How to wash a Shih Tzu face

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated January 15, 2025

Contributions sourced from

Tricks on How To Groom Your Shih Tzus Face

If you have decided to groom your dog at home, you are one of the more courageous dog owners out there. Grooming your shih tzu is not as difficult as it may seem but you will surely struggle a bit when it comes to trimming the face of your beloved furball. If you wish to trim your shih tzus face in the easiest and most efficient way possible, here are some of the tips that you try on your next grooming session.

Of course, the first thing that you should do is to wash your dogs face. You can just simply wash it water but for best results, we recommend that you opt for a gentle dog shampoo. Make sure that you have rinsed the shampoo well. After that, pat the fur dry. Avoid rubbing the towel in your dogs face as this may lead to tangles.

The next step would be to brush the hair in your shih tzus face. This is done to remove any tangles and of course, to get rid of any food particles or dirt stuck in the facial area.

Make him feel comfortable.

Keep in mind that grooming can be a stressful experience to your dog. He may squirm while he is at your lap, especially if he has some traumatic experiences at the groomers. To make him feel comfortable, try to place the scissors near his ears and make some cutting noises. In this way, he will be familiar with the sounds and he will not be that afraid of it.

This is the best type of scissors to use for the face because this leaves a more natural and even look.

With proper knowledge and the right tools, you can surely be able to trim your shih tzus face without any hassles!

How To Wash A Shih Tzu Face

Washing your Shih Tzus face is an important part of grooming your pet. Not only does it keep them looking clean and tidy, but it also helps to remove any dirt, debris, or allergens that could be causing irritation.

There are a few different ways to wash your Shih Tzus face, but the most important thing is to use a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser. Youll also want to avoid getting water in their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Why You Should Wash Your Shih Tzus Face?

As mentioned, one of the main reasons to wash your Shih Tzus face is to remove any dirt, debris, or allergens that could be causing irritation. However, there are a few other benefits to regular face-washing, including:

1. Keeping Their Coat Clean and Tangle-Free

If you dont wash your Shih Tzus face regularly, the dirt and debris can build up and cause their coat to become matted and tangled. Washing their face will help to keep their coat clean and free of knots.

2. Preventing Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in Shih Tzus, and one of the main causes is a build-up of dirt and debris in the ear canal. Washing your pets face can help remove any foreign objects or wax contributing to the problem.

Related Shih Tzu ear: how to clean Shih Tzu ears?

3. Reducing Allergy Symptoms

If your Shih Tzu has allergies, regular face-washing can help to reduce their symptoms. Allergens like pollen, dust, and mold can cause irritation and inflammation, but washing your pets face will remove them before they have a chance to cause problems.

4. Keeping Their Eyes Healthy

Another common problem in Shih Tzus is eye infections. These are often caused by dirt, debris, or allergies, so keeping your pets face clean can help to reduce the risk.

Looking for Shih Tzus eyes care? Check this: How to clean Shih Tzu eyes?

5. Preventing Bad Breath

Last but not least, washing your Shih Tzus face can help to keep their breath fresh. If youre not regularly cleaning their face, the bacteria can build up and cause bad breath.

What Youll Need to Wash Your Shih Tzus Face

Before you start washing your Shih Tzus face, youll need to gather a few supplies. Youll need:

1. A Gentle, Hypoallergenic Cleanser

Look for a cleanser that is specifically designed for dogs or for sensitive skin. Avoid using human cleansers, as these can be too harsh for your pets skin.

2. A Soft Cloth Or Sponge

Youll need something soft to wash your Shih Tzus face with. A cloth or sponge will work just fine.

3. A Cup Or Bowl

This is for rinsing your pets face after youve washed it.

4. A Towel

Youll need a towel to dry your Shih Tzus face after youre done.

5. A Treat

This is optional, but it can be helpful to have a treat on hand to reward your pet for being a good sport.

