If you’re the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, you know that this breed needs regular grooming. Grooming your Shih Tzu at home can be a bit intimidating at first, but it’s not as hard as it seems.
In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about how to groom a Shih Tzu at home.
We’ll cover everything from brushing and bathing to trimming nails and cleaning ears. So whether you’re a first-time dog groomer or just looking for some tips on how to improve your at-home grooming skills, read on for the ultimate guide to Shih Tzu grooming!
Shih Tzu Grooming at Home
Brushing
One of the most important aspects of grooming a Shih Tzu is regular brushing. This breed has a long, silky coat that can become matted and tangled if not brushed properly. To avoid matting, brush your Shih Tzu every day with a good-quality dog brush. Start at the head and work your way down the body, taking care to brush under the arms and behind the legs.
Bathing
Bathe your Shih Tzu as needed, but no more than once a week. Use a gentle dog shampoo and make sure to rinse all of the soap out of your dog’s fur. Avoid getting water in your dog’s ears and eyes, and be careful not to scrub too hard – you don’t want to damage your dog’s delicate skin. Dog conditioner can be used to help detangle your dog’s fur and make brushing easier.
Trimming Nails
Trim your Shih Tzu’s nails every two weeks or so, using a sharp nail trimmer designed specifically for dogs. It’s important to keep your Shih Tzu’s nails trimmed to avoid overgrowth and cracking. Start with the back nails and work your way forward. Be sure to only trim the tips of the nails – if you cut too far, you may injure your dog.
Brush the Shih Tzu’s teeth
Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for dogs (you can find these at most pet stores) and dog toothpaste. Be gentle when brushing your dog’s teeth, and make sure to get all of the surfaces – front, back, and sides.
Cleaning Ears
Another important part of grooming a Shih Tzu is cleaning their ears. This breed is prone to ear infections, so it’s important to keep their ears clean and dry. To clean your Shih Tzu’s ears, use a cotton ball soaked in a gentle dog ear cleaner. Gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ears, being careful not to insert the cotton ball too far. Massage the base of the ear for a minute or so, then let your dog shake his head to remove the solution. Use a cotton ball to remove any remaining solution and ear wax.
Haircut
You may opt to have your Shih Tzu professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks, but you can also give them a haircut at home. If you decide to do this, be sure to use sharp scissors and take care not to cut too close to the skin. Start with a small section of hair and work your way around the body, following the natural contours of your dog’s body.
Shih Tzu Haircuts styles:
1: The Puppy Cut – This is the most popular Shih Tzu haircut and it involves trimming the hair all over the body to one inch in length. This cut is ideal for hot summer months, as it helps keep your dog cool.
2: The Teddy Bear Cut – This cut is similar to the Puppy Cut, but the hair around the face is left longer to give your dog a cute, teddy bear-like appearance.
3: The Lion Cut – This cut is ideal for dogs with long, flowing hair. The hair on the body is trimmed short, while the mane and tail are left long. This cut can be quite high maintenance, as it requires regular brushing to prevent matting. This dramatic cut involves shaving the hair on the body down to one inch in length while leaving the mane around the face and neck long. This cut is not recommended for hot weather, as it can put your dog at risk for sunburn.
4: The Topknot Cut – This cut involves tying the hair on top of your dog’s head into a cute little bun. The rest of the hair is trimmed short, making this a low-maintenance option for busy dog owners.
4: The Topknot Cut – This cut is similar to the Lion Cut, but instead of leaving the mane and tail long, they are pulled up into a cute topknot. This is a popular Shih Tzu haircut that involves pulling the hair on the top of the head up into a ponytail and securing it with a ribbon or bow. This cut is perfect for dogs who have long, flowing coats.
5: The Show Cut – This is the traditional Shih Tzu haircut, and it involves leaving the hair on the body long (between 5 and 7 inches) and trimming the face to a round shape. This cut is ideal for showing off your dog’s beautiful coat. This is the cut that is typically seen in dog shows. It involves trimming the hair on the body short and leaving the mane, tail, and legs long. This cut is high maintenance and requires regular grooming.
With this guide, you should have all the information you need to start grooming your Shih Tzu at home. Regular grooming is essential for keeping your dog healthy and comfortable, so don’t be afraid to get started!
Now that you know how to groom a Shih Tzu at home, it’s time to get started! Be sure to brush, bathe, trim nails, and clean ears regularly to keep your dog looking and feeling their best
Now that you know how to groom a Shih Tzu at home, you can keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best! Regular grooming is essential for this breed, so be sure to set aside some time each week to brush, bathe, and trim your Shih Tzu’s nails. And if you have any questions about how to groom a Shih Tzu, be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice.
