GROOMING YOUR SHIH TZU
Is Proper Grooming of a
Shih Tzu
Difficult ? Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu
Difficult ? Shih Tzu.
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Please I beg of you. A Shih Tzu needs to be groomed regularly. Mats are very painful to the dog. And can cause some major health issues. This is a issue I will speak to you about if you are considering a pup from me.
PLEASE do not let this happen to your fur baby.
Sorry for the graphics. But this can happen when not groomed right.
How do you think this baby feels. All this can be avoided if you just take your time with your four legged friend.
Some helpful videos I found on youtube
Thanks to Val Carter for the info.
Not responsible for the actions of the owners of these advertised sites.
A Shih Tzu pup does not need much grooming! A daily quick brushing
will do. An ungroomed dog can become a mess and this is unhealthy for the dog.
A werProper Grooming of the Shih Tzu
If you choose to groom your dog yourself as opposed
to having him or her professionally groomed, the biggest task will be proper
grooming of your Shih Tzu's fur. One must remember that grooming involves all
aspects of taking care of a dog's appearance. This will include teeth and
nails as well.
Your Shih Tzu puppy will only need a bath once every week or two. The
pup will need a brushing every other day, but no detailed work will need to be
done; the fur will be very short. Your adult dog will need a bath
approximately every 3 weeks, but this can vary greatly depending on the
situation and events that may dirty the fur. Brushing will need to be done at
a minimum of once per week; grooming 3-4 times a week will save you a headache
in the long run, as you will be able to catch mats before they become large.
Once your Shih Tzu reaches the 1 year mark, its adult longer coat
should have grown in. Now is the time to groom in accordance with proper
grooming methods for fur. Do not groom your Shih Tzu when its coat is dry.
Because of static electricity
and its power to break off hair, mist-spray your dog with a mixture of
water and a bit of dog condition. You may also use Static Control Spray that
can be found at pet supply sites.
Begin at your dog's legs and work your
way down to its feet. Go gently in case there are any pieces of matted fur.
If you do find a mats, try to be patience and work it out before you rush to
clip it. Make sure you allow the brush to reach through the complete coat of
hair, down to the skin. The face comb and a 2 level comb should be used on the
face of the Shih Tzu and around the ears. Using the wider side of the 2 level
comb, is recommended until you are very used to grooming your dog.
Use
the face comb to gently comb through the fur on the face, the "mustache" and
topknot hair. For reasons of hygiene and cleanliness, the fur around the anus
should be clipped with round tipped scissors. Feces can and does easily become
stuck to any long hair and this can lead to very unpleasant odors and
compromise hygie
will do. An ungroomed dog can become a mess and this is unhealthy for the dog.
A werProper Grooming of the Shih Tzu
If you choose to groom your dog yourself as opposed
to having him or her professionally groomed, the biggest task will be proper
grooming of your Shih Tzu's fur. One must remember that grooming involves all
aspects of taking care of a dog's appearance. This will include teeth and
nails as well.
Your Shih Tzu puppy will only need a bath once every week or two. The
pup will need a brushing every other day, but no detailed work will need to be
done; the fur will be very short. Your adult dog will need a bath
approximately every 3 weeks, but this can vary greatly depending on the
situation and events that may dirty the fur. Brushing will need to be done at
a minimum of once per week; grooming 3-4 times a week will save you a headache
in the long run, as you will be able to catch mats before they become large.
Once your Shih Tzu reaches the 1 year mark, its adult longer coat
should have grown in. Now is the time to groom in accordance with proper
grooming methods for fur. Do not groom your Shih Tzu when its coat is dry.
Because of static electricity
and its power to break off hair, mist-spray your dog with a mixture of
water and a bit of dog condition. You may also use Static Control Spray that
can be found at pet supply sites.
Begin at your dog's legs and work your
way down to its feet. Go gently in case there are any pieces of matted fur.
