Probably the most effective way to ensure that your Shih Tzu's fur receives the required care and attention regularly is to learn how to groom it at home. Grooming your Shih Tzu at home also helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog, and it can be a great opportunity for you to examine your dog closely, especially its skin, ears, and paws.
So, what do you need to groom a Shih Tzu at home, and what steps should you follow? Also, would a home dog grooming station be a wise investment if you intend to groom your Shih Tzu at home in the long term?
Everything You Need to Groom a Shih Tzu at Home
To groom a Shih Tzu at home, you need a slicker brush and stainless steel comb, some dog shampoo and conditioner, nail clippers, as well as other dog grooming tools and accessories. Here's what you need:
- A slicker brush and a stainless steel comb
- A gentle-formula dog shampoo and conditioner
- An absorbent towel and/or blow dryer with a low-heat setting
- Rounded-tip scissors
- Nail clippers
- An ear-cleaning solution and several cotton pads
How to Groom a Shih Tzu at Home (Step-by-Step)
Just like many other types of dogs, grooming a Shih Tzu at home mainly involves washing, drying, and trimming its fur first, then proceeding to cleaning its nails and ears. Start by brushing the fur, washing and conditioning it, then drying and trimming it. Then, turn your attention to cleaning its eyes and ears. Trimming the nails is (usually) the last step.
Follow these steps to groom your Shih Tzu at home:
Step 1: Brush Its Fur
The first step to grooming a Shih Tzu (or any other dog) should always be to brush its fur thoroughly. The purpose of brushing the fur first is to help you find knots and mats in your dog’s fur.
- If you find any knots and mats, gently brush them out of the fur or use scissors to cut and remove them.
- If trying to brush them out, always start from the end of the fur and slowly move towards the root.
Make sure not to pull on the Shih Tzu's hair, as this can be rather painful to your dog, and you might cause some healthy hair to fall out.
Step 2: Wash and Condition the Fur
After brushing thoroughly, proceed to wash the fur. To wash a Shih Tzu's fur at home, use lukewarm water to wet the entire fur, and then:
- Apply the shampoo all over its body (except face/eyes).
- Gently massage the shampoo into your dog's fur and skin. Rinse with lukewarm water thoroughly.
If your dog’s fur is particularly dirty, shampoo it once again and repeat the process.
Conditioning the Shih Tzu's Fur
Next, apply the conditioner. Ideally, you should leave the conditioner in your dog’s fur for at least a minute, but if your dog is too restless and impatient, you can rinse it out immediately. It will still make your dog’s fur soft and easy to brush.
Step 3: Dry the Fur
Once you have rinsed out the conditioner, it is time to dry your dog’s fur. Use a towel to pat dry the fur to remove the excess water. Then, comb your dog’s fur so that it doesn’t tangle while drying. If your dog can tolerate a blow dryer, use it on a low-heat setting to gently dry the fur.
If that’s not possible, then keep patting your dog’s fur with a towel. Use more towels if necessary.
Step 4: Trim Its Fur
After washing and conditioning, the next step is to trim its fur. If you are grooming your Shih Tzu at home for the first time, there is no need to worry too much about giving your dog a cute haircut. Instead, focus on some functional areas: around the eyes and mouth, paws, and under the tail.
- When trimming a Shih Tzu's fur, always trim the fur around its eyes to improve visibility and avoid eye caus irritation, which may arise due to the overgrown fur.
- Trim around the mouth to avoid food buildup. Then, trim the fur around the paws so that the hair doesn’t cover the paw pads, as it can cause slipping.
- Finally, trim the fur under your dog’s tail to help improve your dog’s hygiene (especially after going to the toilet).
Step 5: Clean its Eyes and Ears
Many Shih Tzu owners forget to clean their dog’s ears, which can lead to some issues, such as ear infections. To avoid that from happening, use a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution to keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy.
- Pour some of that solution on a clean cotton pad, and then wipe the ears, the parts that you can see.
