How to bathe a Chihuahua, what to use and how often it should be done

When choosing a funny, tiny puppy, the size of a kitten, as your pet, it is a mistake to believe that it is difficult and troublesome to care for. Of course, a dog of any breed needs regular hygiene procedures, including bathing, and the Chihuahua is no exception. But despite their external fragility and small size, they love water very much. Many baby owners are wondering: when to start, how to bathe a Chihuahua and how often it should be done.

Skin specifics

It is a well-known fact that dogs cannot sweat. Their glands produce fatty secretion, which is the natural protection of the skin, protecting it from high humidity and getting wet. Chihuahuas are decorative pets; many owners decide not to walk them daily. Due to the constant presence in a room where the air is often dry, the Chihuahua's shedding increases. In addition, there is an increased secretion of secretions, which often leads to skin diseases - dermatitis.

Dermatitis is promoted by frequent washing with the wrong cosmetics. In particular, ordinary human soap. It dries out the skin greatly when bathing and leads to flaking. The most common skin problems are:

• itching;
• peeling;
• dandruff.

Important: Dandruff and itching can be caused by parasites. Even if mini dogs are kept exclusively at home and do not go outside, they need preventive treatments for fleas, ticks and internal parasites.

The presence of dandruff is a reason to reduce the number of baths, since a systemic approach to treatment will be required, including ointments, medicinal cosmetics, and tablets.

Walking clothes

If you want to walk your dog in winter, then you cannot do without warm clothes: according to its characteristics, the Chihuahua is the smallest breed in the world, which means that it is almost constantly in the cold air zone, and besides, it does not have its own energy to warm the body. a lot of. A good winter outfit would be a jumpsuit or jacket. Paws need boots.

In the off-season, raincoats and thick suits will be useful for protection from wind and rain (short-haired dogs especially need them). But in the summer the dog does not need clothes. Although light outfits look fun, they bother your pet. Many members of this breed frankly love to “dress up,” so there is usually no problem with trying to shed clothes. The main thing is to check that the outfit does not hang loose, rub or squeeze your pet’s body.

At what age can you start swimming?

Newborn Chihuahua babies have a greater reserve of subcutaneous fat than an adult dog. This is necessary to protect the dog from injury. Rules for bathing puppies:

• For the first time the procedure is carried out no earlier than 4-6 months;
• It is recommended to bathe puppies no more than once a month. Otherwise, there is a high risk of seborrhea and alopecia;
• if possible, use only running water to rid the little Chihuahua of contamination;
• Cosmetics are selected strictly according to age and coat type.

Physiology of the skin of dogs

To understand the advisability and frequency of bathing your four-legged friends, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of their skin. This information will help prevent the occurrence of dermatological diseases and help make your pet’s coat more well-groomed.

Skin structure

The skin is considered the largest organ, covering the entire surface of the body. This is a kind of boundary barrier between the body and the environment, subject to its aggressive influence. It is a strong and dense bodily shell, consisting of several layers:

During water procedures, detergents act mainly on the epidermis and partially on the skin.

Table 1. Types of skin glands

The compact stratum corneum protects the skin from drying out

Functions of the skin

The skin performs several important tasks for the body. Among the most significant is protective. It helps prevent loss of heat and water, protects against damage and bacterial attacks.

Table 2. Basic qualities of the skin

Dogs have sensitive dermis, so most pet diseases are characterized by skin syndrome

Chihuahua skin type

In addition to distinct breed characteristics, dogs are also classified by skin type. Representatives of the canine family have 4 types of skin:

Chihuahua skin belongs to the first type. This skin structure requires soft, delicate care.

Natural skin cleansing occurs due to the exfoliation of microscopic skin particles

Bathing rules

Proper washing ensures a shiny coat and healthy skin. It is recommended to adhere to the following bathing rules:

• learning to bathe begins at six months;
• It is better to carry out the procedure according to the established schedule. In this case, the dog’s skin will get used to the chosen rhythm and will be able to maintain the fat balance at the proper level;
• The water temperature should be comfortable. The dog should not get burned or shiver from the cold;
• It is necessary to protect the dog’s ears from water to avoid otitis media. Earplugs, a special cap or the owner’s hand will help with this;
• Don't use cosmetics on people. Except in emergency cases;
• it is necessary to thoroughly rinse off the remnants of the cosmetic product so that the Chihuahua cannot lick the chemicals;
• It is better to carry out the procedure in the evening after a walk;
• Before the procedure, the dog should not be fed so as not to overload the digestive system. After bathing, the dog is treated to his favorite treat.

If the dog experiences discomfort from the procedure or fear, it is worth limiting the number of baths as much as possible. In these cases, a damp cloth will help (it is better to use microfiber). Pet stores offer a wide range of products for dry cleaning dogs: shampoos, powders, powders. Considering the size of the Chihuahua, the consumption of such a product will not be large.

