Is your chihuahua losing hair? If you’ve seen your Chihuahua shedding or losing hair in patches or all over their body. It’s essential to know the common causes before visiting a veterinarian. A shiny, thick coat is a positive indicator that your Chihuahua is getting all they need from its food, surroundings, and lifestyle.
So seeing your Chihuahua shedding so much or losing hair can be upsetting, and it can be challenging to figure out why. This post will cover these issues and will provide tips on how to control hair loss in your chihuahua.
Chihuahua Basics: The Hair
Whether your Chihuahua is a deer head or an apple head, it will have one of two coat types: short-haired or long-haired.
- Short-Haired Chihuahua: The coat of a short-haired Chihuahua is sleek and silky, and it sits close to the body. It’s not thin, but it’s also not thick. It’s precisely in the middle.
- Long-Haired Chihuahua: Although the long-haired Chihuahua has a long coat, it does not fall to the ground. The hair around the ears, mane, underbelly, and tail is thicker. They do not shed much.
Chihuahuas have double coats, whether they are short or long-haired breeds. The coats work together to keep the Chihuahua warm and control body heat when it is too hot outdoors.
The underlayer is wooly and retains body heat, whereas the outer layer shields the underlayer from harsh elements such as wind, snow, sun, and rain.
How Often Do Chihuahuas Shed?
Chihuahuas shed frequently, but there are seasons of the year when they shed much.
Even though Chihuahuas shed every day, they are just light to moderate shedders all year. However, when the shedding season arrives, they shed a little more. Fortunately, they don’t shed much, especially at certain seasons of the year.
Chihuahuas, compared to other breeds, do not shed excessively. Consider their physical size. They’re small dogs, so there’s not much hair to shed in the first place.
Common Reasons Why My Chihuahua Losing Hair
Hair loss is widespread and evident in Chihuahuas. Hair loss can occur in a single location, patches, or all over the body. If your Chihuahua is losing hair, you may be wondering why and whether you should seek hair loss treatment. Many factors can cause a Chihuahua’s hair loss, but it’s most probable that your pup grows bald due to one of the leading causes.
❗Seasonal Shedding
Chihuahuas shed their fur to grow a fresh, more protective coat in its place. The thickness of a Chihuahua’s coat might help him stay warm or chilly. Chihuahua coats are thicker in the fall and winter and thinner in the spring and summer. A thick fur keeps them warm by preventing heat from escaping their body, similar to how garments insulate our bodies. On the other hand, a thin coat keeps Chihuahuas cool by reducing heat absorption.
❗Allergies
Regardless of the source, the early signs of Chihuahuas allergies typically emerge as frequent scratching, resulting in hair loss and severe infection. If your Chihuahua is constantly scratching, allergy testing may help your veterinarian identify an environmental inhalant, like mold, pollen, or dust.
Your veterinarian can give your Chihuahua immunotherapy shots to help their body adjust to the allergy. If your Chihuahua’s allergies are due to its food, expect a lengthy restriction diet to determine which type of food is causing your Chihuahua’s scratching and hair loss. When your Chihuahua’s itching and scratching stops when he eats a specific food, he’ll probably eat that food for the entire life.
❗Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Fungi and bacteria are naturally present on the skin of Chihuahuas, but they can grow uncontrollably and cause an infection. Infections in the skin caused by bacteria and fungi can trigger hair loss, inflammation, itching, and odor.
Ringworm, a fungus causing hair loss and tiny spots of infection, can also affect Chihuahuas. If you find a red, irritated, or flaky patch on your Chihuahua, you should take it to the vet right away. To treat the illness, your veterinarian will perform a complete examination, order testing, and, if necessary, prescribe antifungals or antibiotics.
❗Mange and Other Parasites
Several skin parasites can trigger hair loss in Chihuahuas. For instance, if your Chihuahua is sensitive to fleas, your veterinarian may recommend oral or topical flea prevention to deal with the issue.
Another parasite whose attacks result in hair loss is mange mites, the existence of which causes patchy or widespread alopecia. Your veterinarian can give you medication to get rid of mange mites.
