Causes of Chihuahua Shedding & Control
Understanding Chihuahua shedding will help you manage shedding during the warmer weather or shedding season.
This post is aimed at discussing the common reasons why Chihuahuas shed more and some common ways to minimize Chihuahua shedding.
Keep in mind that you can’t completely stop Chihuahuas from shedding, but you can minimize their shedding.
That being said, let’s look at what causes excessive shedding in Chihuahuas and some ways to minimize Chihuahua shedding.
Do chihuahuas shed a lot?
Thankfully, chihuahuas shed light to moderate amounts throughout the year despite doing so every day.
They usually shed a little bit more when the shedding seasons arrive. Fortunately, they do not shed as much as other breeds do.
Chihuahuas usually do not shed a lot, but there is the occasional loss of hair. Certain breeds may be more prone to shedding than others, but the average chihuahua will not shed as much as a standard dog.
If your chihuahua is shedding more than usual, there may be a problem, if the hair is lost in large clumps, your chihuahua may be suffering from a coat problem.
One thing to keep in mind when owning a chihuahua is that they do shed.
You will need to brush them regularly, and vacuum the floors often.
If you are uncomfortable with having a lot of hair around your home, then you may want to consider another breed of dog.
Read more: 18 Common Ways To Care For A Chihuahua.
Why do Chihuahuas shed a lot?
The following are some potential causes of excessive shedding in Chihuahuas:
Poor nutrition leads to shedding in Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are susceptible to nutritional imbalance, which can lead to shedding.
Nutritional imbalance can be caused by a lack of essential nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D, or by an excess of certain nutrients.
Chihuahuas are especially prone to nutritional imbalance because they are small dogs with a high metabolism and a high demand for energy.
Chihuahuas who are deficient in one or more of their essential nutrients may start to lose hair.
This is because hair is made up of protein, and a lack of protein can cause hair to break down and shed.
Chihuahuas who are deficient in calcium may also start to shed more if left untreated.
Always talk to a qualified veterinarian if your Chihuahua starts shedding more than usual.
Chihuahuas shed more at certain time of the year
Seasonality is a big deal in the canine world because Chihuahuas shed more during certain time of the year more than others.
Chihuahuas that are kept indoors all year long may have a harder time shedding in the winter because their natural urge to ditch the coat and run around is suppressed.
Keep in mind that Chihuahuas that are allowed to go outside in the winter may shed more, as their regular exercise helps them to remove the dead hair.
Chihuahuas shed more during the warmer weather than the colder weather of the year.
Allergies leads to shedding in Chihuahuas
Allergies can cause a Chihuahua to shed more than usual.
If your Chihuahua is allergic to something in their environment such as pollen, dust, grass, or other animals, their body will release histamine in an effort to control the allergic response.
Histamine causes the dog to release thick, sticky saliva which can lead to excessive shedding.
If you are noticing an increase in your dog’s shedding, it’s best to have them checked out by a vet.
While there is no cure for allergies, treatments can help control the symptoms and help your dog live a more comfortable life.
More: 14 Most Common Signs Your Chihuahua Is Sick.
Parasitic attacks lead to shedding in Chihuahuas
Parasitic attacks can lead to a dog losing a lot of hair. This is because parasites can cause the dog’s immune system to attack the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
This is especially common in Chihuahuas, who are especially prone to parasites.
If you notice your dog losing a lot of hair, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian.
There may be a simple solution, or your dog may need to be treated with a medication.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
This can lead to weight gain and a number of other problems. One of the problems that can result from hypothyroidism is shedding.
Chihuahuas are especially prone to shedding because of their short hair follicles.
This can lead to an increase in the number of hairballs and the amount of hair that is shed.
Chihuahuas that are hypothyroid often have a harder time digesting food and can also have a difficult time losing weight.
If your chihuahua is shedding a lot, it is important to get it checked by a qualified veterinarian.
Effects of medications
There are a number of side effects that can occur when a dog is on medication.
Some of these side effects can be minor like shedding, while others can be more serious.
One of the most common side effects of medication is shedding. Dogs may start to lose a lot of hair, and in some cases, they may become bald.
This is usually a sign that the medication is working and helping to fix the problem that was causing the shedding in the first place.
However, if the shedding is excessive or the dog is not feeling well as a result of the shedding.
