Do you know what shampoo is just the right one for your Chihuahua? Because we love our Chihuahuas we want the best for them. We search for the best and healthiest food to feed them. Whatever they need we provide it. We search for just the right toys, collars, leashes, etc. for our individual Chihuahua and ones that fit our taste and budget.
But have you ever thought about what shampoo and conditioner are just right for your Chihuahua? There is such a plethora of shampoos and conditioners that it can be overwhelming to choose just the right one for your Chihuahua and one that will benefit him or her the most as well as one that will work best on his or her coat type.
All Chihuahuas’ coats are not the same. Long-haired, double coat, short coat are some of the differences and may require different types of shampoo and conditioners.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Chihuahua?
That depends much on your lifestyle. As a general rule, you should bathe your Chihuahua only once a month. More often than that can strip the necessary oils from their skin and can cause dry skin and itching.
When bathing a healthy Chihuahua use warm water and a gentle dog-specific shampoo. If they have a skin condition or allergies you may need to bathe more often and use a medicated shampoo. Use a soap-free or moisturizing formula if you need to bathe them more than once a week in order not to dry out the skin.
Never give your Chihuahua a bath more than once a week unless, of course, they roll in something stinky as dogs like to do. While giving your Chihuahua a bath, it’s a good time to check for any lumps, bumps, or changes of any kind in their skin. Any of these could indicate a health problem. If this happens be sure to have him/her examined by a veterinarian.
TYPES OF SHAMPOOS
Your first decision is what type of shampoo does your Chihuahua need. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Is your Chihuahua healthy?
- Does your Chi have skin issues or allergies?
- Do you live in an area where you may need a flea an tick control shampoo?
- Does your Chihuahua get stinky between shampoos?
- Do you prefer natural or herbal products?
- Is your Chihuahua’s coat white and do they get tear stains?
- Short haired Chihuahuas shed …. a lot. They shed every day, while long haired Chis shed alot … but only twice a year. A shed control shampoo can help.
Flea & Tick Control Shampoos
If your Chihuahua has fleas it requires immediate attention. Fleabites can often cause allergic reactions and result in severe irritation and itching. Dogs may even damage the skin and damaged skin can become infected from the constant itching and scratching.
Keep in mind that most flea shampoos contain a certain amount of pesticide in order to kill the fleas. Some people don’t believe that it is enough to do harm to dogs. However, you have to decide for yourself if you want to risk it.
There are some good natural and herbal flea control shampoos that work pretty well and have no pesticides. Instead, they use natural ingredients that have been found to kill or at least repel fleas. Some that I would recommend are:
Warren London Neem Oil Flea & Tick Itch Relieving Shampoo
It contains neem oil, coconut, vitamins A, D, and E, oat proteins, and almond oil with no soap, detergents or parabens. This shampoo works on all types of coats without stripping natural oils and leaves behind a refreshing citrus scent on your paw-tner. I LOVE this shampoo!
Arava Dead Sea Flea & Tick Botanical Shampoo
100% natural active ingredients with aromatherapeutic benefits to help repel and prevent pests while soothing the skin and coat of your paw-tner. This botanical shampoo contains 26 Dead Sea essential minerals for a gentle scent and maximum efficiency. It also prevents irritation, itching, dryness, and deodorizes,
PetArmor Flea & Tick Hawaiian Ginger Shampoo
kill fleas and ticks, deodorizes, and conditions your pup’s coat while soothing dry or irritated skin. It also leaves behind a lovely Hawaiian ginger scent. It’s formulated to quickly kill fleas and to begin eliminating ticks within a few days.
Sentry Flea & Tick Sunwashed Linen Scent Shampoo
Kills fleas & ticks for up to 10 days. Kills the ticks that may carry Lyme disease. pH balanced for pet’s coat. Cleans deodorizes and conditions pet’s coat. Sunwashed Linen Scent.
Cleansing & Deoderizing
Cleansing & Deodorizing Shampoos are formulated simply to remove dirt, skin oils, and dander but are pleasantly scented and are a good choice for routine if your Chi is healthy. They have a variety of pleasant scents and you can find one that most appeals to you.
Arm & Hammer Kiwi Blossom Super Deodorizing Shampoo
Made with a refreshing kiwi blossom scent, this shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients to stop the stink. It is ultra-gentle, and pH balanced.
Pet Head Dirty Talk Shampoo
Specially formulated to take care of smelly pets who need a little extra help, it works by actually neutralizing odors rather than covering them up. Comprised of baking soda and ordenone to deodorize and freshen the coat, this shampoo also features vegetable and soy protein to help build body and elasticity
Earthbath Deodorizing Rosemary Shampoo
Soap-Free coconut-based shampoo that contains the essence of rosemary to get to the root of unpleasant smells. Rosemary is well-known for its fresh, long-lasting scent and skin-soothing properties.
