Common Injuries to Chi's are Trauma to the Head and/or Broken feet/legs. Your pup is the tiniest of all dogs and is Fragile.Careful Supervision is a Must.Excercise pens are great when you can Not supervise them.I recommend Highly getting one, it could Save your Pets Life.They are Not good dogs for very young children in the home as the child does not know that they can cause harm by hitting, dropping, or pulling on this "cute" little pup.

Make YOUR  Home a Safer Place for your pup or dog by keeping them Away from the following :

 

Hazardous items, Plants, Foods, Objects, and Trouble areas.

 

Household items:

anti-inflammatory medications like iburofen, asprin, etc.

Acetaminophen (tyenol)

Cold and Flu medications

Antidepressants

Vitamins

Home insect products

Rat and Mouse bait

Bleach

Diet pills

Disinfectants

Fabric Softner

Lead

Lighter fluid

Mothballs

Anti-cancer drugs

Solvents (paint thinner, etc.)

Flea and tick products

Drain cleaners

Liquid potpourri

Slug and snail bait

Oven cleaner sprays

Lime/scale remover

Fly bait

Detergents

Tobacco products

Maijuanna and alcholic beverages

 

 

If you think your pet has been exposed to a poisonous substance call ASPCA Poison Control Center for help 1-888-426-4435. Follow up with your vet.

 

 

Do you have any of these Plants around your home? If so make sure they are in places where your pet can't reach them or consider getting rid of them all together.

Aloe

Amaryllis

Andromeda Japonica

Asian Lily

Australian Nut

Autumn Crocus

Azalea

Belladonna

Bird of Paradise

Bittersweet (american and European)

Black Locust

Branching Ivy

Buckeye

Budest Pine

Caldium

Calla Lily

Castor Bean

Ceriman

Clematis

Coratum

Corn Plant

Cycads

Cyclamen

Daffodil

Daylily

Devil's Ivy

Diffenbachia

Easter Lily

Elephant Ears

Emerald Fern

English Ivy

Eucalyptus

Ferns

Fiddle Leaf Philodendron

Gold Dust Dracaena

Florida Beauty

Foxglove

Glacier Ivy

Gladiolas

Golden Pathos

Heavenly Bamboo

Honeysuckle

Hurricane Plant

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Iris

Jerusalem Cherry

Jimson Weed

Kalanchoe

Lantana

Lilies ( All Lilium varieties)

Lily of the Valley

Lupine

Marble Queen

Misaltoe

Morning Glory

Mother-in-Law

Mountain Laurel

Narcissus

Needlepoint Ivy

Nephthysis

Nightshade

Oleander

Panda

Peace Lily

Philodendron

Poinsetta

Poison Hemlock

Precatory Bean (rosary pea)

Privet

Red Emerald

Rhododendron

Ribbon Plant

Sago Palms

Satin Pathos

Schefflera

Stripped Dracaena

Sweetheart Ivy

Tulip

Water Hemlock

Wisteria

Yew

Yucca

HARMFULL FOODS:

avocados

chocolate in All forms

Onions and Onion Powder

Garlic

Grapes

Raisins

Macadamia Nuts

Alcoholic beverages including beer

Moldy/spoiled foods

Salt

Fatty Foods

Gum, Candy,or other foods Sweetened with Xylitol

Tea Leaves

Raw Yeast Dough

 

 

These HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS can cause Puncture wounds, Choking, or Internal Organ Damage to your pet so make sure they are not left around.

 

Balls (specifically balls that are small or have a smooth outer coating)

Batteries

Bread Twist Ties

Buttons

Coins

Cotton Swabs

Glass

Hair pins

Jewelry

Nylons/panty hose

Paper Clips

Plastic Wrap

Socks

Rubber Bands

Sharp Objects (knives, razors, scissors,nails,needles, thumb tacks, etc.)

String, Yarn, Dental Floss

Towels

Wax

 

 

Dogs and Cats are more likely to be injured in these areas of your home. Keep your pets away from them or watch them Very Closely when they are near them.

 

Balconies- Tall balconies without safety railings, or railings spaced too far apart can lead to a very dangerous fall or with a Chihuahua even Death.

Bath Tubs or Sinks- Small pets can easily drown.

Doors and Windows- Your pet can run away if they find an open one. They can get seriously injured or killed running across a road, or attacked by a larger animal with Chihuahuas.Screens should be on All windows.

Electrical Cords- Your pet can be electrocuted if they bite or chew on electric cord that are plugged in including but not limited to phones, TV's, Computers, Stereos, etc.

Fireplaces- Your pet can be burned or become very sick from eatting the ashes.

Toilets- Toilet water is Not health for a pet to drink so remember to close the lid. Always make sure they have clean fresh water to drink at all times. With a Chihuahua they can also drown in a toilet.

Washer and Dyer- Your pet can crawl into them without your knowledge; close the doors on them.

 

 

OUTSIDE The Home

Make sure your pets are safe to enjoy the outdoors and keep them away from potential dangers with close supervision and an excercise pen for Chihuahuas is perfect.

*ALGAE- can be found in large to small bodies(standing bodies of water in water bowls, planters,old tires, etc.) of water and certain form are Toxic.

*Antifreeze/Coolant- even in small amounts the ethylene glycol contained in these product can prove fatal.