It may be time to talk to the veterinarian about changing the medication or finding another option.
Ways to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas
The following are some common ways to minimize excessive shedding in Chihuahuas:
Regular brushing reduce shedding in Chihuahuas
Regular brushing of a Chihuahua’s coat will help reduce shedding and make the dog look and feel better.
Brushing the coat with a dog brush, once or twice a week, will help remove loose hair, dirt, and other debris from the coat.
This will help to keep the coat clean and healthy, and also reduce the amount of hair that needs to be groomed.
High-quality dog food reduce shedding in Chihuahuas
The amount of shedding a Chihuahua experiences will vary depending on the individual dog’s weight, coat type and other factors.
However, many high-quality dog foods are known to reduce shedding in many dogs, and a few specific examples include Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Pro Plan and Eukanuba.
It is important to select food that is specifically designed for your dog’s breed and size, as not all high-quality dog foods are effective in reducing shedding.
In addition, regular grooming and a healthy diet can also help to reduce a dog’s shedding.
Bathing your Chihuahua reduces shedding
When it comes to bathing your chihuahua, reducing shedding is key.
A good bath will help clean the dog’s coat and remove any oils and sweat that may have built up.
It is also a great way to relax your pup and help them feel comfortable and loved.
Here are some tips to help make bathing your chihuahua a less traumatic experience:
-Start by filling the tub with lukewarm water.
-Add a small amount of shampoo to the water and give the dog a good wash.
-Rinse the dog thoroughly and dry them off with a towel.
-If your pup us wet make sure you air-dry them before letting them go.
Always talk to a qualified veterinarian for the right shampoo to use, and you can bathe your Chihuahua once in 4 weeks.
Keep all parasites away from your Chihuahua
Whether shedding is brought on by fleas, worms, or ticks, it is imperative to stop it in Chihuahuas.
Due to external irritants like fleas, ticks, and allergies, chihuahuas may shed.
By shielding your Chihuahua from these irritants, you might be able to minimize unwanted shedding.
Allergies can be identified, monitored, or treated by a veterinarian, and flea and tick collars are inexpensive and efficient.
Add supplements to your Chihuahua food
Chihuahua dogs can be prone to shedding. Adding supplements to their diet can help reduce the amount of fur that ends up on the floor.
In addition, supplements can help maintain a healthy coat.
Some good supplements to add to a Chihuahua’s diet include omega-3 fatty acids, B-12, and glucosamine.
Always talk to a qualified veterinarian before adding any supplement to your Chihuahua food.
Hormonal fluctuations lead to shedding in Chihuahuas
There is a lot of information out there about hormonal fluctuations and shedding in dogs.
Here, we will break down some of the basics.
The hypothalamus is a small, almond-shaped part of the brain that is responsible for controlling many important body functions, including hunger, thirst, and the reproductive system.
When it’s time for a dog to have puppies, the hypothalamus releases hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce an egg.
During the dog’s monthly cycle, the levels of certain hormones will fluctuate.
These fluctuations can cause the skin to shed more than usual. There are a few reasons for this.
For one, during the luteal phase of the cycle, the levels of estrogen tend to be high (estrogen is a hormone that helps to keep the skin smooth and elastic).
So it is safe to say that your Chihuahua may shed more when they have puppies.
What is the average amount of hair a Chihuahua sheds per day
The average amount of hair a Chihuahua shears in a day is about one eighth of an inch.
However, this can can be affected by a lot of factors like, poor nutrition, environmental conditions, and time of the year.
Is there a way to prevent Chihuahua hair loss
There is no surefire way to prevent Chihuahua hair loss, but there are a few things that can help keep your pet’s hair healthy.
Feed them a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber and nutrients, and make sure they get plenty of exercise daily.
If you see any signs of hair loss, such as your dog losing a lot of hair in a short period of time, talk to your vet about getting started on a hair loss treatment plan.
Read more: 11 Common Chihuahua Old Age Problems.
What are the risks of Chihuahua hair loss
There are a few risks associated with Chihuahua hair loss. One is that bald patches may form on the dog’s skin, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Additionally, Chihuahuas may become less active and may even stop eating if they are losing a lot of hair.
Finally, Chihuahuas may develop infections more easily if their hair coat is thinned out.
