How to Bathe and Clean Your Chihuahua

Chihuahua getting a bath with an illustration saying "How to Bathe Your Chihuahua"

Your Chihuahua’s hygiene is dependent upon regular baths. All dogs get dirty. As your Chihuahua runs around outside, he will attract dirt and debris that mix with his natural skin oils.

Unfortunately, self-grooming alone won’t keep your Chihuahua clean. Your Chihuahua may lick himself after being outside, but some dirt and debris will remain trapped in his coat. It’s up to you to properly clean your Chihuahua by bathing him. What’s the right way to bathe your Chihuahua exactly?

The Importance of Bathing Your Chihuahua

Chihuahuas need baths just like we do. It will promote a healthier coat by removing trapped dirt and debris. Even if your Chihuahua looks clean, there’s probably dirt and debris embedded deep in his coat. When left unchecked, this can lead to a tangled and matted coat. Baths will clean your Chihuahua’s coat so that he looks and feels his best.

Your Chihuahua will smell better after getting a bath. Dogs can develop some funky odors. Maybe your Chihuahua has a yeast infection, or perhaps he has seborrheic dermatitis that causes him to produce an excessive amount of sebum. Just being outside on a hot summer day, in fact, can make your Chihuahua smell funky. Unless you enjoy cuddling up next to a stinky Chihuahua, you’ll need to bathe him.

Baths offer an opportunity to inspect your Chihuahua’s body. You can check to see if he has any injuries, such as cuts or scraps. Injuries are more noticeable if your Chihuahua has wet fur. You can also look for fleas and ticks when bathing your Chihuahua. If you rarely or never bathe your Chihuahua, injuries and pests such as these may go unnoticed.

Regularly bathing your Chihuahua will protect him from skin irritation. Skin irritation is often attributed to a dirty coat. There may be trace amounts of chemicals — household cleaning products, road salt, poison ivy oil, etc. — trapped in your Chihuahua’s coat that irritate his skin. Alternatively, your Chihuahua may be allergic to certain substances trapped in his coat. By bathing your Chihuahua, you’ll rinse away chemicals and substances that could otherwise irritate his skin.

It’s not just your Chihuahua who will benefit from regular baths; you and other members of your family may benefit from it as well. It will lower the risk of allergy attacks. Your Chihuahua’s coat may trap allergens to which you or members of your family are allergic. Research shows that 10% to 20% of the population is allergic to pet dander and 26% of the population is allergic to pollen. Your Chihuahua’s coat probably contains dander and pollen that can trigger allergy attacks.

Regular baths can help you manage your Chihuahua’s shedding. Whether he has a smooth coat or long coat, your Chihuahua will shed. Rather than allowing all of his loose fur to accumulate in your home, though, you can bathe your Chihuahua. A quick bath will allow you to remove some of your Chihuahua’s loose fur.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Chihuahua?

How often to bathe a Chihuahua

The longer your Chihuahua goes without a bath, the dirtier he will become. With that said, you don’t want to bathe your Chihuahua too often. Chihuahuas and other dogs produce natural oils like sebum that moisturize their skin and protect them from pathogens. Each time you bathe your Chihuahua, you’ll strip away some of his natural oils.

The frequency at which you should bathe your Chihuahua depends on several factors, such as how much time he spends outdoors and whether he has dry skin. Most Chihuahuas should be bathed every two to eight weeks. If your Chihuahua spends a lot of time outdoors, he may require more frequent baths. If your Chihuahua has dry skin, on the other hand, he may require less frequent baths.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine a suitable bathing frequency for your Chihuahua. After taking into account your Chihuahua’s outdoor activity levels, skin type, coat type and other factors, your veterinarian can recommend a custom bathing frequency.

What You’ll Need to Bathe Your Chihuahua

There are a few basic items you’ll need to bathe your Chihuahua. You may already own some of these items. If this is your first time bathing your Chihuahua, though, you may have to purchase others.

