Summer care for a hairless dog

If you own a Chinese Crested, Pharaoh, Peruvian Hairless or any other hairless dog, you can only be envied! We are sure that your pet pleases you and those around you with its exotic look every day. But “naked” dogs require especially careful care, including in the summer. It would seem that in the heat they should be more comfortable than dogs with long hair. But it’s not.

Long wool performs the function of thermoregulation and protects the skin from sunburn. In bald dogs, the skin is open, which means it is completely defenseless against the sun’s rays. Even a few minutes of exposure to the open sun can result in severe burns for a pet.

The more exposed a dog’s skin is, the more dangerous it is to be in the sun. Even short-term exposure to direct sunlight can cause severe burns. Other, not so dangerous, but unpleasant consequences are dermatitis, dryness, dandruff.

How to protect your dog from this and how to let him enjoy the summer?

• Intensively moisturize.

We choose special cosmetics for dogs, better than professional brands.

The first step is the right shampoo. You will need a moisturizing shampoo with a UV filter. It will not allow the skin to dry out and will not allow the wool to burn out. It is advisable to wash the dog with such shampoo at least 1 time in 21 days. This is the average amount of skin cell renewal cycle. However, “naked” pets need to be washed more often than others. On average, they are recommended to bathe once a week or two.

The second step is a cream or spray to moisturize the skin and protect against UV rays. This is a daily use product that enhances the effect of shampoo. The spray prevents the negative effects of the sun, moisturizes the skin, prevents brittleness and fading of the coat. The composition of such sprays may include oil – for maximum deep hydration (for Bio-Groom Mink Oil, this is mink oil).

Good creams and lotions are easy to use. They have a pleasant (not sticky or greasy) texture, they are easy to apply and do not require rinsing.

• We comb correctly.

If your dog has hair anywhere on his body, remember to moisten it with a combing spray before brushing. Hair in the summer is already weakened, and the spray will help to avoid brittleness.

• We protect from the sun.

Make it a rule – on hot days, do not take your pet for a walk until you apply sunscreen to his skin.

Another way to protect yourself from the sun is to wear special clothing for your dog, such as a cotton jumpsuit. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the size. It is better to go to the store with your dog to try on clothes. Or take the necessary measurements at home in advance. Don’t worry, your pet will not be hot in good quality clothes! The skin will be able to breathe and at the same time will be protected from burns.

On hot days, choose a shady spot to walk your dog. Try not to be in the sun, especially between 11.00 and 16.00 hours.

• We treat sunburn.

How to understand that the dog is burned? The burn site turns red, possibly peeling and cracking. It may develop blisters. Some dogs have a fever. Because of the discomfort, dogs may lick and scratch the irritated area. This only aggravates the situation: the dog becomes even more sick, and an infection can get into the wounds.

If the dog is burned, you can not wait for it to “pass by itself”. Contact your veterinarian. He will prescribe a remedy depending on the condition of the skin.

First aid for a sunburn in a dog is a cold compress. Your task is to gently cool the area of ​​u10buXNUMXbthe skin and prevent its contamination. If possible, hold the burnt area under cool water for XNUMX minutes or apply a clean cloth (rag) soaked in cold water to it. Do not apply ice to the skin or pour ice water on it: this can lead to vasospasm.

If necessary, clean the burnt area. Make sure that dirt does not get on it. Don’t let your dog lick it.

For mild burns, aloe gel or vitamin E can be applied to the skin. For severe burns, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

• We cleanse the skin properly.

Hairless dogs often develop acne (blackheads) on their skin. It is better to entrust the fight against them to professional groomers, especially if there are a lot of eels. But if you remove them yourself, at home, be sure to use an antiseptic. It must be applied before and after extrusion.

Keep in mind that mechanical acne removal is traumatic. You can damage the skin and cause inflammation. A gentler way to unclog pores is with an exfoliating gel (such as ISB Mineral Red Derma Exrteme). Peeling can also be done at home.

The skin of a hairless pet should be wiped every day with a damp cloth. Thoroughly clean the skin folds: they accumulate the most dirt and secretions.

• Separately, about the crusts.

Crusts may form in the folds. They cannot be scraped off. It is enough to apply a moisturizer on them (for example, baby cream), let it soak in and after a few minutes remove the crusts with a napkin.

• We keep the skin condition under control.

If the dog has itching, dandruff, redness, peeling, sores, it is better to immediately contact a veterinarian. Perhaps the pet has allergies, or perhaps the shampoo or the new diet did not suit him.

There can be a lot of reasons – and it is important to immediately understand the picture. Launched dermatological diseases can become chronic and it will not be so easy to get rid of them.

Talk to your veterinarian about steps you can take to help keep your dog’s skin healthy. Along with proper nutrition and daily care, these can be specialized spa treatments (such as scrub or ozone therapy). Many of them are prescribed in the complex in the treatment of skin diseases, and they can be carried out both in the salon and at home.

We wish your dogs good health and may the sun only be good for them!