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Probably the most difficult aspect of owning a Shih Tzu is the
amount of grooming that is required. This factor should be taken into
consideration when adopting/buying a Shih Tzu.
Depending on the length and type of coat, Shih Tzus require combing
and brushing anywhere from three times a week for shorter trimmed hair
to every day of the week for longer, softer and thicker coated Shih
Tzus.
Frequent brushing is essential because without it the Shih Tzu’s coat will become badly matted.
In addition to brushing, regular bathing, eye and ear cleaning and nail
trimming are also essential for the wellbeing of the Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzus can be taken to a veterinarian or a professional groomer
for grooming and trimming however, brushing, bathing, eye and ear
cleaning and nail trimming need to be performed at home on a regular
basis.
It is important to begin grooming your Shih Tzu from a very young
age so that the dog will become used to it and comfortable with it.
Remember to praise your dog in the beginning too.
Below is a guide and some helpful tips covering the basics when grooming your Shih Tzu.
Brushing
As mentioned previously your Shih Tzu will require regular brushing,
the amount depends on the length and type of coat your dog possess.
To begin with you will need a good quality pin brush. You will also
need to dampen your Shih Tzu’s coat with a mixture of water (full spray
bottle) and a capful of cream rinse or coat conditioner. You should
never brush your Shih Tzu without slightly wetting him/her first as
this will lead to breakage of the hair.
Once you have sprayed your dog, begin by brushing all the hair back,
start from the feet and legs and work your way up to the belly and the
centre of the dogs back. Be gentle and do not tug at any tangles, but
make sure that you brush all the way down to the skin and not just the
outerlayer of hair. For larger tangles use your fingers first before
using the brush.
Some areas are more prone to tangles than others like the inside leg area as well as near the neck and ears.
Special care is necessary around the eyes and the moustache and a smaller comb should be used.
Once your puppy’s hair has developed (four to five months onwards) you
will need to keep the hair away from its eyes and nose by tying a
topknot.
Topknot: You will need to brush the hair on top of the dog’s head and
away from its eyes. The hair should be parted from the centre of each
eye straight up to the middle of the head. A latex band can then be
used to fasten the hair. Remember not to pull so tight that the dog is
unable to blink.
Bathing
Do not bath your Shih Tzu unless he/she has been brushed first. Bathing
before brushing will cause any tangles to become a lot worse to brush
out.
Put a rubber mat in the bottom of your sink to avoid the Shih Tzu from
slipping and/or struggling. Use lukewarm water and apply shampoo gently
on the dog’s coat. (There are many shampoos available for purchase to
suit your Shih Tzu’s coat). Do not rub in the shampoo as this will
cause mats but ensure that you wash thoroughly.
Leave the head until last and use a no-tear baby shampoo. Be-careful
not to get any water in Shih Tzu’s eyes and nose and rinse well. A
useful tip is to put one drop of mineral oil in each of your Shih Tzu’s
eyes before bathing as this helps avoid irritation.
Once you have finished the bath, use a towel for a few minutes to soak
up some of the excess water, and then use a dryer on a low setting to
finish drying off while brushing to remove any left over tangles. While
blow-drying avoid blowing directly into the Shih Tzu’s eyes.
Bathing should be performed on a weekly basis.
Eyes and Ear Cleaning
The Shih Tzu’s eyes need to be checked daily because dirt and stray
hair can cause irritation, furthermore Shih Tzus’s may develop eye
ulcers. When brushing your Shih Tzu use a warm damp cloth which has
been soaked in warm water to clean the inside corners of the eyes. Eye
drops and other cleaning liquids are also available for purchase.
The Shih Tzus ears also require attention and cleaning. Cleaning can be
performed by using a cotton ball doused in mineral oil (or other ear
cleaning liquids). Once the ears have been cleaned a dry cotton ball
should be used to dry the ears. Shih Tzus also have hair growing out of
their ears. The hair needs to be watched and removed as it attracts
bacteria and can lead to health problems. To pluck the hairs with
virtually no pain you can purchase ear powder which you must apply to
the ears, before slowly plucking the hairs out. Once the hair has been
plucked, the ears must be cleaned and dried.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming should be done every one to two weeks depending on your Shih Tzu.
You will need a good set of nail clippers. The nails must be cut to the
point where they hook over but care must be taken not to cut into the
quick (the pink part of the nail). If you accidentally cut too far and
into the quick you may need to use something such as styptic powder to
stop any bleeding. A good time to trim your Shih Tzu’s nails is right
after a bath when he/she is wrapped up in a towel.
Professional Grooming
There are many professional groomers and veterinarians who are
available to assist in grooming your Shih Tzu as well as offering you
advice. If your Shih Tzu is not a show dog you may choose to keep it
trimmed so that grooming at home will not be as hard. Trims vary and
there are many styles to choose from. Groomers and vets are also able
to trim your Shih Tzu’s nails and express their anal glands, this being
something that may need to be done at times that you may not wish to do
yourself.
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