If you do find a mats, try to be patience and work it out before you rush to
clip it. Make sure you allow the brush to reach through the complete coat of
hair, down to the skin. The face comb and a 2 level comb should be used on the
face of the Shih Tzu and around the ears. Using the wider side of the 2 level
comb, is recommended until you are very used to grooming your dog.
Use
the face comb to gently comb through the fur on the face, the "mustache" and
topknot hair. For reasons of hygiene and cleanliness, the fur around the anus
should be clipped with round tipped scissors. Feces can and does easily become
stuck to any long hair and this can lead to very unpleasant odors and
compromise hygie
Growing a Long Coat
"How to groom a Shih Tzu" will
certainly be different if you wish to have the Show Dog look (the coat of the
Shih Tzu will be long, soft, flowing and to the floor) This is achieved with
patience as the coat grows and gentle grooming to prevent split ends and
breakage. Some owners choose to wrap the fur of the Shih Tzu. This is a
simple, yet time consuming method of protecting the fur. 1 inch (2.50 cm)
sections are combed and held away from the dog. Silk wrapping paper is then
wrapped around the end of the section. It is gently folded up to the base of
the dog. It is held in place by thick, non-stick rubber bands. Once you
become accustomed to wrapping your Shih Tzu, the process will move along
faster. However, a Shih Tzu that has wraps must be un-wrapped every other day,
groomed and then re-wrapped. It is vital to never leave the silk papers for
more than 2 days and also for the dog to become wet while wrapped. Doing so may
cause mildew to begin to grow underneath the silk. This presents the
possibility of a discoloration to the Shih Tzu's fur.
Most owners will
simply allow the coat to grow and take great care with grooming. Only top
quality dog shampoo and conditioner should be
used. Brushing should be gentle. An owner must take time to gently work out
any matted hair. Brushing must be done with long, flat strokes. Curling the
brush at the end of the stroke may cause breakage
"How to groom a Shih Tzu" will
certainly be different if you wish to have the Show Dog look (the coat of the
Shih Tzu will be long, soft, flowing and to the floor) This is achieved with
patience as the coat grows and gentle grooming to prevent split ends and
breakage. Some owners choose to wrap the fur of the Shih Tzu. This is a
simple, yet time consuming method of protecting the fur. 1 inch (2.50 cm)
sections are combed and held away from the dog. Silk wrapping paper is then
wrapped around the end of the section. It is gently folded up to the base of
the dog. It is held in place by thick, non-stick rubber bands. Once you
become accustomed to wrapping your Shih Tzu, the process will move along
faster. However, a Shih Tzu that has wraps must be un-wrapped every other day,
groomed and then re-wrapped. It is vital to never leave the silk papers for
more than 2 days and also for the dog to become wet while wrapped. Doing so may
cause mildew to begin to grow underneath the silk. This presents the
possibility of a discoloration to the Shih Tzu's fur.
Most owners will
simply allow the coat to grow and take great care with grooming. Only top
quality dog shampoo and conditioner should be
used. Brushing should be gentle. An owner must take time to gently work out
any matted hair. Brushing must be done with long, flat strokes. Curling the
brush at the end of the stroke may cause breakage
Red Around the Eyes
If your Shih Tzu has a red/orange color
on the fur of the face, most often under and around the eyes, this may be
caused by: 1. Eye discharge 2: A "Red Yeast"
infection.
Be
sure to clean this area daily with a soft, damp cloth or use professional dog
cleansing wipes. If the discoloration remains, bring your dog to the vet, a
Red Yeast issue will need medication given to you by an experienced
veterinarian
The Details of Grooming
This, of course, is an overview of grooming. Grooming is one of the
most important elements of taking care of your Shih Tzu.
