The best shampoo for Chihuahua is gentle on your pet’s delicate skin and coat and won’t strip its natural oils.
Different Chihuahuas have different grooming requirements.
Based on these various needs, you’d need different Chihuahua shampoo to perform different roles: moisturize dry skin, keep allergies in check, soothe away dryness and irritation, or prevent fleas, ticks, etc.
In short, you must select a product that suits your pet’s sensitive skin and coat, is ideally pH balanced, and yet, performs the task that your pet’s coat and skin need it to.
Based on these different requirements, we have 7 different Chihuahua shampoos for you – including best shampoo for your puppy Chi, for your long-haired or short-haired Chi, and also for different skin conditions that Chis suffer from.
Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top 5 reviewed products for the best shampoo for Chihuahua:
- Our Editor’s Pick: HealthyBreeds Oatmeal & Aloe Chihuahua Dog Shampoo
- Best Shampoo for Long-haired Chihuahua: TropiClean PerfectFur Long-Haired Coat Shampoo for Dogs
- Best Shampoo for Short-haired Chihuahua: TropiClean PerfectFur Short Double Coat Shampoo for Dogs
- Best Shampoo for Chihuahua Puppy: Healthy Breeds Tearless Chihuahua Puppy Shampoo
- Best Overall Chihuahua Shampoo: The Blissful Chihuahua Drama Queen Dog Shampoo
- Best Chihuahua Shampoo for Allergy & Itching: Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
- Best Dog Shampoo for Chihuahua with Dry Itchy & Sensitive Skin: Mighty Petz 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Shampoo for Chihuahua – 2022 Top 7 Picks
1. Our Editor’s Pick: HealthyBreeds Oatmeal & Aloe Chihuahua Dog Shampoo
Healthy Breeds is a breed-specific shampoo highly suitable for your Chihuahua because of the following reasons:
Firstly, it is hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, and gentle and soap-free. It won’t strip your pet’s natural oils, leaving its skin soft, supple, and moisturized.
Secondly, oatmeal and aloe provide relief from itching, dandruff, and other skin issues common in Chihuahuas. It can also safely be combined with topical flea/tick treatments.
Thirdly, it is made in the USA with highest testing standards. So, you know your pet is getting the best!
And finally, we must mention the shampoo’s pina colada scent that will have your cuddling your pet over and over!
What we like about it
- Soap-free, pH-balanced, hypoallergenic
- USA-made
- Great scent
What we don’t like
- Fragrance doesn’t last too long.
- Provides relief for itchy, scaling and sensitive skin with the mild oatmeal and aloe formula! A gentle shampoo is more suitable for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies!
- Hypoallergenic formula is safe for use with topical flea control treatments! Keep your dog fresh and clean with the delicious Pina Colada scent!
- pH balanced! Healthy Breeds offers a high-quality oatmeal shampoo that is gentle and soap-free! Help restore natural moisture and emollients in your dog’s skin and coat!
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All shampoos made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities! Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed!
- Healthy Breeds also offers a Deodorizing Shampoo and a Bright Whitening Shampoo for lighter/whiter coats to bring back the puppy shine! Search for your breed and product!
2. Best Shampoo for Long-haired Chihuahua: TropiClean PerfectFur Long-Haired Coat Shampoo for Dogs
TropiClean is specially formulated for dogs with long luxurious coats like your long-haired Chi.
It works by reaching the undercoat while gently detangling mats and knots.
Furthermore, it imparts shine and elasticity to each hair cuticle making your pet sparkle with radiance and also prevent new mats from forming.
Apart from detangling, this shampoo also hydrates and locks in moisture – great feature for dogs with dry skin and itching.
TropiClean shampoo also has a very light fragrance that is suitable for dogs and owners that cannot withstand harsh scents.
What we like about it
- Gets rid of mats and tangles in long-haired pets
- Makes it easier to brush and groom
- Smells great
- Made in the USA with natural and naturally derived raw ingredients
What we don’t like
- Need a large quantity to create a good lather.
- LONG & FABULOUS - A dog wash made for breeds with long locks making it the perfect shampoo for Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Maltese and similar breeds.
- A PERFECT FUR DAY - A hydrating shampoo that strengthens hair follicles, so your pup can rock their luscious locks proudly.
- SKIN FRIENDLY - Our moisturizing dog shampoo is made with quinoa protein and rice bran extract to boost softness and nourish each strand.
- PERFECTLY MADE - We proudly make our pet shampoo in the USA with ingredients like fruit extracts and provitamin B5 for a healthy coat.