The Right Way to Wash Your Shih Tzus Face

Now that you know why you should wash your Shih Tzus face, its time to learn how to do it properly. Here are a few tips:

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser

The first step is to choose a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser. There are a number of pet-safe options available, so ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

2. Wet Their Face With Warm Water

Next, wet your pets face with warm water. You can use a cup or a spray bottle to wet their fur, being careful not to get water in their eyes, nose, or mouth.

3. Apply the Cleanser

Once their face is wet, apply a small amount of cleanser to their fur. Work it into a lather, being careful to avoid their eyes, nose, and mouth.

4. Rinse Their Face

After a few minutes, rinse your Shih Tzus face with warm water. You can use a cup or a spray bottle, being sure to rinse away all of the cleansers.

5. Dry Their Face

Once their face is clean, dry it off with a soft towel. You can also allow them to air-dry, but be sure to brush their fur to prevent matting. Washing your Shih Tzus face is an important part of their grooming routine.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your pet healthy and free of irritation.

Tips for Washing Your Shih Tzus Face

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when washing your Shih Tzus face:

1. Avoid Their Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

When washing your pets face, be careful to avoid their eyes, nose, and mouth. If you get water or cleanser in these areas, it could cause irritation or even injury.

2. Be Gentle

Remember to be gentle when washing your Shih Tzus face. Their skin is sensitive, so avoid scrubbing too hard.

3. Use Warm Water

Always use warm water when washing your pets face. Hot water can cause irritation, so stick to lukewarm or room-temperature water.

4. Dont Use Human Cleansers

Human cleansers can be too harsh for your pets delicate skin, so stick to dog-specific or sensitive-skin formulas.

5. Reward Them With a Treat

Washing your Shih Tzus face can be a stressful experience for your pet.

So, be sure to reward them with a treat when theyre done. This will help to make the experience more positive for them.

Final Verdict

Washing your Shih Tzus face is an important part of their grooming routine. It helps to remove dirt, debris, and allergens, and can also prevent ear infections, eye problems, and bad breath. Be sure to use a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser and avoid getting water in their eyes, nose, or mouth. With regular face-washing, you can help to keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy.

How to Clean a Shih Tzu without a Bath

WRITTEN BY MOLLY | EVERYTHINGSHIHTZU.COM

Keeping your Shih Tzu clean and healthy is just part of being a pet parent. This includes taking them to the groomers or bathing them at home, every two to four weeks.

Of course, regular bathing is necessary, butthere are other ways to clean your Shih Tzu that can greatly make your grooming regimen much more manageable between those visits.

There are several things that you can do to clean your Shih Tzu without giving him a bath. Using pet wipes, freshening sprays and dry shampoos, along with regular brushing, can significantly cut down on the number of baths that your pup needs, although baths will still be necessary.

One of the traits that is a stand-out among the Shih Tzu breed is a long, silky coat, but as beautiful as they are, Shih Tzus coats can make grooming very time-consuming.

Their coats can take forever to dry and brush out to avoid matting, and many Shih Tzu arent fans of water, which can make bath time stressful for both the dog and owner.

So, make things easier by intermittently cleaning your Shih Tzu without the hassle of a bath!

How Do You Clean Your Shih Tzu without a Bath?

Theres no doubt that your Shih Tzu is a part of your family, so its natural that you want to do everything you can to take the best care of her.

Practically speaking, you probably have a lot of things to do, and if there is any way that you can ease up on your pups grooming requirements to devote some extra time to other things, then you would welcome the opportunity.

You dont need to feel guilty if you arent giving your dog a bath every week.

In fact, weekly bathing might even be too much for your Shih Tzu (more on that below). The important thing is that you keep your dog clean, and therefore healthy.

Here are some ways to ensure youre keeping your Shih Tzu clean without a bath:

Pet Wipes

Your Shih Tzus coat is a magnet for anything and everything that you would not want inside of your home.

Every time your Shih Tzu plays outside or goes out for a walk, her coat picks up some extra bits along the way and carries them around with her.

Pet wipes are a useful tool to decrease the amount of unwanted items in your dogs coat before she starts to roll around in your house.

