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Do Chihuahuas Shed? (Find Out Now!)

Do Chihuahuas Shed? (Find Out Now!)

Chihuahuas are cute little puppies that make their little ways into the hearts and homes of many different people. They seem so vulnerable and seem to stay little forever.

However, many people forget to consider the shedding habits of these little dogs. However, do Chihuahuas even shed?

ChihuahuaChihuahuas tend to shed on a constant basis while shedding more often during their seasonal shedding periods. It’s essential that you keep up on their grooming so that the shedding and stray hairs don’t get out of hand. Also, make sure their diet is optimal, and their skin stays healthy to minimize shedding.

In this article, we will talk about the shedding habits of Chihuahuas. Even though they’re smaller, they still pack a bunch, or shall we say, they have a ball when it comes to shedding their fur.

Let’s get into it so you can prepare to bring your furry friend home.

How Much Does A Chihuahua Shed?

pet-ChihuahuaChihuahuas constantly shed, although they shed more often at particular seasons of each year. Despite the fact that Chihuahuas shed day after day, they are mild to moderate shedders.

When their shedding period arrives, though, they shed some more. Fortunately, they don’t shed much, particularly at certain seasons of the year.

Chihuahuas don’t shed as much as other dog breeds, such as the Golden Retriever. Keep their physical stature in your attention. They’re small dogs, so there’s not a lot of hair to lose in the first place.

When Do Chihuahuas Shed?

Chihuahua-shedThe Chihuahua dog is named after Chihuahua, a Mexican region in the north. Despite hot weather dominating Mexico, some states, including Chihuahua, experience frigid temperatures and snowfall.

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The goal of periodic shedding is to get the coat ready for the changing of the seasons. It’s the shedding season for these dogs. With the arrival of winter, the lightweight jacket will transform into something like a much more bulky coat.

The shedding season begins in the spring and ends in the winter. A Chi may shed its winter coat as spring ends and summer comes in an effort to reduce it for the heat. It’s the shedding weather, and the canine has a lot of fur to lose.

It’s also the time of year when you might brush your dog’s undercoat. The lovely summer coat will shield the dog from the sunlight while also keeping it cooled.

Why Do Chihuahuas Shed So Much?

Chihuahua-walkOther than the change in season, Chihuahuas may shed more for a variety of reasons. Undoubtedly, certain stimuli are unimportant, while others must be monitored closely.

Stress is a typical cause of shedding in dogs. Despite their ability to shout and appear aggressive, Chihuahuas are delicate canines.

When a Chi is stressed, it loses much of its coat than it typically would, although this is usually not causing concern.

Single-Coat vs. Double-Coat Chihuahuas

A single coat or a double coat can be found on Chihuahuas.

  • A single coat of paint Chihuahuas has only one topcoat, which is made up of solid guard hairs.
  • Apply two coats of paint Chihuahuas have a guard hair coat on top and a softer, thinner undercoat.

Chihuahuas, even without an undercoat, are accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Only a thin coat will be acceptable.

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But the type of coat your Chihuahua has determined the amount they shed. A single coat will typically shed significantly less than a Chihuahua that has two coats.

Are Chihuahuas Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Chihuahua-petThere can be no such thing as a canine that is fully allergy-free. However, given how many asthma and allergy sufferers survive them, there are dog breeds that measure up to that label.

Despite this, the AKC does not recognize the Chihuahua as a hypoallergenic dog.

If you or a close relative suffers from asthma or allergies, a Chihuahua can be a good choice for a house pet, provided the dog is kept clean and cleaned on a routine basis.

When it relates to allergies, it’s the dander linked to the fur that would be the issue, not the hairs.

If you maintain your Chihuahua correctly and have the house clean with a great dog hair vacuum cleaner, allergy sufferers may not ever notice the Chis dander and fluff flying in all directions.

A Proper Diet Promotes Good Coat Condition

playing-with-ChihuahuaIn case you didn’t realize, the stuff you feed your dog has a significant impact on the health of its fur. Take, for example, people.

