Three Black and Tan Chihuahua Puppies Sat Right in the Autumn Leaves

Three black and tan Chihuahua puppies sit shoulder to shoulder in a pile of orange and golden autumn leaves. Their ears are big and tufted, their eyes are bright and a little wary, and the tan patches over their eyes look like surprised eyebrows. Dry leaves cling to their fur, and behind them a wooden step and a small porch glow in the light. It is the peak of fall, and they are right in the middle.

Fall leaves are fun to play in, but a few precautions are smart. Piles of wet leaves can hide mold, sharp sticks or critters, and fallen fruit and mushrooms may be unsafe if chewed. Keep tiny puppies away from anything you cannot identify. The cooler weather means Chihuahuas get cold quickly, so keep outings short and have a warm spot ready. Check their coats and paws for burrs afterward, and brush the long-coat type to avoid tangles.

Ask your vet about the right outdoor time for puppies in your climate. Meals for tiny puppies are best served in small, frequent portions, and your vet can suggest an amount that suits each puppy's size. Tiny dogs can be hurt by a fall from a lap or a couch, so keep a hand on a puppy and teach children to sit on the floor.

For now, three small faces are surrounded by a sea of gold, and the afternoon is cool and still.