Grooming the Hairless Dog

My son, Albert (Chinese Crested)

I often joke with my clients about the fact that I'm a professional groomer who owns only hairless dogs...INTENTIONALLY! People mostly believe that hairless dogs require less maintenance than hairy dogs, but truth be told, great care DOES go into caring for the hairless dog from a grooming sense. Hairless dogs are very prone to acne and blackheads, suffer from dry skin because it is exposed to many of nature's harsh elements all day, and need need NEED clothing and sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful rays. Most commonly, middle-aged to senior hairless dogs will be splotched with liver spots from years of being exposed to the sun. These dogs often require more bathing and moisturizing than most dogs, just as you would take care of a baby's precious skin. I have found some great human products that are safe enough to use on my hairless boys and aid in the daily maintenance of their skin.

Bathing Frequency

I recommend you bathe the hairless dog every night or every few nights. I ONLY recommend such frequent bathing for these breeds, followed with a creme rinse conditioner and ALWAYS moisturize after bath! Remember, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet, and therefore can suffer from extremely dry skin as their natural oils are stripped away, often, by too frequent bathing.  I have found that one of the ways around this is to condition, condition, condition! We need to put that moisture BACK into the skin after cleansing! Frequent baths for the hairless dog aids in keeping pores cleansed and free of blemishes while the moisturizers protect skin from the harsh elements it is exposed to on any given day (i.e. sun, dirt, wind..etc).

Great Cleansers

I love to use baby wash or just about any organic oatmeal-based shampoo for dogs. The great thing about baby wash is that it's tear free and hypoallergenic, so it's gentle enough for these dogs! Mane and Tail is a shampoo/conditioner formulated for horses, cats and dogs, and I usually have it readily available in my shower for my own use! (It really DOES help your hair grow faster!!) My Albert always feels so smooth and soft after using Mane and Tail.

My Xolo Dog, Buddy, is more prone to dry skin and blackheads, so once per week, we do an exfoliating treatment using St. Ive's Apricot Scrub formula.  What a special treat for him! He loves having it rubbed all over his body during his bath!

Awesome Conditioners

ALWAYS use a creme rinse, even if it makes no sense that the dog has no hair! I leave this on as a conditioning mask treatment for a few minutes before rinsing it off. I've already mentioned the Main and Tail conditioner, but I have many favorites! Among them are: Earthbath Creme Rinse, Organic Oscar Conditioner, and even Pantene conditioner!
 

Amazing Moisturizers

This is my favorite part...I mean...who doesn't love moisturizers? This is also the happiest time of my dogs' baths because they get to be rubbed and slathered by mommy, which feels soooo good! I prefer to use Burt's Bees Baby Bee lotion directly after bath time, but on days where my guys are extra dry, we opt for an oil treatment such as raw coconut oil or jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is known to deep cleanse while moisturizing skin, aiding in the healing and prevention of acne and blackheads. I use it every day on my own face as a moisturizer! No need for expensive anti-aging creams here. This stuff is a best-kept secret!! A small bottle cost $6.99 at Trader Joe's. For a deeper moisturzing treatment, my favorite thing to use on my boys is coconut oil! My guys tend to be lickers...constantly licking their exposed skin after bath time/moisturization, so this is one product that I don't have to worry about them digesting. Coconut Oil is used in food, and in fact, IS a food product that needs no refrigeration, and melts easily into the skin, absorbing surprisingly well! It doesn't leave a very greasy residue at all. (I even give my guys an extra special little treat by letting them lick some off of my fingers - it actually makes for a great supplement for skin and coat on dogs! My veterinarian even recommends it!

 

 So take care of those hairless babies! It's such a pleasure to feel their soft, smooth skin when kept in the right condition. Guaranteed...all of the extra attention will surely make them love you even more!