7-week chihuahua puppy: Health Issues.

[`s!nful*]

My dad and I got into a huge argument over this, and here goes:

My chihuahua puppy is 7-weeks old as of today (yay) and I got him when he was 6 weeks old. I know he's not supposed to leave his mother before he's 8 weeks old, but he was at the humane society because his mother had died giving birth. Tragic, yes, but I'm worried about my dog's health.

First off, is it okay for him to be outside? My yard doesn't have anything bad for a puppy (just a lot of veggies, like corn, cucumbers, cabbage, etc) and he keeps nipping on grass. My dad says its alright, but is eating grass normal for dogs? BTW, my parents don't use pesticides on the plants, just alot of water and manure (yuck). Also, should I buy flea killers for him because he likes to roll around? I don't know if he's too young to be "medicated" but I don't want him to be flea ridden.

And another thing, when I was leaving for the mall yesterday, I forgot somethng and as I reopened the door, my puppy whimpered (skanked) loudly and ran away. I think I hit him. He's okay now, he doesn't limp or anything, but i'm worried that blood might've clotted in his brain or something o__o

I'm a pessimist and I worried for a long time when I left. I mean, his bones must be pretty weak and I'm worried that I left a fracture or something.
He does'nt act like anythings wrong (because I pressed softly and waited for a whimper or wiggle) but I'm not sure. *sigh* Do you guys think he's okay?

Well, any help would be greatly appreciated My dog will thank thee.

 

[beagle_lovergirl]

I don't think it's allright to leave such a young puppy alone in the garden, no matter how safe it is. He needs to be part of the family. Now, if you're there in the garden it's okay because he'll have company. About that "injury". Try gently (I mean GENTLY) bending his knees back and forth slowly a few times. If he doesn't show any real pain, I'd think he is fine

 

[mrose_s]

I definetley wouldntt be leaving him alon in the garden, remeebr that at this age he might still be with his mother so he really isnt ready for the big world.

eating grass for dogs is fine as long as it has no pesticides or anything remeber that dogs need a bit of vegies to (you can actually turn your dog vegetarian)

And thankyou for rescueing a pup from a shelter

 

[bubbatd]

You "think" you hit him ???? Was this before or after the whimper ( shank? ).....From what I gather, you do not leave this baby outside......what is the argument with your Dad ??? And yes, there are flea/heart worm etc for puppies. Your vet will advise you. Did the HS check for worms etc and give him puppy shots.??? We're here to help, so please give us info so we can.

 

[juliefurry]

I think he'll be ok from the little accident. If you are alarmed bring it up to your vet at your puppies next appointment. Yeah, you're pup needs shots and needs to be dewormed, and put on heartworm preventative.

 

[Saje]

No, your dog should not be left alone in the backyard. You'll be sorry if a bird carries him off! AND puppies are very susceptible to temperature changes and other environmental factors. Plus you will bond much better with him when he's around you all the time. Sorry, it's a girl isn't it. SHE.

The grass is ok I think. They like to chew on it.

Your vet will tell what your pup needs. She'll need to see a vet regularly throughout his first year so he can get vaccinated, dewormed... properly. After that she'll have to go at least annually and whenever there are problems.

 

[aurorab]

1st at that age he hasn't had all of his puppy shots. And since there is water there I'd be concerned about Giardia. It is found in stagnant water. Plus w/o his mother he doesn't have any antibodies passed on by his mother. And the since manure is made from poop and some things are transmitted that way I'd be careful.
And never leave him unattended. we have a hawk in the field next to my house and i never leave them alone and my Chi's are 4.8 and 8 lbs and I'm had to keep them close and scare the hawk away several times.
As for the grass, yes dogs do that did if they eat too much they will get sick. Sometimes if there tummies are upset they will do it on purpose to get sick.
Also if your are worried that you hit him too hard have a vet check him. He should be going to get his shots and boosters now anyway.

 

[poeluvr]

your dog is cute, i think he might have got scared when you open the door(to a pup well a chihuahua pup a door is a very big thing) he might get scared easily. Thats what my vet said about my dog, a lot of small dogs squeak alot when they feel uneasy or scared, he shoud be fine, just ask your vet at his next appointment. You were very lucky to get a puppy chihuahua at the pound. There is a chihuahua craze right now, i am surprised people werent fighting you for him.
good luck with him, hes adorable

 

[Fran27]

Like everyone said. Also, you shouldn't leave her alone in the house when you're gone or you will be sorry. Leave her in a puppy proof room or a crate, or you run the risk of her destroying everything or chewing electric cables etc. That way, it's also much less risky to step on her or have her escape when you come back home.