Learn How To Make a Topknot
You can learn how to make a topknot in no time at all. You must first make a part in the hair. There is a small bump on the center of a Shih Tzu's head. Use this as your stopping point when making the part from front to back. You will want to think of a triangle. You will gather hair from the outer edge of each eye and part back to the bump. Now that the hair is gathered, Divide this long fur into 2 sections: front and back. Put a band around the front section, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the skinFrom the front section, hold some hairs from the center/back with one hand and push the band all the way down to the head of your Shih Tzu. Repeat the above steps for the back section you created on your dog's head; however you will use a few hairs from the center/front when pushing the band down. Place your chosen bow on the front section of your Shih Tzu's fur. Once the bow is in place, gather both front and back sections together and use a final band to connect them. The connection should be slightly above the bow.
If your Shih Tzu has a red/orange color
on the fur of the face, most often under and around the eyes, this may be
caused by: 1. Eye discharge 2: A "Red Yeast"
infection.
Be
sure to clean this area daily with a soft, damp cloth or use professional dog
cleansing wipes. If the discoloration remains, bring your dog to the vet, a
Red Yeast issue will need medication given to you by an experienced
veterinarian
The Details of Grooming
This, of course, is an overview of grooming. Grooming is one of the
most important elements of taking care of your Shih Tzu.
Learn How To Make a Topknot
You can learn how to make a topknot in no time at all. You must first make a part in the hair. There is a small bump on the center of a Shih Tzu's head. Use this as your stopping point when making the part from front to back. You will want to think of a triangle. You will gather hair from the outer edge of each eye and part back to the bump. Now that the hair is gathered, Divide this long fur into 2 sections: front and back. Put a band around the front section, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the skinFrom the front section, hold some hairs from the center/back with one hand and push the band all the way down to the head of your Shih Tzu. Repeat the above steps for the back section you created on your dog's head; however you will use a few hairs from the center/front when pushing the band down. Place your chosen bow on the front section of your Shih Tzu's fur. Once the bow is in place, gather both front and back sections together and use a final band to connect them. The connection should be slightly above the bow.
Brushing:
. Removes dirt and debris
. Invigorates the skin. Spreads oils to moisturize skin and keep its coat shiny
. Prevents mats and tangles which
are irritating and painful and can harbour bacteria, fungus and other infection
. Keeps your house clean, especially during shedding seasons
. Bonding, massaging, loving interaction
. Early detection of fleas, ticks, eczema, infection and smells
Tools: Pin brush or slicke grayhound
comb (1/2 medium-toothed, ½ fine-toothed), spray conditioner
Comb down
to the skin daily to rid the coat of mats. Do not comb dry: use the spray conditioner.
Line brushing consists of holding hair up and out of the
way and then brushing/detangling a small amount of hair (a line or row), at a
time from underneath.
Always work from the inside out on a coat and from
the bottom to the top of the hair.
Brace one hand against your pet's
skin while working out tangles. Knots tend to gather behind the elbows and in
the haunches of this dog.
Comb the face daily to keep it free of food.
Spot wash the face and around the eyes frequently to clear up staining.
Condition the part to help keep it in place.
The topknot is usually styled to stay out of the eyes. The method is up to you:
braiding, elastics, barrettes, ribbons. There are specific showing topknots
Eyes:
Check your dog's eyes daily.
The Shi Tzu's large eyes are prone to injury.
Debris is flushed to the corners of the eyes and daily wiping
with a wet cloth or paper towel can prevent the build up of bacteria.
Teeth:
Regularly.
80% of 3 year old dogs have periodontal disease due to lack
of brushing. Cavities and gum disease are painful for your dog; they diminish
its pleasure and ability to eat. Bacteria that develops can infect the heart,
kidney, liver and brain. Really bad breath is usually a sign of gum
disease.
Tools: Toothbrush/finger cap/cloth, doggie toothpaste, tooth scraper.
Never use human toothpaste. It is not edible.
Starting this dog off with this practice takes patience. Reward it constantly.
Start off by getting it used to its mouth being handled.
Progress to touching the teeth with your finger. Get some
meat-flavoured toothpaste and apply with your finger.
Then introduce the brush. Clean a few teeth at a time and soon you will have a routine that takes
just minutes. Brush in a circular motion and get under the gum line.
