The skin of naked dogs: why it needs careful care
Unlike fluffy dogs, bald dogs have no fur to protect their skin from external irritants. Their skin remains exposed to the sun, dust, wind, temperature fluctuations and all the cosmetics that the owner applies during bathing. And that is why it is extremely vulnerable. In Chinese Cresteds, Xoloi, American Bare Terriers or Mexican Hairless Dogs the skin often resembles human skin – it can be flaky, dry, clogged with sebum or, on the contrary, excessively oily. Conventional shampoos, even “for dogs”, are therefore often too aggressive. Naked breeds need care cosmetics with the most neutral pH, preferably without fragrances and with additional soothing components. Any mistake and the skin responds with rashes, itching or blemishes.
How often bald breeds should be bathed
Most bald breeds have more active sebaceous glands as the body tries to compensate for the lack of a protective coat layer. Therefore, it seems that the dog should be bathed more often. But excessive bathing only increases sebum production – and the skin becomes even greasier, or dry to the point of cracking. On average, it is optimal to wash a fox dog once in 2-3 weeks, but not more often, if there is no urgent need. And necessarily after each washing – apply special moisturizing creams or natural oils that maintain the balance. Without this, even the most delicate washing will be a stress for the skin. In addition, it is important to remember the seasonality: in winter, such skin can suffer from dry air and heating, and in summer – from overheating and sunlight. All this should be taken into account when planning grooming procedures.
Proper movement, temperature, drying
Naked dogs should not be washed in any way. The water should be slightly warm – not hot, not cold, otherwise it provokes blood vessels and can cause irritation. Massage movements should be very gentle, so as not to traumatize the thin epidermis. After washing off the shampoo, it is important not to wipe the skin intensely, but gently blot it with a towel. Drying should be short and delicate – excessive hot air dries even more. And at the end – an obligatory step: a care cream or natural oil (e.g. jojoba or coconut oil). Without this, care is considered incomplete. It is also worth paying attention to small changes: redness, spots, new formations. In bald breeds, any change in the skin is noticeable instantly – and this is a big plus if it is properly monitored.
Breeds that require a special approach
The most famous bald breed is the Chinese Crested, whose skin is often dry and sensitive. It can develop acne-like black spots if cosmetics are not properly selected. The Xoloi (Mexican hairless dog) has thicker but more oily skin – they are suited to lighter products but with a drying effect. The American Bare Terrier has more balanced skin, but is prone to irritations when the climate changes. All these breeds are very different, but the main thing they have in common is that the absence of hair does not mean the absence of problems. On the contrary – it means that the owner must become an attentive, patient and delicate groomer.
Conclusion
Bathing bald breeds is almost like a cosmetic procedure in a salon: everything should be delicate, step-by-step and respectful of the skin. And if you think that “just bathing” is easy, we invite you to see how we do it. In our grooming salon, we don’t pour water – we give a grooming ritual. Your skin will thank you with a shine, your owner with peace of mind, and your dog with his tail waving after each visit.
