When I describe a pooch as tiny and adorable, but feisty and sassy, what breed does it come to your mind? Chihuahuas, yes, those little, cute balls of love may be small, but they do need the same care as other breeds. Grooming may not take a lot of your time, but choosing the best shampoo for Chihuahua will do a lot for your tiny companion.
Although they may not be as furry as Poodles or Shih Tzu, Chihuahuas are prone to dry skin, so a good quality dog shampoo will be gentle to their skin.
Our team has put together a list of recommendations for the best shampoo for Chihuahua to make your search easier. Also, if you want to find out how often should you bathe your pup or if your little one enjoys their bath time, continue reading the article.
How Often Should a Chihuahua Be Bathed?
Whether you have a long-haired or short-haired Chihuahua, you should bathe this cute, little ball of love once in a few weeks.
Avoid bathing your pooch more often than every five to six weeks because it may dry their delicate skin. If you bathe it at longer intervals, the natural oils of its skin can build up and clog the pores, and as a result, it may cause skin conditions and odor.
Furthermore, if you have a Chi with a long coat, then you will need to schedule a regular brushing time to avoid its hair getting tangled and matted.
Since Chihuahuas tend to roll into messy stuff, you may want to give it an extra bath in between those five, six weeks, and that’s completely all right.
Do Chihuahuas Like to Bathe?
Bath times can be a great opportunity to bond and deepen the relationship between you and your pup. If you create an entertaining atmosphere and make it a comfortable experience for the little one, this will be something that your Chihuahua enjoys.
Before you put your little doggie in the tub, prepare all necessary items. The best shampoo for Chihuahua, its personal washcloth, soft and large towel, and a jug or a bowl.
If your pooch has a long coat, brush off any excess hair and debris. Fill the tub with warm water. The temperature of the water is crucial because these little pups have thin coats and can get cold quickly. But, be careful it is not too hot either.
Once you finish with washing and rinsing wrap the tiny ball of love in the large, fluffy towel, and rub it gently to dry it quicker.
If you decide to use a hairdryer, hold it at arm’s length and ensure that the heat is not too high.
It is all about making this process enjoyable and comfortable so that your Chi looks forward to it. You can give it a treat after the bathing.
Why Does my Chihuahua Smell Bad?
Although Chihuahuas are not one of the breeds that would smell bad, there may be certain reasons your Chi does not smell like it normally does.
One reason why your little ball of love is a bit stinky may be because it decided to roll around in something that doesn’t smell good. This is nothing to worry about. You just take your pup to the tub and bathe it with the best shampoo for Chihuahua.
However, if you notice that your doggie has dry, itchy skin or the smell is very intense, then the next step would be a vet visit or consultation. Your canine companion may be dealing with a serious health issue if the smell is persistent and intense.
What Can I bathe my Chihuahua With?
We mentioned above that you will need a few basic supplies for bath time. If you prepare these items before your start bathing your pooch, you will ensure it enjoys its baths and it may even look forward to this bonding time with you.
The Best Shampoo for Chihuahua
The best shampoo for Chihuahua is the one that meets your dog’s needs. Choose a shampoo that is gentle to your Chi’s sensitive skin. The more natural ingredients it has, the better. But, if your pup has a certain skin condition or allergies, then it is best to choose a dog shampoo that is medicated and intended to ease your dog’s condition.
Furthermore, your doggie’s age will determine what the best shampoo is for your little one. Some shampoos are more suitable for puppies rather than adult Chihuahuas.
Also, if your Chi tends to get smelly, choose a shampoo that is gently scented.
A jug, Pitcher or a Bowl
You will need some kind of container to pour water on your pup, but ensure that it is not too big, because you will need your other arm to be free so that you can shield the dog’s head.
Wash Cloth for the Shampoo
You may want to pour the shampoo onto a washcloth instead in your hand or directly on your pup. Make sure you read the directions on the dog shampoo to check the quantity you need to apply.
Dry, Fluffy Towel
Once you thoroughly rinse the little ball of love, wrap it in the large, soft towel and dry it gently.
A Treat for the Pup
A treat after bathing will make your pooch feel like it has done a good job and it will look forward to it the next time.
Can I Wash my Chihuahua With Shampoo?
The best shampoo for Chihuahua is a dog shampoo that doesn’t irritate its skin. Shampoos for humans are not suitable for pups because dog’s pH of the skin is quite different than the one of our skin.
Human shampoo is more acidic than shampoos for dogs, and using it to bathe your pup with it can upset your Chihuahua’s already delicate skin.