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to bathe your Chihuahua:

  • Grooming brush: You’ll need a high-quality grooming brush to remove loose fur and knots from your Chihuahua’s coat. If your Chihuahua has an undercoat, consider using a slicker brush. If he only has a top coat, use a bristle-based pin brush.
  • Dog-formulated shampoo: Avoid using traditional “human” shampoo. Instead, choose a shampoo product that’s designed specifically for dogs. Dog-formulated shampoo is gentler and less acidic, making it a safer choice for your Chihuahua.
  • Dog-formulated conditioner (optional): You may want to pick up some dog-formulated conditioner when bathing your Chihuahua. While optional, conditioner can moisturize your Chihuahua’s skin and coat.
  • Cup or handheld showerhead. You’ll need a cup or handheld showerhead. Using either of these items, you can rinse your Chihuahua with water before and after lathering him with shampoo.
  • Non-slip bath mat. Like all dogs, Chihuahuas may struggle to maintain their balance when standing in a bathtub. Their paw pads aren’t designed for the smooth surface of a porcelain or acrylic bathtub. For a safer and more comfortable bathing experience, place a non-slip bath may at the bottom of your bathtub.
  • Towel or blow dryer: You’ll also need a towel or blow dryer. When you are finished bathing your Chihuahua, you can pat him dry with a towel or run a blow dryer over his body.
  • Treats: Don’t underestimate the importance of treats. You can use them to coax your Chihuahua into the bathtub prior to bathing him, and you can use them as a reward after you’ve finished bathing your him.
  • Hair trap for the drain. A hair trap will protect against drain clogs. As you bathe your Chihuahua, some of his loose fur will be released. Without a hair trap, it will likely end up in the drain where it creates a blockage.

Steps to Bathing Your Chihuahua

Bathing your Chihuahua may sound light a straightforward process, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. To thoroughly clean your Chihuahua while ensuring he has a safe and positive experience, follow these steps.

Step #1) Choose a Bathing Spot

Start by choosing a spot in which to bathe your Chihuahua. Most owners prefer to bathe their Chihuahuas in the bathtub. Bathtubs are easily accessible, and many of them are equipped with a handheld showerhead for an additional level of convenience.

But you don’t have to bathe your Chihuahua in a bathtub. The breed’s small size opens the doors to other options, such as a sink or even a large plastic container. You can remain standing while bathing your Chihuahua in a sink, which may prove useful if you suffer from back pain. If you use a large plastic container, you can bathe your Chihuahua outdoors, assuming the weather is nice.

If you choose to bathe your Chihuahua outdoors, don’t use a garden hose to fill the container. The water coming out of the hose will likely be too cold. Use heated water from inside your home, instead.

Step #2) Brush Your Chihuahua’s Coat

Owner brushing his Chihuahua before giving him a bath

Before getting your Chihuahua wet, you should brush his Chihuahua’s coat. Using a slicker or bristle grooming brush, gently stroke through your Chihuahua’s coat. Brushing will remove loose fur while also eliminating knots and tangled.

Work the brush from the scruff around your Chihuahua’s neck all the way to his rear end. If you encounter a knot or tangle, don’t try to force the brush through it. Instead, hold the knot or tangle with one hand while using your other hand to “tease” it loose. Knots and tangles are easier to remove from a dry coat, which is why you should brush your Chihuahua before bathing him.

Step #3) Prepare the Tub

Now it’s time to prepare the tub (or sink or container). Place the hair trap at the top of the drain and fill the tub with 2 to 4 inches of lukewarm water. The water level only needs to reach your Chihuahua’s knees. If there’s too much water in the tub, your Chihuahua may feel stressed and anxious, or he may get some of the water in his eyes.

Make sure the water is lukewarm as well. The ideal temperature for bathwater is 96 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too hot, it may scald your Chihuahua. If the water is too cold, it may place your Chihuahua at risk for hypothermia. You might be able to gauge the water temperature simply by feeling it. To err on the side of caution, however, consider using a thermometer for a more accurate temperature reading.

Step #4) Prepare the Shampoo 

Most dog-formulated shampoos are designed to be diluted with water. In their original and concentrated form, they are too thick to penetrate through a dog’s coat. Unless you dilute it, the dog-formulated shampoo will likely sit on top of your Chihuahua’s coat without actually reaching his skin underneath.

Refer to the instructions on the shampoo bottle for the proper dilution ratio. Some shampoos use a dilution ratio of 1:1, meaning you’ll need to mix it with equal parts water. Other shampoos use a dilution ratio of 30:1, meaning you’ll need to mix it with 30 parts water for every one part shampoo. Regardless, follow the instructions by mixing the shampoo with water in a temporary container, such as a cup.