Fire Pits and Grills- can cause Serious Burns and if the Ashes are ingested, can cause illness or Death.

Fences or Gates- Your pets can Run Away if they find openings or damaged areas they can get through. They can get Hurt or Strangled if they get caught trying to get out.

Deck Lattice- Pet can get Stuck in the openings and Strangle.

Compost Piles-  especially if Moldy can Poison.

* Gasoline

*Oil

*Pestisides

*Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch Fertilizer

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs/Jucuzzis - Never leave them unattended near these Even if they can swim!

 

* ALL Contain chemicals that can cause serious illness depending on the circumstances of exposure. With a Chihuahua as they are so small and weigh very little the outcome is more probably Death.

 

 

HOLIDAY SAFETY:

Alcoholic Beverages ARE toxic to pets and Should NEVER be given to them during the holidays or ANYTIME!!!

 

CHRISTMAS:

Holiday Plants- Christmas Rose, Holly, Lillies and mistletoe are Toxic.

Ribbons- It may look cut but placing a ribbon around your pet's neck can cause them to choke.

Bubbling Lights- Older forms of these attractic decorations contains methylene chloride, which is a Highly Toxic chemical.

Fire Salts- Contain chemicals that are harmful.

Agel Hair (spun glass) Can be irritating to eyes and skin and if eatten can cause intestinal blockage.

Christmas Tree Water- Stagnant tree water or those containg preservatives can cause stomach problems.

Decoration Hooks- Can cause blockage and/or trauma to the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.

Styrofoam- can cause choking if swallowed.

Ornaments- They may look like toys to your pet but they can cause serious injury if your pet breaks or swallows them.

Tinsel- Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.

 

NEW YEAR'S

Ballons and Cofetti- Can cause choking or obstruct their intestines if eatten. Watch your pet closely or move them to an area that is not decorated.

Loud Noises- Loud nices frighten pets and can cause them to run off. Keep your pets in a separate room, away from noicemakers, music, and other loud sounds that may startle them.

 

VALENTINE'S DAY

Flowers and Candy- many flowers and plants in bouquets are harmfull to your pet if ingested (see list).ALL forms of Chocolate can cause vomitting,diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and chocolate posoining or even pancreatic inflammation.can be fatal, especially in Chihuahuas.

 

EASTER

Fake Grass- can cause choking or obstruct their intestines if ingested.

Small Toys and Other Plastic Items- if swallowed can damage their intestional tracts or cause choking.

4th of JULY

Fireworks can cause your pet to run away, cause Serious injury if set off near them and many formulations are Highly Toxic if ingested.

 

HALLOWEEN

Repeatedly opening the door to greet trick-or-traeters increases the chances of your pet getting out and running off subjecting them to many hazards. If possible keep them secured in a separate room or in their excercise pen.

Candles- Pets are naturally curious, and they may be attracted to the bright lights of the flame in a dark area. They can burn themselves or knock the candle over and start a fire.

Xylitol- A candy and gum sweetner is toxic.

Chocolate- ALL forms can be harmful potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content. THIS CAN PROVE DEADLY for a CHIHUAHUA even in small amounts!

 

THANKSGIVING

Bones- Turkey, Chicken and other small animal bones can splinter easily and can cause SERIOUS internal damage if swallowed so NEVER give them to your pet.

TRY GIVING THEM "GREENIES" INSTEAD.

 

Hot Containers- Your pet will smell you cooking something "good" but make sure they do not get in your way and cause you to spill the contents and burn them. Additionally do NOT place hot containers where your pet can possibly reach them.

 

REMEMBER, an Excercise Pen is like a play pen for your pet keeping them Safe.It is Not a form of Punishment and should NOT be used as such. During the day when I am supervising I still leave the door open and they go take a nap in their "space'. I use one side for "potty pads and the other side has food, water, and their bed and toys. When I can Not Supervise them,They enjoy their "space", and I can cook, talk on the phone, or be on my computer knowing They Are Safe!!! Just like I did with my daughter as a toddler to keep her safe. Your Chihuahua is a bright, curious , and playful pet who Can get Hurt in a Blink of an Eye if You are NOT watching........and even then illness or accidents can happen. Be prepared.

Have a Well Recommended Vet you can trust. Those of us in the Tampa Bay Chihuahua Club are fortunate to have Dr.Bob Irelan in Lakeland (well worth the 35minute drive from my home) as he specializes in Chihuahuas. His address and phone are:

6601 N. Socrum Loop Road (Sandpiper Plaza)

Lakeland, FL 33809

863-859-9485 and he still does after hour emergencies if you page him.

 

Another top notch Vet is Dr. Lee Duke at Companion Animal Hospital who is only about 15 minutes from my house. He also does exotic pets and was the vet for the Lowery Park Zoo for many years.

11499 US 301 North

Thonotosassa, FL 33592

813-986-2448

Both are really kind animal loving and have a great compassion for their patients as well as a terrific bedside manor for us "parents".

No matter where you live it is important to establish a relationship with a vet you trust BEFORE an illness or accident occur. Emergency pet hospital are simply that and they do not know your pet and it's medical history.Make appointments to go meet and talk to a vet you have been referred to by a friend or neighbor and see if that vet is a match for you and your pet.