Your dog may not need daily baths, but the best shampoo for Chihuahua is something that can thoroughly clean them and make them smell good. All the while, it will moisturize their skin and prevent any problems from becoming worse. The ideal shampoo should be made for your dog – specially formulated for their skin and coat type.
Chihuahua dogs have a double layer of coat that needs extra powerful shampoo.
In this article, we’re reviewing some of the best shampoos we’ve seen as well as help you make the decision based on your Chihuahua’s needs.
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Table of Contents
Best Shampoo for Chihuahua Comparison
- Organic Natural Dog Shampoo by Moosh
- SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot and Itch Relief Spray
- Particular Paws Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
- Natural Dog-Shampoo & Conditioner by DakPets
Grooming and Shampoo for Chihuahuas
First off, you can’t and shouldn’t be using human shampoo for your dog. Human skin is far different from your dog’s as theirs are thinner and more alkaline. Human shampoo will only dry their skin and even leave them itchy and flaking because of the dryness.
That is where shampoo for Chihuahua dogs come in. These products are specifically made for dogs which means the pH balance is just right for their alkaline skin. The ingredients are more natural and gentle than a human’s shampoo. Most of all, there are specific shampoos to get rid of fleas and ticks as well as other skin conditions your dog might have.
A good shampoo for Chihuahua would cater to their needs. Long-haired Chihuahua dogs have medium to long hair that’s usually medium density. It’s also double-layered. Because of that, the best shampoos should be able to penetrate the layers, meaning it’s best to buy something more potent than gentle shampoos. Still, it must not be too harsh for their skin.
Dog shampoos must be vet-approved as well. There are some shampoos out there, artisanal or otherwise, that are not tested and approved by the FDA. Homemade shampoos are some examples.
If you want your Chihuahua to have healthy hair and skin, ensure that your vet approves of your grooming regimen first.The same goes for conditioners. They are ideal for long-haired types, but are unnecessary for shorthaired Chihuahuas.
The reason is that shorthairs have fine hair that does not tangle, therefore, there is no reason for them to use conditioner at all. The sheen of their hair is not dependent on conditioner as well. Your Chihuahua’s fur will shine more with proper diet and the right type of shampoo.
With all the basics aside, here are the things you need to consider when you are buying a dog shampoo:
Skin Condition
Unfortunately, not all dogs grow to have healthy skin. Your dog might have had several issues such as drying and itching due to some health problems or poor diet. You have to take these into account so you can buy the proper type of shampoo.
If your dog has normal skin and coats, you can buy almost any regular organic shampoo. Gentle shampoos are often organic and contain aloe vera, oatmeal, or chamomile. These are great ingredients to keep the nourishment and moisture in the skin and coat.
Here are several skin conditions and what type of shampoo for Chihuahua you need to get:
- For severe allergies and sensitive skin, buy a soothing and mild hypoallergenic product with some aloe or oatmeal protein.
- For skin irritations and if your dog has a wound, buy gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that also contains antiseptic for the wound.
- For dry hair and skin, you can buy shampoos that have aloe extract or oatmeal formula that helps soothes the skin and then buy a separate conditioner for the hair. However, you can also find dog shampoos with conditioner. These products will require emollients like silk, wheat, or proteins to help heal damaged skin.
Coat type
Depending on the breed, dogs have different coat types. For Chihuahuas, there are short-haired breeds and the long-haired breeds.
The short-haired Chihuahua dogs have a shiny coat which sticks close to the body, with a thicker layer on the neck area. Meanwhile, long-haired Chihuahua pups have a soft coat that’s slightly curly or even flat. Both types of dogs have a denser double-layer coat which calls for something that can penetrate the layers.
Your dog’s shampoo should be gentle on their skin and coat.
If their coat has become greasy, skip the conditioner entirely. Also, avoid shampoos with oatmeal base and instead, opt for other moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe vera extract, or honey.
Some dog owners also think that whitening shampoos for dogs with white fur are good. But these shampoos often include blue dyes or bleach that are harsh. It could irritate the eyes and the skin. There are natural products that don’t stain, especially shampoos that don’t have any synthetic dyes.
Age
Your dog’s age is also an important factor when deciding what shampoo for Chihuahua breeds you should buy. Puppies have more sensitive coats and skin, therefore they will require gentler products.
Most of the issues about skin and fur happen during adulthood so more often than not, shampoos for adult dogs cater to these problems more.