❗Undiagnosed Medical Condition
If a Chihuahua loses hair all over his body, the problem could be under the hood. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it requires massive amounts of nutrients to keep healthy. Your Chihuahua’s coat may be affected if it has an undiagnosed medical condition.
Hypothyroidism, adrenal gland diseases, and growth hormone disorders are all hormonal conditions that can cause a Chihuahua to lose hair. If your veterinarian suspects an internal disease is causing the hair loss, they may propose laboratory testing, X-rays, or ultrasound imaging to determine the cause.
❗Pressure Sores
Aging or less mobile Chihuahuas are more prone to pressure sores produced by the pressure of lying in almost the same position for an extended time. These sores typically appear on a Chihuahua’s hip, elbows, or sides and can develop into a chronic ailment, similar to bedsores in humans.
Since pressure sores can be hard to treat, prevention is essential. Try to keep your Chihuahua active, and if required, consider buying them a wheelchair. Also, make sure they have clean, soft, and comfy bedding. If you discover pressure sores anywhere on your Chihuahua’s body, take them to the clinic right away.
How to Control Hair Loss in Chihuahua
Shedding, often known as hair loss, is a typical occurrence in Chihuahuas. And there is nothing you can do about it. However, you may do a few actions to reduce chihuahua losing hair. Because each Chihuahua is unique, some approaches may work while others may not. And for some, only a few of them will be sufficient.
✓Brushing
Brushing your Chihuahua every day is the most effective approach to prevent hair loss. Brushing helps distribute their natural coat oils, eliminate dirt, and maintain their appearance. Using a brush to pick up their dead hair decreases the amount that falls to the floor.
✓Choose the Right Brush
A suitable brush can make all the difference when managing the Chihuahua shed. And getting it wrong might irritate or, worse, harm the skin. The short-haired Chihuahua needs a soft bristle brush to remove dead hair and grime. On the other hand, the long-haired Chihuahua needs a pin or slicker brush to get through his long and wispy hair.
✓Shampoo
The appropriate shampoo is required to make the Chihuahua’s coat look and feel silky and healthy. For Chihuahuas, a soft shampoo made from natural components is an ideal choice. Because the Chihuahua’s eyes are wide and sensitive, some owners choose a puppy shampoo with a tearless formula.
If contact allergies cause your Chihuahua’s excessive shedding, bathe him with a hydrocortisone shampoo. Hydrocortisone relieves allergy-related inflammation and discomfort.
✓Give Your Chihuahua a Bath
Bathing promotes a clean coat by eliminating dirt, dander, debris, and loose hair, yet it is not the most fun activity for Chihuahuas. Bathe your Chihuahua once every 8 to 12 weeks if he has short hair. Wash your Chihuahua once every 4 to 8 weeks if he has long hair. You will need to bathe him more frequently because the longer-haired Chihuahua acquires more dirt than the shorter-haired Chihuahua.
✓Chihuahuas Diet
The food significantly influences the health of your Chihuahua’s coat. Give your Chihuahua a balanced diet by feeding him high-quality food. Omega fatty acids found in high-quality kibbles will nourish his skin and coat from the inside out. As a result, he only sheds when he needs to, rather than when he is nutritionally poor.
✓Supplements
Different types of dietary supplements are available to help Chihuahuas shed less. These supplements generally contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, flaxseed oil, and other vitamins. Supplements can certainly help, but they aren’t a replacement for a well-balanced diet.
✓Keep Your Chihuahua Hydrated
To avoid dry skin and to raise your dog’s body temperature, make sure your Chihuahua always has access to clean drinking water. Keeping your Chihuahua hydrated is significant because Chihuahuas with insufficient water intake have dry skin and hair, contributing to excessive shedding.
✓Use Antibiotics
Your veterinarian may administer antibiotics to treat any infections causing your Chihuahua to lose hair. Furthermore, your veterinarian may need to remove any related nodules or tumors causing hair loss and maybe treat your Chihuahua with antibiotics and other drugs for the sickness.
