Chihuahua in Los Angeles
Toy · Usually lives 14–16 years
Energy3/5
Trainability3/5
Grooming needs1/5
Shedding2/5
Heat tolerance4/5
Handles warm weather well, but still check the asphalt with your hand and bring water on hikes.
Often screened for: dental disease, kneecap luxation, heart conditions
Caring for an adult Chihuahua
your dog (Chihuahua, age unknown) is in their prime. Keep them fit, lean and busy, with a yearly vet checkup.
Health & vet
- Yearly vet checkup, dental check and vaccines as recommended.
- Year-round flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
- Ask your vet about screening for: dental disease, kneecap luxation, heart conditions.
- Ask your vet about the leptospirosis vaccine: LA County has seen outbreaks, especially where dogs share water bowls.
Food
- 2 measured meals a day; adjust for activity and keep a visible waist.
- Any food change: mix over 7–10 days.
Training
- Keep skills sharp with short daily practice.
- New tricks and puzzles keep the brain busy.
Exercise & LA outdoors
- Daily walks plus play or sniff time, matched to the breed's energy.
- Change routes to keep it interesting.
- Foxtail season (spring–summer): after walks check paws, ears, nose and armpits for grass seeds.
- On hillside trails (Griffith Park and others) keep them leashed: rattlesnakes in warm months, coyotes at dawn and dusk.
Grooming
- Regular brushing, nails every few weeks, teeth several times a week.
- Check ears and paws after outings.
- Small mouths get dental disease early: brush teeth daily if you can.
Social life
- Regular time with dog friends, group walks or playdates.
- Respect their preferences: not every adult dog loves dog parks.
- Small dog in LA: don't leave them alone in the yard at dawn or dusk; coyotes are common in many neighborhoods.
General guidance for dog owners, not veterinary advice. Decisions about health, vaccines, food changes and medication: with your vet.
Have a Chihuahua? Get a care plan for its exact age, plus local vets, groomers and trainers.
Add my dog