If you don't want to brush everyday, use a tooth scraper once or twice a
month to get rid of the build up of plaque. It accumulates mostly on the
outside of the teeth and on the back molars. This won't be much fun for your or
your dog though. Lots of bones and hard, crunchy foods can minimize plaque but
not to a truly effective degree.
If you don't want to brush everyday,
use a tooth scraper once or twice a month to get rid of the build up of plaque.
It accumulates mostly on the outside of the teeth and on the back molars. This
won't be much fun for your or your dog though. Lots of bones and hard, crunchy
foods can minimize plaque but not to a truly effective degree.
Nails:
Frequently.
Nails that aren't trimmed can splinter and infect the quick or grow and
curl into the flesh. This can be painful for your dog to walk on, affect it's
gait, posture, and eventually it's skeletal and ligament health. Nails should
never touch the ground. When your dog is standing its nails should rest above
the ground. If you hear clicking on the kitchen floor, clipping is overdue.
Tools: Doggie Nail Clippers
(Scissors, pliers, guillotine), Dremel or file, Styptic or Kwikstop.
Scissors are usually adequate to clip a Shih Tzu's nails and
the Dremel can accomplish the same task very quickly.
Sit beside your
dog so that you are clipping from underneath and at the right angle.
Lift the paw and press on it to expose the claw.
If it has a clear nail you should be able to see the quick: a dark bundle of nerves
and blood vessels. Clip from underneath close to the quick but do not cut into
it. If you do, your dog will soon let you know. Use Styptic pencil or Kwikstop
to staunch the bleeding.
Buff the ragged edge with a file or Dremel.
Some dogs can handle their nails being buffed by the Dremel
regularly, rather than clipping.
If it has a dark nail, clip just under
the curve of the nail and then you will be able to look inside and see the
quick if you look close enough. Clip using tiny snips at a time.
Don't
forget to check for dewclaws: an extra claw dogs may have farther up on the leg
that works like a thumb. It is better to clip your dog's nails frequently as
this encourages the quick to recede farther away from the tip.
Paws:
Check daily/Trim every two weeks.
It is very important to Check between your dogs pads for foreign objects
that may have wedged there and check the pads themselves for cuts, scrapes and
infection.
Tools: Small, blunt scissors, slicker brush or comb.
The Shih Tzu grows hair around and between its foot pads which can
mat and trap bacteria as well as becoming painful to walk on. Trim hair around
the paws to keep them clean. Only do this when the dog is standing on the paw.
Then, Push the feathers growing on top of the foot down through the toes
and trim to pad level. Lift the paw and from the back, brush out the hair and trim to pad level.
Push feathers back up through the toes and trim from the top.
Hygienic trimming:
2 to 4 weeks.
Tools: Thinning shears,
electric clippers
Thinning, trimming and clipping at the ear opening,
base of the tail, around the anus and privates keeps your dog feeling better as
well as keeping it and your house cleaner.
Some owners wipe the fur
after toileting.
Expressing Glands:
Every 2 to 4 weeks
This is a task normally done
when you take your dog in for professional grooming. Your dog uses scent glands
in the anus to mark its territory.
These glands also excrete when your
dog defecates. At times, they may get impacted. Signs of this include:
increased doggie odour, excessive licking and chewing of the behind and worst
of all, scooting (when your dog drags its bottom along the floor or
carpet).
There is no risk of overly expressing these glands so it's best
to get accustomed to doing it regularly as it will lessen dog
odor.
Tools: Warm cloth Lift the dog's tail and hold the
cloth against it's behind. Place your fingers at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock and
press inward and squeeze to expel.
Bathing:
As needed Shi Tzu's tend
to get bathed often because they fit into the sink so easily and their long
hair can get dirty and tangled.
Keep in mind that frequent bathing
strips the dog of its natural oils and dries out its skin.
Never wash a matted dog: the mats will tighten painfully. Brush first.
Tools:
Non-slip mat, sprayer hose, dog shampoo, conditioner, towel, slicker, blow-dryer.
