The vet has recommended I use a harness for my Chi instead of the collar whilst out walking. I bought an extra small harness but that's still a little too big. She manages to get her legs out of the harness. Could anyone tell me if you can get harnesses any smaller?
I have this harness: http://www.snugglepets.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=19_20_23 For my Yorkie. That size should fit a Chi. Highly recommended!
I use for all my tiny dogs the kind that gives support across the chest.this photo is of my larger Yorkie but my slim Chihuahua has the same kind only in XS. Mary
Thankyou to you both, I will have a look. Also do you put coats on yours dogs in cold weather? I don't want something that's cute. If I'm to buy one I want something that will keep Fi warm that can be worn with a harness.
She'd been making a really funny noise, like she was choking. Not necessarily when she was on a walk it could be anytime. I recorded the noise and went to the vet and was told that small breeds can have problems with their soft palate and it would be best to use a harness.
Yes !A lot of the small breeds suffer with that! My latest little Yorkie George has a collapsed trachea and as he is unable to be rehomed he has come to live out his retirement with my four small girls. George often wears a lightweight T-shirt under his harness as he has very little hair and we did not want it to rub his skin. Later on when it is colder and wet they wear a more substantial waterproof coat on top . My husband has modified all their coats by putting an eyelet where the lead can be threaded through! Mary
I use a harness for my Chihuahua x yorkshire terrier called Bruiser, it is a ezydog one and it has a nice padded section on the chest to protect them. In the winter I also put Bruiser in a little sweater that I knit for him (I am a knitwear designer and have online shops too) he has several different ones and they are great for when it turns chilly.
I think the puppia soft type harnesses are best for toy dogs especially puppies as they won't cut in. (or the fleece lined ones but she might back out of it) Collars are a bad idea on chi's (and various other toy breeds) because of possible trachea collapse. :-( I have seen this harness coat on Puchi and I thought they were really, really cute Depending on where the harness clips onto the lead will determine what coat you get....
