Shih Tzu Care -- The Basics of Bathing

In order to provide your dog with adequate Shih Tzu care, you will need to know the basics of bathing him. On average, a long-haired Shih Tzu dog will need a bath once per week and a trimmed or clipped dog, maybe every three or four weeks.

First, you'll need to prepare for bath time. Purchase a rubber mat in the bottom of your tub, bath, or shower cubicle to be sure that your darling won't slip or feel insecure. Before you begin the bath, make sure you have all the essentials of Shih Tzu care -shampoo, conditioner, comb, and towel at hand and ready to go.

Place your dog on the mat and give him the 'stand' command. Talk to your Shih Tzu all through the process to reassure and calm him down.

Using a shower attachment gently wet your dog's body with warm water. Wet from the tail up the body to the head, as the Shih Tzu is very sensitive about his head and face. Use a mild dog shampoo that won't strip the natural oils from your dog's coat.

First, place a small amount in a bowl and dilute it with some water. Work into your Shih Tzu's coat, making sure to get down to the skin. Again, work from tail to head.

Now rinse the shampoo away. This time start at the head and work toward the tail, so the head has shampoo on the shortest amount of time possible. Make sure and shield your dog's eyes as you rinse the shampoo away.

Apply canine conditioner, smoothing it into the coat. Then using a metal comb, brush the conditioner through the coat. Rinse away, starting at head and working toward tail. When you are certain there is no more shampoo or conditioner in the coat, begin drying.

First, you will towel-dry your dog - squeezing as much moister from the coat as possible, beginning with the head. Never rub the coat, especially if your dog is long-haired. Just place sections of your dog's hair in the towel and squeeze the moisture out. After this step comes the drying.

The drying process can be taken on with a regular hair drier, or a specialized canine hair drier. The dryer should be on a medium setting; check it often to be sure it doesn't get too hot. Dry the coat in sections, making sure to brush it as it dries so it is tangle-free and straight. As you dry, be sure to keep the dryer far enough away from your Shih Tzu's hair and skin that it doesn't burn them.

At the end of the bath, always remember to reward your dog with a treat and a cuddle.

Shih Tzu care can be a challenge as you strive to keep your dog looking his best, but I'm sure you'll agree…a healthy, clean Shih Tzu is a beautiful sight!