Chihuahuas are small and the world is a pretty dangerous place!

If you have a toy breed dog, you need to be extra-careful to prevent injury and death. Many, many small dogs are hurt due to accidents that are easily prevented. A little caution can prevent suffering.

Aggressive dog (and coyote!) attacks are on the rise, and small dogs are being killed by larger, attacking dogs that see them as prey. NEVER leave your dog unattended in a yard, on a deck or doorstep, or anywhere that an attack may happen. Large dogs are jumping fences to kill small dogs, and are attacking little dogs right on a leash when their owners walk them! There have even been attacks in people's homes.

A FENCE is a top priority. Make sure your small dog cannot crawl through, dig under, or get their head caught! Build one as high as you possibly can. (Note! Invisible type fences are NOT good. They may keep your dog in, but allow other dogs and coyotes easy access to your yard to attack your pets.)

SECURE your yard. Make sure your fence is jump-proof, dig-proof, and that there are no holes that another dog can get through. If you need to, attach wire fencing to top of fence to prevent a larger dog or coyote jumping in, and consider adding electric fencing to the outside of your existing fence to keep other dogs OUT. Never leave your dog alone in the yard.

If you live where there are roaming dogs, or people choose to own aggressive dogs (or there are sidewalk bicyclists or skateboarders), it is simply NOT SAFE to walk your little dog on a leash. An attack can happen in a split-second, and you cannot stop it! Instead, play with your dog in the house or yard, invite friends' dogs over for play sessions, or enroll your dog in doggie daycare.

A screen door is not enough to prevent a dog attack. Aggressive dogs have been known to break through screen doors and windows to attack the little ones. CLOSE DOORS AND WINDOWS on first floor, especially when you are not home.

NEVER leave your dog tied. They are completely open to attack.

Consider a fancy dog carrier for your small dog that you can wear over your shoulder. If you are traveling or going to the vet, use a safe, secure, plastic carrier.

NEVER let your dog approach an unknown larger dog. Your dog can be killed in a moment, especially if your chihuahua or toy breed is growling or has an "attitude."

If someone in your neighborhood is not obeying leash laws, or there is a problem with stray dogs, contact animal control and INSIST that the issues be resolved. Remind your town or city that they may be sued if they do not properly enforce laws and protect the public. Escalate to the media and mayor/city council if Animal Control is not doing their job!

Many many attacks on small dogs are by the NEIGHBOR'S DOGS that break through a fence or get loose. If your neighbor has large dogs, be extra careful. Even a dog that is friendly to people may still attack small dogs.

INSIST that local laws identify as "dangerous dogs" those who have attacked another pet. Remember that a dog that has attacked a cat will also attack a small dog. They see both as prey. 

All these precautions apply to all toy breed dogs- teacup poodle, shih tzu, maltese, yorkshire terrier yorkie, cockapoo,  cocker spaniel, papillon, chinese crested, cairn terrier, rat terrier, jack russell, pom pomeranian, pug, puggle, boston terrier, welsh corgi, etc