Chihuahuas can be very energetic but need tons of care and attention just like most other dogs. But as they are small, therefore the grooming and caring procedures are different from other breeds.
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As their biological functions are different, so they need some extra attention. For first-time dog owners, Chihuahuas are not a great choice. But if you have experience having a pet dog and know how to take care of them, then you can go for a Chihuahua.
If you have a Chihuahua and want to properly groom your pet, then you are in the right place.
1. Get A Unique Haircut
A unique hairstyle will give your dog an adorable appearance. There are different styles of haircuts that you can try on your Chihuahua. Depending on the hair color of your dog or the hair length, you can select the haircuts.
If you want your dog to have a simple yet elegant look, a normal trim would suffice. Some Chihuahuas have long fur on their foot, which disrupts their normal movement. So a simple trim will work too.
A very stylish cut for your Chihuahua that is comfortable during summer times is the lion cut. The lion cut trims down the hair on the body but has a stylish look on the head, giving the Chihuahua an appearance of a lion.
If you want your pet Chihuahua to have a much more strong look that expresses its personalities, then the show cut will be the best choice. This cut is a popular choice for dog owners who take part in different dog competitions. The show cut makes the tail appear more fluffy and shapes the front and the hind side of the dog.
2. Keep The Fur Clean With A Brush
Chihuahuas have a mischievous nature and often run around. This causes their fur to collect a large amount of dust. As already mentioned, Chihuahuas are fragile animals and get sick pretty often.
To make sure that does not happen, you need to brush your dog regularly. You can get all your chihuahua information easily online.
Be sure to brush thoroughly so that no dirt particles remain on the fur. Too much dirt can cause rashes, itching, and skin problems.
The type of brush should depend on your dog’s fur. If the dog has long hair, then a brush with long teeth will work better. If it has smaller fur, then a brush with a small tooth will be a good choice. No matter which brush you choose, be sure that the bristles are not too rough as they might inflict pain on your Chihuahua.
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Ask a Vet Live Now3. Take Your Chihuahua For A Bath
Nothing beats a warm bath to achieve tip-top cleanliness. Many people think that bathing Chihuahuas is a very difficult job. But that is not the case at all. The bathing process is different from other dogs. Bath your Chihuahua at least three times a week.
Since Chihuahuas are small, it is better to give them a proper bath in a sink instead of a large bathtub. Since these animals are nervous about water, the sink works as a better bathing place.
The water needs to be at the right temperature as well. If the water is too hot or too cold, then your Chihuahua will start throwing tantrums, and it will get difficult bathing them.
Since Chihuahuas are also very weak, after the bath, dry them with a soft and absorbent towel. Be gentle as you dry them.
4. Dog-Friendly Conditioner For Silky Fur
You should use shampoos and conditioners so that your dog can have the silkiest fur. But do not use regular shampoos or conditioners on them. This will not only do any good but might even damage their hair texture.
Some shampoos and conditioners are specifically designed for canine use. Look at your local pet shop for those hair cleaning products. Buy the one rich in nutrients and protein. This way, it will not wash away the essential oils that give their hair a glossy look.
5. The Ears Must Be Clean
Ear infection in Chihuahuas is pretty common. So you need to take extra care and clean the ears frequently. Three factors can cause ear infections in your Chihuahua. These are- Dust, Wax, and Moisture.
These things get trapped in the ear because of the curvature of the ear canal and cause yeast and bacterial infection.
To prevent these from forming in your dog’s ear, follow these easy steps-
- Place water repellent cloth in your dog’s ears as you bath them.
- Pluck long hairs from the ear
- Use small cotton buds to clean the ear two times a week.
6. Take Special Care For The Eyes
Just like the ears, the eyes need some special attention too. Eye discharges are common in all animals.
When you wake up from sleep and see small liquid particles at the corner of your eye, those are eye discharges, more commonly known as “eye goop”. Just like humans, dogs have eye goop too. If left unchecked it can cause health issues.
These eye goop can cause tear staining, a fur deformity that changes the color of the fur. The fur will also get hardened. Not only eye goop, but any liquid particles from their food that got stuck in the eye area will cause tear staining.
To prevent such tear staining and goop from developing, regularly wipe any Food particles and liquids from your Chihuahua’s eye area.
7. Check The Anal Glands
Another sensitive part about the Chihuahua is the anal glands, which are located one on each side of a dog’s anus.
For normal dogs, these glands are large. These glands help to identify the dog’s sex. For Chihuahuas, these glands are small and need to be taken care of.
If these glands get enlarged, they rupture, releasing a very strong odor, and become prone to infection.
The best way to check if your dog has enlarged anal glands is to take them to the vet if you smell a strong odor coming from your dog.
8. Keep The Nails Short
Chihuahuas are more mischievous than other dogs. They are often seen scratching and damaging the home furniture. They might even bite or scratch people, which is rarely seen in other dog breeds.
To ensure that your dog does not hurt anyone or damage anything, you need to trim the nails and keep them as small as possible. Large nails not only damage others but might cause a problem for themselves as well.
If the nails are not cut in time, they might become ingrown. This will irritate and will cause skeletal damage. Get small clippers and cut the nails short. It must be trimmed once every three months.
9. Maintain Proper Dental Hygiene
Chihuahuas are very prone to dental damage. So giving them a brush frequently is a must. This will also prevent any mouth odor, and reduce the chances of any severe Periodontal Disease.
Chihuahuas eat in large quantities. So their teeth are prone to damage and might have cavities. Just like shampoos and conditioners, do not use human toothpaste as they are not very effective.
There is special toothpaste for dogs. The best would be to give them a brush every day. The gums will remain healthy and the dog will also have a fresh breath.
10. Use Elegant Perfumes To Make Your Dog Smell Better
Chihuahuas are small dogs, so it is easy to keep them clean. They rarely have any bad odors coming from them unless there are some severe diseases.
But that does not mean you should not use any perfumes on them. Even your Chihuahua might enjoy the refreshing smell of the perfume and feel jolly.
Once again, do not use perfumes that are designed for humans. There are specific perfumes for dogs. Human perfumes have an array of smells. They might seem pleasant to you, but dogs, who have a very strong sense of smell, can become overwhelming. So do not use human perfumes. Instead, use softer perfumes designed for dogs.
11. Take Them To The Vet
So, you have done everything in your power to take good care of your dog. You bathed and cleaned your dog regularly, gave it a brush, and groomed its fur. But even after all of this, if you see that your dog is behaving strangely then take it to the nearest vet. It is best to take your chihuahua to the vet once a year.
Final Thoughts
Chihuahuas are small adorable dogs that have a very mischievous nature. They are small and weak, so they get sick very often. But if you follow the grooming methods mentioned in this article, then you can rest assured that your pet Chihuahua can lead a healthy and happy life.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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