Dog Food

• A Chihuahua's diet is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and skin. Dry skin is a common issue associated with Chihuahuas. Skin issues such as dryness are often directly related to dog's food. Some foods contain a variety of different grains and proteins that create an allergic reaction. Switch your Chihuahua to an organic dog food. This new dog food needs to contain omega 3 fatty acids and should not contain the same grains found in your current dog food. Avoid a dog food that contains the same protein that you are currently using. If you're current food contains beef, lamb or chicken switch to venison or fish related proteins. Foods that are rich in vitamins A, E and B3 can also be an effective remedy for skin problems.
  
  

Topical Treatments

• Topical treatments that contain oatmeal can be very beneficial to your Chihuahua's skin. These topical treatments can be found in sprays, conditioners or shampoos. Select a shampoo that contains colloidal oatmeal. This will soothe the skin and relieve the desire for your dog to scratch. Do not bathe your Chihuahua too frequently. A Chihuahua should only be bathed one time per month unless it becomes abnormally dirty. Excess bathing removes necessary oils from the Chihuahua's skin, which leads to dryness and irritation.
  
  

Veterinarian Assistance

• In certain instances, dry and irritated skin can be a result of a serious medical condition called seborrhea. In a case such as this, you must seek the assistance of a veterinarian. They can prescribe a medicated shampoo or other antibiotics as necessary. The veterinarian will need to perform a variety of tests to help determine the most likely cause of the skin irritation. If the skin becomes crusty and sore, your Chihuahua may suffer from mange or a flea allergy that requires a specific treatment.