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7 Best Dog Shampoos for Chihuahuas – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

chihuahua bath_Shutterstock_Studio217

Many Chihuahua owners can commend these little cuties for being tolerable during grooming. It seems like this breed is always being pampered, preened, and pruned. To keep your Chihuahua clean and snazzy, bath time is among your monthly tasks. After all, you won’t want them wearing their adorable outfits when they’re all dirty.

But what kind of shampoo works best for this type of pooch? We’ve rounded up the best products we could find and we’re here to tell you about our experience. Let’s take a look at these honest reviews to figure out which one suits your Chihuahua the best.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Natural aloe and oatmeal included
  • Suitable for any pet
  • Subtle fragrance
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Burt’s Bees Tearless Dog Shampoo Burt’s Bees Tearless Dog Shampoo
  • pH balanced for dogs
  • Cruelty-free
  • Can use with flea and tick medication
  • Third place
    4-Legger Organic Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo 4-Legger Organic Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Dog Shampoo Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Dog Shampoo
  • Combats infections
  • Soothes skin
  • Reduces itching
  • Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea Dog Shampoo Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea Dog Shampoo
  • Terrific smell
  • Long-lasting effects
  • It makes fur soft and shiny
  • The 7 Best Dog Shampoos for Chihuahuas

    1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo — Best Overall

    Hepper Colloidal Shampoo Black Chihuahua Bathroom Bathtub

    Check Price on Hepper

    We love this shampoo because it’s great for sensitive skin, which Chihuahuas tend to be prone to. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is our favorite option for the best shampoo for Chihuahuas. It includes colloidal oatmeal—an ingredient that alleviates irritation and promotes skin health. It also includes aloe vera, which works to rehydrate dry spots and provide coat nourishment. Plus, it’s free from any harmful ingredients, including sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic dyes.

    Hepper’s shampoo formula is pH-balanced, so you know it won’t strip your pup of any natural oils essential for maintaining a healthy, shiny coat. If you have multiple pets, that’s even more reason to go with this shampoo. It is safe to use on cats as well! It does have a subtle fragrance. However, cucumber and aloe vera are natural, light and fresh, leaving your pup with a fluffy coat that smells great days after their bath.

    All in all, we think this is the best shampoo for Chihuahuas on the market today.

    You might have guessed, this is our own product – but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!

    Pros
    • Natural aloe and oatmeal included
    • Suitable for any pet
    • Subtle fragrance
    • Nourishes skin
    Cons
    • Not made specifically for smaller dogs

    2. Burt’s Bees Tearless Dog Shampoo — Budget Buy

    Burt's Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk for Dogs

    If you have a tiny Chihuahua pup, check out Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk for Dogs. This product contains only gentle ingredients that soothe your puppy’s skin without any harmful effects. Even if they get it in their eyes, it will be no worse for the wear.

    The added buttermilk works to soothes and lathers, as not to dry out your puppy’s fragile skin. The formula is specifically pH balanced for a dog’s skin, and for so it leaves it fresh, soft, and supple. Each bottle is 97% natural ingredients that are completely cruelty-free so you can rest easy knowing that no animals were harmed when making this product.

    The added honey really helps your Chihuahua as well. It promotes healthy, strong hair growth and removes dead skin and fur from your pup’s coat. This is also one of the few products you can use combined with flea and tick treatments.

    One downfall of this product is that it is quite thin in consistency. Sometimes you have to use a tad bit more to really work up a good lather. But regardless, we think this is the best dog shampoo for Chihuahuas for the money.

    Pros
    • pH balanced for dogs
    • Cruelty-free
    • Can use with flea and tick medication
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Not a great lather

    3. Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo

    4-Legger

    Don’t let the higher price tag turn you away. The 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo might be exactly what you’re looking for. The shampoo has so much to offer your Chihuahua in terms of cleanliness, safety, and smell.

    If you have a pooch that’s particularly sensitive to certain chemicals or products, this is an extremely great alternative as it is 100% hypoallergenic. If your Chihuahua is prone to yeast and skin infections, this is another great option two as it contains lemongrass, which has antifungal properties.

    This company really cares about the safety of your pooch. So this product is 100% cruelty-free with no added dies or parabens. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. They choose their ingredients extremely carefully to ensure that your pet is taken care of, so every bit of this is non-toxic.

