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The small Chihuahua is a charming dog with a sassy personality who does not leave any dog fancier indifferent.
Many people choose this dog as their pet since they are adaptable and can live both in a house and in an apartment. Also, although they are small dogs, Chihuahuas are great watchdogs!
Chihuahua’s coat comes in two varieties; a smooth one and a long-haired one. Chihuahuas shed, but not as much as some other dog breeds. It is recommended to brush this dog once a week.
Bathing should also be a part of your regular care for your pooch. It is recommended to bathe a Chihuahua once a month to keep its skin and coat healthy and shiny.
When you bathe your dog, you must take care of the shampoo you use. To narrow your choice, we bring a list of 15 best shampoo for Chihuahua puppies.
Best Shampoo For Chihuahua: Our Top 3 Choices
First, we will introduce you to the top three picks: the premium pick, the budget pick, and the product that brings the best value for the price.
Premium Pick: DermOpt Itchy Dog Shampoo
Lillian Ruff Calming Oatmeal Pet Shampoo For Dry Skin
- Thoroughly cleans & moisturizes dog’s skin
- Safe for dogs with sensitive skin
- SLS, parabens, & dye-free
- Made with coconut oils and lavender
Check price on Amazon
Budget Pick: Wahl Dirty Beastie Shampoo
Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
- Contains honey, colloidal oatmeal, and beeswax for dogs with sensitive skin
- Veterinary recommended formula
- Free of fragrances, harsh chemicals, and colorants
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Best Value For The Price: Chris Christensen SmartWash50 Hydrating Chamomile Dog Shampoo
Healthy Breeds Deodorizing Shampoo With Essential Fatty Acids
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Sweet Pea and Vanilla scent
- Soap-free
- Safe for use with topical flea control treatments
Check price on Amazon
What Is The Best Shampoo For Chihuahua?
All dog owners should be careful when choosing shampoo for their dogs. You need to ensure the shampoo will cause skin irritation in your dog and to be one hundred percent positive your Chi is enjoying its bath time!
Remember to always use a dog shampoo; human shampoo is not suitable for our furry friends, since a dog’s pH balance is different from a human’s.
Now, let’s see what our favorite picks are; dog shampoos that are safe and suitable for your Chihuahua dog.
1. Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Tearless Shampoo
Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Tearless Shampoo
- Extra gentle, even safe for puppies
- Tear-free formula
- DEA and sulfate-free
- A fresh scent reminiscent of baby powder
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Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Tearless Shampoo is the first shampoo on our list of best dog shampoos for Chihuahuas.
Veterinary Formula dog shampoo is a gentle shampoo that cleans perfectly, and does not harm dog’s skin, so it is safe to use even if your Chihuahua has delicate skin. You can bathe your Chihuahua with this shampoo if it is over 6 weeks old.
This shampoo has a tear-free formula, so you will not have to worry about a crying Chihuahua! Veterinary Formula shampoo is DEA and sulfate-free and it cleans the dog’s sky without drying it out.
After you use this shampoo on your Chihuahua, its coat will be soft and shiny. The shampoo leaves a fresh scent that will remind you of baby powder.
Even if you like to bathe your Chi quite often, this shampoo will be a good option for you, since it is gentle and will not strip off a dog’s natural oils from its fur.
The manufacturer recommends dog owners to put the shampoo on the dog’s body, wait for a couple of minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly.
2. Wahl Dirty Beastie Shampoo
Wahl 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo
- Allergy friendly
- Paraben free
- Alcohol-free
- Calming formula
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Is your Chi a small adventurist that likes to get dirty while playing outside? Then Wahl Dirty Beastie shampoo is an excellent option for your dog! This is also our budget pick on the list of best shampoo for Chihuahua dogs; it is an affordable dog shampoo that does its job perfectly.
This shampoo is based on natural ingredients, such as Aloe Vera, and extracts of kiwi, pear, and peach. Due to these ingredients, the shampoo is suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.
Wahl shampoo thoroughly cleans the dog’s dirty coat, and deodorizes it, no matter how smelly your Chihuahua got!
This shampoo can be used on other animals – cats, horses, goats, rabbits, etc. It is vegan friendly, and free of ingredients like alcohol, silicone, gluten, and paraben.
So, this pet shampoo is an excellent combination of an effective cleanser and a gentle shampoo that will clean and deodorize your dog’s coat, but will not negatively affect the dog’s sensitive skin.
Since it does not contain alcohol, Wahl Dirty Beastie shampoo will not dry out your dog’s skin. Also, if your dog does not tolerate gluten well, this shampoo will suit him just fine.
