How often should I bathe my Shih Tzu

The Correct Shih Tzu Bathing Frequency: Full Guide

I understand how important it is to maintain our furry friends health and hygiene, and after bathing and grooming Shih Tzus for several years, Ill share some tips that will definitely help any owner out there!

When it comes to bathing, its crucial to find the right balance in frequency and technique.

In this article, Ill share everything you need to know about bathing your Shih Tzu, including the ideal bathing frequency, proper techniques, and the best shampoos to use.

How Often Should You Bathe a Shih Tzu?

The exact answer will vary from Shih Tzu to Shih Tzu depending on their lifestyle, routine, where they walk, and how dirty they get.

But, in general, the answer for most Shih Tzus is 4-6 weeks.

This is the best frequency to bathe the average Shih Tzu to keep them clean, without running the risk of overbathing.

If your Shih Tzu gets dirty often then bathing every 3-4 weeks may be necessary, but if yours doesnt then 4-6 weeks will be perfect.

Bathing Frequency: Why Every 4-6 Weeks?

Shih Tzus have a unique double coat that requires special care.

Bathing Shih Tzus every 4-6 weeks is the sweet spot to keep their coat clean, fluffy and healthy. Heres why:

• Natural oil production: Shih Tzus produce natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny. Overbathing can strip these oils, leading to dry skin and a dull coat.
• Prevent matting: Regular bathing helps prevent matting and tangles within their double coat, which can lead to skin irritation and discomfort.
• Reduce allergens: Bathing your Shih Tzu every 4-6 weeks helps remove dirt, dander, and allergens from their coat, reducing the risk of skin allergies.

Remember, its essential to adjust the bathing frequency depending on your dogs lifestyle, environment, and individual needs.

For example, if your Shih Tzu spends a lot of time outdoors or has a skin condition, you might need to bathe them more often. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Tips for a Soft Fluffy Shih Tzu Coat

Bathing Techniques: How to Bathe Your Shih Tzu Properly

Bathing your Shih Tzu can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Follow these steps for a successful bath:

1. Brush their coat: Before bathing, brush your Shih Tzus coat thoroughly to remove any loose hair and tangles. This will make the bathing process easier and more effective.
2. Prepare the bath area: Fill a bathtub or sink with warm water (not too hot or cold), and have your shampoo, conditioner, and towels ready. You can also use a non-slip mat to prevent your Shih Tzu from slipping in the water.
3. Wet their coat: Gently wet your Shih Tzus coat with the warm water, avoiding the face and ears.
4. Apply shampoo: Use a gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo specifically designed for Shih Tzus or other breeds with a similar coat type. Lather the shampoo into their coat, being extra gentle around the face and ears.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your Shih Tzus coat completely, ensuring no shampoo residue remains. Any leftover shampoo can cause skin irritation.
6. Apply conditioner: A dog-specific conditioner can help keep your Shih Tzus coat soft and manageable. Apply it evenly and rinse thoroughly.
7. Dry their coat: Gently squeeze the excess water from your Shih Tzus coat and wrap them in a towel. You can use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to dry their coat, but be cautious not to overheat or scare your dog.
8. Final brushing: Once your Shih Tzus coat is dry, give them a final brushing to remove any remaining tangles and distribute the natural oils evenly.

The Best Brushes & Brushing Routine for Shih Tzus

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Shih Tzu

Using the wrong shampoo can have negative effects on your Shih Tzus coat and skin. Here are some tips for choosing the right shampoo:

• Avoid human shampoos: Human shampoos can be too harsh for your Shih Tzus sensitive skin and can strip their coat of essential oils. Always use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs.

• Look for gentle, pH-balanced formulas: Shampoos with a neutral pH (around 7) are best for your Shih Tzus skin. Look for shampoos with natural ingredients and avoid those with harsh chemicals, dyes, or strong fragrances.
• Consider coat type and skin conditions: Some shampoos are specifically designed for dogs with double coats like Shih Tzus. Additionally, if your Shih Tzu has a skin condition or allergies, look for a hypoallergenic or medicated shampoo. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations based on your dogs specific needs.

Some reputable dog shampoo brands you can trust include Earthbath, Burts Bees for Pets.

Negative Effects of Overbathing and Using the Wrong Shampoo

Overbathing your Shih Tzu or using the wrong shampoo can lead to several issues, such as:

• Dry, irritated skin: Overbathing or using harsh shampoos can strip the natural oils from your Shih Tzus skin, causing dryness and irritation.
• Dull, brittle coat: A lack of natural oils can also make your Shih Tzus coat appear dull and brittle, prone to breakage.
• Increased risk of infections: Dry, irritated skin can be more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
• Aggravated skin conditions or allergies: Overbathing or using the wrong shampoo can exacerbate existing skin conditions or trigger allergies in your Shih Tzu.