Weeks of unhealthy eating habits will put a lot of stress on our hair, skin, and general health. The Chihuahua, our tiny pal, is no exception.

You must provide a well-balanced variety of high-quality pet food to your dog. At all times, give your dog the best ingredients you can afford.

A healthy diet might aid in the reduction of shedding issues. Omega fatty acids are abundant in this chow, which nourish the skin and coat both inside and out.

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This guarantees that the dog only sheds when he needs to, which is during the shedding season.

To ensure the greatest possible coat condition, eat a diet rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fish, fish oil, eggs, flaxseed, biotin, and vitamin E.

How To Minimize Shedding

Chihuahua-shedsIf your dog’s shedding has become severe, then you will need to start bathing him on a regular basis, using a light shampoo.

Then, comb your dog after the shower, but also on a regular basis. You’ll need a hairbrush that’s meant for shedding to help control the amount of fur.

You can also apply some coconut oil to the skin and rub it in after the bath. This will help to keep their skin nice and hydrated.

Don’t forget that a healthy diet that includes high-quality dog food makes all the difference in skin health and shedding habits. Check with your vet to see if you should add any additional supplements or vitamins to his diet.

Excessive Shedding

Excessive shedding could indicate that the dog has a skin ailment or is infested with parasites such as fleas or mites. Excessive shedding may sometimes indicate that the dog is sensitive to something, such as a particular shampoo.

Any abnormalities in the dog’s skin should be evaluated by a veterinarian, mainly if you see irritated or painful skin or areas of hair loss.

In the overwhelming majority of instances, it is treatable. This could, though, be an indication of something really catastrophic. Severe hair thinning is also a symptom of serious medical conditions. A trip to the veterinarian for a second opinion should help narrow down the possibilities.

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Why Does My Chihuahua Shed So Much?

Chihuahua-shedsDuring the shedding period, it’s common for a Chihuahua to drop some hair. However, when baldness becomes extreme, bald spots and patches form, or the fur becomes brittle, difficulties arise.

The following are the most common health problems related to excessive hair loss:

  • Cushing’s Disease is a disorder characterized by persistent adrenal gland hormone oversupply. Hair loss, increased hunger, thirst, and urination are all side effects.
  • Fleas: Fleas do not cause hair loss in all Chihuahuas. If your Chihuahua is sensitive to flea spit, though, it may itch excessively until balding spots appear.
  • Heat Cycle: While not technically a sickness, this is a condition that causes canines to shift. Female Chihuahuas will shed more often during warmth due to elevated estrogen levels. Around 24 to 48 hours before the end of estrus, estrogen levels should return to normal.
  • Mange: The parasite mite Demodex is to blame for this ailment. It’s a skin condition that causes severe irritation and baldness.
  • Hypothyroidism is a disorder that primarily affects dogs in their middle years. Thyroid hormone is produced in insufficient amounts by the thyroid gland. High blood cholesterol, tiredness, profuse shedding, anemia, and excess weight are all indications of this illness. If you suspect your dog has this condition, you must have a blood test done to determine its thyroid hormone level.
  • Food Allergies: Your dog may shed excessively if it is allergic to one or more substances in its food. It’s the immune response of the Chihuahua warning you that the substance is a foreign invader. Choose a dog food that is appropriate for your dog. Don’t continue to feed it the same allergy-inducing dog food. Finding the right one may take time, but it is well worth the time and effort.
  • Stress: As previously stated, stress is a significant factor in Chihuahuas’ heavy shedding. The most prevalent pressures are separation anxiety, punishment-based cognitive retraining, a change of environment, a loss in the household, or a new arrival to the family.
  • Contact Allergies: Even if they don’t really have food intolerances, Chihuahuas might be allergic to substances or molecules in their habitat. Dog wash, flea treatment, antibiotics, metal like copper, leather, wool, plastic, household cleaners, and other items are among the most prevalent allergies. You’ll be able to detect and eliminate the allergy from your house utilizing the elimination method.
  • Illnesses: Some fungal and bacterial diseases, such as ringworm and pyoderma, can generate excessive shedding.

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