SKIN CARE -  is paramount to the health and wellbeing of a Xoloitzcuiltli.  Xolo’s should be bathed at least once a week to prevent the pores and hair follicles from becoming clogged with skin cells, oil, dirt and debris.  During the summer months when it is dry and dusty you may need to bath more often.  Bath scrubs or loofah sponges are often helpful for stimulating skin and preventing clogged pores.  If regular bathing is neglected it can result in blackheads (open clogged pores), whiteheads (closed clogged pores) or pimples (infected pores).  These are the most common Xolo skin problems and all of them can be avoided with a balanced diet and regular grooming.

If your Xolo has very rough skin and clogged pores a teatment of olive oil may help.  Gently massage warm olive into the dog’s skin for at least 20 minutes.  On a nice day perhaps you could let him run free in the garden whilst it soaks in or in the winter months let him lay in his cage with a piece of dried tripe or a chicken wing.  This will dislodge quite a bit of the embedded grime if you feel that the skin would benefit from another treatment carry out the same procedure weekly until it is back to a healthy managable condition.

After bathing or a session of sunbathing  the Xolo will benefit from an application of moisturizer we recommend either Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel, Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion or E45 Cream especially during dry weather.

Make sure to apply this to the ear tips to prevent them from drying and chipping.

Xolo’s are dedicated sunbathers, but they do not always know when to call it a day!  You MUST use common sense when allowing your pet outside on hot, sunny days.  Sunblocks are only needed for spotted or very light-coloured dogs.  Most Xolo's have very protective skin and the breed standard states a preference for dark coloured dogs as they are virtually immune to sunburn.  The dog does not always need to be out in the sun as this can happen indoors if he lays in a very sunny spot for long periods of time.

You must also discourage your Xolo from laying against heated radiators.

Attention to teeth, nails and ears should be a part of your regular grooming. 

EAR CLEANING - A dog’s ears should be cleaned regularly.  Once a week is recommended.  Using medicated ear wipes (Pet’s At Home do a large tub of medicated ear wipes) or a cotton pad with a spot of olive oil on it gently wipe inside the ear to remove any dirt or ear wax.  NEVER probe into the ear canal.  Look for wax, brown droppings (a sign or ear mites, redness or any other abnormalities.  At the first sign of a problem excess head shaking or ear scratching contact your vet so that he can prescribe an appropriate medication.

Ensure that the tips are kept moisturized with E45 cream to prevent them chapping and cracking in the cold or hot weather.

TEETH - Another essential part of grooming is brushing your dog’s teeth.  Specially formulated CANINE toothpastes and brushes are available from local pet stores.

You can obtain rubber finger brushes or a human soft bristled tooth brush would do.  NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE.  Gently brush the teeth as you would do your own any stubborn stains can be removed with a small piece of pan scrubber.

RAW chicken wings (NEVER COOKED as they will splinter) once or twice a week as a treat is a very good way to clean your Xolo's teeth and it strengthens the jaw.

NAILS - road walking should wear the nails down naturally but if it does not then you will need to take off the tips with a pet nail clippers.  Ensure that you do not remove too much or the nail will bleed.  Most dogs do not like having their nails done so a nice treat following the procedure makes it a better experience.  If you are not confident your local grooming parlour or Vet would do this for you for a small charge.