Grooming Tips

      To groom at home, you will need a soft brush and wide-toothed comb. Start at your dog’s head and work through his coat to remove any tangles before they become knots. It is essential that this is done every day for a long-haired Shih Tzu, which is why so many people keep their dog short coated.

    Take extra care to check the hair around their ears and anus area, for these are often the first to knot up.You can buy nail clippers, but one thing to know is that a dog’s quick grows right into his nail, which is fine for clear toenails because you can see it but not so useful for black ones.I sometimes cut knots from Penny rather than pull on them as it’s easier on them and it saves them showing me their tiny teeth (or those they have left after dental surgery when they arrive).
       The skin of a shih tzu is very fine and can become sore, so be sure to go gently. If your dog expects pulled hair, they will not want to be groomed for long. Stop regularly and give them a tiny treat; this will keep the puppies happy and relaxed.
         Note: Don’t brush your pups coat when it is completely dry, and do not use a natural bristle brush. It is always best to lightly mist or damp the coat first to prevent the fine hairs breaking.