Chihuahuas can be prone to skin problems and it can be quite frustrating to try to figure out the cause and how to help. Could it be dry itchy skin? It’s hard to watch your poor dog miserably scratching all the time and not know what to do. There can be many different causes and therefore many different ways to treat it.
But if you suspect that the problem is simply dry skin, then this article is for you. There are some easy ways that you can help right at home.
bathing:
Never use human shampoo on your dog. Human shampoo is formulated for human PH levels. There are many good dog shampoos you can use. Many are formulated for dry, itchy skin. Some are medicated.
Most recommend only bathing your Chihuahua once a month — unless they get very dirty, stinky, or muddy — because bathing can strip the natural oils that keep their skin healthy.
BRUSHING:
Brushing your dog regularly helps keep their skin healthy in several ways:
- Removes Dirt and Debris: Regular brushing removes dirt, dead skin cells, and debris that can build up on the skin, preventing clogged pores and reducing the risk of skin irritations or infections.
- Distributes Natural Oils: Brushing helps distribute the natural oils produced by your dog's skin throughout their coat. These oils moisturize the skin, keeping it hydrated and less prone to dryness, itching, or flakiness.
- Stimulates Blood Circulation: The gentle massaging action of brushing stimulates blood flow to the skin, which improves circulation and promotes skin cell regeneration, aiding in overall skin health.
- Prevents Matted Fur: Matted fur can pull on the skin, causing irritation, discomfort, and even sores. Regular brushing prevents mats from forming, keeping both the coat and skin in better condition.
- Identifies Skin Problems Early: While brushing, you can check for signs of skin issues like hot spots, rashes, parasites, or infections. Early detection allows for quicker treatment and prevents the problem from worsening.
For Chihuahuas, regular brushing can be particularly helpful as their small size makes them more sensitive to skin irritations, and their coat health directly affects their comfort.
natural remedies for dry itchy skin
VITAMIN e:
Giving your Chi a massage with vitamin E can be as relaxing for you as it is for him. You can also add some vitamin E oil in with their bath.
YOGURT:
Feeding your dog a little low-fat, plain yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog’s intestines in balance and helps keep them from getting yeast infections. A word of caution; make sure it is a small amount as dairy products can also cause diarrhea.
CHAMOMILE TEA & HERBAL TEA SOAKS:
Keep some chamomile or herbal tea chilled in the refrigerator and spray it on sensitive, itchy spots. Warm Chamomile tea bags can also soothe itchy, irritated skin.
Or, fill up your tub or sink with warm water and let several herbal tea bags steep for three minutes. Remove the tea bags and let your Chihuahua soak in the bath for at least five minutes.
ground oatmeal baths:
Oatmeal baths can soothe dry, itchy skin. Put regular oatmeal you can purchase at the grocery store in a coffee grinder or use baby oatmeal cereal and add to your Chihuahua’s bath.
Epsom salt baths:
Do you love to soak in a bath of Epsom salts? Your dog will too. It can reduce the swelling of itchy paws and sores that are inflamed.
evening primrose oil:
Evening Primrose Oil has active anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. You can apply it directly to the skin or you can add a few drops to their food or in their water.
a natural diet with essential oils
Diet has much to do with your dog’s well-being, including skin and coat health. I started feeding my dogs fresh, human-grade dog food years ago. Soon after I noticed many positive changes in their health and energy, but I immediately noticed a difference in their coat and skin.
Their coat became silky soft! You would have to feel it in order to believe it! Remedy had skin issues and was scratching constantly. Changing to a natural, fresh diet made all the difference.
the danger of making your own
Many well-intentioned dog owners choose to make homemade food for their dogs. While I understand the motivation behind this, I don’t recommend it. Why? Unless you have studied canine nutrition, you could unintentionally do more harm than good. It’s essential to understand the correct amounts and balance of nutrients, including vitamins and microminerals, to ensure the diet is truly healthy. Without this knowledge, your Chihuahua could suffer from malnutrition over time. If they aren’t receiving the necessary nutrients to support their immune system, they may be at greater risk of developing diseases in the future.
feeding your chihuahua a well-balanced homemade diet
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to feed your Chihuahua a well-balanced healthy homemade diet.
I have done the study of canine nutrition and have earned the title of Canine Nutrition Specialist. I have developed a few homemade recipes that you can trust to contain all the nutrients and in the right balance to ensure that your Chihuahua is lives a longer and healthier life.
feeding your chihuahua healthy without the hassle of making your own!
Before I did all that tedious research and study of canine nutrition, I fed my dogs NomNom. NomNom is fresh, human-grade dog food specially created for your dog! It is formulated by a veterinarian nutritionist and designed for your dog’s age, activity level, and any health issues they may have.
With NomNom Dog Food every meat and veggie is gently cooked individually, then mixed in batches to seal in vital nutrients and maximize digestibility. No high-temp vats. No extrusion. The result? Real food that looks exactly as good as it tastes.
They will help you find the perfect recipe for your dog based on their diet history (hello, sensitive tummies and picky eaters). Then we’ll mix and pre-portion their meals to match their unique health goals — right down to the calorie.