To avoid these issues, always stick to the recommended bathing frequency of every 4-6 weeks and choose a gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo suitable for your Shih Tzus coat type and skin condition.

Extra Tips for a Happy, Healthy Shih Tzu

Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your Shih Tzus hygiene and overall health:

• Regular grooming: Brush your Shih Tzus coat daily to prevent matting, tangles, and the accumulation of dirt and debris. Regular grooming also helps distribute their natural oils, promoting a healthy coat.
• Keep their ears clean: Shih Tzus can be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Clean their ears regularly with a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls, and always dry their ears thoroughly after baths or swims.
• Trim their nails: Regular nail trims are essential to prevent overgrown nails that can cause discomfort or injury. Use a dog-specific nail trimmer and be cautious not to cut the quick.

Trending: Why Does My Shih Tzu Smell

Additional FAQs

Lets run through some additional questions Shih Tzu owners might have about bathing their dogs that hasnt been covered above.

1. How can I make bath time less stressful for my Shih Tzu? Tips on making bath time a positive experience specifically for Shih Tzus can be helpful for owners.
2. How do I clean my Shih Tzus face and ears during bath time? Proper techniques for cleaning a Shih Tzus face and ears without causing discomfort or harm are essential.
3. How can I bathe my Shih Tzu if they have a wound or surgical site? Specific instructions on bathing a Shih Tzu with a wound, injury, or recent surgery without causing harm or infection are important to know.
4. Should I bathe my Shih Tzu puppy and how often? Puppy-specific bathing guidelines, such as frequency and the appropriate age to start bathing Shih Tzu puppies, can be valuable information for new puppy owners.
5. What can I do if my Shih Tzu has a strong odor even after bathing? Shih Tzu owners may want to know the causes of persistent odors and how to address them.
6. How do I deal with fleas and ticks during my Shih Tzus bath time? Guidelines on using flea and tick shampoos specifically for Shih Tzus, as well as proper techniques for removing these parasites during baths, can be useful.
7. Are there any home remedies or alternatives to commercial Shih Tzu shampoos? Some Shih Tzu owners might be interested in natural or homemade options for cleaning their dogs.
8. How do I bathe a Shih Tzu that is too large for a bathtub or sink? Tips on bathing larger Shih Tzus or those with mobility issues can be helpful for owners of bigger or senior Shih Tzus.
9. What are the best tools and accessories for Shih Tzu baths? Recommendations for brushes, combs, towels, and other bathing accessories specifically designed for Shih Tzus can help dog owners make bath time more efficient and enjoyable for their pets.
10. How do I dry my Shih Tzu properly after a bath? Proper drying techniques and the pros and cons of various drying methods, such as air drying, towel drying, or using a hairdryer, can be informative for Shih Tzu owners.

Last thoughts

In conclusion, bathing your Shih Tzu every 4-6 weeks is the ideal frequency to maintain their coat and skin health.

Use the proper bathing techniques, choose the right shampoo, and follow the additional grooming tips provided in this article to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and looking their best.

For more information on Shih Tzu care, check out resources from reputable pet websites like The American Kennel Club (AKC) or PetMD.

Disclaimer

Before making any decisions that could affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. Even though this content may have been written/reviewed by a trained veterinarian, our advice to you is to always consult your own local veterinarian in person. Please read our full dislcaimer if you have any questions.

How Often Should I Bathe My Shih Tzu? Vet Approved Advice

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Most dogs dont require bathing that often. However, the Shih Tzu is an exception to this rule. They need bathing at least every 3 weeks, though some may do better with a bath every 2 weeks. Their coats are made of hair and not fur, so they arent waterproof. Unlike other dogs, their coat doesnt do a good job of staying clean. Youll need to wash and care for your dog similarly to human hair.

You should always use a gentle dog shampoo, as they can have sensitive skin (especially when being bathed so often). Feel free to adjust the frequency of baths depending on your dogs needs. Dogs with longer coats often need more baths than those with shorter coats. If your dog has a skin condition, they may need more or fewer baths, typically using specific shampoos/lotions recommended by your veterinarian.

Many factors determine how often you should bathe your Shih Tzu.

The 6 Factors that Affect Bathing Requirements

Not all Shih Tzus need the same number of baths. There are many factors involved that will determine how often you should bathe your canine. It is best to personalize bathing frequency to your dogs needs instead of strictly following a one-size-fits-all schedule.

1. Coat Length

Dogs with longer coats require more baths, as there is more hair to get dirty. A Shih Tzus coat doesnt stay clean well, so youll need to groom them very frequently and bathe them more often than other dogs. If you want to lower your dogs grooming requirements, cutting their coat shorter can reduce the number of baths and amount of brushing they require.