Step #5) Wet Your Chihuahua

Place your Chihuahua in the now-prepared tub and wet him. You can use a large cup or pitcher to scoop water from the bottom of the tub and pour it over your Chihuahua. Alternatively, you can use a handheld showerhead to spray water onto your Chihuahua.

Whether you use a cup, pitcher or handheld showerhead, soak your Chihuahua’s entire body while using caution not to get any water in his eyes or ears. Water can irritate your Chihuahua’s eyes, and it can place your Chihuahua at risk for ear infections. Research shows that over 7% of all dogs will develop an ear infection in any given year. Infection-causing bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments, including wet ear canals.

You can cover your Chihuahua’s eyes and ears to prevent water from getting in them. Some owners also plug their Chihuahua’s ears with cotton balls to keep them dry. 

Step #6) Later on the Shampoo

Chihuahua with a thick lather of shampoo during bath time

With your Chihuahua nice and wet, you can lather on the shampoo. Pour the diluted shampoo over your Chihuahua and massage it into his coat. Be sure to spread the shampoo throughout Chihuahua’s neck, back, stomach, legs, tail and paws. You can use your hands, or you can use a loofah or sponge. Regardless, there should be suds covering his entire body. 

To ensure that you don’t get any shampoo in your Chihuahua’s eyes or ears, use a washcloth to clean your Chihuahua’s head. Soak a clean washcloth in the shampoo and use it to gently scrub your Chihuahua’s head.

Don’t store any leftover diluted shampoo. There may be bacteria in the water that, over time, multiply. To protect your Chihuahua from infections, only use freshly diluted shampoo during baths.

Step #7) Wait a Few Minutes and Rinse

Owner rinsing Chihuahua with a handheld showerhead

After allowing the shampoo to sit for two or three minutes, you can rinse your Chihuahua. Shampoos are designed to bind to dirt and debris. When you rinse your Chihuahua, you’ll not only rinse away the shampoo; you’ll rinse away the dirt and debris trapped in his coat.

You can rinse your Chihuahua using the same large cup, pitcher or handheld showerhead that you initially used to get him wet. While pouring or spraying clean water onto your Chihuahua — use caution not to get any water in his eyes or ears — gently massage his body to work out the shampoo. Continue rinsing your Chihuahua until the water runs clear and there are suds remaining on his coat.

Step #8) Perform a Full-Body Inspection

With your Chihuahua clean and still wet, check his body for injuries, pests and medical conditions. You may not notice these things when your Chihuahua’s coat is dry. A dry coat will conceal your Chihuahua’s underlying skin. Only after getting your Chihuahua wet and performing a full-body inspection will you notice injuries, pests and medical conditions involving his skin.

Here are some common types of injuries, pests and medical conditions to look for when inspecting your Chihuahua:

  • Cuts
  • Inflammation
  • Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots)
  • Sarcoptic mange
  • Pruritus
  • Folliculitis
  • Skin ulcers
  • Allergy rashes
  • Lumps or bumps
  • Fleas and “flea dirt”
  • Ticks
  • Infections

Step #9) Reapply the Shampoo (Optional)

Depending on how dirty your Chihuahua is, you may want to reapply the shampoo. If it’s been several months since you last bathed your Chihuahua — or if your Chihuahua has been playing outside — he may require an additional round of shampoo. 

The first round of shampoo should remove most of the dirt and debris, whereas the second round of shampoo will eliminate the rest. Repeat steps #5 through #7 to reapply the shampoo if needed.

Step #10) Apply the Conditioner (Optional)

You may want to apply conditioner when bathing your Chihuahua. Dog-formulated conditioner is designed to moisturize the fur and skin of dogs. If your Chihuahua suffers from chronic dry skin or brittle fur, incorporating conditioner into his bath routine may prove useful.

Conditioner isn’t a substitute for shampoo. They are two different types of grooming products with their own purpose. Shampoo is designed to clean dogs’ fur and skin, whereas conditioner is designed to moisturize and nourish their fur and skin. You should always use shampoo when bathing your Chihuahua, but you really only need to use conditioner if your Chihuahua has dry skin or brittle fur.

