Hair Loss as a Chihuahua Puppy

There are many questions regarding information about Chihuahua's fur.  Lots of questions revolve around a Chihuahua losing its fur. Many owners rush into thinking their dog is seriously ill, when all it is, is a matter of a normal fur process.   There is normal hair loss for a Chihuahua,  a fur issue that can be fixed and  medical issues that needs attention ASAP. 

All dogs go through a stage of losing some puppy hair and growing their adult coat.  Even though you may have seen many pictures of Chihuahuas, you must understand that just about every photograph of a Chihuahua is not taken when he or she is going through this stage of losing fur. 

When does a Chihuahua lose its fur? It usually occurs when the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. This can be earlier or later, depending on the dog.  This may occur early, at 2 months or late at 7 months. 

At this time, if you see your Chihuahua is losing fur, there is no need to panic. It may be patchy, in different areas of the body.  You may see a loss of fur just around the eyes of a Chihuahua.  You may see a loss of fur in patches all over the Chihuahua dog's back or mainly on their legs.  There is no pattern for this loss of fur; it is a natural part of the Chihuahua growing up. 

When your Chihuahua is 5 or 6months old, it is just like a person who is going through puberty. A huge hormonal change is occurring.  This change causes a temporary loss of fur and is quite necessary.  Your dog must go through this stage in order to have his or her adult coat of hair.  You will want to use gentle shampoos and even dog hair conditioners during this time. The skin will be sensitive and not as protected.  You should be aware of this and treat your little Chihuahua gently. 

When does your Chihuahua get its adult coat of fur?  Around the approximate age of 8 to 10 months, your Chi will have grown a beautiful new coat.  Keep in mind this may happen a bit early or a bit late.  Each Chihuahua is different. At approximately 1 year old, he or she will most likely have their adult coat.
Read about Grooming

What is Normal Hair Loss and What is a Sign of Something Serious

There may be times beside the puppy stage when your Chihuahua's hair is falling out.  Males will not have shedding issues that are very noticeable.  With female Chihuahuas there is a big difference.  A female Chihuahua will lose her hair after having puppies.  It will take up to 6 months for her coat to grow back.  When she is in heat, she may lose fur.  Stress can also cause this.  For both male and female Chihuahuas, it is normal to have a big loss of fur after having anesthetics from operations.

What Causes Hair Loss - Medical Alert - Bring Your Chihuahua to a Vet

There are many medical diseases and issues that can cause hair loss for a Chihuahua. If your Chihuahua is losing fur and does not fit into the reasons above for loss of dog fur, you must bring him or her to a good vet.  One disease that can cause hair loss is alopecia, this is a disease of the coat on dogs that also affects the skin.  There are other diseases as well that will cause not only the loss of fur on your dog but cause the dog's remaining fur to appear thin or feel brittle.  Some illness that cause fur to fall out will also discolor the skin.

 

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