Wags & Wiggles Freshen Very Berry Deodorizing Shampoo
Formulated as a triple treat, this shampoo cleans, deodorizes, and conditions the coat. Safflower and tea tree oil help remove lingering odors from the fur and keep your Chi clean. pH balanced and free of SLS, parabens, and DEA
Color Enhancing Shampoo
Color enhancing shampoos are made for solid color dogs designed to bring out the natural shine of the coat and to enhance the colors of black, brown, red, and white dogs. They do not do this with dyes but instead contain ingredients that help bring out your Chihuahua’s natural color. Pawrents that have Chihuahuas that participate in dog shows usually use this type of shampoo. They are an especially good choice for white dogs.
Bio-Groom Ultra Black Color Enhancing Shampoo
Enhancing Shampoo is specifically developed to bring out the brilliance and intensify the color of your furbaby’s black, charcoal, blue or other dark-colored coat. This formula contains special pearlescent brighteners to have your pup looking paw-some. A coconut oil base and soy protein support coat strength, body and hydration to help control tangles and matting so your best friend will look and feel fur-esh after every bath. It is available for other coat colors also.
TropiClean Spa Color White Shampoo
Made just for the white-furred pets—because whether you’re washing your pet or your laundry, it’s important to separate your whites. Oatmeal and lavender gently cleanses the skin and lifts out the dirt and residue that make coats look a little less bright and a little more yellow. This bleach-free shampoo brings out the shine the healthy way, without harmful ingredients!
Earthbath Light Color Coat Brightening Lavender Shampoo
If you have only one coat it’s important to keep it looking it’s best! Special blend of natural minerals and lavender essence create a wonderfully aromatic and mild shampoo that works to naturally brighten the coat of any dog. It will leave your Chi’s fur shiny, soft and smelling naturally fresh with a lasting lavender scent. Best of all, this shampoo won’t wash off any topical flea treatments, keeping them safe against irritants.
Medicated Shampoos
Chihuahuas that suffer from seasonal allergies and/or mild skin irritation will say ahhhh when you give them a soothing bath with a medicated shampoo A medicated shampoo may help to relieve the inflammation and make your Chihuahua more comfortable.
These shampoos often contain ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, or tea tree oil as these are natural ingredients known to soothe the skin. Others may have medicinal ingredients like hydrocortisone, antihistamines, or coal tar to help stop the itching, inflammation, and itching.
Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal Shampoo
This shampoo helps treat skin infections—including bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections—while helping to ease and deodorize the skin. This soap-free, antiseptic formula is made with Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Ketoconazole to help alleviate conditions such as ringworm and itching. Many 5-star reviews.
TropiClean Medicated Oatmeal & Tea Tree Shampoo
Regular baths with the TropiClean Medicated Oatmeal & Tea Tree Dog Shampoo will leave your pet feeling and smelling his freshest. It has natural salicylic acid that eliminates scaly skin and dandruff, and oatmeal, vitamin E, and tea tree oil to moisturize the skin and leave the coat healthy and clean. Even better, this formula is soap-free so it doesn’t interfere with any spot on flea or tick treatments, meaning you can bathe your pet routinely without worry. Many 5-star reviews
Strawfield Pets Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo
Specifically formulated for the topical treatment of deep cutaneous fungal infections. This anti-seborrhea shampoo contains degreasing, antimicrobial, keratolytic and keratoplastic benefits to prevent flaky dry skin and provide itching skin relief. It helps with allergies, seborrheic dermatitis, hot spot treatment for dogs, dog skin allergy treatment and dandruff treatment. With no soaps or parabens, Strawfield Pets Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo is safe for use on dogs, cats and horses, including puppies and kittens.
TropiClean OxyMed Medicated Anti-Itch Oatmeal Shampoo
This ultra-soothing coconut-based shampoo contains vitamin E, oatmeal, and natural salicylic acid that lift away dirt and promote healing—leaving itchy pups wondering what to do with all the scratch-free time left on their paws. Because oatmeal is great for breakfast, but even better for baths!
Herbals, Botanicals, And Organics
For those that prefer the natural way, these shampoos are available in a variety of scents and oils. Papaya and coconut are good for moisturizing dry skin. Kiwi and citrus are common and have a pleasant scent. These use oatmeal for irritated skin. If you prefer aú natural for your Chihuahua then these shampoos are a good choice.
Shed Control Shampoos
Shed-x Shed Control Shampoo
formulated with veterinarians to infuse the skin and coat with essential amino acids, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E, and antioxidants. Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo reduces shedding, dander and allergens for both dogs and cats. It promotes healthy skin and coat and leaves the coat clean, soft and shiny. Also with alpha hydroxyl acids, organic flaxseed oil, grape seed oil and DL panthenol. With a pleasant white ginger and nectarine fragrance.
