Shih Tzu Grooming
All You Need to Know About Shih Tzu Grooming
When you start out to learn about Shih Tzu grooming, there are many outlets for information that you can access. You may elect to groom your dog at home, or have her professionally groomed.
For your Shih Tzu, grooming will probably be less stressful if you learn to do it yourself, as long as you are patient. That way, she won't have to be carted off to a strange place, and she will know who is handling her.
When you bathe, be sure to use a pet shampoo and not one made for people. Even in comparison with baby shampoo, the type used for dogs still has a different pH level. If you use “people shampoo” when you do your Shih Tzu grooming, your dog may develop a dry coat.
Your Shih Tzu has a short muzzle, which means that in order to sniff things, she has to get very close to them. This causes her face to become dirty more than many other dogs. Her short muzzle also causes her to have more tear staining than lots of other breeds. Clean her paws as needed, too. But don't do a full bath too often, because that, too, can dry out her coat.
Brush your Shih Tzu’s coat before and after you bathe her. If she is OK with it, put cotton balls in her ears before you bathe her, too. Water in her ears can cause ear infections. Be sure to remember to take the cotton balls out after the bath.
When you chose a Shih Tzu, grooming was probably on your mind, as the breed has a reputation for needing more grooming than most dogs. If you choose to use a professional groomer, try to find one who takes appointments, so your dog doesn't have to spend a whole day there. Only go with a groomer who has a good reputation.
Shih Tzu grooming involves a great deal of coat-brushing. This prevents mats from forming in your pet's hair. You will want to brush your pet yourself, even if you take her to a professional groomer for the 6-8 week interval groomings. Use a wire brush and brush your dog's fur in layers. Brush gently, from the top coat to the skin, to get rid of mats and tangles. Switch from a brush to a comb when you groom your Shih Tzu’s feet, face and under her ears. Be sure to trim or comb out the hairs in between the pads of her feet.
Shih Tzu’s long flowing hair makes grooming an absolute necessity. If you don't do her yourself, or find a groomer who will, she will be miserable with her fur matted and tangled. Spend the time yourself, and you will be rewarded by an even closer bond with your Shih Tzu.