    Be mindful if you have a long-haired Chihuahua as this product sometimes causes tangling in longer hair. Because it cleans so well, it strips all oils in the hair, which can make it a bit stiffer. Every dog’s coat will have a different texture, so it will greatly depend on your Chihuahua.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Non-GMO
    Cons
    • Might cause tangling
    • Pricey

    4. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Dog Shampoo

    5Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Dog Shampoo

    If your Chihuahua is suffering from some pretty serious skin issues, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Dog Shampoo might help them tremendously. This formula is specifically designed for tough bacterial and parasitic skin conditions.

    The added oatmeal and aloe tone and help soothe the skin so your Chihuahua will leave the rashes alone—not itching or re-opening healing wounds. The coal tar and micronized sulfur also help to heal existing skin conditions as well as prevent future ones.

    It would be best if you didn’t use this shampoo unless it is medically necessary. This product should only be used when you’re trying to reduce symptoms of an existing condition. It isn’t suitable for every-bath use.

    Because it contains coal tar, you should never use this product on your house cats. If you were looking for a shampoo that you could use across the board, this is not the pick for you.

    Pros
    • Combats infections
    • Soothes skin
    • Reduces itching
    • Heals wounds
    Cons
    • Not for use on cats
    • For medical use only

    5. Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea Dog Shampoo

    Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea & Bergamot Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

    If you’re looking for an all-in-one fantastic-smelling shampoo, consider Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea & Bergamot Dog Shampoo & Conditioner. The scent is lovely and refreshing, not to mention it does wonders for your Chihuahua’s coat.

    This body wash covers all bases of basic cleanliness. It lathers up beautifully washing away debris and leaving your pet smelling and feeling fantastic. The ingredients are completely safe for dogs. So, you can relax knowing it’s good enough for humans.

    The specific formula is supposed to be relaxing, so you should see these properties transpire and your dog’s behavior—and you’re going to love it as well! Your Chihuahua will have a shimmery coat with a scent that lasts for days post-bath.

    Pros
    • Terrific smell
    • Long-lasting effects
    • It makes fur soft and shiny
    Cons
    • Not all will enjoy the smell

    6. Buddy Wash Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo

    Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo

    Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner not only does it smell fantastic, but it gets the job done. Your Chihuahua will smell fabulous and feel soft as silk. The combination of lavender and mint gives a fresh, calming effect.

    The formula has a thick lather that cleans out debris while softening the skin and leaving the fur squeaky clean. This product is soap and alcohol-free, so it won’t harm your Chihuahua skin or dry it out. It is coconut-based, using only natural extracts such as aloe vera, sage, rosemary, green tea, and chamomile.

    This product contains a wheat protein that is safe for both adult Chihuahuas and puppies. It isn’t tested on animals so you know that there is no cruelty involved in making the product. It’s even safe enough to use on yourself! This product is made right here in the USA with traceable ingredients.

    All that being said, everyone has a preference, and if you aren’t digging the strong scent, you might not enjoy the product as much as we did.

    Pros
    • Calming
    • Clean, crisp scent
    • Cruelty-free
    • Human-grade
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • No all will prefer the scent

    7. Frisco 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

    Frisco 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner with Aloe for Dogs & Cats, Clean Scent

    Using a plant-based cleanser, Frisco 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner with Aloe for Dogs & Cats will work well for your Chihuahua as well as any felines in your household. This product contains pro-vitamin B5 and certified organic aloe vera to make the skin fresh, supple, and clean.

    This product is designed specifically for odor control, so you know that it will be long-lasting once the bath is over. Pet owners always look for a way to stretch the scent as far as it will go—and we think it does.

    The shampoo has a great lather combining cleaning and conditioning effects. It contains no harmful parabens or dyes, so you don’t have to worry about your dog suffering as a consequence. This product might leave a residue if you don’t rinse thoroughly.

    Pros
    • Certified organic
    • Odor control
    • Great lather
    Cons
    • Might leave a slight residue

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Shampoo for Your Chihuahua

    Chihuahuas are small little dogs that are thankfully easy to handle in the tub. Aside from the lighting, you can easily restrain them while you get them nice and clean. Chihuahuas can come in a few hair lengths, body patterns, and colors. Each dog will be unique to care for.

    When you choose, it ultimately depends on your personal situation. Some of them have sensitive skin or irritation that requires something special. Even if they don’t show any sensitivity to those things, you should always try to go as natural as possible to maintain the coat’s integrity.

