Bathing is an essential part for a Shih Tzu like every breed of dog. But most dogs don’t need to bathe as frequently as a Shih Tzu needs. Shih Tzus have these different bathing rules because of their long, luxurious coats. Most dogs have fur in their body but Shih Tzus have long silky hair instead of fur. That’s the reason they need frequent baths and regular grooming to stay clean and healthy.
Shih Tzu’s coats are made of hair so they are not waterproof like other dogs. Also, their long hair easily catches dirt and dust which can cause them skin issues. However, some owners think that their Shih Tzu needs frequent baths where others worry about overbathing.
This article will take all your confusion away because we will guide you how often you should bathe a Shih Tzu.
How Often Should You Bathe A Shih Tzu?
Generally, a Shih Tzu requires bathing at least every three weeks according to expert’s opinions. Sometimes, you can bathe your Shih Tzu every two weeks if needed. Shih Tzus are usually very active and playful dogs. Also, they love to play outside and that makes their long silky hair dirty fast. So, bathing them frequently is necessary to keep their coat clean and maintain their skin’s natural moisture.
Shih Tzu’s skin naturally releases oil which causes an unpleasant odor at a time. If you don’t bathe them regularly they will stink faster. Mostly, their longer hair gets tangled and greasy after several outdoor plays. So, if you see any visible dirt in their hair you can bathe them that day. However, if you have a busy schedule and you can’t get time to groom, that can cause skin irritation.
How to Bathe a Shih Tzu?
Choosing the Right Shampoo & Conditioner
Bathe your Shih Tzu with the right shampoo and conditioner which are specially made for dogs. You can’t use human shampoos because there is a lot of difference between human and skin. Human shampoo or conditioner can disrupt the dog’s skin pH level. So, choose a gentle hypoallergenic, or moisturizing dog shampoo. If your Shih Tzu has sensitive skin, take a vet’s advice.
Pre-Bath Preparation
It’s very important to take pre-bath preparation like brush their tangled hair or remove any visible dirt. That will prevent further knotting when their hair gets wet during bath. Also, check their skin if they got any rashes, redness, or infections before bathe them. That will help you to find out any skin issues before it gets worse due to applying chemical products.
Bathing Process
When bathing your Shih Tzu, use lukewarm water to give them comfort. Also, make sure that their skin doesn’t dry out. After you water them, gently apply shampoo but be careful not to over-scrub their coat. Now gently scrub their paws, face, and underbelly because mostly dirt accumulates in these areas. Rinse them thoroughly and make sure that there is no shampoo residue left.
Drying After a Bath
After finishing their bath, it’s important to completely dry their coat. First use a soft towel to absorb extra water and then take a low-heat blow dryer. Because, a low-heat dryer will help to reduce dampness and skin irritation of your Shih Tzu. Brush their hair during blow drying, that will help prevent tangling hair and give them a fresh look.
What Common Bathing Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Most Shih Tzu owners make some common mistakes when they bathe their lovely pup. The first thing is over-bathing, which is not good for your little furry friend. Over-bathing can reduce the essential moisture of a Shih Tzu’s skin, and that causes dry skin and irritation. So, it’s better to bathe them after two or three weeks to maintain the frequency.
Also, some people choose the wrong shampoo which can harm Shih Tzu’s skin. You should use mild shampoos that are specially made for dogs. Because, harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances can cause allergic reactions or worsen your Shih Tzu’s skin conditions.
After bathing a Shih Tzu, some people don’t dry them properly. As Shih Tzus have double coats of hair, it’s very important to dry them properly. Otherwise, bacteria and fungi can grow in their dump skin and cause infection. So, you should avoid these mistakes to keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy.
Taking care of your lovely companion Shih Tzu is a must doing task to keep them well-groomed. Regular baths are very important to maintain their health and coat condition well. Usually, Shih Tzus are slightly different from other breed dogs. They require frequent bathing and grooming for their healthy life.
Conclusion
Also, it’s very important to choose the right products before applying them. You should use only dog-specific products so that your Shih Tzu doesn’t get any skin problems or irritations. Make a routine to bathe and groom a Shih Tzu because baths keep their coat in top condition.
