How to Bathe your Shih Tzu the Right Way - (Shih Tzu Grooming Part 3), by Shih Tzu Care on YouTube. 3 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Brush your Shih Tzu first to remove loose hair and small tangles. A quick brush before the bath stops mats from tightening once the coat gets wet.
Fill a tub or basin with a few inches of warm water, not hot. Test it on your wrist first, the same way you would for a baby.
Wet the coat all over with a cup or a gentle shower head, starting at the neck and working back. Keep water out of the ears and eyes.
Pour a small amount of dog shampoo into your hand and work it into a lather. Massage the body, legs and belly, then wash the face last with a damp cloth.
Use the bath brush in small circles on the body and legs to loosen dirt. Avoid the face and any sore or irritated skin.
Rinse until the water runs clear, then apply dog conditioner to the longer coat. Leave it on for the time on the bottle, then rinse again fully.
Squeeze excess water from the coat and wrap your dog in a towel. Pat dry rather than rubbing hard, and keep the head and ears dry.
Finish with a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting, held well away from the skin. Brush the coat as it dries to keep it smooth and tangle free.
Tips and common mistakes
Rinse more than you think you need to, leftover shampoo causes itchy skin and dull coat.
Put a cotton ball in each ear to keep water out, and never push anything into the ear canal.
Keep the room warm and use a non-slip mat in the tub so your dog feels steady.
Bathe every 3 to 4 weeks unless your vet advises otherwise, too often dries out the skin.
Questions
How often should I bathe my Shih Tzu?
Most Shih Tzus do well with a bath every 3 to 4 weeks. Bathing more often can dry out the skin, so ask your vet if your dog has skin issues.
Can I use my own shampoo on my Shih Tzu?
No, human shampoo is too harsh for a dog's skin. Use a shampoo made for dogs or puppies and follow the dilution on the label.
How do I dry a Shih Tzu after a bath?
Towel dry first, then use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting, keeping it moving and away from the skin. Brush as you dry to prevent tangles.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
