Grooming A Shih Tzu At Home
Grooming your Shih Tzu at home strengthens your bond with them and enhances your understanding of their care. With the right approach and tools, you can achieve a professional grooming look while ensuring your furry friend is comfortable.
Watch this helpful video to gain a better idea of how to groom Shih Tzus, particularly focusing on the popular puppy cut:
Now that you’ve seen the grooming process, follow the steps outlined below for a successful DIY grooming session.
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Grooming Equipment
Begin by finding a spacious and clean area for grooming, preferably a flat table surface. If your Shih Tzu tends to move around, consider using an adjustable grooming arm to keep them steady.
Here’s a recommended grooming arm available on Amazon:
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Downtown Pet Supply Dog Grooming Arm | Buy on Amazon |
Prepare a set of essential grooming tools. Here’s a list of the necessary items:
| Hair Brushing | Bathing | Cleaning Eyes, Ears & Teeth | Nail Trimming | Puppy Cut |
| A dog brush with flexible pins | Dog shampoo and conditioner | Soft wet wipes for eyes | Dog nail trimmers/file | Electric clippers |
| A fine slicker brush | Non-slip mat | Ear-cleaning solution | Blunt-tipped scissors | |
| A dematting comb | A spray nozzle | Cotton-tipped swabs | ||
| A steel comb | Hairdryer | Cotton balls | ||
| Clean towels | Washcloth |
2. Get Rid of Matted and Tangled Hair
Before bathing, ensure to remove any mats or tangles from your Shih Tzu’s hair. Matted hair can complicate bathing and lead to discomfort.
Effective tools for detangling include:
Pin Brush
This brush suits long-haired adult Shih Tzus. A size between 16mm and 20mm is recommended.
Slicker Brush
Great for short-coated Shih Tzus, this brush helps eliminate debris and tangles without causing harm.
De-matting Comb
A de-matting comb is effective for tackling tough spots, particularly around the face and paws, while a steel comb is ideal for excess hair removal.
Steel Comb
Using a steel comb helps in maintaining your dog’s coat while removing small mats.
3. Bathe and Dry Your Dog Carefully
Once your dog is detangled, it’s time for a bath. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth bathing experience:
- Use lukewarm water for comfort.
- Avoid getting water in your dog’s face.
- Massage the shampoo into their coat without rinsing their face.
- Use a spray nozzle to control water flow effectively.
- Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue buildup.
Maintain your Shih Tzu’s coat with quality dog shampoo and conditioner, ideally hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals.
Following the bath, gently dry your dog by patting and using a dryer on low heat.
4. Keep Your Shih Tzu Relaxed
Grooming can cause anxiety in some dogs. To make this experience better:
- Play calming music or provide familiar background noise.
- Perform gentle handling and massaging before the grooming starts.
- Reward calm behavior with treats.
5. Clean That Adorable Puppy Face
Daily cleaning of your Shih Tzu’s face is vital, especially for lighter-colored dogs prone to staining. Use grooming wipes for effective daily cleaning routines.
6. Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Cleaning the ears is an essential grooming task, done weekly. Use a gentle cleaning solution suitable for dogs:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser | $12.34 | Buy on Amazon |
Routine ear cleaning helps prevent infections. Refer to product instructions during application for optimal results.
7. Brush Those Pearly White Teeth
Regular dental cleaning is essential. Use a small dual-headed toothbrush or finger toothbrush with dog-specific toothpaste.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pet Toothbrush for Dogs, Cats | $6.29 | Buy on Amazon |
8. Clip the Nails
Regular nail trimming is imperative for your Shih Tzu’s health. Use clippers or a nail grinder:
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Dremel 7350-PET Nail Grinder | $56.54 | Buy on Amazon |
Offer treats and positive reinforcement during the process to create a stress-free experience.
9. Snip Hair Between the Paw Pads
Keep your Shih Tzu’s paw pads tidy to prevent slipping and matting. Here’s how to trim:
- Brush the paw to facilitate cutting.
- Use clippers to lightly trim the hair around and between the pads.
- Ensure you cut evenly and carefully.
10. Snip Around the Body
The puppy cut involves trimming the hair to approximately 1 to 2 inches, creating a low-maintenance style. Use a #10 blade with your clippers and be cautious around sensitive areas.
11. Clip Around the Legs
After finishing the body, proceed to clip the legs using smooth downward strokes to achieve a neat look.
12. Start Trimming the Head
For the head, use a snap-on comb to maintain a consistent look. Constantly check proportions to ensure evenness between the head and body.
13. Do Some Finishing Touches
Finally, inspect your dog’s coat, smoothing out any uneven areas for a perfectly groomed look.
How Often Should I Groom My Shih Tzu at Home?
Each Shih Tzu has unique grooming needs, so the frequency for grooming tasks should be adjusted based on your dog’s specific requirements:
| Grooming Task | Frequency |
| Brushing/Combing | Daily for long coats; every 3 days for short coats |
| Bathing | Once in 2 to 3 weeks; more often for skin or coat issues |
| Clipping Nails | Once every 3 to 6 weeks |
| Brushing Teeth | Weekly |
| Wiping Eyes and Face | Daily |
| Cleaning Ears | Weekly |
| Clipping Hair | Once every 6 to 8 weeks or as needed |
| Trimming Paw Pad Hair | Once every 6 to 8 weeks or as needed |
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Shih Tzu Well-Groomed at Home
Grooming your Shih Tzu at home requires dedication and practice, but with time, you can achieve excellent results. With suitable preparation and tools, you can ensure your furry friend remains happy and healthy.