✓Take Your Chihuahua to the Vet Regularly
If your Chihuahua is fully grown, you should take him to the vet every 6 months for a regular wellness visit. Regular visits can reveal infections, illnesses, skin abnormalities, and other issues causing excessive hair loss.
The DONT’S If Your Chihuahua Is Losing Hair
Excessive shedding can be challenging to manage. We understand that it can be exhausting, but you should never shave your Chihuahua to keep it from shedding.
A Chihuahua’s coat plays a crucial part in regulating body temperature; consequently, a Chihuahua without a coat will freeze in the winter. The Chihuahua will lack the top hairs required to reduce heat absorption in the summer.
Shaving your Chihuahua exposes him to skin and sun damage. Chihuahuas without a protective coat of fur are prone to terrible sunburns, whether it’s summer or not. Trimming the coat is acceptable, but shaving it is not!
How to Clean Up Chihuahuas Hair Around the House
The amount of hair that Chihuahuas shed in your house can be irritating.
Here are practical tips you can take to keep your home free of pet hair:
- One of the easiest ways to remove Chihuahua hair from your home is to use a vacuum cleaner. Unlike dusting, it sucks all the hair from a surface, so pet hair, dust, and pathogens do not spread in the air.
- Pick up Chihuahua’s hair using a roll of tape. Using tape is one of the cheapest methods for removing pet hair. You have to place it on the surface to be cleaned and then pull it away.
- Make use of lint rollers. A lint roller is a tool that makes it much easier to remove pet hair. Regardless of the length of your Chihuahua’s coat, the lint roller will pull it off your clothes and furniture.
- Cover it with a pet blanket or rug if your Chihuahua has a favorite location on your couch, carpet, or bed. When it becomes dirty, wash it in the washing machine. This will preserve the floor and furniture while keeping bacteria away.
- A humidifier might also assist with the problem of Chihuahua hair. They keep the skin of your Chihuahua hydrated and prevent loose fur from penetrating deep into the surfaces.
- Use your Chihuahua’s grooming brushes regularly to collect the weak or already broken hair. These will keep the hair from spreading around your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Average and Abnormal Hair Loss in Chihuahua?
During a chihuahua’s life, the puppy’s hair may fall out. We must understand that healthy males will not have significant shedding concerns. Females may shed heavily due to hormonal changes during heat cycles.
A female will lose her hair after giving birth to puppies, and it may take up to 6 months for her coat to grow back. Stress is also a factor. Finally, anesthetics can cause substantial fur loss.
Why Do Chihuahuas Develop Bald Patches?
Contact dermatitis could be the source of the hairless areas on the Chihuahua. The bald spot, unlike allergic dermatitis, is limited to the areas that come into touch with the irritant. The Chihuahua may develop bald patches on the neck or other body parts where the skin comes into contact with the collar or harness.
When Should I Take My Chihuahua to the Vet?
Because Chihuahuas are such light shedders and little dogs, any skin disease that appears on your Chihuahuas body will be simple to see. Sore, weepy, irritated skin or a Chihuahua who is constantly clawing itself are all indications that aid is needed.
If your Chihuahua is shedding in patches, this is usually a sign that something is wrong with him; therefore, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
Is Coconut Oil Effective for Preventing Hair Loss in Chihuahuas?
Because other types of fat do not have this property, using coconut oil may help keep your Chihuahua’s coat healthy and glossy. Unlike other fatty acids, coconut oil’s lauric acid is proven more beneficial to hair. It helps to improve your Chihuahua’s fur’s health and wellness.
Is It Normal for Chihuahua Puppies to Shed Their Puppy Fur?
All puppies undergo a stage where they gradually shed their puppy coat and grow their adult coat. It would be best to use gentle shampoos and conditioners on your Chihuahua during this period. The skin will be more sensitive and less protected as a result.
Final Thoughts
Don’t ignore hair loss in your Chihuahuas because it can indicate an infection, parasites, or another health problem. If your Chihuahua is shedding more hair than usual, or if other symptoms accompany the hair loss, consult your veterinarian to understand your Chihuahua’s health better.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