 

[candy722]

your going to leave a 7 week puppy out side. That sounds really sad.

 

[poeluvr]

actually were people fighting you for the chi?

 

[Fran27]

Oh by the way, from what I understood she was just asking if the yard is safe for the dog, I don't think her intention was to leave the dog outside all the time??? I hope not anyway.

 

[chilover]

I don't think a puppy should be left running free around the house unattended. It should be crated or contained in a gated puppy-proofed room when no one is home.
As for a chihuahua craze, it is really sad. it's just going to lead to overbreeding and, as a result, too many abandoned dogs when people realize it's not just a cute accessory, but it is actually a lot of work and responsibility to have a dog, even a very small one...

 

[bubbatd]

I agree ! Is this the overload from the Taco Bell ad's ??? I know that there was frenzy to buy 3 yrs, ago....... re these poor dogs the results ???

 

[Whytedragon]

If your puppy hasnt had it's shots, it shouldnt be outside or near other dogs unless they've been vaccinated. Keep the dog inside until he has had his shots, very important...especially for such a young puppy that left mom too soon.
Keep him crated when you are gone, definitely do not leave him unattended. Grass is ok, but he doesnt need it right now, and should be kept inside at all times until he has had his shots. That means not taking him ANYWHERE for now.

 

[misticaleclipse]

No, your dog should not be left alone in the backyard. You'll be sorry if a bird carries him off!

According to snopes this issue appears to be a myth, but I don't agree with leaving a puppy alone in he backyard at all.


http://www.snopes.com/critters/mishaps/dognap.htm

 

[PoodleMommy]

First, off I think your dog is probably too young to be left unattended in the house. Puppy could get hurt, if he tries to jump off of something... he should be crated or contained in a small area while you are gone.

I dont think it sounds like you really hurt yout dog with the door. I think you are probably just nervous, because he is young and small.

Good Luck
Elissa

 

[Fran27]

This thread is one year old people

 

[candaceluvspebbles]

when a chihuahua pups only a few weeks old they shouldn't be left ouside because they are so tiny and if it's cold where u live they wouldn't be able 2 stand the cold like most dogs can.Iv'e also been told by some chihuahua owners who have lost there chi pups when left outside,that birds of prey and foxes have thought the pup was a rabbbit or something and have eaten the pup or attacked it severly.Eagles have been known to fly away with little chihuahuas too!!!
I'm a chihuahua owner and ever since i first got her at 8 weeks of age iv'e kept her living indoors.I only let her outside to go to the toilet and now that she's 4 mths run around abit during the day.
I was too scared to leave her outside when i first got her since she's the smallest of her litter and a mini chihuahua.Not that she's any differant to any other chihuahua,since their all small.
Dogs usually eat grass when their sick eg:Stomach ache.It won't harm her.All my animals have eaten a bit of grass when sick.
Iv'e aso been worried about her head,due to their soft spot and have accidentally knocked the door near her head too and i totally freaked out,but she's perfectly fine and i absolutely love her
Hope that helps :0

 

[candaceluvspebbles]

when a chihuahua pups only a few weeks old they shouldn't be left ouside because they are so tiny and if it's cold where u live they wouldn't be able 2 stand the cold like most dogs can.Iv'e also been told by some chihuahua owners who have lost there chi pups when left outside,that birds of prey and foxes have thought the pup was a rabbbit or something and have eaten the pup or attacked it severly.Eagles have been known to fly away with little chihuahuas too!!!
I'm a chihuahua owner and ever since i first got her at 8 weeks of age iv'e kept her living indoors.I only let her outside to go to the toilet and now that she's 4 mths run around abit during the day.
I was too scared to leave her outside when i first got her since she's the smallest of her litter and a mini chihuahua.Not that she's any differant to any other chihuahua,since their all small.
Dogs usually eat grass when their sick eg:Stomach ache.It won't harm her.All my animals have eaten a bit of grass when sick.
Iv'e aso been worried about her head,due to their soft spot and have accidentally knocked the door near her head too and i totally freaked out,but she's perfectly fine and i absolutely love her
Hope that helps :0