Even hairless dogs can have a bad hair day. While these dogs may sport little to no fur, they still have specific needs when it comes to protecting their skin from dryness and sun exposure, as long with maintaining their teeth and nail health. No hair doesn’t mean no maintenance. These dogs still need regular trimmings, brushings, and dental cleanings.

Here, we delve into what owners of hairless dogs should know about caring for their pets and how to avoid the skin conditions that commonly affect these breeds.

Hairless Dogs Have Special Grooming Needs

The Xoloitzcuintli, American Hairless Terrier, and the hairless Chinese Crested Dog variety are popular breeds known for their distinctive lack of fur on most of their bodies. While they may have a tuft here and there, most of their bodies are completely bald. Make no mistake: these dogs still shed (though not very much), and they aren’t 100% hypoallergenic. What’s more, these dogs need specialized grooming regimens to promote their overall health.

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Here’s what to know:

• Hairless dogs have a mutation of the forkhead I3 gene (FOXI3), which can lead to tooth loss. While this loss isn’t a result of dental disease or decay, you can reduce the rate of loss by regularly brushing your dog’s teeth.

• Direct sunlight is a hairless dog’s worst enemy, as they can suffer dry skin, blisters, and sunburns from powerful UV rays. Thankfully, you have options for preventing skin conditions without sacrificing your dog’s outdoor playtime.

• Some owners of hairless dogs report that their pets’ nails grow faster than other breeds they’ve had. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed avoids breakage, discomfort, and problems gaining traction while walking.

Understanding the key elements of maintaining your hairless dog’s coat, teeth, and nails can help you provide your pet with the best possible quality of life.

Essential Products Recommended for Pet Grooming

Kim Kier is the owner and operator of Little Barks Boutique in Columbia, South Carolina. In the 20-plus years she’s spent grooming dogs, she’s gained valuable insight into maintaining hairless dogs’ coats.

“Protecting the skin of these coat types is essential, without the benefits of hair/fur as a protective layer,” she says. “It’s up to us as caregivers to provide the barrier from the environment with proper skin care. Bathing weekly is recommended, but how we ‘bathe’ these coat types matters. Replenishing the skin with essential oils and minerals after bathing is the most important factor.”

But how does a dog owner do this? In contrast to other groomers, Kier doesn’t recommend the use of oatmeal-based shampoos. Instead, she says, “I would recommend an antibacterial shampoo. Hairless breeds are more likely to develop canine acne, dermatitis, pruritus, and pyoderma. By using an antibacterial based shampoo, we as caregivers can be proactive.”

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She also recommends using shampoo in combination with conditioner. “All shampoo (surfactants) strips the skin from oils. It is their purpose, [to] cleanse and remove dirt and oils. A conditioner that contains oils and minerals replenishes the oils that we remove during [shampooing]. Conditioner gives the skin the vital moisture it needs to stay healthy.”

Bathing a Hairless Dog Is a Multi-Step Process

Bating a hairless dog involves more than a quick rinse and dry. Kier explains that it’s a step-by-step process. When grooming a dog without fur, Kier applies shampoo and conditioner that replenishes the skin’s natural oils. She then recommends an additional step that some dog owners might not have previously considered.

“Place a small amount [of oil] on your hands and rub all over the pet,” Kier says. “My favorite for hairless breeds is baobab oil. Baobab has so many wonderful benefits from fighting acne to preserving collagen, but it is an ideal choice for these breeds because it protects the skin by acting as a barrier from environmental elements that may cause discomfort or damage to the skin.”

Finally, conclude your hairless dog’s bath by patting them down with a towel. Some may think that their dog could benefit from a good ol’ “air dry.” However, the temperature change could make your dog shiver. Additionally, properly drying your dog after a bath prevents bacterial and fungal growth.

What to Know About Trimming Hairless Dogs’ Nails

Maintaining a dog’s nails is also crucial. When your dog’s nails aren’t trimmed, it’s easier for their nails to get broken or damaged.

But how can you keep your hairless dog’s nails in tip-top shape? You generally have two options: doing it yourself or visiting a professional groomer. At home, there are many ways to cut your dog’s nails safely. The process primarily involves using positive reinforcement to familiarize your dog with the nail clippers and having their nails cut.

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First, let your dog smell the nail-cutting device, whether it’s a nail grinder or a pair of clippers. Offer a high-value treat and praise whenever they interact with the tool without apprehension. Then, touch the nail cutter to each paw, without actually using the device. Again, offer a reward to associate this action with a positive experience.

Try clipping one nail at a time, advancing to multiple nails, then finally entire paws. Trimming your dog’s nails isn’t always easy. But with patience, you can master this necessary part of their routine grooming. Alternatively, you can have a licensed dog groomer handle this task for you. You can find a reputable professional in your area through the AKC Marketplace for Groomers.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Hairless Dog’s Dental Health

Hairless dogs tend to suffer tooth loss at a higher rate than other breeds because of a genetic mutation. This causes teeth to grow abnormally, making them more likely to fall out as a dog ages.

Practicing good dental care at home is a simple way to help your dog stay happy and healthy. When brushing your dog’s teeth, use a dog-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush, since many human toothpastes contain ingredients which can be harmful to dogs, like xylitol and fluoride.

If your dog doesn’t like having their teeth brushed, but you still want to to promote their oral health, you can also try dental chews. These tasty treats clean your dog’s teeth and can help minimize the build-up of plaque and tartar. Be sure to always supervise your dog when they have a dental chew.

Eye, Ear, and Skin Care For Hairless Dogs

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We’ve covered hairless dogs’ coat, nails, and teeth. But what about their eyes, ears, and skin? To keep your dog looking and feeling their best:

• Keep gunk away from your dogs’ eyes. Normal eye discharge can pool around your dog’s eyes, muzzle, and snout, increasing the likelihood of infection. Using a cotton ball moistened with warm water, break down the buildup and wipe it away from your dog’s face.

• Regularly clean your dog’s ears. Good news: hairless dogs generally have pointed ears, making them less prone to infection than their floppy-eared counterparts. Still, you should regularly inspect your dog’s ears for foul odor, excessive wax, or dirt. If you notice anything, wipe away the debris using a solution of mineral oil and warm water.

• Rub oil on your dog’s skin. Kier recommends using baobab oil on hairless dogs’ skin, as it protects them from the elements. If you’re spending a day outdoors with your hairless dog, apply dog-friendly sunscreen to prevent sunburns.

Hairless dogs have grooming needs as any other dog. With some time, patience, and a bit of experimenting, you can create a grooming regimen suited to their needs.

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