription-based service, meaning that it will automatically resend your dog food on a loop. You can use The Farmer’s Dog for a standalone diet or as a topper for a high quality dry kibble.
Even though fresh dog foods tend to be a little more expensive than traditional options, it will be much less expensive for you since your Chihuahua is so small and the quantities will be less. Plus, they have discounts on your first box, so you could always give it a trial run and see how it goes.
Walking
3. Harness
A harness is an important piece of equipment for a Chihuahua because it helps keep them safe and secure when out for a walk. There are a variety of harnesses available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your pet. Some things to consider when purchasing a harness include the size of the dog, the type of material, and the design. The harness should comfortably go around your Chihuahua’s body and securely attach to a leash.
A sturdy, well-fitting harness helps keep your dog safe by preventing them from pulling on the leash and straining their neck. A good harness also distributes the force of a pull evenly across the dog’s body, which can prevent injuries. We like the Frisco Small Breed Soft Vest Step In Back Clip Dog Harness because it’s made with soft, breathable mesh material that keeps your dog comfortable and cool during walks, and the vest design makes it easy to wear and remove.
4. Collar & Tags
- Our Choice: GoTags Small Font Personalized Dog Collar
Every Chihuahua needs a collar to wear with identification tags showing your dog’s name, owner’s name, and contact information. A good collar will fit well and be comfortable for them to wear. A high-quality collar is especially important to prevent the dog from escaping or becoming injured. A puppy collar should be adjustable so it can be let out as your puppy grows. When you’re measuring your puppy’s neck to determine the right size, do so while they’re standing to make sure it fits correctly.
We love the GoTags Small Font Personalized Dog Collar because it comes with nylon webbing and tapered edges for comfort and sturdiness, and can be embroidered with a name and phone number, which is stitched through the collar for extra durability. This collar is available in a number of different colors for both the nylon webbing and thread, so you can customize it to accentuate your pooch’s style. If it gets dirty, you can simply throw it in the washing machine.
5. Leash
When it comes to getting a Chihuahua, one of the most important items on the list of supplies to buy in advance is a leash. A leash is necessary for walking your dog, keeping your Chihuahua under control, and ensuring their safety. Leashes come in a variety of sizes and it is important to find a sturdy, comfortable leash that is the proper length for your dog.
Make sure to keep your Chihuahua on a leash when you are outside and always be aware of their surroundings so they don’t get lost or hurt. The Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Padded 3M Reflective Dog Leash is comfortable and lightweight. Using reflective threading makes you visible even in the dark, so you can walk with confidence in any situation.
Comfort
6. Dog Bed
- Our Choice: Best Friends Donut Cuddler Dog Bed
The best dog bed for your Chihuahua will depend on a variety of factors, including your Chihuahua’s size, sleeping habits, and personality. There is no one perfect dog bed for all dogs, but there are some general things to look for when choosing a bed for your Chihuahua. The bed should be comfortable and big enough for your Chihuahua to stretch out on, and it should be made from a material that is soft and warm.
We like the Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed as the bolstered edge creates a protective atmosphere, provides additional orthopedic support, and serves as a headrest. Warmth radiates from your pet’s body heat through the insulation layer and the soft faux-shag material keeps your pet warm and comfortable all night long. This pet bed is also machine washable and dryer safe, which makes it an extremely convenient choice.
7. Crate
When it comes to choosing the best crate for your Chihuahua, there are a few things you need to take into account. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, but not too big that he can potty in one corner and sleep in another. It’s also important to choose a crate that is made from a durable material, like plastic or metal, that can stand up to your dog’s chewing habits.
Some owners prefer wire crates, as they provide good ventilation and allow the dog to see what’s going on around them. We like the MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate because as your puppy grows, you can adjust the size of the living area using the divider panel. Furthermore, since accidents happen, this crate comes with a plastic leak-proof pan that makes cleaning a breeze. The slide bolt latch on this crate features locking tips for added safety and security.
Cleaning
8. Puppy Pads
- Our Choice: Four Paws Wee-Wee Grass Scented Puppy Pads
There are a few things to consider when purchasing the best puppy pads for your Chihuahua. The first is size—you’ll want to get a pad that is appropriately sized for your dog. The next consideration is absorbency as the pad should be able to soak up a lot of liquid in order to keep your floors dry. You’ll also want to look for a pad that is resistant to leaks and has a good grip so it won’t move around on the floor.