- Don’t try to push the cotton pad (or anything else) into the ear canal. If you notice redness, swelling, or unusual discharge in your dog’s ears, you should make a vet appointment.
- Next, use another clean cotton pad and soak it in water. Then, clean around your dog’s eyes.
Ideally, you should be cleaning a Shih Tzu's eyes and ears every day or at least a few times a week to reduce tear staining. You don’t have to wait to bathe your dog to do this.
Step 6: Clip its Nails
Finally, it is time to trim your dog’s nails. Remember to use dog-specialized nail clippers. For a Shih Tzu, clip small sections at once to protect your dog’s nail quick from injury.
How Often Should You Groom a Shih Tzu at Home?
Overall, Shih Tzus need regular, ongoing grooming because their long, dense coat mats easily, and their facial structure requires extra care.
- Brushing: Daily, or at least 3–4 times per week, to prevent mats and tangles
- Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks (more often if they get dirty)
- Haircuts: Every 4–6 weeks for maintained styles; longer coats need more frequent trims
- Face and eye cleaning: Daily to prevent tear staining and irritation
- Ears: Check weekly; clean as needed
- Nails: Trim every 3–4 weeks
- Teeth: Brush daily or at least several times per week
Tips For Grooming a Shih Tzu Puppy at Home
If you have a puppy, this is an ideal time to establish a grooming routine. Puppies are more likely to tolerate grooming activities, but you need to make them pleasant and fun. Follow these tips when grooming a Shih Tzu puppy at home:
- Don’t rush through your grooming routine. Instead, take some time to pet your dog, play with it, offer words of encouragement, and even give some treats.
- Always make sure to thoroughly rinse shampoo and conditioner. If you don’t rinse properly, the shampoo/conditioner buildup can irritate your dog’s skin and make it itchy.
- When trimming the fur, do it slowly and carefully. Just one wrong move could lead to your dog getting injured, so be careful.
Grooming a Shih Tzu at Home: Do You Need a Dog Grooming Table?
A dog grooming table is a good investment if you plan to groom your Shih Tzu at home long‑term. A grooming table makes the process easier, safer, and more comfortable for both you and your dog.
Because Shih Tzus have a long, dense coat that needs regular brushing, trimming, and clipping, a stable work surface at the right height helps you:
- Reduce strain on your back and knees: no bending over the floor or couch
- Keep your dog secure and still: many tables include non‑slip tops and attachment loops
- Work more efficiently: grooming tools and movements are more controlled
- Improve safety: less risk of accidental cuts or slips
Without a proper table, grooming sessions can be awkward and tiring, leading to frustration for you and stress for your Shih Tzu. A grooming table is a modest upfront cost that pays off in comfort, control, and grooming quality over time.
Best Home Dog Grooming Table For Your Shih Tzu
1. CO-Z 34" Stainless Steel Dog Grooming Tub
This CO-Z 34" pet washing station provides a bathing experience for your pet(s) with its textured anti-skid stairs, comfortable warm water delivered by faucet or showerhead, a well-draining basin that keeps water from building up, and an elevated bathtub that keeps your pet(s) close.
It has everything you could ask for: removable dog stairs, back-relieving raised tub, solidly sealed basin, and watertight sliding access pet door, odor-catching S-trap drainage, and easy-to-clean stainless steel construction
2. 50" Stainless Steel Pet Grooming Tub
If you need something bigger, take a look at this 50" CO-Z pet washing station. It offers a safe, comfortable bathing experience with a nonskid basin, warm water faucet or showerhead, easy access steps, and a raised stainless-steel tub.
Conclusion
Learning how to groom a Shih Tzu at home can be a lot of work, but if you follow our tips, it doesn’t have to be so hard. Regular care keeps the coat healthy, prevents discomfort, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. With the right tools, a steady routine, and patience, grooming becomes less of a chore and more of a fun ritual!
You might also be interested in how to keep water out of your dog's ears when grooming or bathing.