- NOBODY LEFT OUT - More than one dog? Shampoo for dogs should be as unique as their coats. That’s why Perfect Fur has something for everyone!
3. Best Shampoo for Short-haired Chihuahua: TropiClean PerfectFur Short Double Coat Shampoo for Dogs
TropiClean shampoo is specially formulated to deep clean the short coated pets like your Chi.
It gets to the roots and deeply nourishes the follicles, while cleaning away dirt and removing loose hairs.
All the shed/dead hairs will come out while bathing itself, thereby reducing your cleanup and grooming hassles later.
TropiClean Chihuahua shampoo also removes dirt and freshens your pet’s coat.
It is known to reduce unseasonal shedding by exfoliating the skin and nourishing each hair follicle.
You and your pet will also love this shampoo’s sweet citrusy fragrance.
What we like about it
- Specially formulated for short coated breeds
- Exfoliates and removes loosened, dead hairs
- Great citrusy scent
What we don’t like
- Packing needs improvement
- Scent does not last long.
- SHORT HAIR DO CARE - A dog wash made for dogs with short double coats like Pugs, Terriers, Labs and similar breeds.
- A PERFECT FUR DAY - Show your pets layers some loves! Reduce dog shedding, deeply clean and leave your pup smelling fresh
- SKIN FRIENDLY - Our moisturizing dog shampoo is made with potato protein and sweet potato extract to boost softness and strengthen the coat.
- PERFECTLY MADE - We proudly make our pet shampoo in the USA with ingredients like fruit extracts and vitamin E for a healthy coat.
- NOBODY LEFT OUT - More than one dog? Shampoo for dogs should be as unique as their coats. That’s why Perfect Fur has something for everyone!
4. Best Shampoo for Chihuahua Puppy: Healthy Breeds Tearless Chihuahua Puppy Shampoo
Chihuahua puppy shampoo from Healthy Breeds is a conditioning and gentle formula that you can safely rely upon to wash your puppy (4 weeks of age and above).
It is a tearless formula that you can use safely to clean your pet’s face without worrying about irritating the eyes.
This shampoo is designed to give your pet a softer and fluffier coat. Being soap-free, it won’t harm your pet’s delicate skin or strip off its natural oils.
Besides this, you can use Healthy Breeds puppy shampoo with other topical flea treatments without reducing their efficacy.
What we like about it
- Tear-free and soap-free – ideal for sensitive Chihuahua pups
- Hardly any wet-dog smell after bath
- Contains aloe vera to moisturize and soothe coat
- Made in the USA
- Excellent scent
What we don’t like
- Contains sodium laurel sulfate – a surfactant. Some dogs are allergic to it.
- A uniquely gentle shampoo that cleanses and conditions a puppy's skin and coat. Mild enough for use on the face of puppies 4 weeks of age and older.
- Formulated with the proper ingredients to maintain a moisturized and nourished coat as they get older. Contains aloe Vera, lanolin, and gentle proteins that leave a soft, fluffy coat.
- Safe for use with topical flea control products. No harmful chemicals or irritants. It can be used as often as necessary and will not strip the coat of natural oils.
- Made in the USA so you can buy with confidence. All shampoos made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction Guaranteed.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog healthcare products, grooming products and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our amazon storefront!
5. Best Overall Chihuahua Shampoo: The Blissful Chihuahua Drama Queen Dog Shampoo
Blissful Dog Drama Queen Shampoo contains water and coconut-derived cleansers which are very gentle on your pet’s sensitive skin.
It also contains oat, keratin, and silk proteins to strengthen your pet’s hair and prevent unseasonal shedding.
Furthermore, this shampoo is packed with vitamin E oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil that moisturize the dry skin and nourish every hair follicle giving your gorgeous pet a luxurious and healthy coat.
What we like about it
- Repairs, soothes, heals, and protects
- All-natural ingredients
- Smells good
What we don’t like
- Caused dry skin in a small number of dogs.
- Packaging issues.
- Natural Shampoo - Moisturizes as it cleanses the coat of any residue, clarifies and nurtures your dog's coat
- Moisturizing Shampoo - Argan oil, Jojoba oil and keratin add an Extra level of nurturing for your dog's coat
- Keratin Shampoo - Cleanses and pampers with fabulous sudsing, yet still rinses easily
- Delicately scented with jasmine, fresh apple and vanilla
- Paraben Free, PH Balanced Hypo-allergenic Shampoo - Professional shampoo is ready to use or dilute up to 10: 1
6. Best Chihuahua Shampoo for Allergy & Itching: Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Give your pet much-needed relief from seasonal allergies that Chihuahuas are susceptible to.