    General Purpose

    General-purpose shampoos take care of the dirty issue making it all clean and shiny. There’s no fancy bells and whistles here—just plain shampoo. But it definitely gets the job done. Sometimes, we do have to be careful, as some general-purpose shampoos sometimes contain fragrances and irritate your Chihuahua.

    2-in-1

    These formulas eliminate extra purchases, combining cleanliness with hydration. No need for repeated steps. If you have an extra scared Chihuahua, it will cut down on time spent in the tub.

    Organic

    If you don’t like the idea of letting a bunch of chemicals onto your dog, you can always go the organic route. Organic shampoo uses all-natural ingredients. All fragrances are usually natural oils, which are beneficial for your dog.

    Chihuahua grooming
    Image By: Kasefoto, Shutterstock

    Medicated

    If you want Chihuahua to suffer from hotspots, breakouts, and hair loss, medicated shampoo might be just what you are looking for. But there is the possibility of making the problem worse. Please consult with your veterinarian to make sure they were using the right products concerning that.

    Flea & Tick

    There’s nothing like the warm months—every time you turn around, you’re combatting pesky pests. These shampoos contain a combination of medication and cleaning agents. Flea and tick problems need to be treated by your veterinarian.

    Antifungal

    If your dog has issues with recliners, infections, skin problems, and antifungal shampoo, they may benefit greatly from this type of shampoo. Some antifungal shampoos may require a prescription from your veterinarian. Some treatment situations can be very specific. Make sure to contact your veterinarian with any questions before applying.

    Sensitive Skin

    Just like us, Chihuahuas can have sensitive skin, which can lead to breakouts and other issues. You can buy soothing shampoo explicitly designed for those types of dogs.


    Allergies & Sensitivities

    Chihuahuas can suffer from all sorts of allergies from various sources—just like you. There are certain products that they can’t handle. Figuring out what could be irritating your pooch is part of the process. When it comes to food-related allergies, shampoo won’t combat the issue alone.

    If you aren’t sure what irritates them, your vet can determine the root cause. If you were counting on shampoo to directly take care of these kinds of issues, they simply can’t. You will need to use a combination of food trials and allergy tests—it’s a significant elimination process.

    While you’re doing that, you can buy a shampoo that could soothe the issue but not eradicate it. Sometimes, combination treatments are the way to go.

    Harmful Ingredients

    No matter if your Chihuahua is prone to allergies or not, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid altogether.

    • Artificial dyes
    • Fragrance
    • Parabens
    • Phthalates
    • Cocamide-MEA
    • Mineral oil
    • Alcohol
    • Propylene Glycol

    How to Bathe Your Chihuahua

    The last thing you want to do is give your Chihuahua a bad bathing experience. Since Chihuahuas are so small, it’s best to bathe them in a controlled environment, like a kitchen sink. You have more grip and control, preventing them from going under.

    There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bath time. Ultimately, it’s whatever works best for you and your dog. Some people prefer using a bathtub, a bucket, or a kitchen sink.

    If you have a more anxious dog, the smaller the space, the better it might be. It eliminates their ability to try to get away from you, and it might also make them feel a little bit more secure.

    close up person bathing a chihuahua
    Image By: Kanok Sulaiman, Shutterstock

    How Frequently Should You Bathe a Chihuahua?

    A general rule of thumb is to bathe your Chihuahua every month. At the very least, you should clean your Chihuahua once every 3 months. The frequency will depend on your Chihuahua’s skin, but you should never let it go longer than that.

    Even if your Chihuahua is indoors all the time, they still get oil buildup and debris in their fur. Bath time was also an excellent opportunity to check for fleas and ticks, skin abrasions, and irritation.

    Plus, it is a perfect way to bond with your dog. Many dogs don’t like water, so giving them the experience will help build trust.

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    Conclusion

    Hopefully, our reviews help you choose the best dog shampoo for your Chihuahua. Our personal favorite was the Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo because of its long-lasting smell and favorable ingredients. We think most owners could agree that this is a pretty top-notch pick.

    If you have a puppy or an adult dog and you’re looking to save a few bucks, consider Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk. It has an ideal formula that is gentle on the skin and eyes.

    No matter which one caught your attention, you’re sure to love whichever you choose. Other owners can agree that they enjoy these products for their dogs very much. Your Chihuahua will be in tip-top shape in no time.


    Featured Image Credit: Studio217, Shutterstock

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