Never bathe your dog in standing water. A sprayer hose is a
must, luckily this little dog can easily fit into the kitchen sink but always
remember a rubber mat to prevent slipping.
Wet your dog using your hand
so as to massage and lift the hair to get to the undercoat.
Never wash your Shih Tzu in a circular motion or you will create tangles.
Avoid getting water into the eyes, nose and ears.
Stuff cotton wool balls into the ear canals to deter water.
Massage lather down to undercoat.
Rinse thoroughly as leftover shampoo can severely dry out and irritate your pet's skin.
Condition and rinse well. Leftover conditioner will dull the silky coat.
Squeeze out excess water by running your hands along its body and pressing.
Dry with a towel.Comb and blow-dry
using the slicker against the direction of hair growth on low heat, checking
frequently for overheating and drying of your dog's skin.
Condition the part to set it.
. Removes dirt and debris
. Invigorates the skin. Spreads oils to moisturize skin and keep its coat shiny
. Prevents mats and tangles which
are irritating and painful and can harbour bacteria, fungus and other infection
. Keeps your house clean, especially during shedding seasons
. Bonding, massaging, loving interaction
. Early detection of fleas, ticks, eczema, infection and smells
Tools: Pin brush or slicke grayhound
comb (1/2 medium-toothed, ½ fine-toothed), spray conditioner
Comb down
to the skin daily to rid the coat of mats. Do not comb dry: use the spray conditioner.
Line brushing consists of holding hair up and out of the
way and then brushing/detangling a small amount of hair (a line or row), at a
time from underneath.
Always work from the inside out on a coat and from
the bottom to the top of the hair.
Brace one hand against your pet's
skin while working out tangles. Knots tend to gather behind the elbows and in
the haunches of this dog.
Comb the face daily to keep it free of food.
Spot wash the face and around the eyes frequently to clear up staining.
Condition the part to help keep it in place.
The topknot is usually styled to stay out of the eyes. The method is up to you:
braiding, elastics, barrettes, ribbons. There are specific showing topknots
Eyes:
Check your dog's eyes daily.
The Shi Tzu's large eyes are prone to injury.
Debris is flushed to the corners of the eyes and daily wiping
with a wet cloth or paper towel can prevent the build up of bacteria.
Teeth:
Regularly.
80% of 3 year old dogs have periodontal disease due to lack
of brushing. Cavities and gum disease are painful for your dog; they diminish
its pleasure and ability to eat. Bacteria that develops can infect the heart,
kidney, liver and brain. Really bad breath is usually a sign of gum
disease.
Tools: Toothbrush/finger cap/cloth, doggie toothpaste, tooth scraper.
Never use human toothpaste. It is not edible.
Starting this dog off with this practice takes patience. Reward it constantly.
Start off by getting it used to its mouth being handled.
Progress to touching the teeth with your finger. Get some
meat-flavoured toothpaste and apply with your finger.
Then introduce the brush. Clean a few teeth at a time and soon you will have a routine that takes
just minutes. Brush in a circular motion and get under the gum line.
If you don't want to brush everyday, use a tooth scraper once or twice a
month to get rid of the build up of plaque. It accumulates mostly on the
outside of the teeth and on the back molars. This won't be much fun for your or
your dog though. Lots of bones and hard, crunchy foods can minimize plaque but
not to a truly effective degree.
If you don't want to brush everyday,
use a tooth scraper once or twice a month to get rid of the build up of plaque.
It accumulates mostly on the outside of the teeth and on the back molars. This
won't be much fun for your or your dog though. Lots of bones and hard, crunchy
foods can minimize plaque but not to a truly effective degree.
Nails:
Frequently.
Nails that aren't trimmed can splinter and infect the quick or grow and
curl into the flesh. This can be painful for your dog to walk on, affect it's
gait, posture, and eventually it's skeletal and ligament health. Nails should
never touch the ground. When your dog is standing its nails should rest above
the ground. If you hear clicking on the kitchen floor, clipping is overdue.