Top Shampoos for your Chihuahua
Bentonite Concentrated-Organic Natural Dog Shampoo by Moosh
“The only shampoo with Bentonite Clay”
- 100% natural and organic
- Hypoallergenic
- No chemicals and synthetic ingredients
- Rich in emollients
- Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
Moosh is the only dog shampoo for Chihuahua dogs that contain Bentonite Clay which is known for its natural healing abilities as well as for having anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
It binds with dirt, microorganisms, heavy metals, and toxins that are on your dog’s skin or fur, and washes away with the suds. Apart from thoroughly cleaning your dog, it also heals itchiness and hot spots.
This product is made with 100% natural and organic ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, neem, and argan oil, and essential oils. Each is added to focus on a particular problem.
Shea butter and aloe vera keep the skin and fur moisturized naturally. Essential oils help keep your dog feeling and smelling clean without synthetic perfumes. Argan and neem oil are antiseptic as well as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal which help soothe sensitive and irritated skin.
All these ingredients create a hypoallergenic and highly effective dog shampoo with no harmful chemicals. It’s guaranteed safe for your dog, especially with its appropriate pH balance made for dog’s skin.
SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot and Itch Relief Spray
“Medicated treatment for hot spots”
- Veterinary formula for hot spots and itching
- Fast acting product
- Includes allantoin, hydrocortisone, and lidocaine
- 100% safe formula
- Can be used by dogs 12 weeks and over
This SynergyLabs Itch Relief Spray is a medicated shampoo for Chihuahua that is specifically made for dogs who suffer from severe hot spots and itching caused by allergies or skin conditions. The ingredients and the medications are all veterinary-grade, guaranteeing its effectiveness and safety for your pet’s use.
This product has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic relief that can soothe and heal skin irritations, inflammations, and itchy skin. These problems are often caused by tick and flea bites, allergies, and even dirty and matted coats.
Finding the right shampoo for your dog depends on their overall health and age.
Ingredients such as Hydrocortisone and Lidocaine are used to reduce swelling, redness, and the itching. Meanwhile wound healing is stimulated by Allantoin.
These are 100% safe for your pet and can even be used on sensitive skin as it does not burn once it touches the skin. Also, it does not contain any paraben, soap, or dye.
This has been a choice for several pet owners because of its fast-acting relief and also because it’s easily applied.
Particular Paws Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
“Made for dry and itchy skin”
- Contains oatmeal formula
- Also includes aloe vera
- Restores natural oils
- Promotes healthy-looking coat
- Made from natural ingredients
While it does its specific job, it also is effective as an overall shampoo that cleans your dog’s skin and fur, leaving them feeling refreshed. Since it is made from natural and organic ingredients, this shampoo is gentle to your dog’s skin. It’s gentle enough that even young pups can use it.
Shea butter is not just for moisturizing, and it also retains the natural oil on our dog’s coat that leaves it shiny and healthy. This ingredient keeps your Chihuahua’s coat looking and smelling good while being protected.
Particular Paws may be a rich shampoo but it’s easy-to-rinse which is an essential feature any shampoo should have. Most of the time, leftover shampoo is what causes dryness and itching. But since dogs don’t enjoy bath time as much as we do, it’s important to keep it fast with these types of shampoos.
Natural Dog-Shampoo & Conditioner by DakPets
“Veterinary-grade all-in-one natural shampoo”
- Made from natural ingredients
- Ultra-mild formulation
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Deep cleans dirty coats
- Acts as shampoo and conditioner
As a shampoo and conditioner in one, it will be able to work well against thick double-layer coats such as that of a Chihuahua. This shampoo for Chihuahua is made from natural and organic ingredients that are biodegradable and eco-friendly. It does not contain any harmful chemicals, parabens, dyes, sulphate, and preservatives.
While the product itself is powerful against dirt, tangles, dryness, and odor, it’s rather gentle for your dog. This soapless formula is tear-free. You don’t have to worry about bath-time with your dog as it won’t irritate and hurt them.
As an all-in-one shampoo, this can condition the hair and avoid tangles all the while moisturizing both the hair and the skin. It also deeply cleans dirty coats so it could penetrate through the dense undercoat of your Chihuahua. While it does all that, it helps retain the natural oil of your dog’s coat that strengthens and protects it.
This DakPets product won’t irritate your dog even when they have skin issues. Plus, it can soothe hot spots and itching.
The best shampoo for Chihuahua is different for everyone. But it does keep the coat and skin clean and healthy. In addition, it should be natural and made to fit your dog’s needs without having to fear harsh chemicals. It may take quite a while before you find the perfect shampoo, but choosing the natural and organic ones will make a big difference.
