There are a few things that you'll want to use on a regular basis; it's always easier to prevent issues than try to treat them after they have already developed.
Paw wax
- This is so beneficial year-round. In the summer, it helps protect the paws from hot surfaces. In the winter, it helps protect from snowballing (when snow wedges between the toes, melts, turns to ice, and then stretches the skin), frozen walking surfaces, and gives good traction. And throughout the whole year, it helps keep paw skin in good health to prevent drying and cracking.
For prevention, this should be applied 1 time per week. To treat paw issues, this can be applied daily.
Nose balm
- You want your Chihuahua's nose to soak up some sun; this helps it keep its dark pigmentation. However, in the summer, excessive sun exposure can cause the nose to dry out.
In the winter, chapping can occur, which can result in peeling and even cracking, which can be quite painful.
So, a quality nose balm can help prevent these common issues, as well as treat existing drying, peeling, and cracking. Note that if cracks are deep and there is blood or pus, this should be treated by the vet, as antibiotics may be needed.
For prevention, this should be applied 1 time per week. To treat nose issues, this can be applied 2 to 3 times per day.
Healing cream
- The type that we recommend, by ResQ, can resolve a wide array of issues including cuts, insect bites, hot spots, sores, itching, rashes, dry skin, burns, and more.
Grooming wipes
- These are great to wipe the body down in between baths to keep a Chihuahua clean and smelling nice. These also indispensable in removing outside allergens if a Chi has allergies (wipe your puppy or dog down each time they enter back into the house).
These are also great for spot-cleaning, such as when urine splashes up onto the coat, or if there are tiny bits of feces stuck to the fur.
Recommended body care items are below.
On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4.