Chihuahua (Short Haired)
An ever popular miniature dog with distinctive looks, calm, sometimes shy, always feisty,very intelligent and loyal. Generally, they are active and can be inquisitive when out walking which can result in some very mucky dogs. They require regular grooming we would say every three to four days and this will help reduce the hair they leave as they shed all year round.
Generally we would recommend that you maintain them with simple hand brushing and washing of their lower legs, when returning from a muddy walk, usually simply with water and dry off with a towel.
However they will require a full shampoo and wash we recommend every four weeks or when their odours requires it.
So, to maintain your dog in Tip Top condition we recommend the following.
Before you start your shower and grooming sessions make sure you have all tools and materials required: –
Shampoo ensure you use a specific Dog Shampoo this will ensure that the Fur is maintained in great condition, Human Shampoos have different formulas not always compatible with your dog.
What you will require
Dogs Towels 1 x Roses PVA Mega Absorbent Towel, and I x Roses Large Microfibre Towel
1 x Roses Grooming and Drying Brush OPTIONAL
1 X Good Quality Natural Bristle Dog Brush, and Pin Head Brush
A good supply of treats
Washing your dog.
Always before washing your dog we recommend giving a good brush of their coat, and to maintain your dog’s coat in great condition they should be brushed daily.
To wash your dog, use the shower, failing that use the bath or basin (remembering to use a non slip mat or towel in the bath/basin to stop your dog slipping) and if possible secure your dog to it jumping out and hurting itself. When washing please ensure the water is a comfortable temperature not too hot or too cold and where possible use a shower attachment if no shower head gently pour warm water over your dog to thoroughly wet its coat and then apply the shampoo and knead it thoroughly into the coat, if your dog has got extremely dirty you may need to repeat this process, but we would recommend whenever possible to apply shampoo only once. We are conscious that this is contrary to some advice available but if washed properly we can see no benefit in repeating the process. Now this is important when rinsing the shampoo out you must ensure that all shampoo is rinsed away as any residue can cause itchiness. Another key point we would make is to avoid getting shampoo into the eyes and keep the inside of ears away from shampoo and water. A useful tip here is to start washing your dog from the back of the head and work downwards towards his tail.
If using a conditioner repeat rinse process and again make sure the conditioner is thoroughly rinsed out of the coat, however generally we would advise that your dog’s coats does not require conditioner.
When coat thoroughly rinsed it is time to dry and with the Chihuahua this is quite a simple process, firstly remove most of the excess water with the Mega Absorbent PVA Towel, squeezing out the towel regularly to ensure the maximum absorbency of the towel. Once all surplus water is removed then wrap your dog in a Roses Large Microfibre Towel gently rubbing the dog all over until the coat is as dry as possible.
In colder months you may wish to thoroughly dry your dog, connect your Roses Grooming and Drying Brush set on medium heat and low speed and start brushing and Drying the coat, there is no correct place to start but the key advice we would give here is to ensure the whole coat is dry particularly around the base of the tail and around the ears. Ensure all the coat is brushed through and dry and if your dogs is a little anxious at first encourage with treats and words of encouragement. Once your dog is familiarised and comfortable with your Roses Grooming and Drying Brush you can increase the heat setting to full and increase the speed to high, but note when drying around the eyes and ears only use medium heat and low power. The permanent IONIC feature will ensure great condition to your dog’s coat
The choice of Brush head to use varies from Dog to Dog but generally we recommend, the oval pin head brush but once you have used the tool a few times you will develop your own technique and use brush heads which feel give you the best results.
We know that following these simple instructions you will soon be getting great results and you and your dog will enjoy these sessions which can help create an excellent bond between you and your dog and of course keep them looking great and smelling good most of the time.
Following a wet walk, you can also follow these guidelines if not dirty no need to shampoo simply towel dry as outlined here and if cold dry off with the Roses Grooming and Drying Brush, and on cold winter walks your Chihuahua will welcome being dry and warm.
We look forward to hearing your experiences and of course receiving pictures of your dog after your Grooming and Pampering Sessions
THE ROSES TEAM
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