Four Paws Wee-Wee Grass Scented Puppy Pads, 22 x 23 offer outdoor-trained dogs a place to potty indoors because they smell like grass and have an attractant. As a result, your Chihuahua will also be able to transition to outdoor bathroom breaks by associating grass odor with potty time. There are six layers of protection on the thick pads, including an absorbent layer and a tear-resistant top layer.
9. Enzyme Spray
Many pet owners are looking for ways to clean up their dog’s urine, vomit, and other unpleasant messes effectively. If you have a particularly messy pooch on your hands or you’re just looking for ways to eliminate that dog smell from your furniture and floors, we highly recommend Hepper Advanced Bio Enzyme Pet Odor Eliminator Spray.
This formula was designed to bind, lift, and remove the worst of smells and stains. You can spray this cleaner on carpets, floors, fabrics, and furniture pieces that are starting to pick up a bad smell.
It will neutralize even the toughest odors from urine, feces, slobber, you name it! What we love most is that this product comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. So, if you don’t love it, you can simply get a refund.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Grooming
10. Toothbrush
- Our Choice: H&H Pets Cat & Small Dog Toothbrush
When getting a Chihuahua, a toothbrush is essential. Chihuahuas need to have their teeth brushed regularly to keep them healthy and toothbrushing is an important part of their oral health care routine. By regularly cleaning their teeth, you can help to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems.
In order to brush your Chihuahua’s teeth effectively, you will need to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs, as human toothpaste can be harmful if swallowed. Designed with ultra-soft, polished bristles, H&H Pets Cat & Small Dog Toothbrushes are gentle on your pet’s gums but strong enough to remove plaque and tartar for clean, healthy teeth and gums.
11. Brush
- Our Choice: Kenchii Boar & Nylon Bristle Dog Brush
There are many different types of brushes available on the market for dogs. When choosing a brush for your Chihuahua, it is important to consider the type of coat the dog has. A slicker brush is a good option for dogs with a thick, curly coat, as it will help remove dead hair and mats. A soft-bristled brush is a good choice for dogs with a short, smooth coat, as it will help remove dirt and debris without irritating the skin.
In addition, daily brushing will reduce dander and shed hair. It will also allow you to bond with your puppy, as a gentle brushing is very relaxing for them. And with more brushing, you will find that fewer baths are required. There is no need for a brush with wire bristles, as they can be painful. Nylon, boar, or plastic brushes will give your Chihuahua a smooth coat. Try the Kenchii Boar & Nylon Bristle Dog & Cat Brush which is a nice, manageable size for your Chihuahua’s smaller frame.
12. Pet Shampoo
- Our Choice: Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
A shampoo made just for pets is important when you are bathing your Chihuahua. Human shampoos can irritate their skin. If you want to give your dog an exceptional shampoo that will leave them silky smooth and smelling fresh, we recommend Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo. It is a very great standard shampoo for any dog, even ones with sensitive skin!
This particular formula contains no phthalates or sulfates, so you can rest easy knowing it’s a safe product for your dog. This particular formula is pH balanced and made in the USA. The colloidal oatmeal helps to soothe dry, irritated skin.
It also has a refreshing cucumber and aloe scent. We think it’s the perfect fit for virtually any Chihuahua. A little goes a long way, so you can wait a while between purchases too!
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
13. Pet Wipes
- Our Choice: Hepper Wash Wipes
Sometimes our pets can get a little messy, such as dirty paws from playing around outside. Hepper Wash Wipes are a very handy little product to have on hand for all those pet messes or to clean your Chihuahua up in between baths. These wipes were designed to be completely safe directly on your pet’s skin or anywhere around the house for that matter.
These wipes are infused with moisturizing ingredients that promote a healthier coat and skin for your pup. They are made of all natural ingredients, eliminating bad odors and replacing it with a lovely aloe and cucumber scent.
There are 30 wipes in a pack and they are completely hypoallergenic. You can use them on cats, too! These wipes are perfectly gentle to use on all sensitive areas and make the perfect quick clean up item.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Summary
In conclusion, there are a few essential items you will need to get started with your Chihuahua. The basics include a food and water dish, a harness, collar and leash, food, and a bed. You may also want to consider purchasing a crate, toothbrush, and brush. With these supplies, you can provide your Chihuahua with everything they need to be happy and healthy.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
