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Bathing
Chihuahuas clean themselves much like a cat does, so frequent bathing is not necessary, however, if you begin bathing them often, they will stop cleaning themselves. Once or twice a month is more than enough bathing, unless, of course, they roll in something nasty in the yard.
We recommend baby shampoo for your pet. Dog shampoos and toys don't have to be government inspected for safety, but baby items do. Also, it is mild and won't strip all the oil from hair. Chihuahuas tend toward dry skin, so mild is essential. After bathing, put a drop of baby oil in the palm of your hand and rub together, then on the dogs back to help keep the hair from drying out. The oil will work down to the skin. Remember, a drop, two at most.
A cat grooming glove works well for removing loose hair. All dogs shed somewhat, and loose hair makes them itch. Brush, comb with a fine comb, or glove them to remove loose hair.
Toenails
Dogs toenails can get caught on things and be ripped out, break a toe, and injure the entire leg. They can also grow into the pad of the foot injuring or crippling the dog. Be sure to keep your dog's nails trimmed for health and safety.
Teeth
It is essential to keep your dog's teeth clean. Begin when it is a puppy to rub and clean each tooth so it is used to it. You can use an athletic sock turned inside out, dipped in water and baking soda to clean teeth. At about 4- 6 months, puppies loose their baby teeth and get their permanent teeth. Tartar and plaque can build up causing gum disease and heart disease. Be sure to take care of the teeth to prevent these major problems.
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Parasites
Fleas, Ticks, Mites, Worms and just a few of the parasites that want to feed on your pet. They will steal the nutrition, blood, and very life of these tiny dogs, if you let them. It is urgent that you keep your pet up to date on vaccinations, worming, flea medications (and not the kind you can buy at a department store). Dogs normally need to be wormed every month to every three months--and the vet will let you know what schedule and medication is best for your pet. Flea meds are necessary monthly to avoid infestation of the pet, and then your home!
TIP: If you have more than one pet, buy the size for a large dog and divide it up between the pets you have--works great and is much more cost effective. Your vet will tell you exactly how much to put on each pet.
EARS
Keeping the ears clean is essential in pups and dogs. Dark stuff in the ears indicates the presence of ear mites, a microscopic parasite that can infect your pet. CLean the ears carefully, not entering the canal. Use baby oil or mineral oil. After the ears are cleaned, put a drop of baby oil in each ear and massage the base of the ear to help loosen the debris. The dog will toss its head which will help remove the debris. Keep a drop in the ears weekly to help eliminate the ear mites. If the ears are smelly and very dirty, see the vet for proper cleaning and then continue with the baby oil as preventative against reinfestation
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