A Checklist
of What You Need to Groom Your Shih Tzu
It is advisable that you learn as much as you can about the breed
before you buy or get the Shih Tzu home. It will be a great pity
if you find that you cannot cope with the demands of the Shih
Tzu care after you got the dog at home and have it for a while
with you. This is a very affectionate and owner-attached dog,
and it will break its heart to be displaced once it accepted you
and your home as its own.
Before You Get a Shih Tzu, Make Sure it’s the Right Breed for
You
Shih Tzu care guides and books will tell you that the Shih Tzu
changes its coat close before it completes one year. Since the
coat grows fast at this time, it needs to be brushed constantly
to prevent it from getting entangled and knotted. Since this is
baby hair, and it is softer than regular one, it is a bit more
difficult to look after than the hair of an adult.
There are many things you need in Shih Tzu grooming -
check out this list for some of the implements that can help you
groom your dog.
1. First of all, you will need two types of combs – one long
toothed made of steel for the long hair and the other a soft
brush for the wooly undercoat. Since Shih Tzu grooming is a
daily affair, the combs should be of good quality and well-maintained.
2. Good rubber bath mats – this dog will see many baths during
its lifetime, and hence, a set of slip-proof rubber mats when
it can stand comfortably without slipping off is a good investment.
Ensure that these mats are of good quality so it will last a
while.
3. Shampoo and soap –Shih Tzu care dictates that this dog needs
to be bathed at least once every two to three weeks lest it
becomes the target of skin parasites. Hence, you will need a
good quality shampoo, which can be alternated with a medicated
shampoo or soap. It would also be good to buy some good dog
hair conditioners to keep the long hair beautiful. A blow drier
will be an added advantage – choose a hands-free model.
4. A pair of electric clippers – this dog does not like too
much exercise and hence its nails might grow too long and interfere
with its walk. Hence, you should clip the nails regularly to
keep them just the right size for the comfort of the dog. What
you need is a handy styptic pencil to stem any bleeding, if
it occurs.
5. Some other things you will need in your grooming kit are
Q-tips for cleaning the ears, rubber gloves for the not-so-pleasant
tasks, cloth-covered rubber bands for the topknot, towels, and
a blow drier.
