New TINY addition!

[WhyTeDraGon]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to introduce you all to my husband's Father's Day gift, Zeke. He's a "Teacup" Chihuahua...even though there is no such standard as Teacup...just referring to him being tiny He's also known as an "Applehead" meaning he's got a molera on his head.

Anyway, we purchased him last Friday, unfortuntely we trusted the person selling him to us because the pups looked great (probably JUST yanked from mommy). They were healthy looking and alert. He was ok that first night..and we got a week warranty on him so we decided to take him straight to the vet the following day. Come to find out, he's only 5 weeks old when we got him! If not a bit younger. He's now about 6 weeks old though. Ive had to feed him every 2-3 hours, he's been hypoglycemic and lethargic many times. He sleeps most of the day. Ive had him as a guinea pig trying to find what foods work best for him...and now ive got him on Puppy formula, Esbilac with Goat's Milk. I tried everything from Turkey/Rice/Veg babyfood, to moist puppy food (Science Diet, Iams, Newman's Own Organics) but he always has had diarrhea, bloating, dehydration, tiredness. Been giving him a bit of Karo syrup occasionally to bring him out of his lows.

Now with the formula, which I started last night, his poo is more regular looking, he has a bit more energy, still dehydrated. I may have to go get him a sub-q shot this weekend if the formula does not hydrate him enough. Ive been giving him pedialyte for dehydration, but it doesnt seem to be working.
Also a bit of yogurt for his tummy.

*Sigh* anyway, it's been a long week...but we're hanging in there. I can't say he's doing too bad, he's actually not as bad as it sounds, thank god. But it may take him awhile to fully recover and be as energetic as a puppy should be. For now we are taking it slow.

Anyway, here he is! Zeke the miracle puppy
http://grooming.gotpetsonline.com/gallery/2006-06-18-14/page2

I'll take more pics as he progresses and update occasionally to let everyone know how he is doing. He'll only be about 3lbs fully grown, if that...the vet says...so it'll be a lifelong struggle to keep him safe and healthy...but he is soooo worth it!

Enjoy the pics, and keep him in your prayers for me. Also, if nothing else comes from this, please please learn to be CAREFUL when buying a dog labeled as a "Teacup", it's normally a scam to sell younger puppies for more money.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Also, if nothing else comes from this, please please learn to be CAREFUL when buying a dog labeled as a "Teacup", it's normally a scam to sell younger puppies for more money.

Unfortunately, this is why "backyard breeders" are such a terrible thing to support. Even well-meaning people who don't *mean* to scam customers aren't likely to, say, check their dog's lineage for genetic defects. Considering most people get their dogs from other backyard breeders or pet shops (ie horrible puppy-mill dogs bred by people who only care about money and not the animal's health), there is probably a load of surprise health problems and behavioral issues in your poor dog's future.

I do hope yours makes it all right! You may have to put in extra training so that he becomes a proper friendly little dog instead of the nightmare stereotype of a tiny neurotic monster that hates everyone. I can never understand how people let their little dogs get like that, it's not good for anybody.

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

So true. I believe he'll have many issues. Luckily I have a small backup plan. More like a babysitter My 1 year old male Poodle Ricco is GREAT at taking care of babies! He lets the little one play with his feet and ears, and even lets him know when he's not behaving with a little growl or nip. He cleans him for me also. Too bad he can't nurse him, lol...but he would allow it for sure!
He lets me know when the puppy wakes up, or is hungry, and when the puppy is out, he watches over him. Mind you, he's still a male...and would prefer to be left alone most of the time...but when I need him, he's right there taking care of him Best dog ive ever had, such a good help. So the puppy will definitely get some socialization skills, but not as good as mommy and siblings could have given. I would have given him back to be nursed longer, but odds are the guy has my money, and wouldnt return him to me...plus I dont trust him anyway. He pumped the pups full of Purina Puppy Chow before selling them.

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

I forgot to mention, he weighed 8oz when I got him, I think he's more like 12oz now. So atleast he's gaining

 

[beetleman]

WOW! awesome little guy:clap: i have a "tea cup" chi chi also he's blue and tan,same pattern as yours,when i got mine he was about 6weeks(he was too young also) but he was eating the wet food/tiny bits of kibble,he's about a year old and he is 3 and a half lbs so i think he's full grown, will see i'm glad yours is doing good,they are very delicate when that small(always have to watch where you step,mine would blend in the carpet,same color ) enjoy your little guy,they are very smart,and demanding,ya gotta luv em!

 

[pinkzebra]

Oh your new little man is sooo cute! I wish the best of luck to you!

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

Oh your new little man is sooo cute! I wish the best of luck to you!

Thanks so much, to everyone! I took some more pictures, here's the link: http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/WhyTeDraGon/Dogs/Zeke/

He's been up and playing alot today! Other than today he NEVER played, and slept all day long. He's been biting my fingers, and rough housing...im not worried about discipline right now, just glad he's got some energy, finally!
The pictures show it all

 

[bugmankeith]

I would have called him doberman, he looks like a young doberman. Very cute i'm sure he will do fine. What's a Molera?

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

Look up Molera, you'll find alot of info on the topic, though it's not really important to the breed.

Anyway, Zeke is doing great now! Once I introduced him back on formula, he did a complete 360!
He's now running around, playing, sleeps only as much as a normal puppy would. He whines at night like a puppy would, eats great, no more diarrhea, he's completely hydrated!

Here are some new pictures taken this past weekend of the spoiled lil brat! He weighs about 12oz now!
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/WhyTeDraGon/Dogs/Zeke/
The last 2 pics of him in my hand are from when he first arrived here. You can tell he's grown!

 

[bugmankeith]

How big will he get when full grown, in pounds?

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

Probably no more than 3lbs.

 

[bugmankeith]

You can tell by his photos he is recovering and becoming alot healthier. He is very lucky you came along, and not somebody who buys an animal and doesnt care for it right. Keep the pictures coming, especially after you had him 1 year!

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

Just wanted to post a new picture of the little guy, he's doing great btw!

 

[beetleman]

ooohh!! i just want to jump into that pic and smooch him right up ok gotta calm down now,chi chi"s are awesome little dogs i can't beieve mine looks just like yours,color/mines a tad bigger(1yr) don't have a digi or i would be posting my little guy all over! good luck with your little mighty mite.