Common ingredients in dog-formulated conditioners include:

  • Shea butter
  • Coca butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Argan oil
  • Jojoba seed oil
  • Aloe vera
  • Silk protein
  • Colloidal oatmeal
  • Fruit extracts
  • Plant extracts
  • Vitamin E

Like with shampoo, you should rinse your Chihuahua after applying the conditioner. Pour or spray clean water over your Chihuahua’s body until the water runs clear.

Step #11) Dry Your Chihuahua

Chihuahua drying off with a towel

Bath time isn’t complete without drying. If you don’t dry your Chihuahua, he’ll probably track water throughout your home. You may find wet spots on the floors, furniture, rugs, bedding and anything else your Chihuahua touches.

Particulate matter is also more likely to stick to a wet coat than a dry coat. As your still-wet Chihuahua rolls around, he will pick up dirt and debris. For a cleaner home, as well as a cleaner Chihuahua, you’ll need to dry him.

You can dry your Chihuahua using a towel or blow dryer. If you’re going to use a towel, choose a microfiber towel rather than a traditional all-cotton towel. Microfiber towels are made of small synthetic fibers, such as polyester, polyamide and polypropylene fibers, measuring less than 10 micrometers in diameter.

Benefits of using a microfiber towel include:

  • Absorbs seven times its weight in water
  • More effective at cleaning dirt and debris than a cotton towel
  • Attracts loose fur to help control shedding
  • Thinner than a cotton towel, making it easier to wrap around your Chihuahua’s body
  • Gentle and non-irritating
Professional groomer using a dog dryer
Photo of a Professional groomer using a dog dryer on a small dog.

If you’re going to dry your Chihuahua with a blow dryer, choose a blow dryer that’s designed specifically for dogs. Known as dog dryers, they are safer and easier to use.

Human hairdryers produce too much heat, with many of them reaching temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Dog dryers rely more on airflow rather than heat to dry a dog’s coat. They feature a powerful motor that blows air through a long flexible tube. As you run the tube’s nozzle over your Chihuahua’s coat, it will dry him without burning or irritating your Chihuahua’s skin.

Even if you dry him with a towel or blow dryer, your Chihuahua may still attempt to dry himself by shaking. It’s a natural instinct that kicks in when they are wet. Chihuahuas and other dogs will shake from side to side to dry themselves. Using a microfiber towel or dog dryer, however, you should be able to get most of the water out of your Chihuahua’s coat.

Step #12) Reward With a Treat

Chihuahua holding a treat after getting a bath

Always reward your Chihuahua with a treat, along with petting and praise, after a bath. Treats are a form of positive reinforcement. You can use them to encourage desired behaviors, such as going potty outside or taking baths.

Consistency is key when rewarding your Chihuahua with treats. For him to create a positive association with baths, you need to reward your Chihuahua each time you bathe him. If you only reward him with a treat after some baths and not others, he may not associate baths with positivity.

What to Do If Your Chihuahua Hates Baths

Some breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland, love water, but the Chihuahua isn’t one of them. According to a survey conducted by Vetstreet, in fact, the Chihuahua ranks as the most water-shy breed among owners and veterinary professionals alike. If your Chihuahua hates baths, there are several things you can do to make it a more pleasant experience.

Don’t fill the bathtub or sink with water while your Chihuahua is standing in it. The sight and sound of water rushing out of the faucet can frighten him. Instead, wait until you’ve filled it with a few inches of water. After turning off the faucet, you can then place your Chihuahua in the prefilled bathtub or sink.

Using a non-slip bath mat may help. Your Chihuahua may panic if he’s unable to stand. Without traction, his hind legs may slip backward and his front legs may slip forward. As your Chihuahua frantically tries to regain his balance, he’ll panic.

Allowing your Chihuahua to slip around in the bathtub can also worsen existing joint conditions from which he’s suffering, including patellar luxation and arthritis. You can protect your Chihuahua’s joints and ease his bathtime anxiety by placing a non-slip bath mat where he stands. Non-slip bath mats are designed specifically to provide traction so that neither you nor your Chihuahua slip in the bathtub.

