Tinkerbell Hilton, Paris Hilton's tiny Teacup Chihuahua, made famous as a result of extensive media coverage, has led to an increased interest in this variant of the popular Chihuahua as a choice of pet. While the cuteness of this tiny dog is widely acknowledge, few understand that it is precisely the smallness of the Teacup Chihuahua which results in it to be extremely vulnerable to various illnesses. Given this, it is every Teacup Chihuahua owner's responsibility to acquire the necessary knowledge for taking care of your Teacup Chihuahua.

Despite their small size, Teacup Chihuahuas need regular meals of high quality food. Food should consist of meat proteins, carbohydrates and a vegetable. To prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, dried dog food is generally recommended. Two meals should be given daily to the Teacup Chihuahua. Care should be taken by owners to regulate feeding portions as Teacup Chihuahuas are prone to overeating, resulting in obesity. Food should be in small bite-sized proportions to ease chewing and digestion as Chihuahuas have very small teeth. Also, food should be fresh and any unconsumed food after each meal should be discarded to prevent the growth of bacteria and germs. Plenty of drinking water should be provided for hydration purposes. This is especially important in places with warmer temperature.

For hygiene purposes, it is recommended that the Teacup Chihuahuas be given a bath at least once a month. Hygiene is necessary especially in warmer countries where inadequate levels of hygiene would leave the Teacup Chihuahua prone to hygiene related illnesses and fleas. In fact, it is recommended that in such places, the Chihuahua be given bathes on a more frequent basis. Care should be taken to prevent water from entering the ears of the Chihuahua as this would often lead to infection.

Given the small size of the Teacup Chihuahua, it would be a good idea to invest in a warm coat for the dog especially if you are living in a country with a cooler temperature. The small size of the Teacup Chihuahua means that these dogs have less fat as compared to their regular sized cousins to insulate them from the cold. It is important however, for Teacup Chihuahua owners to observe for signs of discomfort or allergies when purchasing clothing for their Teacup Chihuahua. Comfort should be given top priority over style when making clothing Teacup Chihuahuas.

Teacup Chihuahuas are also more prone to injuries as compared to regular-sized Chihuahuas. Families with children should not get Teacup Chihuahuas as these dogs as the fragility of these dogs means greater chances of sustaining severe injuries in the children decide to play rough with them.

Regular visits to the local veterinarian are a must for families who adopt Teacup Chihuahuas. The small size of these dogs often means comparatively poorer health, leaving them to be extremely vulnerable to health problems such as hypoglycemia, respiratory problems as well as dehydration. As puppies, checkups should be even more frequent for thyroid and liver problems.

Smaller isn't always better. While the cuteness of the Teacup Chihuahua is something that most would choose to die for, it is important for potential Chihuahua owners to consider if they are ready to put in the long-term effort and commitment required to raise a Teacup Chihuahua.