You and your pet will love this all-natural shampoo made from essential oils. It gently cleanses dirt and grime away and soothes and heals its skin.
The reason behind this shampoo’s effectiveness is its oatmeal, tea tree oil, and d’limonene content, all of which moisturize itchy and dry skin.
Perhaps the best part about this shampoo is its gentle formulation that is safe for frequent use. Use it as often as your pet needs and when allergies are abound – it won’t strip your pet’s skin’s natural oils.
What we like about it
- Soothes and relieves itchy skin from allergies and flea bites
- Gentle for daily use
- Spa-day fresh scent
What we don’t like
- Doesn’t lather up well.
- Not for very severe cases of seasonal allergies.
- RELIEF FOR ITCHY SKIN - Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is a soothing, natural remedy for dogs with itchy skin due to allergies or sensitivity.
- EFFECTIVE AND PLEASING - Washes away allergens, relieves itchy skin, and leaves your dog smelling spa-day fresh.
- NATURAL REMEDY - We use a veterinarian formulated blend of essential oils and key natural ingredients (such as oatmeal, d’limonene, and tea tree oil) to calm and moisturize itchy, red skin.
- USE AS NEEDED - Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo may be used as often as necessary to remove allergens without drying out your dog’s skin.
- WORKS WITH OTHER TREATMENTS - Will not affect topical flea and tick control products.
7. Best Dog Shampoo for Chihuahua with Dry Itchy & Sensitive Skin: Mighty Petz 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Mighty Petz shampoo and conditioner contains just 7 simple ingredients like water, baking soda, coconut oil cleanser, organic aloe, organic oats, and mild lavender fragrance.
Moreover, this pH-balanced dog shampoo is perfectly suitable for itchy and dry skin. It certainly won’t harm your already sensitive pet in any way!
There are no artificial colors in this shampoo and it is also free from alcohol, paraben, and harsh scents.
Despite being free from surfactants and soap, it produces a lot of foamy lather which quickly and gently cleanses your pet’s skin.
To summarize, Mighty Petz dog shampoo for Chihuahua with dry, itchy, and sensitive skin cleans, conditions, heals, softens, moisturizes, relieves itch, and protects your pet’s delicate skin as well.
What we like about it
- All-natural, balanced pH, biodegradable, cruelty free
- Suitable for sensitive pets
- Made in the USA with just 7 ingredients
- Subtle and fresh lavender scent
What we don’t like
- Very watery consistency.
- Soothing Oatmeal, Aloe Vera, and Coconut: Gentle dog shampoo with natural ingredients to moisturize dry, itchy, and sensitive skin; helps with seasonal allergies
- Balanced pH for Dogs + No Artificial Colors and Scents + Cruelty-Free + Biodegradable: Dog oatmeal shampoo formulated to keep your dog's coat healthy, shiny, and smelling great
- 5 Best Grooming Benefits in a Large 16 oz Bottle: Cleans, deodorizes, conditions, detangles coat, and moisturizes skin; subtle lavender scent for an enjoyable bath experience
- 2in1 Dog Shampoo and Conditioner: Pet shampoo for dogs with conditioner in one; avoids the need for multiple pet products
- Only 7 Natural Ingredients & Made in the USA: Gentle yet effective moisturizing dog wash; keeps your pet’s coat clean and healthy with a subtle lavender scent
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas have sensitive skin which is prone to dryness and itching.
That is why, they need very gentle, soap-free, and pH-balanced shampoos having mild ingredients that cleanse without stripping their natural oils.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best shampoo for Chihuahua:
1. Balanced pH with natural ingredients
Make sure the shampoo you use for bathing your pet is pH-balanced.
Dogs have an alkaline pH skin which is why you must not use harsh or acidic products on them.
Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals, colors, and fragrances.
Look for shampoos with all-natural, gentle, and soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, etc.
2. Suitable for long or short haired Chihuahua
You can also select a shampoo that is made especially for short or long-coated Chi.
These days, most shampoos are suitable for all coat types.
However, shampoos for long-haired dogs are specially formulated with detangling agents that prevents mats in their feathered hair (on ears, behind the legs, etc.).
Similarly, shampoos for short-coated dogs are designed to clean the undercoat and remove all the shed hair without damaging the top coat.
3. Is made for specific skin conditions
Many Chis suffer from skin issues, common ones being seasonal allergies, itching, dryness, hot spots, etc.
Then there are skin problems like fleas and ticks which all dogs must be protected from and not just Chis.