3. CHI Tearless Puppy Shampoo
CHI Tearless Puppy Shampoo
- Smoothing & moisturizing dog shampoo
- Reduces frizz
- Leaves a smooth, silky coat
- Safe for puppies over 8 weeks old
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CHI dog shampoo cleans and moisturizes the dog’s skin and leaves its coat smooth and silky. This shampoo’s pH balanced formula makes it an excellent choice for both dogs and cats. The formula is gentle, so the shampoo is safe to use on puppies over 8 weeks of age.
Using this shampoo on your Chihuahua, you will have a pet salon hairstyle right in your home! Not only does this shampoo thoroughly clean your Chihuahua’s coat; it also strengthens the fur follicles.
This shampoo will also help minimize the dog’s shedding and reduce static electricity. CHI dog shampoo is sulfate and paraben-free.
According to one customer’s review, this shampoo’s scent is pleasant and stayed on his dog for a couple of days.
If you prefer to be your dog’s groomer rather than take it to a professional pet salon, this might be the right dog shampoo!
4. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
- Soap-free shampoo
- Contains Vitamin C & Vitamin E
- Contains Aloe Vera, lavender, mint & coconut
- Cruelty free
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Buddy Wash dog shampoo is a soap and alcohol-free shampoo that will leave you Chihuahua’s fur soft and shiny. This is 2 in 1 product – a shampoo and a conditioner that makes a rich lather all dog owners will rinse easily.
This shampoo contains natural ingredients, such as rosemary, Aloe Vera, and chamomile. Buddy Wash dog shampoo is safe for frequent use, so, if you have a Chihuahua that gets dirty quickly, you can use this shampoo without worrying it will harm your dog’s skin and coat.
This shampoo is made in the USA and it is not tested on animals. It contains essential oils that will make your dog’s coat fresh and smelly for days after the bath. It is also helpful for calming the dog’s irritated skin, thanks to the lavender and mint ingredients.
5. Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
- Contains honey, colloidal oatmeal, and beeswax for dogs with sensitive skin
- Veterinary recommended formula
- Free of fragrances, harsh chemicals, and colorants
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Burt’s Bees shampoo for dogs cleans, soothes, and conditions the dog’s dry skin. This shampoo has a gentle formula that includes beeswax, colloidal oatmeal, and honey. Even if your Chihuahua has sensitive skin, you can use this shampoo on it.
Burt’s Bees is a mild, tearless shampoo, and is therefore safe to use on all dog breeds and even on puppies. This shampoo formula is 100% safe and free of any harsh chemicals, fragrances, colorants, and sulfates.
This shampoo is an excellent choice for nourishing dogs with dry, itchy skin. Since it does not contain any harsh chemicals, it will make your dog’s coat clean, without making it dull or dry.
An essential thing to mention here is that Burt’s Bees shampoo does not have a strong scent and will not make a rich lather as some other dog shampoos.
So, you should skip this shampoo if you like your Chihuahua to have that lovely smell days after you have bathed her.
6. Curaseb Medicated Shampoo For Dogs
Curaseb Medicated Shampoo For Dogs
- Treats skin infections & hot spots
- Relieves itching and scratching
- Cleans & deodorizes dog’s coat
- Cucumber melon scent
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Curaseb Medicated Shampoo For Dogs is next on our list of the best dog shampoo for Chihuahuas.
If your Chihuahua is struggling with skin problems, Curaseb medicated pet shampoo is an excellent choice for her. This shampoo is helpful for all kinds of dogs’ skin conditions, such as hot spots, dermatitis, rashes, acnes, dandruff, and skin allergies. Curaseb shampoo can also be used on cats and horses.
Your Chihuahua is constantly scratching and itching? Use Curaseb shampoo and you will solve this skin issue in your dog! This shampoo contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, so it soothes and nourishes dog’s damaged skin. It also helps with the dog’s red skin.
After you use this shampoo on your Chihuahua, her irritated and painful skin will recover, and your dog will have a pleasant cucumber melon scent for days.
7. Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
- Contains the classic mix of oatmeal and Aloe Vera for a soothing doggo bath time as well as tea tree and neem oil for some extra comfort and relaxation
- Gentle enough to not wash away any topical pest ointment while still remaining potent enough to be able to clear up any allergens and irritants
- Has a nice and pleasant lavender scent
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Vet’s Best Allergy dog shampoo is a good choice for dogs with itchy skin. This shampoo has a soothing effect and relieves a dog’s itchy skin. This is a veterinarian formula made of natural ingredients like tea tree oil and oatmeal, and essential oils to moisturize and calm a dog’s itchy skin.
