Having a hairless dog is a great choice if you’re looking for a pet that requires little care. Grooming a hairless dog is easy and uncomplicated, and you will only need the right tools and resources to keep your dog looking and feeling its best. 

Skin Care

While a hairless dog is easy to care for, you do need to be aware of several important safety measures to keep the pet healthy. One measure is protection from the sun. Exposure to the sun can result in skin inflammation in hairless dogs, which can eventually lead to infections and the skin disease squamous cell carcinoma (rare skin cancer). A good sunscreen, staying indoors on super hot days, and sun protection clothing can help. Frequent bathing with a good shampoo is crucial for preventing dermititis or other skin issues, in addition to keeping out of the sun. The secretion is poor to nonexistent in hairless dogs, whose hair follicles are empty and too big, which can result in excessive skin dryness. A moisturizing and/or medicated shampoo will keep the skin well-oiled and prevent skin infections.

Fresh Water

Provide plenty of fresh water – A dry coat can lead to skin issues like allergies and dandruff. Make sure your prince or princess always has access to clean drinking water. Pets must drink enough water to maintain healthy organ and joint function as well as proper meal digestion. Essential nutrients are transported to bodily cells via water. It aids in the digestion of your pet’s food and the absorption of its nutrients. Water makes it easier for your pets to move about by lubricating their joints. Moisture also serves as a cushion for the spinal cord and internal structures. Water also aids in your pet’s peeing and bowel motions, which assist them eliminate waste.

Feeding Schedule

We advise feeding your dog three times a day for puppies under five months old, but always check with your veterinarian for specific diet customization. Whether or not your dog has eaten, leave the bowl out for 5 minutes before picking it up. At the next scheduled feeding, leave the bowl down for five minutes.

Your dog will pick up the habit of eating when you set the bowl down rather than lingering and nibbling all day. A dog who eats on time will also poop on time. Keep in mind that occasionally a dog’s lack of appetite is the only sign that they are sick. It can take two or three days before you realize that your dog hasn’t eaten if he typically only picks at his food. In contrast, a dog that gobbles up his food as soon as you set the bowl down would be much easier to spot when he is sick.

Best Dog Food For American Hairless Terriers

Although your hairless terrier may believe he is one of the big dogs, when it comes to dinner, he has certain dietary requirements. He requires a diet designed specifically for little dogs to feel and function at his best. Unfortunately, it’s not always simple to select the best dog food.

We have some advice to make your quest for the ideal canine food easier. We recommend putting your new puppy on a routine diet. A good feeding schedule for adult small dogs is twice a day with twelve hours apart.

Many individuals lack the necessary knowledge about dog diets to understand the options of grain-inclusive or grain-free, pea-free, or include animal byproducts. Under the advice of your veterinarian, you can choose a grain-free diet if your dog has been identified as having a dietary allergy to grains. In reality, grains are a source of nutritious nutrition for the majority of dogs. Animal byproducts of high quality are also nourishing. These include the organ meats and guts, which frequently have higher nutrient contents than the human-consumed muscle meat. Hooves, hair, floor sweepings, digestive contents, and feces are not considered to be regulated byproducts.

Feeding Small Dogs a Raw Diet

The use of raw dog food diets is highly debated. However, the diets that prioritize raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables are becoming more and more popular.

When you feed your little prince as nature intended, he will receive nutrients from foods that their bodies are made to process, which will result in better overall health for canines.

A widespread myth is that all raw food is meat. That makes up a sizable portion of it, but the ideal raw diet for dogs must also have all of their necessary nutrients, which may include muscle meat, organs, bones, and even a little amount of plants.

You can also include apples, peppers, bananas, and boiling chicken in the kibble if you are not comfortable feeding your dog a completely raw diet.

We recommend discussing food options with your veterinarian, as you would with any pet-related topic. Feeding small dogs does not have to be complicated.

Are AHT’s Calm Apartment Dogs?

Small spaces don’t exclude you from having a dog. Sure, you’d probably need an area wide enough for Fido to wander if you were to acquire a huge dog like a husky or a shepherd. Fortunately, American Hairless Terriers can make the excellent apartment dogs with the right care and attention. 

For starters, these small, energetic, and intelligent dogs have a few characteristics that make them well-suited to apartment living. Firstly, their compact size allows them to comfortably fit into smaller living spaces. Another advantage of course is their lack of hair. Being hairless, they don’t shed much, which means less time cleaning up fur. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them wonderful companions for apartment dwellers. They bond closely with their owners and love to be a part of the family activities. Keep in mind that every dogs personality is different, just like people, some are quiet and polite, some are laid back and lazy,  and some are a little noisier and more anxious than others. Training as well as providing a quiet and comfortable space to retreat to can help. 

Joy of High Energy Dogs

The American Hairless Terrier possesses exceptional endurance, just like all terriers. The recommended amount of intense physical exercise for a typical member of this breed is 30-60  minutes each day. Individual  exercise needs for your dog may vary based on factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health. The American Hairless Terrier is an active and agile dog that enjoys physical activities. Daily walks, interactive play sessions, and mental stimulation exercises are necessary to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. 

The AHT breed is incredibly intelligent, and if it thinks the training sessions are too easy, it will become bored.  American Hairless dogs like barking, digging, plotting escape routes, and pursuing smaller animals, much like any other member of the Terrier Group. Training in obedience and extensive socialization are the cornerstones of developing a well-behaved American Hairless Terrier.

Grooming a Hairless Dog

Grooming a hairless dog like the American Hairless Terrier (AHT) may seem like a breeze compared to their furry counterparts as they are considered one of the top low-maintenance breeds. However,  they still requires special care to keep their skin radiant and healthy. The short-coated version may require an occasional brushing with a soft bristle brush in addition to the occasional bath that the hairless variant requires. AHT’s are one of the few dogs that don’t shed.

Hairless terriers are considered hypoallergenic, but they do need a good bath one to three times a month to reduce the allergens from saliva and outdoor contaminants like pollen and other germs.

Scrub your king or queen with diluted dog shampoo, rinse, and you are done! You may occasionally exfoliate with sugar scrub. We recommend to use a lightweight, non-oily moisturizer to avoid clogging pores if we do use one. Hairless terriers occasionally experience acne. They do develop puppy pimples as they shed their original coat. In most cases, it goes away on its own. For beautiful, healthy skin, the greatest combination is a healthy diet and sun protection.

Regularly trim your AHT’s nails to keep them at a proper length. Use dog nail clippers or seek professional help if you are unsure how to do it safely. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and make it difficult for your dog to walk properly. 

Just like any other dog, dental hygiene is crucial for AHTs. Brush their teeth regulary with dog-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush. This helps prevent dental issues, such as plaque buildup and gum disease. 

Clean ears regularly with gentle ear cleaning solution and cotton balls. Be cautious not to insert anything deep into the ear canal, and you notice any signs of irritation or infection consult your veterinarian. 

Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential for maintaining your AHT’s overall health. They can provide guidance on specific grooming needs and address any skin or health issues that may arise. Additionally, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine health screenings should be part of their care.