Do you own a Shih Tzu and find it tricky to groom it? If so, you are in luck because we will help you out. Grooming your dog at home may seem like a hassle at first, but once you and your pup get used to it, it can become an experience you look forward to!
Shih Tzus are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They’re also one of the most high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. The process of grooming a Shih Tzu can be quite simple, but it’s important to make sure that you are taking the time to do it properly.
Why is it Important to Groom Your Shih Tzu?
Grooming your Shih Tzu is important for a few reasons:
- Grooming is a good way to bond with your pet and help them feel comfortable and confident
- It will prevent any mouth infections or bad breath
- Grooming lets you check for any lumps, bumps, or other irregularities on your dog’s skin.
- Removes dirt, dust, and other allergens from their coat, which keeps them free of respiratory problems
- Regular grooming can also help to reduce shedding, keeping your home clean and tidy
How Often Should You Do it?
How often you groom your Shih Tzu depends on a few things: the type of coat the dog has, how much it sheds, and whether they have any health conditions requiring special care.
If your dog has a long coat, you’ll probably need to groom it twice a month. Whereas if it has a short coat, once a month is fine. Dogs that shed a lot will also need to be brushed more often to help control the shedding.
Moreover, bathing should be done every 1-2 weeks, depending on how much they sweat and how dirty they get. You should trim your puppy’s nails every 2-3 weeks before they overgrow. Ear cleaning and teeth brushing should be done regularly to prevent unnecessary infections. In general, you should do a full grooming session every 4 to 6 weeks.
8 Quick Steps to Groom Your Shih Tzu
You can either do it yourself at home or take them to a professional groomer. But the good news is that grooming at home is not very difficult or time-consuming. You can keep your Shih Tzu looking and feeling great with a few simple tips.
Supplies You Will Need
You’ll need to invest in some quality grooming tools, such as:
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- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- Comb and a hairbrush
- Dog shampoo and conditioner
- Pairs of sharp scissors
- Nail trimmer or grinder
- Cotton buds and piece of cloth
Prepare Your Shih Tzu for Grooming
The first thing you need to remember when grooming is to be gentle. These dogs have delicate hair and skin and can be easily injured if you’re not careful. Start by patting and hand combing your dogs to calm them down and make them accustomed to your touch. Once done, they won’t panic, thus reducing the risk of injuries.
Give a Bath
Now you have completed the basic grooming steps, it is time to give a bath to your Shih Tzu. Start by brushing the coat with a smooth hand. It will help to remove dirt that may be present.
Next, you’ll want to shampoo your Shih Tzu coat. Be sure to use a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Once the shampoo has been rinsed out, you can condition your Shih Tzu’s coat. Again, be sure to use a conditioner for the dog to keep the fur soft and nourished.
Dry and Brush the Fur
After shampoo and conditioning, take a soft towel and dry the fur carefully, especially under the neck and behind the ears, as it is more likely that mats are present there. If the area is left moist, it can cause fungal infections. Take your time brushing the fur to keep it smooth and untangled.
Face Haircut
Trimming the hair on Shih Tzu’s face is crucial because this hairy breed is prone to various eye problems. To do this, trim the hair around your Shih Tzu’s eyes and ears using small scissors.
Be careful not to cut your Shih Tzu’s skin. While grooming the face, use an upward motion. Start at the chin and work your way up to the forehead.
Groom Your Dog’s Nose
When it comes to the nose, it is one of the delicate parts of a Shih Tzu’s anatomy, as these short nose breeds are prone to nose infections. Just like the rest of their coat, the nose needs to be groomed regularly to stay healthy and look its best. Wet your Shih Tzu’s nose with a damp cloth or cotton ball, then use a brush to scrub away any dirt or debris gently.
Brush The Teeth
To keep your Shih Tzu’s gums and teeth healthy, brushing its teeth is necessary. Make sure that you choose a brush with a strong grip, soft bristles, and a good length to reach all of your dog’s teeth. Begin gently and gradually brush the teeth.
You can also use pet toothpaste for brushing, but avoid toothpaste with fluoride and xylitol. These ingredients are harmful to your dog.
Clean Eyes and Ears
One of the most important aspects of grooming a Shih Tzu is keeping their eyes and ears clean. Dirt and debris can easily accumulate in their fur, which can cause eye irritation and infection. Similarly, wax and dirt can build up in-ears for the ears, leading to disease.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s eyes, use a damp cloth or cotton ball to wipe away dirt or discharge. Be sure to avoid getting any water in their eyes. You may also want to use a dog’s eye drops or ointment to keep their eyes healthy and irritation-free.
To keep your Shih Tzu’s ears clean, use a cotton ball or Q-tip to remove any wax or dirt. Be careful not to insert the cotton ball too deep into their ear canal, as you could damage their eardrum. You may also want to use a dog ear cleaner or ear wash for a more effective result.
Trim the Nails
It’s important to be extra cautious when cutting your Shih Tzu’s nails. The quick, fleshy part of the nail is sensitive as it contains nerves and blood vessels. If you cut into it, bleeding may occur. If you’re not experienced with dog nail trimming, a dog nail grinder is a valid option for a safe trim.
If your Shih Tzu has dewclaws, these will need to be trimmed. Dewclaws are the extra nails on the front legs that usually do not come into contact with the ground.
Trim the Fur Coat
After drying and brushing the coat, use a comb to part your Shih Tzu’s hair down the middle of his back. Starting at the base of the neck, trim the hair on either side of the part evenly. Then, trim the hair on your Shih Tzu’s legs, starting at the top and working your way down to the paw. Finally, trim the hair around your Shih Tzu’s backside with scissors. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin.
Grooming Your Shih Tzu is Easy Now!
Grooming your Shih Tzu is important not only for their appearance but also for their health. One of the most obvious benefits of grooming is that it helps keep your dog clean. This means they are less likely to get dirt and other things stuck in their fur, which could lead to a variety of problems.
It also helps remove any shedded hair from their coat, which can otherwise start to mat and become uncomfortable for them. Also, grooming your pup allows you to scan their body for any injuries or skin conditions.
