Shih Tzu are minimal shedders, but don't confuse that with having minimal grooming needs. Their coat—which can be a variety of colors including black, white, and red—grows continuously and needs to be trimmed and brushed regularly.
Skin Care
Because their coats grow long, making them prone to matting and skin irritation, Shih Tzu dogs need a bath once a week. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog's skin, including redness, flakiness, or dryness.
Coat Care
Along with bathing, Shih Tzu must be brushed at least a few times each week, but preferably daily. Use a pin brush or a comb.
Routine professional grooming should be part of your budget, to either maintain the long hair coat or to shave it into a cute Shih Tzu haircut periodically.
Eye Care
A Shih Tzu needs the hair around their eyes trimmed or pulled up with a hair tie to avoid any eye irritation. Their big eyes can easily become inflamed if hair is allowed to rub against them.
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be prone to tear staining because of their flat face. Excessive tear production or blocked tear ducts lead to a buildup of a reddish-brown pigment at the inner corners of the eyes, often extending toward the muzzle.
Keeping this area clean and dry is the best way to avoid staining. Use a vet-recommended tear stain remover.
If staining is excessive or if your dog's eyes are red, swollen, or painful, contact your veterinarian.
Ear Care
Shih Tzu dogs are prone to ear infections due to hair growing inside their ear canals. This hair holds onto moisture, which can cause inflammation and infection by bacteria, fungus, or both.
Routine cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner will help reduce the chances of ear infections. If excessive hair is noted inside the ear canals, your veterinarian or groomer may recommend removing it to avoid irritation.
Dental Care
It's important to brush your Shih Tzu's teeth every day with a dog-safe toothpaste and brush.
Keep up with regular veterinary appointments so your vet can monitor your dog's mouth and recommend professional cleanings under anesthesia when necessary.
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Summary
- Shih Tzu are minimal shedders but have extensive grooming needs because their continuously growing coat requires regular trimming and brushing to prevent matting and maintain their appearance.
- Weekly baths are essential for Shih Tzu due to their long coats that are prone to matting and skin irritation, with any skin changes requiring immediate veterinary attention.
- Daily brushing with a pin brush or comb is ideal (minimum several times weekly), combined with routine professional grooming to maintain long coats or create periodic stylish Shih Tzu haircuts.
- Eye care is critical for Shih Tzu—hair around eyes must be trimmed or tied up to prevent irritation, and their flat faces make them prone to tear staining requiring regular cleaning with vet-recommended removers.
- Daily teeth brushing is essential due to dental disease risks, while routine ear cleaning prevents infections caused by hair growing inside ear canals that traps moisture and promotes bacterial or fungal growth.