Based on your pet’s specific skin conditions and issues, choose a shampoo that heals and protects it from these problems.
That is why we have categorized different shampoos for various skin problems above.
4. Lathers well, rinses quickly, and smells good!
Your Chihuahua is a lapdog and naturally it must spend a lot of time in your arms!
It is but natural that you want your pet to smell great all the time.
Look for a shampoo that lathers up well, is easy to rinse clean, and leaves a mild and pleasant fragrance.
This can reduce bath-time stress and get the job done quickly.
Avoid shampoos with harsh scents which are irritating to your pet and also to your senses.
Milder scents like vanilla, lavender, apple, etc. are good scents on a small Chi’s delicate skin.
How To Bathe Your Chihuahua? 10 Awesome Tips!
- Keep the mood light and fun.
- Gather all the supplies in the bathroom/sink where you will bathe your pet.
- Keep two or more towels ready. Chihuahuas get cold quickly, so you must wrap your pet up immediately after bathing.
- Place cotton balls inside your pet’s ears to prevent water from entering inside. This is very important to prevent ear infections.
- Wet your pet with warm water from neck to tail. (Test the water temperature, before using on your pet).
- Use a washcloth or wipes on your Chi’s face and eyes.
- Shampoo, lather up and wait for a few minutes before rinsing clean.
- Repeat shampooing if needed.
- Towel dry your pet or use a hairdryer.
- Let your pet run around to air dry naturally!
How Often Should You Bathe Your Chihuahua?
How often you bathe your pet depends on its coat condition and how dirty or smelly it gets.
If your pet is indoor most of the times, you can bathe it once a month, no more than that as doing so can strip off its coat and make it very dry.
In case your Chi gets very smelly or its coat starts appearing grimy, or it develops fleas/ticks or other skin issues, then use an appropriate, vet-recommended shampoo once a week (or as often as prescribed by your vet) to resolve these issues.
Can I Wash My Chihuahua With Human Shampoo?
No. You must never use harsh human shampoos on your pet.
Your Chi has very delicate skin and harsh chemical-based human shampoos can strip its natural oils leaving it very dry and irritated.
Your pet could even be highly sensitive or allergic to surfactants, parabens, and other chemicals commonly found in human shampoos.
Furthermore, human shampoos have an acidic ph. Your Chi has a basic or alkaline skin pH.
Please check out our guide on Expert Answers to Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Dogs?
We have explained all of the reasons why you should never use Human Shampoos on Your Dog.
Is It Necessary to Use Conditioner for Your Chihuahua?
If your Chi has a very dry coat and skin, then the use of a dog-specific conditioner can help.
Conditioners seal and lock in moisture in your pet’s hair cuticle making it softer, easily manageable, and shinier as well.
Your long-haired Chi can also benefit from conditioning as it will ease the grooming process later and prevent mats and tangles.
You may also want to use a conditioner on your Chi if you bathe your pet frequently – once a week or more than that.
This is because, shampoos tend to be drying, no matter how much they claim not to do so.
Also Read: Expert Answers to Can You use Human Conditioner on your Dog?
FAQs on Best Shampoo for Chihuahua
At what age can you bathe a Chihuahua puppy?
It is safe to bathe a Chi puppy that is 4 weeks or older.
If your younger puppy is very dirty or smelly, use dog wipes for cleaning it gently.
Use only puppy-appropriate wipes which are free from fragrance, alcohol, and other harsh ingredients.
Check out our guide on Can You Use Baby Wipes on Dogs. We have recommended some effective gentle dog wipes for your pet there.
How often should I bathe my long-haired Chi?
Avoid over-bathing your long-haired Chi.
Most vets recommend bathing all dogs once a month and the same applies to your pet as well.
If your pet is very dirty or smelly, you can use this guide to find out How to Make Your Dog Smell Good Without a Bath.
Can I bathe my Chihuahua once a week?
If your pet has a clean coat and healthy skin and fur, there is no need to bathe it so frequently.
About once a month is sufficient to keep your pet clean.
Over-bathing can damage your pet’s skin’s natural barriers and can make it susceptible to the environmental pollutants. It can also dry out its delicate skin and cause abnormal shedding, itching, red bumps, etc.
Conclusion
The best shampoo for Chihuahua is gentle on its delicate skin yet cleans it effectively.
It also contains natural, limited ingredients, and is free from chemicals, harsh fragrances, and colorants.
We recommend HealthyBreeds Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo which is soap-free, pH-balanced, and hypoallergenic. It is made in the USA using the highest-quality ingredients.
Don’t forget to check out our other ingredients as well.
