Instructions
Apply sunscreen to protect your dog's skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Sunscreens specifically made for dogs are preferred. Vet's Best and Top Performance are two choices sold in pet stores.
Put a sweater on your dog when it's cold outside. Hairless dogs don't have any fur to protect them from the cold, so you must compensate for this with additional clothing. It's best to avoid wool, because many breeds of hairless dogs are allergic.
Bath your hairless dog on a regular basis, preferably once a week. Fur typically provides protection and prevents dirt or other debris from coming into contact with the skin. Because hairless dogs don't have this layer of protection, it's important to keep their skin clean to prevent problems from developing.
Apply lotion after giving your dog a bath. Hairless dogs are especially prone to dry skin, so it's important to keep them moisturized. Make sure the lotion doesn't contain lanolin, because some breeds of hairless dogs are allergic to it. Doggie lotions are available on the market, or you can also use regular lotion as long as it doesn't contain chemicals or fragrances that can be irritating to your dog's skin.
Keep your dog primarily indoors. Hairless dogs are not suited to being outside for long periods of time. They do best as indoor dogs that are taken outside only for daily exercise and to do their business.
Keep an eye out for any health problems related to your particular breed. For example, Chinese crested dogs are prone to hypoglycemia, and Mexican hairless dogs can exhibit problematic skin conditions. If your dog is having any health concerns, take it to your veterinarian for a checkup.
How to Care for Hairless Dogs
Although you might think that a hairless dog would require less maintenance than one of its furry cousins, this isn't necessarily the case. As with any pet, there are pros and cons with every breed. A hairless dog won't cause allergic reactions in people; you won't have to spend time brushing it; and you won't have to clean up hairs due to shedding. You'll have to be proactive, however, about keeping your dog out of the elements. Because it has no fur, it won't have protection from the heat or the cold.