Thanks for all the info! I posted a picture under the photos link to
the left under the album "Scooter".
Thanks!
--- In Chihuahuas@yahoogroups.com, "AnneL" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Congratulations on rescuing Scooter from the shelter!!! Kudos to
you.
>
> 2.5 pounds is pretty small. I would have your vet look at him to
assess his age. That will tell you whether he needs puppy food or
adult food. Your first order of business should be a vet visit
anyway. There are SO many diseases running around shelters.
>
> If you're looking at kibble, my recommendation would be Innova
EVO. Royal Canin makes a specific Chihuahua food that would be small
and easy to eat, and at 2.5 pounds, he may have trouble with a lot of
different kinds of kibble. You may need to crush kibble up slightly
for him if it's too large.
>
> Chihuahuas come in ALL colors. There's no "average."
>
> My chihuahuas adore my godsons. Some chis don't like kids. Some
chis don't like men, or women, or strangers . . . it's just the
individual dog's personality.
>
> Personally, I put sweaters on my chis if we're going out and it's
cold. Otherwise, I don't dress them just for dressup; I think,
frankly, that it looks ridiculous. You don't mention whether Scooter
is smooth coat or long coat. If he's a smooth coat and still a puppy
or underweight, you may very well need to put a teeny t-shirt or
whatever on him in the house if he's cold. Don't mistake shivering
for cold, however; Chihuahuas shiver when they're excited, when
they're afraid, when they're happy . . . etc., etc.<G> Feel his
ears. If his ears are warm, he's fine. If his ears feel cool to the
touch, he may be chilly. For such a little guy, I'd recommend that
he have a very warm bed with maybe a couple blankies to curl up in if
he's cold. And watch where you step or sit!!! Chihuahuas will often
curl up under pillows, throws or cushions and get sat on.
>
> Words of wisdom. First and foremost, take him to a vet for a
complete exam and to determine his probable age, also to find out
whether he's already neutered or not. Get recommendations from your
vet about food, etc. Buy the book Chihuahuas For Dummies. It's an
excellent chihuahua book. If he's not already neutered, I would
personally strongly recommend it when he's had time to acclimate to
your home a bit, and if the vet says he's old enough and healthy
enough.
>
> Keep an eye out for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar); young
chihuahuas are very prone to it. If you're going to free feed, then
he'll have food available all the time, but if you're not, I would
recommend offering food frequently, i.e. every four hours or so, at
first until you find out how old he is and how healthy he is.
>
> My vet very firmly says that chihuahuas should never wear a collar,
but a harness instead, because of pressure on the trachea. If you
can't find a harness small enough at your pet store,
www.cetaceacorp.com has teeny, inexpensive harnesses that won't press
on Scooter's trachea.
>
> My vet also strongly advises against giving Greenies or any kind of
rawhide. He's had to treat too many dogs who have suffered blockages
because of both.
>
> Welcome to the list, and do put up a pic of Scooter, we're dying to
see him!!
>
> Anne
>
" Lets talk about our wonderful little friends!
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