Shih Tzus are a popular breed of dog known for their long, flowing hair. While this hair can be a beautiful addition to their appearance, it also requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free of mats. If you are new to grooming a Shih Tzu, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Gather your supplies.
Before you begin grooming your Shih Tzu, you will need to gather a few supplies. These will include:
- A set of dog clippers
- A variety of combs and brushes
- A pair of scissors
- A nail clipper
- A styptic powder
- A shampoo and conditioner
- A towel
- A mat breaker
- A spray bottle
2. Bathe your Shih Tzu.
The first step in grooming your Shih Tzu is to bathe them. Start by filling a bathtub with warm water and adding a mild shampoo. Wet your dog’s fur and apply the shampoo, working it into the coat with your hands. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Once the shampoo is rinsed out, apply a conditioner to help detangle the hair. Rinse the conditioner thoroughly and towel dry your dog.
3. Comb and brush your Shih Tzu’s hair.
Once your dog is dry, it is time to comb and brush their hair. Start by using a wide-tooth comb to remove any mats or tangles. Then, use a pin brush to smooth the hair and remove any dead hair. Finally, use a slicker brush to give your dog’s coat a final shine.
4. Trim your Shih Tzu’s nails.
Long nails can be uncomfortable for your dog and can also cause them to scratch themselves or others. To trim your dog’s nails, use a pair of nail clippers and cut them straight across. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick, which is the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply a styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
5. Clean your Shih Tzu’s ears.
Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections, so it is important to clean their ears regularly. To clean your dog’s ears, use a cotton ball and a mild ear cleaner. Be sure to wipe the ear from the outside in to avoid pushing dirt and debris further into the ear canal.
6. Floss your Shih Tzu’s teeth.
Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. To brush your dog’s teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a special toothpaste for dogs. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces.
7. Trim your Shih Tzu’s hair.
If you want to give your Shih Tzu a specific haircut, you will need to use a pair of dog clippers. There are many different types of haircuts that you can give your dog, so choose one that you think they will look best in.
8. Finish up.
Once you have finished grooming your Shih Tzu, give them a treat and some praise. They will appreciate your efforts and be sure to show you their love!
Additional Tips
- If your Shih Tzu is not used to being groomed, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend grooming them each week.
- Be patient and gentle when grooming your Shih Tzu. If they are feeling stressed or uncomfortable, stop grooming and try again later.
- If you are not comfortable grooming your Shih Tzu yourself, take them to a professional groomer.
Grooming your Shih Tzu regularly will help keep them looking their best and feeling their best. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Shih Tzu is always well-groomed and healthy.