You may want to experiment with different drying methods. Some Chihuahuas have a natural aversion to getting towel-dried, whereas others have an aversion to getting blow-dried. Try both methods to see if your Chihuahua has a preference.

Desensitization can have a positive impact on your Chihuahua’s disposition toward baths. Desensitization is an approach to training that involves regular exposure to a stimulus that otherwise causes stress or anxiety, such as getting a bath. The general idea behind desensitization is to gradually expose the Chihuahua to the stimulus so that he becomes acclimated to it. 

Here’s how to desensitize your Chihuahua to baths:

  • Introduce your Chihuahua to the bathtub without bathing him. Place him in the dry bathtub and after a minute or two, take him back out.
  • After your Chihuahua has become accustomed to standing in the dry bathtub, fill it with a few inches of water. Now place your Chihuahua in the water-filled bathtub.
  • If your Chihuahua exhibits signs of stress or anxiety — panicking, trying to escape, whimpering, etc. — take him out of the water-filled bathtub.
  • Only after your Chihuahua is comfortable standing in the water-filled bathtub should you attempt to bathe him with shampoo. If he still exhibits signs of stress and anxiety while standing in the water-filled bathtub, you’ll need to continue with the sensitization sessions.
  • Reward your Chihuahua with a treat during and after the desensitization sessions.
  • Don’t make a big deal out of baths.
  • Keep baths short. You should be able to bathe your Chihuahua in less than 10 minutes.

Another tip on how to deal with a Chihuahua who hates baths is to distract him. Most dogs get easily distracted. You can use this to your advantage by distracting your Chihuahua so that he focuses on something other than the bath. Petting and talking to him, for instance, will divert your Chihuahua’s attention away from the bath, or you can distract your Chihuahua with a treat.

Can You Bathe Your Chihuahua With Dish Soap Instead of Shampoo?

Can you bathe a Chihuahua with dish soap?

If you run out of dog-formulated shampoo, you may assume that dish soap is safe to bathe your Chihuahua with. After all, dish soap is designed to clean the dishes. If it was harmful, companies wouldn’t be able to sell it for the sake of public safety. While it may not make your Chihuahua ill, however, bathing him with dish soap has some drawbacks.

Dish soap may dry out your Chihuahua’s skin. Even most “gentle formula” dish soap contains grease-cutting molecules known as surfactants. They will separate grease from water, allowing for cleaner dishes. But these same surfactants can strip away your Chihuahua’s natural oils. Without these oils, your Chihuahua may experience dry and itchy skin.

Dish soap can increase the risk of skin infections in your Chihuahua. Oils like sebum do more than just trap moisture and protect against dryness; they protect against infections. Your Chihuahua has a thin layer of oils over his skin that functions as a germ-proof barrier. If you bathe your Chihuahua with dish soap, you may inadvertently destroy this protective barrier.

Dish soap may irritate your Chihuahua’s skin. In addition to surfactants, many of them contain artificial fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Ingredients such as these are typically gentle enough for our skin, but they are too harsh for dogs’ skin. Exposure to artificial fragrances, dyes and preservatives may damage your Chihuahua’s skin, resulting in localized irritation.

You can still use dish soap to occasionally bathe your Chihuahua; just don’t make it a regular occurrence and only use a few drops at a time.

What About Professional Grooming?

You don’t have to bathe your Chihuahua yourself. Whether you lack the necessary items, or if you simply aren’t comfortable bathing your Chihuahua, you may want to leave this task in the hands of a professional.

Most professional groomers offer bathing as a service. For about $30 to $40, the groomer will bathe your Chihuahua, complete with lathering on shampoo, rinsing and drying your Chihuahua. If your Chihuahua has a long coat, the groomer may also trim some of his excess fur.

Visiting a professional groomer can be a stressful experience for your Chihuahua. At home, you can desensitize your Chihuahua to the routine, making it a less anxiety-inducing endeavor. You won’t have this option if you take your Chihuahua to a groomer. With that said, most experienced groomers know how to deal with stressed dogs. They may adjust their body language or use calming oils to reduce your Chihuahua’s stress levels.

It may be stressful, but visiting a professional groomer is a form of socialization. It forces your Chihuahua to step outside of his comfort zone and into an unfamiliar environment with other people and animals. Therefore, your Chihuahua will become socialized if you opt for a groomer’s bathing service. Over time he will become more comfortable being around new people and animals.

