About Mari Expertise I can answer on mostly everything except questions on Breeding or Pregnancy. Please do not ask me questions on those topics. I do not believe in people breeding their dogs unless they are experienced in the area and in it to better the breed. There is nothing more heartbreaking than a Chihuahua dying at the hands of an unexperienced breeder who was not prepared and bred their beloved pet because it was so cute to have puppies or for their kids to experience the "miracle of life". Please leave this up to the experts. Enough said...
Experience I have been around chihuahuas since I was 15 years old. I have experienced many situations with this dog breed from housebreaking, introducing new dogs, common ailments, skin problems, feeding, etc. Again do not ask me questions on breeding because you will not like what I have to say. I am all about educating responsible owners about this breed not aiding in the decline of the dogs.
Education/Credentials Bachelors degree in Science.
Expert: Mari Date: 6/21/2007 Subject: Kennelled for 5 days... now sick?
Question Hi Mari
I have a great little boy named Frankie; he is an 8 y.o. Chi that I adopted from the Humane Society about 8 months ago. He had been in Humane Society foster care for a year and a half! I was looking for a dog and decided whomever had been there the longest was the one for me! Luckily it was Frankie - he is sweet, if a little needy. Weighs 8.3 pds. Usually happy and active. Here's the trouble:
I recently attended an out-of-town wedding and kenneled frankie for 5 days at a vet's kennel. It was a clean, well-staffed place, I toured it twice before kennelling Frank. He was in a kennel by himself but within view and earshot of other small dogs. I brought his regular food, treats, blanket, pillow and bed. While in the kennel I called every day and they said he was "doing great" but when I got him home - he had literally chewed a huge hole through his blanket- something he has NEVER done.
Since getting home he has thrown up four times, been extra tired, seems "weepy", literally sitting on top of me all the time, hasn't been eating very much and growled when I touched his tummy. Also, it's been about three days since I've seen him have a bowel movement.
Is this nerves, sickness, separation anxiety or what?!
Answer Well the fact that he chewed a hole through his blankie worries me...and now he is sensitive to touching his tummy? Seems a bit strange to me, I think a visit to the vet is in order...I tend to be on the over cautious side with these little guys, because they are so small they react worse to things than would a bigger dog. Not to alarm you but he might have some intestinal blockage, that's the worse case scenario, though however! It might just be a case of the trauma of you being away..either way if you as the momma are alarmed than follow your gut instinct. Take him to a vet and let me know what happens! Good luck!