Shed Defender Shed Defense Omega 3 & 6 Shampoo
Soothe your Chi’s skin while reducing pesky shedding with this plant-based Shampoo. This special, hypoallergenic shampoo is formulated with Omega 3 and 6 to strengthen your doggo’s coat and remove loose hair, while moisturizing dry, flaky skin. You can rest easy knowing this made-in-the-USA cleanser is 100% free of parabens, sulfates, alcohol, artificial dyes and artificial fragrances.
Frisco Shed Control Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle
Specially made for the big shedders, both products help support healthy shedding levels. The conditioner works to nourish and strengthen the coat with Aloe Vera, oat protein, silk proteins, jojoba oil and vitamins B and E. The shampoo gently washes away dirt with coconut and plant derived cleansers, and helps nourish and strengthen the coat with oat protein, jojoba oil, pro-vitamin B5 and vitamins A, E and D. With regular use, both products help release loose hair and manage shedding.
Waterless Shampoo
Many Chihuahuas are terrified of baths. Does your Chihuahua run the other way every time you say the word “bath”? You can train them to not be afraid of baths. To learn how CLICK HERE. In the meantime, there are a variety of waterless shampoos.
These include a foaming mousse, dry powder, and shampoo wipes. All can be applied to a dry coat. vigorous brushing removes dirt and dander picked up by the shampoo. These also work well for spot cleaning and between baths. So, it’s a good idea to have one on hand for those times they may come back into the house smelling … well, not like roses. 😉 Be sure to always brush well after applying any waterless shampoo.
Bio-Groom Waterless Bath Tearless Shampoo
It requires no wetting or rinsing, making it a great option for spot cleaning or helping sick or old pets freshen up. The formula eliminates stains and removes coat odors, so it’s also perfect for post-potty cleanup. On top of that, the waterless shampoo can be used on furkids of all species, including kittens and puppies. When it comes to quick, convenient cleanup, Bio-Groom Waterless Bath is a sure bet!
Dog Whisper Ultimate Odor Buster + No Rinse Waterless Shampoo. Choose eather size.
This shampoo can eliminate odors AND clean your pup—whether you’re in between washes or not. This no rinse shampoo cleanses fur between washes and leaves his coat healthy and shiny. Rub in the foam and towel dry, as the vitamin E and pro-V B5 get to work. The odor eliminator shampoo is perfect for wash days, keeping his fur clean and moisturized and protecting his sensitive skin. Plus, the biodegradable formulas are made without phosphates, parabens, SLS, synthetic fragrances, or dyes— and they’re great for sensitive skin.
Frankie & Paisley Waterless Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo
Frankie & Paisley Waterless Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is your quick fix! Just spray on your furry friend’s coat and wipe off for a shiny, clean finish. Colloidal oatmeal helps soothe irritated skin, while the natural oil blend works to promote a healthy coat. The light fragrance formula deodorizes, so you can send your canine companion off smelling fresh and clean! It’s an easy, breezy way to clean your dog without the hassle of a bath.
TEAR STAIN REMOVER
Tearstain remover is not a shampoo, however, some Chihuahuas get tearstains from chronic tear drainage. This is more of a problem for Maltese, Poodles, and a few other breeds. Even so, Chihuahuas do sometimes have tearstains and they can be rather unsightly for some. My Winston is one that gets tearstains and it leaves dark reddish-brown marks around his eyes. It shows more with white and light-colored Chihuahuas.
Most dogs with tear staining have normal tear production and do not have an underlying ocular problem. However, many dogs have a normal variation in their eyelid conformation that causes tears to drain onto their face rather than draining down the nasolacrimal puncta and into the nasolacrimal system. ~ VANESSA J. KUONEN CAVENS, DVM
One product that I have found to be most effective is Innovet’s “Pureeyes Tearstain Remover”. I’ve tried others but this is the only one I’ve found that actually works.
PureEyes Tearstain Remover
PurEyes is the all-natural alternative to the dog tear stain removers currently on the market. This product is not meant for direct eye contact but if a little does get into the eye, it will not be harmful. That said, we highly recommend that you avoid eye contact and only use it in the surrounding areas. The ingredients in this product are Purified Water, Aloe Vera, Sodium Bicarbonate, corn starch, Chamomile oil, xantham gum, witch hazel, and a blend of botanical oils. Use code: CHICHIS10 at checkout to get 10% OFF
CONDITIONERS
Generally, Chihuahuas don’t really need a conditioner. However, if you have a long-haired Chi it is a good idea to use a conditioner to reduce tangles and mats. Many have the same scent and botanicals as shampoos. There are different types in that with some you simply leave it in and is applied after shampoo for added conditioning. Others are to be rinsed out just as you would the shampoo. Be sure to gently brush your Chihuahua’s coat after use until it is tangle-free.
This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. Please know that I only affiliate with companies whose products I use myself or that I trust 100%.