In Conclusion

Bathing your Chihuahua is a vital part of responsible pet ownership. While they can perform some basic self-grooming, Chihuahuas can’t bathe themselves; they rely on their owners to give them a proper bath. By following the steps outlined here, you can give your Chihuahua a proper bath — even if he hates the water.

Does your Chihuahua enjoy baths? Let us know in the comments section below!

Comments

    • Jann Forrest
    • January 30, 2023
    Reply

    I have my vet do the nails and anal glands. It is surprising that how many people think the groomers can do it. They can only do so much and gland infections are serious.

    • Lucy
    • August 22, 2021
    Reply

    I’ll have a 4/5 year old female dear head chi that doesn’t like water. How should I bath her?

    • Sandy
    • June 18, 2021
    Reply

    My Yorkie/Chihuahua doesn’t care much for bathing but she really isn’t afraid of it since we starting bathing her at a young age. We just tell her how good it feels and rub her down and rinse her and tell her how good she smells and how pretty she looks and give her a little when it is over and let her run back and forth in the house, because for some reason she always does that once we dress her and put her down. Yes she has clothes and lots of them and she actually doesn’t like going with out them. When I take them off if I lay them any where that she can get to them she tries to crawl back in them and growls at me when I am taking them off of her. She is a strange but adorable little thing.

    We got her at 7 or 8 weeks and it was still cold out in May when we got her so we would put a little sweater on her and she loved it and like I said would try to crawl back in it when we would take it off. So we now have clothes for her for winter, summer, spring and fall. She is such a delight for us. We didn’t pick her, she picked us. When we went to this house to get her she had 3 or 4 sister, but she is the one and only one that actually crawled up on my son’s foot and laid down looking up at him so when I asked him which one he wanted, he said well I think she picked me before I could pick another one, so of course we took her.

    • Rachel
    • April 23, 2019
    Reply

    Is bathing a chihuahua with long hair every week to often?

    • Dave Oldham
    • September 1, 2018
    Reply

    my puppy is 4 months old and her paw nails are long and black in colour. When should I take her to have her nails clipped? Thank you

    • Alex
    • July 14, 2018
    Reply

    My parents rescued a pair of brothers, adopted as a bonded pair. Bailey who is now my dog is deaf, which I think contributed to his fear of water. He and his brother Wilbur are Chihuahua Jack Russell and miniature pinscher, as it turns out they do better off apart, I’ve had Bailey for three months now and he didn’t like baths at first but I got him a coconut shampoo that’s very gentle and I give him treats right after. I would recommend to anyone with a Chihuahua especially if you have adopted it from a shelter to spend plenty of time bonding, it really helps with grooming and bathing when they feel secure. Also be ready to play right after. It seems to get them roaring to go!

    • Linda
    • June 9, 2018
    Reply

    I am a first-time long-haired Chihuahua owner I’ve never even had a Chihuahua before in the big dogs but she was rescued and brought any and I love her she’s 8 months old my question is what can I put on her to help her with dry skin any advice is more than welcome thank you all.

      • Deborah
      • October 10, 2019
      Reply

      Mine had very dry skin. I melted some real coconut oil. In the microwave. That I keep in the fridge. When it was cool enough. Just warm. I poured it down her back and then rubbed in. All over. I left it on for 3 days. The I bathed her with a tear free baby shampoo. No more dry skin. Food high in omega 3’s or some olive oil in the food a couple times a week. Helps too.

    • Joy
    • February 16, 2018
    Reply

    My son washed his chihuahua with whitening shampoo by mistake – it lightened the dog’s gorgeous brindle coat. Any advice – is this something to just wait out? He’s wondering if he should bring the dog to a groomer to be shaved … has anyone ever done this or heard of it?

    • raven
    • December 30, 2017
    Reply

    i throw my towel in the dryer while i bathe my pup. he seems to love being wrapped in the warm towel and has no issue with it. i’ve read not to let them air dry as they get cold so he sits in the warm towel and i blow dry him too.

