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Grooming Tips For Your Chihuahua
Grooming Tips For Your Chihuahua
Learn how to keep your Chihuahua attractive and infection
free.
by Michael J. Warren
June 19, 2004
Let's face it -- while Chihuahuas are great dogs to have,
they will inevitably get dirty and require grooming. If you
have a smooth coat Chihuahua, brushing it once a week will
help keep it shiny and healthy.
A soft-bristle grooming brush or cloth should be sufficient.
However, if you have a longhaired Chihuahua, you should increase
the brushing to about two or three times each week (if not
more).
Some people prefer to have their longhaired Chihuahua clipped
by a professional dog groomer to eliminate the need for so
much brushing, which is fine. If you choose to take your Chihuahua
to a groomer, however, make sure you start doing it at a very
young age to avoid causing undue stress to the dog.
Proper grooming also includes your Chihuahua's eyes. To keep
them clean, try dripping a small amount of saline solution
onto a cotton ball and then gently wiping the dog's eyes.
A warm rag or a Q-tip will also do the trick when grooming.
Because a Chihuahua's eyes tear regularly, they can develop
a tearstain, which is especially noticeable on blonde colored
dogs.
The saline will reduce or eliminate the stain and clean the
eyes of the Chihuahua. This type of grooming should be done
once or twice a week, depending upon the tearing near the
eyes.
If you notice the tearing is associated with a bloodshot
eye or white discharge, the problem usually cannot be fixed
by grooming techniques and is probably an infection (meaning
you will need to take your Chihuahua to a veterinarian for
treatment).
Finally, don't forget that good grooming also includes regular
nail trimmings and bathing of your Chihuahua. With the proper
upkeep and maintenance, though, you will keep your Chihuahua
clean, healthy, and infection-free.
- Michael J. Warren
Michael J. Warren is the author of an invaluable resource
for both new and current Chihuahua owners, "The
Ultimate Chihuahua Care Handbook."
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