Having a new puppy offers excitement, work, and a lot of questions. Shih Tzu puppies are adorable, so you’ve undoubtedly been thrilled if you’ve just become the lucky owner of one.

 

Their brilliant eyes, silky soft hair, or small round cheeks that tilt while they’re thinking seem to trigger the “love at first sight” emotion in Shih Tzu puppies and their human companions alike. 

 

Even though it’s impossible to resist taking one of these lovely little pups home with you, taking care of a puppy requires more work than taking care of an older dog. 

 

Puppy ownership entails various duties, one of which is the necessity of regular grooming. It’s even more difficult with Shih Tzus, who are notorious for being high-maintenance dogs.

 

When Should You Begin Grooming Your Puppy?

 

Shih Tzu grooming should begin when they can be handled appropriately, around the 10-to-12-week mark. There’s a good chance the breeder has already washed your new dog. 

 

Since your Shih Tzu will be about 12 weeks old at that point, you can begin grooming him so that he becomes familiar with the process. Grooming a Shih Tzu doesn’t have to be daunting if you break it down into manageable chunks.

 

Depending on the style of haircut you choose for your dog, you may not even need to follow a strict grooming regimen. In addition, there are techniques to keep your dog clean between full grooming treatments without having to bathe the dog every time, which can be a huge time saver.

 

What Are the Benefits of Beginning Shih Tzu Puppy Grooming Early?

 

Start training your Shih Tzu as a puppy to make future grooming sessions less of a hassle for you and the pup. Grooming is no exception to the rule that dogs must become accustomed to new experiences. Dogs from breeders or shelters are likely to have already had their first bath when they arrive at your home.

 

Waiting until at least ten weeks old to begin significant grooming or washing ensures the safe handling of your adorable puppy, regardless of whether she’s already had a thorough cleaning or not. 

 

The second round of immunizations is required if you intend to have your puppy groomed by a professional groomer. Even if you hire a professional or do it yourself, expect your pup’s first grooming experience to take longer than usual because you want to be patient and introduce her to the tools and the act itself. 

 

Grooming your puppy for the first time should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both of you. Let your dog connect grooming with a pleasurable experience by rewarding it with many tasty treats. To make grooming a habit for your dog, begin as early as possible. She won’t worry about or fear it as she becomes used to it. 

 

As a dog owner, how do you groom your pet at home? 

 

To keep your dog healthy and happy, you must ensure that she is well-groomed. However, if your dog has a distinctive, long show dog haircut, a complete wash may not be practicable due to the time and effort required to dry and brush the dog thoroughly after the bath is over.

 

It’s important to remember that your dog only needs to be bathed once a month if you’re in a rush. Depending on your dog’s activity and how you groom him between showers, you may be able to go even longer. If you’re going to do anything, make sure you introduce your dog to it first.

 

You can keep your Shih Tzu clean in between baths by following these tips, which include:

 

Wipes for Pets 

 

It is best to use a pet wipe once a week or every time your dog comes in from the yard to keep her coat clean and clear of possible allergens that could be brought into your home by her hair when she comes in from the yard. 

 

The Benefits of Consistent Brushing 

 

Regular daily brushing is a must if you don’t want anything from riding along on your pet’s coat. Regular brushing is essential regardless of the length of your pup’s hair or the style of its cut. If it has a puppy cut, you should at the very least prepare to brush out its long hair, especially its tail and ears. 

 

Hair Care: Dry Shampoo 

 

A little dry shampoo or a spritz of dog perfume can go a long way in keeping your pet clean and fresh in an emergency. 

 

Make Sure Your Shih Tzu’s Mouth, Ears, and Eyes are Clean.

 

Keep an eye on your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth at all times. Keeping Shih Tzu’s hair out of their eyes or in a top knot is essential because they are prone to eye problems. It’s necessary to clean your dog’s eyes and ears daily, as well as brush his teeth.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

How often should I bathe and brush my Shih Tzu?

 

Grooming Shih Tzus is a necessary part of their care. Getting a puppy used to regular dog grooming is critical for a young dog. Brushing twice or thrice a week and bathing once every 2 weeks is ideal. A moisturizing spray should always be used on a dog’s dry coat rather than brushing it.

 

What is the best cut for a Shih Tzu during the summer?

 

Shih Tzus are susceptible to overheating and heatstroke, so clipping the hair is vital to maintaining the temperature down and ensuring your pet’s safety.

 

The Best Shih Tzu Haircut for Summer

 

• The Lion Cut.
• The Short in the Middle, Long on the Ends.
• Cone Paws.
• The Teddy Bear Cut.
• The Practical Top Knot.
• Medium-Length Puppy Cut.
• Teddy Bear 2.
• The Top Knot Show Cut.