Oatmeal is an ingredient that calms and soothes itchy skin and that helps preserve the skin’s normal moisture content, while tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Vet’s Best Allergy shampoo is safe for frequent use without worrying you will dry out your dog’s skin. Allergies, hot spots, or other skin issue are unpleasant and painful for dogs.
Some Chihuahuas might even be aggressive when they are in discomfort or pain. You can stop this behavior using Vet’s Best dog shampoo, which will make your Chi happy again.
This dog shampoo can even be used together with tick and topical flea treatment.
For the best result, the manufacturer suggests massaging this shampoo into dog’s fur for 3 to 5 minutes, and then rinsing it out.
8. Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog Shampoo
Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog Shampoo
- Cruelty-free
- Soap-free
- Contains Aloe Vera, green tea, and Shea butter
- Control dog’s shedding
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Although they are not considered as heavy shedders, both short-haired and long-haired Chihuahuas shed moderately. To keep their shedding under control, you need good dog shampoo.
One of the best choices for keeping Chi’s shedding under control is Earthbath dog shampoo. This shampoo contains natural ingredients like green tea extract, Aloe Vera, and Shea butter and is soap-free.
Earthbath dog shampoo helps control a dog’s excessive shedding and skin problems such as dander and flaky skin.
This shampoo is safe for dogs older than 6 weeks of age, and it can also be used on cats. You will love the natural, fresh scent of Earthbath pet shampoo! This shampoo is pH balanced and is even gentler than a baby shampoo.
Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi dog shampoo can be used together with flea control products.
9. 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo
4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo
- No artificial detergents, parabens or sulfates
- Eco-friendly
- Organic shampoo
- Suitable for all skin types
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4-Legger Organic shampoo is a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that cleans, conditions and softens a dog’s coat. This dog shampoo contains lemongrass, an antifungal and antibacterial ingredient, together with Aloe Vera.
4-Legger shampoo contains no artificial dyes, detergents, parabens, or sulfates. This shampoo is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. If you prefer vegan dog shampoo, 4-Legger organic dog shampoo might suit you.
This shampoo is suitable for all dog types of dog’s skin, even for dry and itchy skin. Thanks to organic and essential oils in this shampoo, your dog’s skin will be soothed and healthy.
4-Legger shampoo can be used together with tick and flea treatments, and it can also be used on cats. Its formula is highly concentrated, so you will need just a tiny amount of product, and this shampoo will last for a long time.
10. Pets Are Kids Too Premium Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Pets Are Kids Too Premium Oatmeal Pet Shampoo, 17-oz bottle
- Reliefs hot spots & itching
- All natural ingredients
- Contains coconut and baking soda
- Light oatmeal cookie scent
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Pets Are Kids Too Premium Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a hypoallergenic shampoo that relieves dog’s hot spots and itching. It is made of all natural ingredients and contains no artificial chemicals.
This shampoo contains baking soda, coconut, oatmeal, and Aloe Vera. Pets Are Kids shampoo will relieve your Chihuahua’s itchy skin and will left her coat soft to touch and shiny. Also, you will love the light oatmeal cookie scent of this pet shampoo!
According to the customers’ reviews, dog owners are delighted with the way this shampoo significantly reduced their dogs’ scratching issue. Also, one customer wrote that this shampoo decreased his dog’s shedding amount.
11. Frisco Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Frisco Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Plant-based shampoo
- Hydrates, soothes, and protects dog’s skin
- Parabens & dyes free
- Almond fragrance
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Frisco dog shampoo is a nourishing oatmeal shampoo that can be used both on dogs and cats. This shampoo contains oat protein which hydrates and nourishes dog’s skin, while the chamomile extract calms dog’s irritated skin. There is also Aloe Vera as an ingredient of this pet shampoo.
Frisco shampoo has plant-derived ingredients and coconut which are safe for dog’s skin and, at the same time, will make your Chihuahua smell fresh and nice.
This shampoo does not contain any parabens nor artificial dyes. Since some pets might be sensitive to this formula, the manufacturer suggests trying the product first on a small area of your dog, before you bathe it fully.
This shampoo contains sulfates, so, if you want to use sulfate free, it would be better if you looked for some other options on our list.
12. John Paul Sensitive Skin Formula Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
John Paul Sensitive Skin Formula Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Moisturizes dog’s dry, flaky skin
- Almond fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Contains Aloe Vera, chamomile, & oat protein
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John Paul Pet Sensitive Skin Formula is a shampoo that effectively cleans a dog’s skin, without causing dryness. It is made of hydrolyzed oat protein, Aloe Vera, and chamomile to moisturize dry, sensitive dog’s skin thoroughly.
