Preparing your Chihuahua for spring

With Springtime approaching, it’s time to think about preparing your dog for the warmer months ahead. From grooming to Spring cleaning, here are our top tips to prepare your Chihuahua for Spring.

Brush more regularly!

Even though Chihuahuas are a small breed. They still need to be brushed regularly to keep their coat in good condition. Long-haired Chihuahuas typically require more attention, but even the shorter-haired ones tend to shed. So you must give your pup a good brush to prevent any unnecessary build-up of hair, matting, and knots in the fur.

As a general rule, long-chaired Chihuahuas should be brushed around three times a week. While once a week should suffice for those with shorter coats. When you brush your pup. You must go over the chest, legs, and tail to ensure the entire skin is covered.

For more ‘challenging’ coats, it might be a good idea to lightly dampen your Chihuahuas fur with a canine condition and then gently work it in using a comb, which should help remove any knots and tangles.

Bath time

It’s that time, so why not give your Chihuahua a Spring clean? It would help if you bathed your dog once every 3-4 weeks to maintain a warm, glossy coat. Although bathing a Chihuahua might sound incredibly chaotic, most owners will agree that it’s the opposite. However, there are a few things to be wary of.

When buying shampoos and canine conditioners for your four-legged friend, try to opt for those rich in nutrients and protein. This way, when you lather it into their fur, it does not wash away essential oils. Plenty of dog shampoo products will do the trick, but you can also use baby shampoo as a safe alternative.

More often than not, bathing your Chihuahua in a sink is much easier than in a bathtub. This is a good trick if your puppy is scared of water, as it allows for more control and a generally less frightening experience for your Chi. Fill the sink with around 3 inches of water, check the temperature that it isn’t too hot and rinse their coat thoroughly – you want to ensure there is no soap left behind as this can cause skin irritation and problems with the fur.

Trim their nails

Nail trimming is an essential part of every Chihuahua’s grooming routine. When their nails grow too long, it can become excruciating for your dog to walk, leading to potential infection and the onset of canine arthritis.

Generally speaking, you should trim your Chihuahua’s nails once a month. Using a scissor-style (millers forge) or guillotine, gently hold and comfort your pup will your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to hold the clippers. Slide your Chihuahua’s nail between the blade with the blade facing towards you.

Aim to trim no more than 2mm of the nail, and avoid the quick (the vein that runs through the middle of the nail). If you cut too deep and accidentally trim this, the pin may start to bleed. If this happens, don’t worry – follow these simple steps.

Brush their teeth

Even though we love them, Chihuahuas are renowned for having stinky dog breath and are typically prone to dental issues. To combat this, you must brush your dog’s teeth regularly. We’d recommend brushing your puppy’s teeth at least 2-3 times to keep them looking pearly white (ish)!

How to clean your Chihuahua’s teeth properly:

Apply pet toothpaste to a small toothbrush.
Using your hand, carefully lift the corner of your dog’s mount and gently brush along the line where the gum and tooth meet.
Ensure all the toothpaste is spread through all teeth, including the upper and lower areas of the mouth.
Brush using small, circular motions.
Work on one section of your dog’s mouth at a time, lifting their lips if necessary.
Focus on the side of the tooth that touches the cheek, as this is where most of the tartar and plaque build-up.

Give your home a Spring Clean!

Most of us will think about spring cleaning our houses, but don’t forget about your dog! It’s a good idea to wash your pup’s bedding and blankets using anti-bacterial laundry.

Clean the areas where your dog tends to lay, and use a dog-friendly disinfectant to freshen up. A good wash will remove all the fur, dirt, and bacteria accumulated in your dog’s bed.

It might also be worth giving your carpet, floors, and sofas a clean way to ensure the house is free of fleas or parasites lurking!

Garden Maintenance

I’m sure we’ll all be thinking about getting out in our gardens/outside space as soon as the warmer weather arrives, but before you do, it’s worth making sure it’s as safe as can be for your four-legged friend.

It might be a good idea to have a quick potter around the garden and ensure no gaps or Chihuahua-shaped holes in fences! Pour away any stagnant water that may have accumulated in flower pots, watering cans, etc., as this can harm dogs to drink.

Like most dogs, Chihuahuas enjoy sitting in the shade when the weather is lovely and hot; if possible, allow for a shady patch in your garden where your dog can relax. Place a bowl of fresh water next to them to keep them nice and hydrated.

Check out our list of Springtime hazards for dogs to ensure you’re extra prepared to keep your best furry friend safe in the warmer months ahead.

Book a Dog-friendly holiday!

As we begin to get back to some normality in the spring months ahead, you and your canine companion can hopefully enjoy some more quality time together; and what better way to do that than a dog-friendly getaway?