      • Stefani Baez
      • January 5, 2018
      Reply

      Oh great idea!
      I’m picking up our chihuahua puppy in a few weeks and I’ll use this tip 🤗

      • Rosario Garza-Teniente
      • June 18, 2018
      Reply

      I’m going to try that out, thank you my friend

    • Angelo Clemente
    • October 9, 2017
    Reply

    Can I ask what do you think is the best dog/puppy shampoo for him, well he is just 1 month and 1 week old…

      • Sherry Simpson
      • December 7, 2017
      Reply

      I rescued my Brindles from a local rescuer experienced working with animal control and her own successful rescue for 17 years. Like the commercial, she suggested a dish soap famously used by wildlife rescues to clean up animals caught in oil spills.

      I had forgotten about this and am not sure if I can mention the brand name here but the name rhymes with “Fawn”. Hope that helps. 🙂

        • Sandra Williams
        • July 9, 2018
        Reply

        I’ll say it, Dawn as in early morning.

        • Susan Reeves
        • June 1, 2019
        Reply

        Can’t use dawn on my dog’s (4) makes their hair stick out. My Vet. Doesn’t recommend using dawn.

        • Deborah
        • October 10, 2019
        Reply

        You should only use this dish soap if your dog has gotten into oil or grease. It would be to strong to use as a shampoo. It will dry the skin out. You can use a years free baby shampoo.

      • Heather wolf
      • March 18, 2018
      Reply

      You can use Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo which doesn’t burn their eyes and the lavender soothes them you can Google it it’s safe for the animals I have been used on my dogs and you only need a little bit for it to lather up

      • Diane Domey
      • January 24, 2022
      Reply

      I have been using Baby Magic Lavender and chamomile baby shampoo for one it safe for infants and won’t burn the eyes should any get in while washing the face. It smells wonderful (which the fragrance lasts about 2 weeks) and helps to calm the dogs down as it does with infants soothing them, my vet loves this too. It’s gentle on “Hair” and Fur. My little long haired chihuahua loves it too.

    • Kim (KoKo's Mom)
    • October 1, 2017
    Reply

    I just gave my 8yr old chihuahua a bath for the first time, and no I dont mean she’s never had a bath. Idk if she has, I adopted her last Tuesday from the humane society here in town. She did an awesome job but she was scared, she was shaking so much. Are there any tricks I can try next time to help her relax?? She’s been through so much and I just want her to know she’s always safe now. Thank you.

    • Mae
    • May 16, 2017
    Reply

    Hi. Im sorry, im a first time chihuahua owner. i bathe her everyday cause shes always rolling to her poop. is it wrong? what should i do?

      • Emily
      • July 1, 2017
      Reply

      Hi Mae, I would use a piece of wet tissue to wipe off any stains on her body (whenever necessary) and for her legs, I wipe them daily. Hope this helps! 😊

      • kELLIE
      • January 17, 2019
      Reply

      That’s a LOT of bathing. Maybe baby wipes instead?

      She may be rolling in her poop BECAUSE she’s getting bathed every day and doesn’t like her smell.

        • Jess
        • January 8, 2021
        Reply

        They make puppy/dog skin wipes for accident and dirt

      • Ester
      • May 8, 2019
      Reply

      Hi Mae,
      I wouldn’t bathe her every day as it will dry up her skin. She will be scratching all the time and can lead to rashes. I’ve done what you did before. I suggest to use wipes when she had an accident with her poop instead of bathing her all the time. Chihuahuas only need bathing once every 3-4 weeks to keep the natural oil.

    • Brenda
    • May 9, 2017
    Reply

    How often do I bathe my chiweenie short hair. Also what is a good shampoo to use. I have been using baby shampoo. And she takes a shower with me. I hope that’s good for her.

      • Monique Shuler
      • November 25, 2017
      Reply

      Is dove body wash to harsh for my hairless chichiwaha?

      • Lisa
      • April 4, 2018
      Reply

      There are wipes on the market that are made just for dogs, in the “famous” yellow packaging with the bumble bees on it. I use these in between baths for touch up or Oops days.

      • Teri
      • March 20, 2019
      Reply

      My Chipoo takes a shower with me every day, and has since I adopted him 8 weeks ago. He’s fine, no dry skin.. also he loves his morning shower and blowout!

