How to Groom a Shih Tzu at Home?

Answer 1

The Shih Tzu is a long haired breed that requires special attention to grooming. A Shih Tzu will require regular hair cuts, brushings, ear cleanings, baths, and also need to have their nails trimmed. While frequently visiting the groomer can become expensive, Shih Tzu owners can groom their dogs at home and save quite a bit of money throughout their dog’s life.

How to Properly Bath, Trim, and Brush Your Shih Tzu:

Because a Shih Tzu is a long haired breed, it will need to have it’s coat frequently brushed, washed, and cut, in order to keep it clean and free of tangles. A Shih Tzu should be carefully brushed with a soft bristled brush once every few days to keep the coat soft and manageable. Washings can be less frequent, but still need to occur on a biweekly basis. When bathing a Shih Tzu, dog owners should be careful to keep the ears dry and wash away any tear stains that have built up on the face.

A Shih Tzu’s coat can be cut into two different styles. The first style is a puppy cut, which is about one to two inches long. This cut is best completed with a specialized dog shaver and dull scissors to trim the hair around the face, ears, and tail. The second style is a longer cut that can can range from a few inches to dragging on the ground. This cut can be completed with scissors or clippers, and should be attempted only after the dog has been thoroughly washed and brushed.

Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning:

When trimming a dog’s nails, it is important that a dog owner does not cut them too short. Within the nail is a thin vein that will be painful and cause bleeding if cut. Trim only the tips of the nail, then allow the dog to walk on a hard surface. If the nails make a clicking sound against the surface, they are still too long and can be trimmed further.

A Shih Tzu will need it’s ears cleaned almost every time he or she gets a bath. If the ears are not properly cleaned, a Shih Tzu can get ear mites or other infections. To clean the ears, carefully spray a specialized ear powder into the dog’s ears, then remove any visible wax or dirt with a moist cloth. Ear powder can be purchased from pet supply stores and will help keep the ear from becoming damp, which can cause infection. While a Shih Tzu may not enjoy the grooming process, he or she will get used to regular grooming with time and allow a dog owner to successfully groom him or her.