Three Cream Chihuahua Puppies Fell Asleep in a Row on a Quilt

Three cream-colored Chihuahua puppies lie in a sleepy row on a floral patchwork quilt. Their faces rest sideways on the cloth, eyes shut, little noses pointed toward the edge. The quilt is a collage of pinks, blues, greens and plaids, and the puppies' pale coats stand out against it. In the background, a pot of herbs, a blue bucket and some weathered siding hint at a backyard, where the afternoon is slow and warm.

For a Chihuahua puppy, a quilt is a good place to nap, since a soft blanket keeps small bodies warm. Puppies this small tire quickly and can sleep for long stretches, so it helps to keep a quiet resting place in the house. It is also important that very small puppies eat regularly, since toy breeds can have trouble if they go too long without food. Ask your vet about the right feeding schedule for your puppy.

Outdoors, make sure there is shade and that the quilt does not get too hot in the sun. Because the breed is so small, house training can take patience, and a regular schedule of bathroom breaks makes it easier. Fresh water should always be nearby, since small puppies can become dehydrated faster than larger dogs. Dental care matters a lot for small breeds, so ask your vet about brushing and safe chews while the puppy is young.

For now, the afternoon is warm, the quilt is soft and the three of them are completely, blissfully asleep.