Last Updated on May 3, 2022 by Fabiola L.
If you have a short-haired chihuahua, you’ll probably notice some hair loss. However, if you’re not careful, it can get to be a big issue. To answer the question “do short-haired chihuahuas shed”, we need to look deeper into the real hair issues and health problems related to a chihuahua having a hair loss or shedding at a high rate.
Chihuahuas are cute, cuddly, and playful. But just like your hair, your dog’s hair can get matted, tangled, and knotted when it grows too long and needs to be trimmed. This is usually caused by genetics, but some dogs shed more than others. And for some reason, dogs with shorter hair generally seem to have a harder time keeping their coats neat and tidy. Here are some ways to get your dog’s hair under control.
This week, we’re going to look at one of the most common chihuahua short hair problems that they can face. Additionally, chihuahuas can get very itchy and have a hair issue called seborrhea dermatitis. Let’s look at 7 common issues and how to address them. So, do short-haired chihuahuas shed more than the other types of chihuahuas? Let’s find out.
What Are The Most Common Hair Issues That Chihuahuas Can Face?
Common hair problems include: shedding, matting, and the issue of mats being so tight that it looks like the chihuahua has a head of hair (known as a ‘mohawk’). The most common hair problem that chihuahuas face is shedding. This is where the fur starts coming off in clumps. Shedding is usually caused by a diet that is too high in carbohydrates. They also suffer from matting and have trouble keeping their fur out of their face.
Learn more about Why Is My Chihuahua Losing Hair – 4 Amazing Reasons Your Chihuahua Might Be Losing Hair
Why Do Chihuahuas Shed?
A chihuahua usually sheds twice a year. During the spring and summer, the shedding usually happens during the night. This is called the ‘night shedding’ or sleeping shedding’. The second time, the chihuahua usually sheds during the day. This is called the ‘day shedding’ or ‘awake shedding.’ The frequency of shedding depends on the size of the dog.
A smaller chihuahua usually sheds less often than a larger one. This means that a small dog might not shed more than two to three times a year. It’s important for a chihuahua owner to trim its undercoat every week. This will help prevent the undercoat from getting too heavy.
Do Short Haired Chihuahuas Shed More?
The first study on the topic looked at how short-haired Chihuahuas were shedding in comparison to long-haired Chihuahuas. The researchers measured the coat length of twenty-three Chihuahuas at the same time, once a month, over a period of twelve months. They found that long-haired Chihuahuas shed significantly less than short-haired ones.
The researchers theorized that Chihuahuas with longer hair was protected from sunburn and heat, but that the shorter hair allowed the Chihuahuas to absorb more sunlight, which led to a higher level of vitamin D production.
How To Deal With A Chihuahua That Sheds?
There are some medications that can help to prevent excessive shedding. Some of these medications include steroids and other medicines that help to control the symptoms of allergies.
You might also want to use an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal is rich in nutrients and helps to strengthen your dog’s coat. It also helps to soften and strengthen the hair. Make sure that you wash your dog with the shampoo or conditioner that you use on your own hair.
Remedies For Chihuahuas That Shed
If your chihuahua is showing signs of hair loss, you may want to consider some other solutions. First, you can trim the dog’s fur to remove the excess hair. But, the dog might get irritated.
Another option would be to use a product such as a flea shampoo. You can also use a de-shedding spray. These products are used to protect the dog’s coat while the dog is outside. You can also use some shampoos to treat the problem.
You may want to consult with your veterinarian about using an oral flea treatment. Some chihuahuas have sensitive stomachs. If you use an oral flea treatment on your dog, you may need to follow certain rules.
Your vet should tell you which treatment is appropriate for your dog. Your vet will also recommend the proper timing for giving your dog the medication. You should only give your dog the medication during grooming or bathing. You should not give the medication any time after bathing or grooming.
Learn more about How To Stop A Chihuahua From Shedding?
Conclusion On “Do Short Haired Chihuahuas Shed”
In conclusion, the longer a chihuahua’s hair is, the greater the risk of them shedding hair. The two main factors that determine whether or not a chihuahua will shed hair are genetics and diet.
If your chihuahua has a history of shedding and you notice that your dog is losing hair from any part of its body, it’s best to have it checked out by a veterinarian. Depending on the cause of the hair loss, your dog may require prescription medication or a change in diet.
For other chihuahua-related topics, check our other articles. We hope you got the answer to the question, “do short-haired chihuahuas shed.” Thanks for reading!
FAQ
How do you stop a short haired Chihuahua from shedding?
If you want to stop a short haired chihuahua from shedding it's best to do regular grooming sessions and brush the undercoat. That way the excess hair will fall off and you won't have any trouble with the hair being shed. On the other hand, if the shedding is not in a natural way, you should go to a veterinarian and ask them to provide you a solution to this problem.
Why is my Chihuahua shedding so much?
This is a fairly typical situation. Some dogs are just naturally more prone to shedding than others. It can be related to diet (the more lean meat he eats, the more likely he is to lose hair), genetics (some breeds shed more than others) and environment. All breeds shed—though some shed more than others—but if your dog is shedding heavily, there are some things you can try to help stop it.
Does shedding bother dogs?
Yes, Yes and Yes. Shedding can bother dogs big time, the shedding can cause itchiness and redness. Because of that, the dog can get annoyed and have some behavior issues. If so, contact a veterinarian in order to help your dog get through this process.
When do chihuahuas shed?
Chihuahuas shed their fur in three phases. At the start of the shedding season, the coats fall off their bodies in a process called telogen effluvium. Then the hair starts coming off in clumps, usually during the summer. Finally, the clumps come off all at once during the third phase, which happens between November and January.