After only one wash with this shampoo, you will notice that your dog’s coat is soft, and will have a wonderful almond fragrance for days after the bath.
Paul Mitchell has a line of care products for humans, and the same manufacturer produces this line for our furry friends. No matter what color your Chihuahua’s coat is; fawn, black, chocolate, or any other, with this shampoo, her coat will be healthy, smooth, and shiny.
John Paul Pet Sensitive shampoo suits all breed sizes; from the smallest dogs to most giant breeds. This shampoo creates a rich lather which is easy to rinse.
The shampoo is paraben free, but does contain sulfates. John Paul Pet Sensitive is a mild dog shampoo that many veterinarians recommend.
13. Lillian Ruff Calming Oatmeal Pet Shampoo For Dry Skin
Lillian Ruff Calming Oatmeal Pet Shampoo For Dry Skin
- Thoroughly cleans & moisturizes dog’s skin
- Safe for dogs with sensitive skin
- SLS, parabens, & dye-free
- Made with coconut oils and lavender
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Lillian Ruff Calming Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is our premium choice on the list of best shampoo for Chihuahua dogs. It is a bit pricier compared to some other dog shampoo from this list, but it is undoubtedly worth the money.
This shampoo calms the dog’s irritated skin; containing Aloe vera and natural oatmeal, Lilian Ruff shampoo successfully relieves the dog’s itchy skin and is safe for dogs with sensitive skin. This shampoo is also safe to use on cats and on most of the other pets.
With this shampoo, you will forget about the yeasty doggy smell in your Chihuahua! Lilian Ruff shampoo will thoroughly clean your dog’s coat without drying it out. This shampoo is sulfate and paraben free and will leave your Chihuahua with a wonderful lavender coconut scent.
If you notice your Chihuahua scratching intensively, you can use this shampoo for an instant itching relief. With only 2 to 3 bathes, you will notice your dog’s skin got much smoother.
If you are having second thoughts due to this shampoo’s higher cost, you should know that Lilian Ruff shampoo comes with a 30 day risk-free 100% money-back-guarantee. So, if there is any reason you are not entirely satisfied with this product, you will receive a full refund!
14. Chris Christensen SmartWash50 Hydrating Chamomile Dog Shampoo
Chris Christensen Happy Eyes Ultra Concentrated Tearless Dog Shampoo
- Highly concentrated shampoo
- Gently removes the buildup from the dog’s coat
- Suitable for all coat types
- Hypo-allergenic formula
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This shampoo is our pick that brings the best value for the price.
Chris Christensen shampoo is highly concentrated dog shampoo, made for dog’s coat deep cleaning without stripping off the dog’s natural oils.
With this shampoo, you will be able to remove all the buildup from your Chihuahua’s coat and make her coat healthy and shiny. Furthermore, you will love the fresh chamomile scent of this dog shampoo! Chris Christensen shampoo can also be used on cats.
This shampoo is suitable for all coat types, so it will suit equally well whether you have a short-haired or long-haired Chihuahua.
This manufacturer has been producing top-quality grooming products for dogs since 1996. All Chris Christensen grooming products are made in the United States.
15. Healthy Breeds Deodorizing Shampoo With Essential Fatty Acids
Healthy Breeds Deodorizing Shampoo With Essential Fatty Acids
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Sweet Pea and Vanilla scent
- Soap-free
- Safe for use with topical flea control treatments
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This shampoo is our pick that brings the best value for the price.
Healthy Breeds dog shampoo is a hypoallergenic shampoo that is gentle for dogs with sensitive skin, but, at the same time, is an extremely efficient cleanser that will help you keep your Chihuahua healthy and its fur looking smooth and fresh.
This shampoo has a soap-free formula and it contains emollients and proteins that are beneficial for moisturizing and conditioning the dog’s fur. Furthermore, Healthy Breeds shampoo nourishes the dog’s skin and prevents the skin’s flaking.
This shampoo is safe to use with topical flea control products, and all dog owners can also use it frequently, without worrying that they will damage their dog’s skin and coat.
With this shampoo, not only your Chi’s coat will look nice – your pooch will also smell like vanilla and sweet pea!
FAQs
How Often Should A Chihuahua Be Bathed?
In general, it is recommended to bathe a Chihuahua once a month. This way, you will keep your dog’s coat clean, but you will not remove its natural oils by bathing a dog too often.