What to do when you panic

To prevent the animal from panicking, talk to your pet in a calm voice. If she starts hissing, breathing heavily, crying, or meowing pitifully, try to calm her down. If all else fails, she gets very scared. Stop and limit yourself to wiping with a damp washcloth.

If the cat is very dirty, you can use the dry bathing method:

• Buy dry shampoo. If you don't have it, cornstarch will do.
• Sprinkle the powder onto the cat's fur.
• Rub into the fur using gentle movements.
• Leave for 20 minutes.
• Remove starch with a brush.

This method does not traumatize the cat’s psyche as much, but it will not work if you need to wash off a toxic substance that has gotten on your pet’s fur. In this case, a full bath is necessary.

How often?

Chihuahuas are bathed when they become dirty or when necessary. It is not recommended to use shampoo more than three times a year.

Important: a dog that does not spend time outside does not emit a specific odor due to pollution.

You won’t be able to combat this phenomenon by washing your dog with shampoo. The opposite result can be achieved. The glands will react to increased dryness of the skin and begin to produce even more secretion. This will cause the coat to become oily and increase the odor.

If you wash your Chihuahua less than once every six months, the coat may become matted and matted. This condition of the coat is an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic organisms. The consequence is dermatitis, lichen, alopecia and other diseases. Dirty, matted fur is very attractive to fleas and ticks.

Dry cleaning

In some cases, it is simply not possible to properly bathe a pet in order to put it in order. The reasons for this may be different. For example, some dogs that were scared as children are simply hysterically afraid of water. It happens that a dog has to go to an exhibition after a long journey, and there is simply nowhere to take a normal bath. In addition, if the apartment is cold and there are drafts, the dog should not be wetted at all - there is a risk of serious colds.

In any case, dry shampoo will come to the rescue. It is very simple to use - sprinkle the powder over the entire surface of the dog’s body and massage thoroughly so that it penetrates to the roots of the coat. After waiting a few minutes, the shampoo can be removed - the easiest way is to use a brush glove and comb your pet, removing the powder along with the accumulated dirt.

Post-swim care

Caring for your dog after the washing procedure is no less important than the process itself. Subsequent care, performed according to the rules, will ensure the beauty of the coat and help avoid colds. After washing:

• If the dog is not afraid of a hairdryer, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the two-layer cover, which remains wet for a long time. In the cold season, it is the under-dried cover that causes hypothermia and colds;
• For drying, use medium temperature and minimum speed;
• the hair dryer is kept at a distance of 5-10 cm from the Chihuahua’s body;
• start drying from the back, then move to the sides and end with the paws;
• Next, the dog is placed on its back or placed in its arms and the belly and areas under the limbs are dried.

Chihuahuas do not like to dry their faces. You can use a rag that absorbs moisture well. During the drying process, the dog is thoroughly combed with two types of brushes: a rubber glove, and an iron brush with long teeth.

Important: the owner will make his life much easier if he starts training him to use a hair dryer from a very young age. Otherwise, you will have to sit with the dog in your arms, wrapping it in a towel until it dries completely.

Detergents

You should not wash your Chihuahua with human shampoo or soap. Because of this, the microflora is disrupted, irritation, itching, and dandruff will appear. Buy shampoo and other grooming products at a pet store. When choosing, consider the type of coat.

There are special detergents for Chihuahuas. Gentle shampoo for other breeds is cheaper. It must be diluted in 3 parts water. If the product is professional, dilute it 1:10.

To maintain the beauty of the coat and protect it, it is recommended to use conditioner. It is better to choose the same brand as the shampoo.

If the animal cannot be bathed, then you can get by with a special dry shampoo. It protects against pathogenic microorganisms and does not require rinsing.

Swimming in reservoirs

Some toy dogs happily run to any natural body of water and fearlessly dive into the water. It is worth remembering that swimming in the hot season, especially in open places, can lead to burns and heat stroke.

Important: swimming in chlorinated pool water is not recommended - bleach causes irritation of the mucous membranes. If such water gets inside it can lead to poisoning.

Rules of conduct near bodies of water:

• You should not bathe your Chihuahua in a fast-flowing river. The low weight of the dog can play a cruel joke;
• it is important to wean your dog from drinking water from a reservoir; you should always have a bottle of clean drinking water with you;
• for swimming, choose a beach with a minimum number of people and technical water facilities;
• After bathing, the Chihuahua is washed with running water. Some types of plants can cause skin irritation and poisoning.

Important: you should not bathe a female in heat or a dog with an infectious or skin disease in the river.

Content

For puppies of this breed, it is better to immediately buy a small dog house - they are more willing to sleep there than on an open mattress. However, if you bought a mattress, it will also come in handy. In the summer, it can be hot to sleep in the house and the Chihuahua will happily move to the mattress. In addition, the “household” needs a tray - the dog needs to be accustomed to it for cases when planned walks are cancelled. Your pet should have several bowls - made of metal or ceramic.