Pet wipes help to remove a good portion of the dander and dirt that accumulate in your pets coat. You can even use baby wipes in a pinch, but pet wipes are specifically designed with dog odors in mind and can help soothe dogs skin.

These handy cleaning tools are also a great way to keep your pup clean on the go, and for a quick wipe down to reduce the allergens that come into your home.

You can keep a pack near your door and also in your car, so that they are always within an arms reach.

Use a pet wipe on your Shih Tzu at least once a week and as needed.

Regular Brushing

If you are not going to give your pup regular baths, when it comes to Shih Tzu, regular brushings are non-negotiable.

The feature that makes your dogs appearance so impressive, her long silky coat, is also the feature that can cause her to have a not so impressive smell.

Many of the odors and allergens that your Shih Tzu carries around are because of her beautiful coat.

Dirt, dander, and all sorts of treasures find their way onto your pups hair and cling there, until they are deposited onto your carpet, clothes, furniture and all other types of places that you dont want them to be.

Regular brushing helps get rid of all of these unwanted items in your pets coat so they dont build up over time.

The result is a cleaner and happier pooch, without the need for numerous baths.

Brushing your dogs coat regularly is the best practice to prevent it from matting and to keep it in tip top shape.

Brush your Shih Tzu daily if she has a long coat, twice a week if she has a medium coat and once a week for a short puppy cut.

Dry Shampoos

Waterless shampoos can be a great alternative to a bath if you are in a bind, although they are not meant to completely replace a true bath.

Dry shampoos help to remove excess oil from your pups coat and also help to reduce odor.

Since your pup needs some of these oils in her coat for it to remain healthy and shiny, its critical to not overuse dry shampoos.

If you are worried about the added chemicals that can be found in some dry shampoos, dont fret!

A home made mix of equal parts baking soda and cornstarch will do the trick.

For a little extra bow WOW add a couple drops of an essential oil for a pleasant scent, or try lavender if your pup could use a little extra calm, for example, before a big thunderstorm.

Use a dry shampoo on your Shih Tzu as needed; no more than once a week.

Colognes and Freshening Sprays

Okay, so admittedly cologne and freshening sprays do not actually clean your pup, but they can offer a quick relief from doggy odors in between cleaning sessions.

Some sprays even serve an added bonus of detangling your pups silky coat, which can be very helpful to keep up with regular brushings.

Give your Shih Tzu a freshening spritz as needed and at every brushing.

Paw Wax

Youve probably heard of waxing your car, but what about your dogs paws?

Your Shih Tzu picks up a lot of dirt, dust and other debris on her paws, which of course tracks into your house, but can also make its way up into her coat.

You can help prevent this from happening, as well as give your pups paws another layer of protection from irritants, by using a good paw wax.

Paw wax will also help moisturize your Shih Tzus paws and heal any dryness or peeling. Apply paw wax to your Shih Tzus paws once a week.

Dont Forget to Wash Behind Your Dogs Ears!

Were you told to wash behind your ears a lot as a child? Well, when it comes to your dog, its not so much about behind the ears, as inside of them.

Dogs have hair in their ears, and just like the hair on their coats it can trap all sorts of hidden yuckies.

Regularly (and gently) plucking the hair from inside your dogs ears can help.

Of course, you need to be careful, just like when you clean your own ears, and dont put anything down inside of your dogs ear canal. Instead, use some ear cleaning drops to help loosen wax and then wipe away using a damp cloth or baby wipe.

Carefully wipe the inside of your pets ear, or under her ear flap, and then use the opposite side of the wipe for her other ear.

There are also special ear wipes you can get for your pup, but take note -- they are not the same as the wipes used on your pets body for cleansing.

Clean your Shih Tzus inner ear flaps at least once a week (more often if they tend to get dirty), and clean out the ear canal using drops about every three weeks.

Look Into Your Dogs Eyes!

Shih Tzu are prone to several eye issues, so it is especially important to take good care of your pups peepers.

There are special, you guessed it, wipes for cleaning dogs eyes, but even a warm, damp soft cloth will work wonders.

