Easy Ways to Groom a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are some of the most beautiful dogs around, with their long, flowing coat of hair and ladylike gait. Grooming the dog on a consistent basis will keep the hair easy to manage. Different dogs have differently textured hair and what is right for one Shih Tzu may not work for another. Different climates, tap water and varying lifestyles all play a part in how easy it is to groom your pet.

  1. Grooming

    • Purchase a high-quality wire brush with pins that bend easily. Begin brushing at the feet and work your way up his legs and then on to the belly. End at the center of his back. Brushing in this manner makes it easier to get the mats out. Tangles are usually easier to get out at the bottom and brushing from the bottom up will result in less hair loss.

      Puppies tend to change their coats at around one year of age and during this three- to four-week period, matting may be a constant problem. But this stage will pass.

      Use a wide-tooth comb around your dog's face and ears; matting can be a problem in these areas. When your puppy is around five or six months old, the hair around the face should be long enough to pull up in a top knot. This will keep the hair out of his mouth, eyes and food bowl. Tie it loose, so he will not scratch and pull on the band. You can get the latex bands at your veterinarian̵7;s office or the dentist.

      Using a spray bottle containing warm water and a cap full of conditioner is a good detangler for your Shih Tzu and will prevent static electricity.

    Bathing

    • Bathing your dog every month will help keep his coat more manageable, because dirty hair tangles easier. Brush your Shih Tzu̵6;s coat thoroughly before attempting to bathe him. Once the mats get wet, they are nearly impossible to detangle.

      Place a rubber mat in the tub so your dog will feel more secure and not slip and slide around. Use a tear-free baby shampoo around the head, eyes and ears and do this last, as your dog probably won̵7;t enjoy this part. Suds him up twice, and rinse with lukewarm water. Mix up a quart of warm water and a cap full of conditioner to pour on your dog̵7;s coat, avoiding the head and face area. Rub the mixture in and let it stay on for a few minutes and rinse again. Make sure to check his ears to make sure no hair has gotten into them during the shampoo.

      Gently squeeze out any excess water and wrap your dog in some thick towels for about 10 to 15 minutes to help his coat dry. Use a stand and a blow dryer on low to dry your dog̵7;s coat. Brush his hair gently while drying it.