Chihuahua needs toys - buy several of them and change them periodically. For walks, a collar and harness, as well as a leash in the form of a tape measure, will be useful. For a small dog, it is advisable to have a special carrier, because you will often have to take it on a visit or travel with it. To care for your Chihuahua, purchase a special comb (or brush), a nail clipper, dog paste and a toothbrush, and dog shampoo.

Briefly about the main thing

1. It is recommended to bathe your Chihuahua no more than four times a year.
2. It is necessary to accustom your puppy to bath procedures and a hairdryer from 6 months.
3. They use special cosmetics, avoiding products for people.
4. After the procedure, thorough drying and combing of the coat is necessary.
5. For smooth-haired individuals, it is better to use a microfiber towel to avoid possible burns from hot air.
6. Swimming in natural bodies of water is allowed, after which the dog is washed in running water.
7. Swimming in chlorinated water is not recommended.

How do you bathe your Chihuahua? Are your pets afraid of hair dryers? What cosmetic products do you use? Tell our readers about your experience in the comments.

Organization of a sleeping place

To properly maintain a Chihuahua, you need to provide it with a sleeping place. For relaxation, this dog prefers soft, warm beds or houses - these are sold in any pet store. You need to make sure the structure is strong. You need to lay a soft rug in the house.

When talking about how to care for a Chihuahua, we must not forget about the correct location of the sleeping area. It should not be in a draft, near household or heating appliances, or on a hill. Location next to the door is undesirable. In an apartment with a large area, you can put several places to relax at once.

Spaying and neutering a Chihuahua

If the owner of a Chihuahua does not intend to engage in breeding work, you should think about sterilization (castration) of the pet. The operation improves the animal’s quality of life and improves its health. As a result of sterilization, not only unplanned pregnancy is excluded, but also ovarian cancer, breast tumors, and estrus. The bitch's character is changing for the better. The operation is performed at the age of 6-7 months, before the onset of the first heat.

Males are castrated at 8-9 months. After surgery, they become less aggressive, more manageable, and the chance of developing a prostate infection decreases.

Raising and teaching Chihuahua commands

Before purchasing a small dog, you should learn everything about the breed, its care, training and maintenance. Despite its small size, a Chihuahua can have a very unpredictable and stubborn character, so from the first days you need to not only take care of the baby, but also raise it.

The puppy is taught not to bark for no reason, not to beg, and to sleep in its place, and not in the owner’s bed. By one and a half months he should know his nickname, by three he should follow basic commands (“No”, “Sit”, “Fu”, “Near”). It is impossible to foresee all the nuances when raising a dog, but emerging problems with character and behavior can be solved with the help of adjustments.

Feeding a puppy from birth to 1 year

From birth to three weeks, Chihuahua puppies are breastfed. If for some reason they are deprived of this opportunity, they are fed every two hours with special milk formulas, which can be bought at the pharmacy. In the fourth week, the first complementary foods are given - a mixture of goat's milk and eggs, then liquid oatmeal, buckwheat or rice porridge, and cottage cheese. In the second month, turkey or rabbit meat is introduced into the diet.

At the age of two months, Chihuahuas are completely transferred to independent feeding and are given food 5-6 times. At four months, milk is replaced with protein foods, offal is introduced into the menu, and the total daily portion is increased.

From six to nine months, the number of meals is reduced to three times. The diet should consist of 50% meat, 25% vegetables and 25% cereals.

From nine months to a year, the Chihuahua's diet is switched to a two-time diet, with caloric content adjusted according to individual characteristics (60 kcal per kg of weight).

Diseases and timely treatment

Due to the anatomical features of the Chihuahua, it is prone to a number of breed diseases:

• eye diseases;
• epilepsy;
• allergy;
• respiratory tract pathology;
• hydrocephalus;
• cryptorchidism;
• hypoglycemia;
• rheumatism.

When purchasing a puppy, you need to pay attention not only to its appearance, but also to the parents, get acquainted with the pedigree and ask the breeder about their health.

The pet should be periodically brought to the veterinarian for examination, and at the first suspicion of pathology, measures should be taken in accordance with his recommendations.

Toilet training

If the breeder has not toilet trained the babies, the new owner does this from the very first days. You need to prepare a tray with filling, diapers and newspapers. They are spread throughout the room. As soon as the puppy has emptied, his feces along with the bedding are transferred to the tray. Then you need to keep an eye on him and take him to the toilet every time as soon as he sits down to make a puddle or a pile. You cannot scold or shout if a mistake occurs. You should be patient and after a few days the result will be visible. To train the Chihuahua to use the toilet outdoors, take it for a walk every time after eating or sleeping.