2. Allergies

Many Shih Tzus develop skin allergies from environmental allergens like dust mites, molds, pollen, and weeds. The best way to reduce their symptoms is to limit their exposure to these allergens as much as possible, which means more frequent baths to rinse them off. You may need to bathe your dog more frequently during certain times of the year to help prevent allergens from sticking to their coat for too long.

3. Activity Level

Dogs that spend more time running around outside tend to be dirtier than dogs that spend most of their time lying around. Puppies often need to bathe more for this reason. However, even older dogs can be quite active and require more frequent baths.

4. Environment

Some climates can make dogs dirtier than others. You may need to bathe your dog more often if you live somewhere particularly dusty. Similarly, those living in tropical areas may need to bathe their Shih Tzu more regularly, as the mugginess can lead to bacteria growth (and a smelly and itchy dog).

5. Skin Sensitivity

Some dogs are rather more to baths. If your dog has sensitive skin, you may decide to bathe them less often. Baths can cause skin irritation and dryness, only worsening coat health. Sometimes, the best option is to spot-clean your dog, increase brushing, or deal with a slightly dirtier dog between baths.

6. Health

Certain health problems may increase bathing needs. If your dog is sickly, their coat may not be as healthy as it once was, increasing their bathing requirements. At the same time, puppies and healthy dogs may need fewer baths.

How Often Should You Wash a Shih Tzus Face?

You should wipe your Shih Tzus face at least once a day. These dogs are known for dirty areas around their eyes, largely due to their flat faces. If you dont keep their eyes clean, they can develop eye problems such as infections or scratches

Sadly, there is no way to reduce their bathing requirement. Even if you cut your dogs coat short, they will still require daily face cleanings. It is not recommended to cut the hair around their eyes short. Once it starts to grow back, it may grow in the direction of the eyes, causing discomfort and even scratches. It is generally best to make face washings a regular routine. There are face wipes specifically made for this purpose. However, a damp washcloth works just as well.

There might be times when your Shih Tzu requires eye drops. Using the eye drops at the same time as you clean your dogs face typically works best, as some of the liquid does tend to run out of the eye. Its best to do everything at once. If your dog does need eye drops, speak to your vet about your daily routine and follow their advice on how and when you should clean your dogs eyes and face.

How Often Should You Wash a Shih Tzus Ears?

You should clean your dogs ears as regularly as possible. Generally speaking, they may only need cleaning once a week. Dogs with extra hair in their ears or those prone to ear infections may need them cleaned more often. Adjust the frequency and the product used to meet your dogs needs based on your vets advice.

Never shove anything into your dogs ears. Instead, just clean the outer ear flap so that the debris doesnt have a chance of going into the ear. You shouldnt wipe using a damp cloth, as this can introduce bacteria and moisture. Instead, look for specialized ear-cleaning wipes. In my experience, these often include witch hazel and similar cleaning agents.

You may also want to use drops to clean your dogs ears. Never shove q-tips into your dogs ear, as this can push the gunk back further. Specialty ear drops can help loosen any gunk trapped in the ear and kill bacteria. When in doubt, always speak to your vet about the best option for your canine.

Shih Tzu Grooming Routine

Shih Tzus require a lot of washing and grooming. It can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. Here is a short grooming routine that may help you stay on top of things. Feel free to adjust it to meet your dogs needs:

Daily:

• Wipe your dogs face as needed (and apply any necessary eye drops)
• Brush teeth using a quality dog toothpaste
• Brush your dogs coat (if longhaired)

Every Few Days:

• Clean the ear flaps
• Brush your dogs coat (if given a medium- to short-length cut)
• Use a dry shampoo as needed (especially for longer coats)

Every 34 Weeks:

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent.

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Conclusion

Shih Tzus have high grooming needs. Youll need to spend a little time grooming these dogs daily. However, they only need a bath every 34 weeks. You dont want to bathe your dog too often, as this can lead to problems such as dry and itchy skin. Not bathing enough can lead to skin problems, too, so finding a happy medium is important. Speak to your veterinarian about your Shih Tzus coat and skin needs. It is important to note that these may change throughout their lives depending on many factors such as their diet, environment, and general health.

While we described most Shih Tzus in this article, your dog may need slightly different care. Many factors determine how often your dog needs to be bathed, brushed, or wiped. Feel free to adjust my recommendations to better fit your dogs needs.

You can speak to a professional groomer about your dogs specific needs when in doubt. Shih Tzus often requires professional grooming, so there is no reason not to ask for advice when you pick them up from their appointment.

Featured Image Credit: Magicovice516, Shutterstock