Shih Tzus are adorable dogs with long, silky hair that can be styled in various ways. However, their hair also requires regular grooming to keep them healthy and comfortable.
Steps To Groom A Shih Tzu At Home:
If you want to groom a Shih Tzu at home, here are some steps you can follow to make the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools and supplies
Before you start grooming your Shih Tzu, you will need to have some tools and supplies ready. These include:
– A brush or comb to detangle and smooth the hair
– A pair of scissors or clippers to trim the hair
– A nail clipper or grinder to trim the nails
– A toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the teeth
– A shampoo and conditioner to wash the hair
– A towel and a hair dryer to dry the hair
– A pair of ear cleaners and cotton balls to clean the ears
– A pair of eye wipes or a damp cloth to clean the eyes
You can find these items at your local pet store or online. Make sure you choose products that are suitable for your Shih Tzu’s hair type and skin condition. You can also ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Step 2: Brush or comb the hair
The first step of grooming your Shih Tzu is to brush or comb the hair thoroughly. This will help remove any knots, mats, dirt, or debris that may be trapped in the hair. It will also make the trimming and washing easier and less painful for your dog.
To brush or comb your Shih Tzu’s hair, start from the head and work your way down to the tail. Use gentle strokes and avoid pulling or tugging on the hair. If you encounter a knot or a mat, try to loosen it with your fingers or a detangling spray before using the brush or comb. You can also use a pair of scissors to cut out any mats that are too difficult to untangle.
You should brush or comb your Shih Tzu’s hair at least once a week, or more often if it gets dirty or tangled easily.
Step 3: Trim the hair
The next step of grooming your Shih Tzu is to trim the hair. This will help keep the hair neat and tidy, prevent it from getting in the way of your dog’s vision, and reduce the risk of infections or injuries.
To trim your Shih Tzu’s hair, you can use a pair of scissors or clippers, depending on your preference and skill level. You can also choose from different styles, such as a puppy cut, a teddy bear cut, or a lion cut. You can find examples of these styles online or in books, or you can ask a professional groomer for advice.
To trim your Shih Tzu’s hair with scissors, hold the scissors parallel to the skin and cut along the natural contours of the body. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin or too unevenly. You can use a comb to guide you and lift up the hair as you cut.
To trim your Shih Tzu’s hair with clippers, choose a blade size that matches the desired length of the hair. Start from the neck and move down to the tail, following the direction of the hair growth. Use smooth and steady motions and avoid going over the same area too many times. You can use a comb or a clipper guard to prevent cutting too short.
You should trim your Shih Tzu’s hair every four to six weeks, or more often if it grows fast or gets messy easily.
Step 4: Trim the nails.
The next step of grooming your Shih Tzu is to trim the nails. This will help prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort, pain, or injury to your dog or yourself.
To trim your Shih Tzu’s nails, you can use a nail clipper or a grinder, depending on your preference and comfort level. You can also use a file to smooth out any rough edges after trimming.
To trim your Shih Tzu’s nails with a clipper, hold your dog’s paw firmly and gently press on the pad to expose the nail. Look for the quick, which is the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Avoid cutting into the quick, as this will cause bleeding and pain. Cut off only the tip of the nail, using a swift and decisive motion. If you accidentally cut into the quick, use some styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
To trim your Shih Tzu’s nails with a grinder, hold your dog’s paw firmly and gently press on the pad to expose the nail. Turn on the grinder and touch it lightly to the tip of the nail. Move it back and forth until you reach the desired length. Be careful not to overheat or burn the nail, as this will cause discomfort and damage.
You should trim your Shih Tzu’s nails every two to four weeks, or more often if they grow fast or get sharp easily.
Step 5: Clean the teeth.
The next step of grooming your Shih Tzu is to clean the teeth. This will help prevent plaque, tartar, bad breath, and dental diseases.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s teeth, you will need a toothbrush and a toothpaste that are specially designed for dogs. You can also use a finger brush or a gauze pad if your dog is not comfortable with a toothbrush.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s teeth with a toothbrush, wet the toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste. Gently lift your dog’s lip and brush the teeth in a circular motion, covering all the surfaces. You can also gently massage the gums to stimulate blood flow and prevent inflammation. Praise your dog and reward him with a treat after brushing.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s teeth with a finger brush or a gauze pad, wet the finger brush or the gauze pad and apply a small amount of toothpaste. Gently rub the teeth and gums with your finger, covering all the surfaces. Praise your dog and reward him with a treat after cleaning.
You should clean your Shih Tzu’s teeth at least once a week, or more often if they get dirty or smelly easily.
