How to Bathe a Shih Tzu

Co-authored by Lancy Woo

Last Updated: January 8, 2023

How often you bathe your Shih Tzu depends on how dirty your dog's coat is and it is also a personal choice, but once every three weeks may be a good frequency. It is important to know the best technique for bathing your dog. Make sure to set up your bath beforehand and prepare your dog, by brushing them and placing cotton in their ears. Bathe them gently with good quality products, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them gently with a towel and blow dryer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing for the bath

1
Set up the bathing area. Given a Shih Tzu's small stature, opt to bathe the dog in a sink. Line the bottom of the sink with a rubber mat or thick towel so the dog doesn't slip. Run the water and test it on your wrist; the water should be lukewarm, not hot.^{[1]
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2
Gather your supplies. Lay down extra towels on the ground and counter to absorb any water that might splash out of the sink during your dog's bath time. Make sure to have all your supplies by the sink, except for the blow dryer; this way you won't have to interrupt your dog's bath to go get something later. Your bath time tools should include:
- good quality dog shampoo and conditioner^{[2]
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- a towel to dry your dog after the bath
- treats
- brush
- hair dryer (kept away from the bathing area)
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3
Brush your dog. Before bathing your Shih Tzu, make sure to brush them to remove mats and tangles that could be worsened in the water. This is best done with the dog on their side; make sure not to tug or pull hair. Use a small comb to brush hair around the eyes carefully.
- Try to brush your dog at least once weekly.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lancy Woo
  Certified Pet Groomer
  Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.}
4
Protect your Shih Tzu's ears. To prevent water from entering your dog's ears, place small cotton wads in each ear.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.} Do this gently and be careful not to hurt the dog if it wriggles around during this process. To make things easier, brace the dog's head and offer them something to bite (like a toy or bone) while you insert the cotton.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Washing Your Shih Tzu

1
Introduce your dog to the water. Gently place your dog in the sink, but continue holding them. Have the faucet running lightly and slowly introduce your dog to the warm water.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.} Be sure to keep water out of their eyes. Be gentle and reassuring; if the dog is anxious, try giving them a treat.
2
Soap up! Shampoo and conditioner specially made for dogs is best to use. Gently apply shampoo to your dog's coat, lathering softly; do not scrub.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.} Wash from the dog's tail up toward its head, and use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean the area under the dog's eyes.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.}^{[9]
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Research source} Rinse gently; repeat with the conditioner.
3
Rinse thoroughly.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.} Make sure to rinse your Shih Tzu thoroughly to get all of the product out of their fur; soap residue can cause skin problems. ^{[11]
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Research source} If your dog resists being rinsed off with water directly from the faucet, fill up cups of warm water to pour onto the dog gently.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.} Praise your dog for being well-behaved while you finish up their bath.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Drying off Your Shih Tzu

1
Turn off the water and dry your Shih Tzu. Shut off the faucet and wrap your dog in a towel. Pat the dog gently until their coat is semi-dry (i.e. not dripping). Avoid rubbing them dry, which can cause split ends.^{[13]
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Research source} Make sure you've gotten any water out of your dog's ears in the drying process, as leftover water can potentially cause an ear infection.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.}
2
Blow dry your dog. Use a blow dryer on the low heat or cool setting to dry your Shih Tzu after their bath. Have the dog lie on their side and dry their coat in layers. Use your free hand to work through hair as you blow dry.
- The noise from your blow dryer may scare your dog, so only use the lowest setting and stop if your dog seems anxious or nervous.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lancy Woo
  Certified Pet Groomer
  Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.}
3
Brush your dog. Once your dog is dry, brush or comb through their coat again to ensure that there are no tangles. If you encounter knots, don't tug and pull; if you combed before the bath, it should be easier to comb now. Pet and praise your dog for behaving during the bathing process.

Expert Q&A

Question

How should I wash my Shih Tzu's face?

Lancy Woo
Certified Pet Groomer
Lancy Woo is a Certified Pet Groomer and the Owner of VIP Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in San Francisco, California. VIP Grooming has served San Francisco for over 35 years. Lancy received her pet grooming certification from the WWPSA (Western Word Pet Supply Association). VIP Grooming has been voted "Best in the Bay" in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and won Bay Woof’s "Beast of Bay" in 2014. In 2018, Lancy's work contributed to VIP Grooming's acceptance onto San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development's Legacy Business Registry.

Lancy Woo

Certified Pet Groomer

Expert Answer

Wet a washcloth with lukewarm water and wet your dog's face with it. Carefully massage shampoo into their fur before rinsing it out. Just be careful not to get any shampoo or water in your dog's eyes or nose.
Question

When can I bathe my puppy?

Community Answer

You can bathe him at any age, but it's best to start early so that he gets used to it.
Question

What temperature should the water be?

Elliott

Community Answer

It depends upon your dog's individual preference. Mildly warm water usually does the trick. If you can't hold your hand under the water for two minutes comfortably, then it's probably too hot.