    • bella
    • March 12, 2017
    Reply

    Hello I was wondering what shampoo and conditioner should I get for her

    • bella
    • January 31, 2017
    Reply

    Hi, just got a little puppy Chihuahua. As it’s my first time I’m just wondering what shampoo and conditioner would be good for her? She’s long haired.

    thanks

    • Drew
    • December 13, 2016
    Reply

    What is the right age to start bathing your Chihuahua?

    • Pippa's Mom
    • September 17, 2016
    Reply

    I bathe Pippa one every 4 – 6 weeks. So, far she is just curious when I have a bath and then I just invite her in, and she loves it, ’cause I’m there.

    • Deborah
    • July 22, 2016
    Reply

    My pretty baby girl is bathed once A month. She doesn’t get dirty. Her hair is really shinny.

      • Wilson
      • September 9, 2016
      Reply

      is your puppy short or long hair?

    • debra
    • June 2, 2016
    Reply

    When I first got my chi I did not bathe her for awhile but if she started smelling like dog I would wash her with cat shampoo and she was fine and I rub her off with a towel because you did not have to use water and will have to admit she will tolerate for about maybe 2 mins of towel rubbing and then she is off ashaking and running it is the most adorable site!

    • Mary
    • April 28, 2016
    Reply

    My Chihuahua was a rescue dog. for four years of her life she was in a small childs bed.
    We have had her one year and she is coming along great except for knowing commands. Here is the problem, when I give her a bath she gets so shook up she will seize Any suggestions?

    • Mimis
    • March 26, 2016
    Reply

    I have a chihuahua he’s 1 month and 2 weeks when can I shower him?

      • betsy
      • June 15, 2017
      Reply

      I had asked that question and they had said that you should wait for him to be at least 3 months however you can still bathe younger puppies if they are visibly dirty or smelly.

    • ashley
    • September 3, 2015
    Reply

    I have two chihuahuas that i bath around once a month unless they decide to roll around in bird poop out in the yard. My two are leary about the water at first but as soon as i get them clean, dried off with a towel and set down they run laps around the room. As in to say “im free im free” Its one of the most precious things you can watch.

      • donna
      • September 7, 2015
      Reply

      is that not too much. there skin and coat will become dry because you are removing all the natural oil

      • angie
      • December 23, 2015
      Reply

      Mine does that too and it is.

        • James
        • November 22, 2016
        Reply

        Actually once every two weeks for short hair chihuahua is okay (this is coming from my vet). Since short haired Chihuahuas dont take very long to re-oil their coat compared to a long hair. I bathe my Sort haired Chihuahua, Min-Pin mix once a week and he has no problem with dry skin or dandruff.

      • Tammy
      • July 22, 2017
      Reply

      Our Yorkie/Chihuahua mix is scared stiff of the bath water which I keep low, and I will bath with her. Seems that she is bred to be scared of water, which I Love in the form of Lakes, rivers, etc. I just gave her a pH neutral bath and, though she was wary, now she is a speedster, excited and running around with a seemingly proud attitude!

        • Jacqui
        • April 8, 2018
        Reply

        What type of shampoo do you use for her? I have a male and I’m trying to find a good shampoo for him because what I’ve been using seems to make his skin dry and he has a little bald spot now.

    • carmella
    • February 7, 2014
    Reply

    how old does a chi have to be to bath them. i have two females 11 wks old

      • miriam
      • August 2, 2014
      Reply

      i am first time baby chihuahua and i just want to know abt everyday bath time night or swing 1 weekly or 2 day bath ??? pls let me know . and pls touch my email wildcat2808@yahoo.com

      • Gabriel
      • August 3, 2015
      Reply

      Around 4 weeks old.

        • debra
        • June 2, 2016
        Reply

        No you do not have to bathe her for like 6-8 weeks and their are people who will do that for you cut their nails express their anal glands yeh what? I said when I first heard it still do not know why. They are pretty low maintenance just bathe them give them a heart worm pill every month and flea treatment.

      • Tammy
      • July 22, 2017
      Reply

      From my limited experience, I suggest getting a chihuahua “friends with water” sooner than later. An inch in a tub playing around, then a little more! I go in the tub with my beautiful 1 year-old, she is apprehensive, however, I believe that because I am there in the bathtub with her, our beautiful Yorkie/Chihuahua mix trusts that the outcome will be well! Sometimes, they really need a bath!

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