Step 6: Wash the hair.
The next step of grooming your Shih Tzu is to wash the hair. This will help remove any dirt, oil, or odor from the hair and keep it shiny and healthy.
To wash your Shih Tzu’s hair, you will need a shampoo and a conditioner that are suitable for your dog’s hair type and skin condition. You can also use a detangling spray or a leave-in conditioner to make the brushing easier after washing.
To wash your Shih Tzu’s hair, follow these steps:
– Fill a tub or a sink with warm water and place your dog inside. Wet the hair thoroughly with a spray nozzle or a cup.
– Apply some shampoo to your hands and massage it into the hair, creating a lather. Avoid getting any shampoo in the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Rinse well with clean water.
– Apply some conditioner to your hands and spread it evenly over the hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse well with clean water.
– Squeeze out any excess water from the hair and wrap your dog in a towel. Blot the hair dry with gentle pressure.
– Move your dog to a warm and dry place and use a hair dryer to dry the hair completely. Use a low or medium heat setting and keep the dryer at least six inches away from the skin. Brush or comb the hair as you dry it to prevent tangles and mats.
You should wash your Shih Tzu’s hair every two to four weeks, or more often if it gets dirty or smelly easily.
Step 7: Clean the ears.
The next step of grooming your Shih Tzu is to clean the ears. This will help prevent ear infections, wax buildup, and odor.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s ears, you will need a pair of ear cleaners and some cotton balls. You can also use an ear cleaner solution that is specially formulated for dogs.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s ears, follow these steps:
– Hold your dog’s head gently and lift one ear flap. Look inside the ear canal and check for any signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or odor. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian before cleaning.
– Squeeze some ear cleaner solution into the ear canal and massage the base of the ear gently. This will help loosen any dirt or wax inside.
– Use a cotton ball to wipe away any excess solution or debris from the ear canal. Do not use any cotton swabs or other objects that may damage the ear canal.
– Repeat the same steps for the other ear.
– Praise your dog and reward him with a treat after cleaning.
You should clean your Shih Tzu’s ears every week, or more often if they get dirty or waxy easily.
Step 8: Clean the eyes.
The final step of grooming your Shih Tzu is to clean the eyes. This will help prevent eye infections, tear stains, and irritation.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s eyes, you will need a pair of eye wipes or a damp cloth. You can also use an eye cleaner solution that is specially formulated for dogs.
To clean your Shih Tzu’s eyes, follow these steps:
– Hold your dog’s head gently and lift one eyelid. Look for any signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or cloudiness. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian before cleaning.
– Use an eye wipe or a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris from the corner of the eye and the eyelashes. Be careful not to touch the eyeball or scratch the cornea.
– Repeat the same process for the other eye.
– If you are using an eye cleaner solution, apply a few drops to each eye and massage gently. Then, use a clean eye wipe or cloth to remove any excess solution.
– Praise your dog and reward them with a treat for being patient and cooperative.
Step 9. Check your Shih Tzu for any health issues.
While grooming your Shih Tzu, you should also inspect their skin, coat, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, paws, and anus for any signs of infection, irritation, injury, or parasites. You can use a flashlight to look inside their ears and a damp cloth to wipe their eyes and nose. You should also check their teeth and gums for any plaque, tartar, or inflammation. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Some common health problems that affect Shih Tzus are eye infections, ear infections, skin allergies, dental issues, and anal gland impaction.
Step 10. Reward your Shih Tzu with praise and treats
After grooming your Shih Tzu, you should give them lots of praise and treats for being patient and cooperative. You can also play with them or take them for a walk to show them how much you love them. Grooming can be a stressful experience for some dogs, so it is important to make it a positive and rewarding one. You can also use a clicker or a marker word to reinforce good behavior during grooming.
Step 11. Maintain your Shih Tzu’s grooming routine
To keep your Shih Tzu looking and feeling great, you should groom them at least once every two weeks or more often if needed. You should also brush their coat daily and clean their ears and eyes weekly. This will prevent mats, tangles, dirt, and debris from accumulating in their fur and causing discomfort or infection. It will also help distribute the natural oils in their skin and keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Step 12. Enjoy your beautiful Shih Tzu!
Your Shih Tzu is now ready to show off their gorgeous coat and charming personality to everyone they meet. Be prepared to receive lots of compliments and admiration from other people and dogs! Your Shih Tzu will also feel more confident and happy with their appearance and hygiene. Remember that grooming your shih Tzu is not only a way to keep your Shih Tzu clean and neat, but also a way to bond with them and show them your love and care.