Choose the best shampoo for your Chihuahua and avoid using your shampoo for bath time. It won’t be harmful if you use the human shampoo once, in case you have run out of your pup’s favorite shampoo, but avoid using it on a regular basis.
The Best Shampoo for Chihuahua – Our Top Five Recommendations
Baby Powder Shampoo for Dogs by Crazy Dog
It doesn’t matter if your Chihuahua is still a puppy or it is an adult dog, this shampoo is created with small, delicate pups in mind.
Its formula is created with the purpose to deep clean and moisturize your dog’s coat and skin, but without being harmful to its eyes.
The added pro-vitamin B5 contributes to the luxurious shine and at the same time supports a manageable coat.
The wheat proteins in the conditioner make the coat healthier and nourish it deeply.
Definitely, you will enjoy snuggle time with your Chi thanks to the fresh scent that controls odor.
Pros
- It has gentle ingredients that are not harsh for your pup’s skin
- The wheat proteins deeply nourish your dog’s coat
- The vitamin B5 in the formula makes the hair shiny
Cons
- Although it is fresh and gentle, the scent doesn’t last long
A Shampoo That Is Antiseptic and Antifungal, by Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
If your Chihuahua is battling some bacterial or parasitic infections, give this shampoo a try.
The Benzethonium Chloride in the formula helps with the elimination of bacteria that irritate your pup’s skin. Ketoconazole is added to alleviate and treat fungal infections.
Moreover, the aloe vera helps with healing and soothes the skin.
Follow the instructions on the shampoo, or consult with a vet to use the shampoo according to your dog’s condition.
Pros
- The formula of the shampoo is free of parabens
- It consists of ingredients that assist in healing and treatment of bacterial and parasitic skin infections
- The formula has aloe vera to soothe the skin even more
Cons
- It may not be effective for every pup’s condition. Consult with your vet for the correct application
Lavender and Mint Original Shampoo and Conditioner for Dogs by Buddy Wash
With this shampoo, Buddy Wash offers you a soap-free product suitable for small, medium, and large breeds. It is a shampoo and a conditioner, made with botanical extracts and essential oils, so your pooch will feel like it just got out of the spa.
This shampoo is specially formulated to be soothing and calm irritated skin. It has a soothing and rejuvenating scent of lavender and mint, and the aloe vera alleviates skin irritation.
The two-in-one formula moisturizes and softens your pup’s coat.
Pros
- It is made with natural ingredients, making it gentle for your Chi’s skin
- It is free of soap, alcohol and it is made with coconut-based liquid
- The wheat proteins naturally deodorize
Cons
- The scent doesn’t last long
- If your dog’s skin is too sensitive, choose a different shampoo for its condition
Dog and Cat Shampoo with Oatmeal and Aloe by Earthbath
Made without soap, this shampoo is created specifically for itchiness and dryness. The formula provides relief and at the same time, it deodorizes your pup making it ready for cuddles.
The combination of oatmeal and aloe heals the dog’s skin and moisturize while reducing itchiness.
The scent of vanilla and almond will make it difficult to take your Chi away from your arms.
The shampoo is perfect for pups that are over six weeks old since it is completely biodegradable and free of parabens and phosphate.
Pros
- It has a gentle formula that treats dry and itchy skin, preventing your pup from scratching
- It has oatmeal and aloe for healing and soothing
- It has natural vanilla and almond scent
- It doesn’t contain soap, parabens, or phosphate
Cons
- The smell may not be according to everyone’s liking
- If your dog’s skin condition is serious, you may want to consult with a vet for another solution
Anti-Itch Shampoo for Dogs with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E by Zesty Paws
Zesty Paws offer you a great product for your adult Chihuahua. This shampoo is made of oatmeal, Vitamin E, and aloe vera to support the health of your dog’s skin and coat.
The soothing properties of the formula keep the coat soft and shiny while maintaining the skin’s moisture.
The oatmeal relieves dry skin, while the aloe vera soothes and aids to the softness of the coat.
Your pooch will smell clean and refreshing thanks to the vanilla bean extract.
Pros
- It contains ingredients that help with relieving itchiness and soothe the skin condition
- The formula’s properties make the coat of the dog shiny and soft
- It has a natural, refreshing scent
Cons
- This shampoo isn’t suitable for serious skin conditions and allergies. Consult with a vet for an appropriate solution to your pup’s condition
Your Chihuahua Deserves the Best Shampoo
Your Chihuahua’s skin and coat health will greatly depend on the choice of shampoo. As a good pet parent, choose a good-quality dog shampoo that is suitable for your pup. Use our guide to help you choose what is best for your canine companion and give the best baths of its life.
