Chihuahua Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Chihuahua puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Chihuahua puppies at 8 weeks may weigh under 1 pound. They're fragile, fast, and can hide in places you can't imagine. Puppy-proofing for a Chihuahua requires thinking at floor level — literally getting on your hands and knees to see what a tiny dog can get into or under.

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Essential Gear Checklist

• Small crate (18 inch) or puppy pen enclosure
  One option: Amazon Basics 8-Panel Exercise Pen (24 in) on Amazon. An 8-panel folding metal pen, 24 inches tall with a step-through door, for a puppy-safe zone in a room or yard. 24 inches suits small breeds and young puppies; a dog that can jump it needs the taller version.
• Low-sided bed (easy to get in/out safely)
• Small stainless steel food and water bowls
  One option: Non-Slip Stainless Steel Bowls, 2 Cup (2-Pack) on Amazon. A two-pack of 2-cup stainless bowls with a non-slip rubber base, sized for small dogs' meals and water.
• Harness (critical — never use a collar on a Chihuahua due to tracheal collapse risk)
• Lightweight leash
• Soft slicker brush (smooth coat) or pin brush (long coat)
• Dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste — start dental habits from day one
  One option: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, Poultry (2.5 oz) on Amazon. A poultry-flavored enzymatic toothpaste made without foaming agents, so it's meant to be swallowed rather than rinsed. Use it with a soft-bristled or finger toothbrush.
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
  One option: Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzyme stain and odor eliminator for urine, feces and vomit, carrying the Carpet and Rug Institute's seal for carpets. Spot-test on delicate fabrics first.
• Small, soft training treats (break into tiny pieces — Chis are tiny)
  One option: Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Training Treats, Beef (19 oz) on Amazon. Soft, bite-size training treats with real beef as the first ingredient, small enough for rapid repetitions. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
• Appropriately sized toys — avoid anything a Chihuahua could swallow or get a jaw stuck in
• Dog clothing — sweaters, jackets for cold weather (not optional for this breed below 50°F)
  One option: Fleece Dog Sweaters, Small Breeds (3-Pack) on Amazon. A three-pack of fleece pullover sweaters in small-dog sizes for short-coated and hairless breeds on cold days. Measure chest and back length, and take it off indoors so the dog doesn't overheat.

Home Safety for a Very Small Dog

• Check under all furniture and appliances before sitting or moving them
• Reclining chairs and sleeper sofas are significant hazards — many small dogs are injured or killed by these
• Close toilet lids — a Chihuahua puppy can fall in and drown
• Block access to stairs until the puppy is old enough to navigate them safely
• Keep all cleaning products, medications, and toxic foods (chocolate, xylitol, grapes) completely inaccessible
• Inform all family members about stepping carefully and not dropping the dog

First Week Setup

What should the first week with a Chihuahua puppy look like?

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam including fontanelle (molera) assessment — some Chihuahua puppies have an open soft spot on the skull that requires care
• Dental assessment — Chihuahuas have a high rate of retained baby teeth; early identification allows planning
• Vaccine schedule
• Discuss hypoglycemia risk (see section below)
• Parasite prevention appropriate for a toy breed
• Microchip (especially important for a small, easily lost or stolen breed)
• Confirm sex and any anatomical notes

Hypoglycemia in Chihuahua Puppies

Young Chihuahua puppies — particularly under 12 weeks and under 2 lbs — are at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Unlike larger breeds, they have minimal body fat reserves and can crash quickly if they miss meals or are stressed.

Signs of Hypoglycemia

• Weakness, lethargy, or trembling
• Pale gums
• Confusion or glassy eyes
• Seizures in severe cases

Emergency Treatment

Rub a small amount of corn syrup, honey, or Nutri-Cal on the gums and get to a vet immediately. Keep Nutri-Cal or Karo syrup in the house during the puppy's first months.

Prevention

• Feed small meals 3–4 times daily until 4–6 months old
• Never let the puppy go more than 4–5 hours without food in the first months
• Minimize stressful situations during the first weeks — stress raises glucose demand

Training From Day One

Training a Chihuahua: Size Is Not an Excuse

The single most common Chihuahua owner mistake is allowing behaviors because 'they're so small it doesn't matter.' A Chihuahua that barks aggressively, guards food, bites when uncomfortable, and refuses handling is a dog in a difficult situation — it will be passed around, given up, or live a stressed life. Small size is not a substitute for training.

Train Your Chihuahua Like It Weighs 70 Lbs

• No jumping on people (even if it's cute when they're tiny — it won't be when your senior Chi is still doing it at 15)
• No food guarding — establish hand-feeding and bowl manipulation from puppyhood
• No biting or snapping — redirect immediately with a calm 'no' and ignore the dog briefly
• Sit before meals, before going outside, before receiving any treat

Year One Training Priorities

1. Puppy class: Especially important for socialization. Chihuahuas not socialized early become fearful and reactive to other dogs and strangers.
2. Dental care routine: Brush teeth 3–4 times per week from the start. Make it positive. Chihuahuas that accept toothbrushing as puppies maintain better dental health throughout their 14–17 year life.
3. Handling desensitization: Touch ears, paws, mouth, and examine the dog daily. The molera (soft spot) on some puppies should be handled gently — never apply pressure there.
4. Leash training: Always use a harness. Introduce the harness and leash positively — many Chihuahuas initially freeze or resist. Short, positive sessions with high-value treats.