The American Hairless Terrier

CARE OF YOUR AHT

Caring for your American Hairless Terrier is a relatively simple task. You certainly won't have the expensive trips to the grooming salon every other month. And you won't have the expense of those smelly flea products for your dog or house. The basic equipment to have on hand for your dog includes: A good anti-bacterial soap or shampoo, moisturizer, a quality sunscreen, toothbrush and paste, a good pair of toenail clippers, collar and leash, sturdy chew toys, doggie tee shirts and coats, Pepto Bismol for tummy upsets, Kaeopectate for diahhrea and Benedryl in case of allergic reactions. And let's not forget...a good veterinarian you can trust and work with.

Let's start with the veterinarian. Don't pick a vet because of convenience or cheaper rates. You need to chose a veterinarian that you can talk with and is willing to spend the time to answer your questions. Choose a veterianarian that you and your dog feel comfortable with...wouldn't you do the same for yourself or your child? After all this will be a life-long relationship for you and your canine pal. The most important thing you can do for your dog is to keep him up to date on all vaccinations. Your initial visit should include a complete examination from head to toe, a fecal check for worms and another distemper/parvo shot, if it is due. You should also receive a health/shot record and the veterinarian's recommendation for your dog's series of shots. Do see that your dog gets proper veterinarian care throughout his lifetime.

Since the American Hairless Terrier does not have hair, it is important to keep their skin clean....and often. Their skin is not protected from the elements like a coated dog. They do not have a coat to protect them from cuts and scratches or keep the dirt from direct contact with their skin. They do seem to heal quickly from minor cuts and scrapes and if kept clean, they usually have soft and smooth skin. I would recommend atleast two baths a week with an anti-bacterial soap or shampoo. This will keep oils from building up and keep bacteria from growing and possibly developing into an infection. These dogs are easy to bathe with a total time spent of about 5 minutes...it's like washing your face or hands...an easy task. A moisturizer is not normally needed after every bath. Watch in the winter months when the heat and air may begin to dry out their skin. At this time a moisturizer may become necessary. Let's not forget about your dog's ears. After each bath gently clean each ear with a cotton ball or paper towel moistened with hydrogen peroxide. AHT's ears tend to be on the greasy side so keep an eye on them to make sure there is no heavy buildup.

As I mention the word winter and feel the coolness in the room air, I am reminded of a most important thing needed for these little critters...clothing! If they are to live in an area that has a winter with colder temperatures, this is a must. For winter  months in some areas they will need to wear clothing twenty-four hours a day, especially if you keep your house on the cooler side. If this is the case make sure you check their clothing often as they can become soiled from the natural oils produced by the AHT. If clothing is left on all the time it can possibly cause a mild rash due to soiled clothing. It is also important for them to have a warm place to snuggle for daytime naps and a warm and cozy bed for nighttime. In the summer months you may want to keep a light-colored tee shirt on them while outside to protect them from the sun or inside if you keep your house on the cool side. A cold airconditioned room can chill your AHT as easily as any cold winter day. So take them into consideration when heating and cooling your home...if you keep your house cool...keep them dressed appropriately These little dogs can build quite a wardrobe if you let them and mine certainly have. My husband is quick to remark how our dog's wardrobe is better than his or mine and since I make all of their clothes...he may just be right. In the summer, don't forget the sunscreen for the times of longer sun exposure and preferably use a non-oily, sensitive-skin product with a high SPF.

Your dog's gums and teeth are as important as yours or mine. This means you need to keep them clean and healthy. Every time you bathe your dog is a perfect opportunity to clean his teeth and gums. It is wise to get your AHT used to having his teeth cleaned from puppyhood. You can purchase a number of dental hygiene products, from toothpaste to different kinds of brushes to prepared gauze pads that you wrap around your finger, at just about any major pet store. Whatever method you use...start handling early which will only make it easier for you to examine his mouth for any tooth or gum problems throughout his life. Brushing your dog's teeth will help fight the tartar buildup, but you can also help by giving your dog plenty of bones to chew on. AHT's love to chew so this gives a perfect opportunity to clean their teeth and exercise their gums. There are alot of chew bone products out there today and many that are made specifically to reduce tartar buildup. Make sure the bones are the proper size for your dog and ones that are safe and durable.

A good pair of toenail clippers is a must unless you plan to take your dog to the vets or groomers to have his nails clipped... and often. The AHT's nails seem to grow quickly so it is best to learn how to do the procedure yourself. Again, get your AHT used to this important part of grooming at an early age. Be gentle and calm and he will always think of it as a pleasant experience. If your dog's nails are clear you will be able to see the quick...makes it so much easier. Try not to cut too closely and quick him but if you do simply apply a dab of QuikStop to the tip of the nail or hold pressure on the nail until the bleeding stops. If your dog has black nails the safest way to clip the nails is to remove the hook. Make sure that you examine your dog's feet every time you clip his nails to look for cuts on the pads or sores between the toes. Petroleum jelly or aloe rubbed on those rough pads will soothe and heal the cracked skin. Keep your dog's feet clean, neat and trim all the time.

I include the leash and collar with the Care of Your AHT because I feel a healthy and happy dog is a safe and trained dog. This is another area to start your AHT as a puppy. Teach them to accept the collar and leash and the limits that go along with them. Don't allow your dog to drag you down the sidewalk or through the park. He should be taught to atleast "heel and sit" from an early age. This will give you control of your AHT and keep in safe when out in public. An added plus for your dog's well-being would be a puppy socialization class and a basic obedience class. A socialized and obedient dog is a happy dog.

Exercise is very important for your dog's mental health as well as his physical. AHT's are active little dogs and they love to run and play. They are small enough dogs that if allowed to romp and play in the house they will probably get enough exercise, but if they are confined for periods of time they will need to have a few good brisk walks outside several times a week to stretch those legs, build muscles and take in the fresh outdoor air. It's a great time for you to get out and exercise, too.

A quality dog food is important for your AHT. Being hairless and being smaller they will spend alot of energy keeping warm. Also they are terriers and will spend much energy by being just that....active. You've made a big investment by bringing one of these pups into your home, don't skimp when it comes to feeding them. This does not mean you have to buy the most expensive dog food on the market. Do chose a balanced food with lots of protein and a higher fat content. I would also recommend a dog food that is completely natural with no artificial colorings or ingredients which can possibly cause food allergies. Any snack bones or treats should also be natural.

Last but not least....there are always some things you should keep around the house in case of accidents or illness. It is a good idea to have a few things on hand so that you are prepared if some- thing should go wrong. The usual items would be: alcohol or alcohol preps, hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, gauze pads, ice packs (bags of frozen vegetables work wonders in a pinch), a hotwater bottle or heat pad, tweezers, ace bandage, Pepto Bismol, Neosporin Ointment or similar antibiotic cream. For any allergic reactions from food allergies to bee stings...liguid Benedryl is an invaluable product. Try to learn all you can about first-aid for your dog as you never know when an accident will happen. There are plenty of books out there with detailed information.

You made a lifelong investment of time and love when you brought your new puppy home. Learn as much as you can about your AHT and keep him healthy and happy with the best possible care you can give.