DD moved home with a Dog. We've never had one.

[Jingle]

She moved home temporarily with a little long hair chihuahua she just got from someone a couple weeks ago. I believe he is about two years old, but we don't know much about his past life.

He has a bad back leg. To me it looks like it had been broken but not properly set. I was never a dog person, but he is just the sweetest little thing!! He is really attached to DD and I. When we come home he is sooooo happy he can hardly contain himself. He is so affectionate and just wants to be with someone and will stay by one of us all the time we are home. We try not to leave him alone long. I will be heartbroken when she moves out again with him. I think I'll need visitation rights.

We will get him to a vet for a checkup as soon as we can in the next week. But, in the meantime, if any of you have advice on how to properly take care of him I'd appreciate it! Like I said, we've never had a dog before and I really don't know much about taking care of them.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Taking him to the vet is the first order of business, in order to make sure he gets a clean bill of health. The vet will also help you figure out the correct kind of food,how much and when to feed him. The vet will prolly also tell you what you can do about his bad leg. He might need a set of wheels..they make doggie carts.

You said he's a longhair chiuaua? Get a brush...they can get mats easily if not brushed regularly. Also..since he's such a little thing, you might want to consider building little ramps for him to get up on the furniture (if he's allowed up there). It will be easier for him and less stress on his little back. Small dogs have been known to throw discs outta whack jumping on/off furniture.

Is he potty trained? If not..now is the time to start that. You might also want to consider 'crate training' him. There is good info here from the Dumb Friends League.

He sounds like a wonderful little guy. Good luck with him!

TOV

 

[Jingle]

He is potty trained. That's a great idea about the ramps! We've been helping him up and down big steps and getting up on the couch. But, we're not always here. He seems to get around great on his bad back leg and doesn't seem like he's in any pain from it. But, obviously I don't know for sure.

We will definitely take him to the vet this week by wednesday, sooner if possible.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

You're quite welcome,jingle. Good luck with the little guy. He sounds awfully nice.

TOV