Tools: Doggie Nail Clippers
(Scissors, pliers, guillotine), Dremel or file, Styptic or Kwikstop.
Scissors are usually adequate to clip a Shih Tzu's nails and
the Dremel can accomplish the same task very quickly.
Sit beside your
dog so that you are clipping from underneath and at the right angle.
Lift the paw and press on it to expose the claw.
If it has a clear nail you should be able to see the quick: a dark bundle of nerves
and blood vessels. Clip from underneath close to the quick but do not cut into
it. If you do, your dog will soon let you know. Use Styptic pencil or Kwikstop
to staunch the bleeding.
Buff the ragged edge with a file or Dremel.
Some dogs can handle their nails being buffed by the Dremel
regularly, rather than clipping.
If it has a dark nail, clip just under
the curve of the nail and then you will be able to look inside and see the
quick if you look close enough. Clip using tiny snips at a time.
Don't
forget to check for dewclaws: an extra claw dogs may have farther up on the leg
that works like a thumb. It is better to clip your dog's nails frequently as
this encourages the quick to recede farther away from the tip.
Paws:
Check daily/Trim every two weeks.
It is very important to Check between your dogs pads for foreign objects
that may have wedged there and check the pads themselves for cuts, scrapes and
infection.
Tools: Small, blunt scissors, slicker brush or comb.
The Shih Tzu grows hair around and between its foot pads which can
mat and trap bacteria as well as becoming painful to walk on. Trim hair around
the paws to keep them clean. Only do this when the dog is standing on the paw.
Then, Push the feathers growing on top of the foot down through the toes
and trim to pad level. Lift the paw and from the back, brush out the hair and trim to pad level.
Push feathers back up through the toes and trim from the top.
Hygienic trimming:
2 to 4 weeks.
Tools: Thinning shears,
electric clippers
Thinning, trimming and clipping at the ear opening,
base of the tail, around the anus and privates keeps your dog feeling better as
well as keeping it and your house cleaner.
Some owners wipe the fur
after toileting.
Expressing Glands:
Every 2 to 4 weeks
This is a task normally done
when you take your dog in for professional grooming. Your dog uses scent glands
in the anus to mark its territory.
These glands also excrete when your
dog defecates. At times, they may get impacted. Signs of this include:
increased doggie odour, excessive licking and chewing of the behind and worst
of all, scooting (when your dog drags its bottom along the floor or
carpet).
There is no risk of overly expressing these glands so it's best
to get accustomed to doing it regularly as it will lessen dog
odor.
Tools: Warm cloth Lift the dog's tail and hold the
cloth against it's behind. Place your fingers at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock and
press inward and squeeze to expel.
Bathing:
As needed Shi Tzu's tend
to get bathed often because they fit into the sink so easily and their long
hair can get dirty and tangled.
Keep in mind that frequent bathing
strips the dog of its natural oils and dries out its skin.
Never wash a matted dog: the mats will tighten painfully. Brush first.
Tools:
Non-slip mat, sprayer hose, dog shampoo, conditioner, towel, slicker, blow-dryer.
Never bathe your dog in standing water. A sprayer hose is a
must, luckily this little dog can easily fit into the kitchen sink but always
remember a rubber mat to prevent slipping.
Wet your dog using your hand
so as to massage and lift the hair to get to the undercoat.
Never wash your Shih Tzu in a circular motion or you will create tangles.
Avoid getting water into the eyes, nose and ears.
Stuff cotton wool balls into the ear canals to deter water.
Massage lather down to undercoat.
Rinse thoroughly as leftover shampoo can severely dry out and irritate your pet's skin.
Condition and rinse well. Leftover conditioner will dull the silky coat.
Squeeze out excess water by running your hands along its body and pressing.
Dry with a towel.Comb and blow-dry
using the slicker against the direction of hair growth on low heat, checking
frequently for overheating and drying of your dog's skin.
Condition the part to set it.