A bath time is an ideal opportunity to check if there are flea bites, injuries, or lumps in your Chihuahua. If your dog gets dirty or smelly, you can bathe it more often, of course. But, it is not recommended to bathe your Chi too often, like, once a week.
Can I Wash My Chihuahua With Shampoo?
Yes, you can and you should wash your Chihuahua with a shampoo! Using water only is not enough to thoroughly clean your dog. Also, using a shampoo will leave your puppy smelling nice for the next couple days.
Always remember to use exclusively dog shampoo when bathing your dog. Human shampoo can harm your dog. If you are just about to bathe your dog, and you noticed you are out of the shampoo for dogs, you can use the baby shampoo, if you have it in your home.
However, no shampoo that is not a pet shampoo should be used on dogs regularly.
How Do I Wash My Chihuahua?
Maybe your Chihuahua enjoys a bath, or maybe she’s one of those dogs you must coax into bathing. In any case, all Chihuahua owners should know how to properly bathe their dog, leaving it clean and smelling good, while keeping the dog happy.
Before bathing, it is recommended to brush the dog’s fur, which will remove dead hairs and impurities from the fur.
Ensure the water temperature is comfortable for your Chihuahua – neither too hot nor too cold.
You can use the water temperature for bathing a small child as your guidelines.
Your puppy should be able to get in and out of the bathtub easily. Since Chihuahuas are only 5 to 8 inches tall, you may also want to consider purchasing a small tub that will fit your dog.
In this way, it will be easier for you to bathe the dog, and your Chihuahua will also feel more secure in its own bathing area.
You should start bathing by thoroughly wetting your dog’s fur, from the dog’s neck down.
Be careful that water does not get into the dog’s ears, and watch the areas around the dog’s mouth and eyes.
When the dog’s fur is entirely wet, gently apply the shampoo to the dog, also starting from the neck down. If you want your Chihuahua’s fur to be extra soft and shiny, you can also use conditioner.
When you have massaged the shampoo all over the fur, you can start rinsing it. Dry your Chihuahua with a large towel when the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out. The dog will likely shake its hair to dry itself.
If your Chihuahua is afraid of bathing, arm yourself with her favorite toy or treat.
How Do I Keep My Chihuahua’s Coat Clean?
If you think that bathing once a month or even rarer is not enough for your Chihuahua to be clean, there are some other things you can do to keep your Chihuahua’s coat clean.
Wet wipes for your dog can be handy, as they are very practical, you can buy them everywhere, and you can always have them in your purse. If your Chihuahua gets a little dirty, you can clean it with wet wipes; just be careful not to touch the dog’s eyes with the wipes.
Regular brushing can also keep your Chihuahua’s fur clean – by brushing you reduce the presence of dirt and allergens in your dog’s hair. Also, regular brushing will leave your dog tangles and mats free.
If you didn’t know, today there are dry shampoos for dogs available, which can also help greatly. If your Chihuahua is currently in a period between two baths, dry shampoo can be a fantastic solution!
Finally, remember to
clean your dog’s belongings, such as his toys, bed, food, and water bowls. In this way, you contribute to your Chihuahua’s hygiene and health.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Shampoo For Chihuahuas?
Using good dog shampoo on your Chihuahua will make her fur healthier and shinier. Also, your Chihuahua’s skin and coat will be clean and smell good.
To see all the benefits of using a Chihuahua shampoo, you need to choose the right shampoo; the one that cleans, hydrates, and nourishes the dog’s skin without drying it out.
Luckily, you have our list of best shampoo for Chihuahua to choose your favorite from!
Conclusion
Our Chihuahuas are small dogs that need much of our attention. Just like we care for the dog food our Chi eats, and her daily walks, we should also take care of her grooming routine. Choosing the right dog shampoo is an essential step of Chihuahua’s grooming.
All products we mentioned on our list of best shampoo for Chihuahua dogs are high-quality products, however, every dog owner should choose its favorite following its Chihuahua’s needs.
First, you need to check the shampoo ingredients; a good shampoo should contain natural ingredients, without any harsh chemicals.
Also, if your Chi has some skin issues, you should choose a hypoallergenic shampoo, or even a medicated dog shampoo to deal with your dog’s skin problem.
Some dog owners will prefer that their Chihuahua smells lovely days after the bath, while others would rather choose a shampoo with no fragrance. After all, it is only essential that your Chi is feeling comfortable during the bath and that you can tell the shampoo is doing the work.
So, the choice is solely up to you, but we can tell you that you will not go wrong by going with any of the shampoos from our list!
Read Next:
• 14 Best Bark Collars For Chihuahuas: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
• 12 Healthiest And Best Dog Foods For Chihuahuas