Grooming in Shih Tzu

As a Shih Tzu parent, it is essential to ensure that your furry friend is well-groomed and taken care of. Proper grooming not only helps maintain their hygiene but also helps them look and feel their best. In this article, we'll discuss the various aspects of grooming that Shih Tzu parents need to keep in mind.

1. Coat Care

Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that requires regular maintenance. Regular brushing is essential to prevent the matting and tangling of their fur. A slicker brush and metal comb are necessary tools for brushing their coat. Shih Tzu's coat should be brushed at least 2-3 times a week, with daily brushing being ideal. Regular bathing is also essential to keep their coat clean and healthy. Recommended Shih tzu bathing frequency is once in 15-20 days. Use a mild dog shampoo and ensure that their coat is completely dry before brushing to avoid matting.

2. Facial Hair Care

Shih Tzus have long hair around their eyes, ears, and mouth, which requires extra attention. This hair tends to trap dirt, food, and debris, leading to tear staining and skin irritation. Regular trimming of this hair is necessary to keep it clean and hygienic. Using a blunt-nose scissor is ideal for trimming this hair. Tear staining can be prevented by cleaning the area around their eyes with a damp cloth regularly.

3. Nail and Paw Care

Maintaining your Shih Tzu's paw hygiene is crucial for their overall health. Long nails can lead to joint pain, sometimes they end up hurting their own tissues, profuse bleeding, and damaging pads. Trim their nails regularly, and make sure to use a nail clipper designed for dogs. You can also use a nail grinder to smooth out any rough edges. Avoid nail trimming at home without professional help as dog nails have blood supply nerve called quick and cutting the nail too short or using the wrong technique to cut the dog nail can lead to bleeding and pain.

Keep an eye out for any signs of cracked paw pads or allergies. Matts between paw pads can cause difficulty walking. To maintain healthy paw pads, it’s important to keep the hair between the paw pads trimmed and wash and clean the paw pads after walks. Regularly check for dry outs, infections and cracks, If you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian immediately.

4. Ear Care

Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections due to their long ears, which trap moisture and debris. Cleaning their ears regularly is essential to prevent infections. Use a dog-specific ear-cleaning solution and a cotton ball to gently clean their ears at least once a week. Once a month, opt for professional cleaning of ears to ensure deep cleaning. Check their ears regularly for any signs of redness, discharge, or foul odour. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian immediately.

5. Why Avoid DIY Grooming?

While grooming your Shih Tzu at home can be a bonding experience, it's essential to understand the risks involved. Improper grooming techniques can lead to skin irritation, cuts, and bruises. Professional grooming ensures that your Shih Tzu is well-groomed by experienced professionals who have the necessary skills and tools to take care of your furry friend. Bathing Shih tzus or any other long-haired breeds at home is not recommended, as their furs take a long time to dry. Using human dryers can cause their skin to dry and if the hair is not dried properly, their fur can trap moisture which can result in infections.

If you are looking for reliable Shih tzu grooming or Shih tzu hair cutting services in Bangalore, look no more! Kuddle provides professional Shih tzu grooming in Bengaluru by pet groomers who are specially trained to handle and style Shih Tzus. You can schedule an at-home pet grooming appointment using Kuddle App.