Gently use the cloth to wipe from the inside of your Shih Tzus eye to the outside and then repeat on the other side using a different wipe or cloth.

You dont want to use the same cloth in each eye in case, for example, there is an infection present, so you dont spread the infection to the other eye.

Another thing that can help keep your Shih Tzus eyes clean is to make sure to keep the hair around her eyes trimmed.

This is beneficial for several reasons: it not only keeps pesky hairs from poking your dog in the eye and irritating her, but it also keeps her eyes from tearing which can cause staining on the fur around the eyes, as well as cause your Shih Tzus face to have an odor.

When you clean your dogs eyes, use a damp cloth to wipe her whole face, too.

Your Shih Tzus face can see a lot of action between sniffing around outdoors, lapping up water and digging around in her food dish.

Clean your Shih Tzus eyes and face every day.

Wash Your Dogs Mouth Out!

No, this tip has nothing to do with your Shih Tzu barking a bad word. It has everything to do with taking care of her teeth and gums.

A dogs oral health, just like humans, can have a large impact on her overall health -- not to mention it can greatly reduce unpleasant doggy breath!

Daily brushing of your pups teeth is ideal, although not always practical, so a good alternative is to offer daily dental chews (chews specifically designed to help remove tartar and clean teeth as your dog chews) in addition to regular brushing of some kind - even if it is weekly

You will also want to make a yearly dental check-up and cleaning part of your pets regular vet care routine to ensure optimal results. Brush your Shih Tzus teeth every day, and use daily dental chews.

Dont Forget Your Dogs Stuff

So, if you regularly brush your pup; clean her ears, eyes and mouth; wipe her down, and even give her regular baths -- you might still notice a lingering odor.

What is the deal?

Well, your pup comes into contact with a lot of stuff every day. She most likely has her own bed or blanket, soft toys, a harness and collar that she wears, maybe even her own wardrobe!

Well, all of these items hold onto doggy dander and doggy odors.

If your pup is sleeping in a dirty bed, then its going to be pretty ruff for her to stay clean. Therefore, dont forget to make washing your Shih Tzus belongings a part of your clean routine.

This will help to keep your pup clean, and your house, too. Ideally, wash your Shih Tzus belongings once a week.

Can My Shih Tzu Skip Baths Completely?

The biggest reason your dog needs a bath is her health. Bathing helps prevent your dogs skin from becoming infected and also helps to keep your dogs coat healthy.

Is a bath necessary, though? If there are so many great ways to keep your Shih Tzu clean without a bath, then why not just skip baths completely?

Well, think about yourself for a moment. You probably get a bath or a shower every day, but there are times when you also probably decide to skip it -- youre too tired, too busy, dont plan on going anywhere, didnt do too much that day, etc.

The day after you skip your shower, you arent too active, so you decide, whats one more day?

The next morning, you wake up and before you can hop into the shower, you get a phone call from a friend asking you to meet for an impromptu cup of coffee.

You peek at the clock, you have ten minutes to get there and no time for a shower, so what do you do?

As a human, you most likely do the following: brush your teeth, run a comb through your hair, splash some water on your face, put on clean clothes, put on deodorant and spritz on some cologne or perfume.

In a pinch, this routine makes you presentable and non-offensive when it comes to the smell department. To most people you appear clean, but its doubtful that you decide to just ditch showers completely and wear perfume instead.

Eventually, you would want an actual shower or bath because nothing is going to completely replace the benefits you get from those things.

This same theory applies to dogs.

There are definitely a lot of different ways to reduce the number of baths that are needed and keep your dog clean and fresh in between, but your dog still needs a bath now and then.

How Often Does a Shih Tzu Need a Bath?

No two dogs are alike, so not every dog has the same needs in terms of bath time. For example, while weekly bathing might be necessary for some dogs, other dogs might do just fine with a bath once a month.

A Shih Tzu, with its lovely double coat, needs more frequent brushing over bathing. Lucky you!

The typical Shih Tzu needs a bath about every three weeks, but you can use some of these pointers to keep your pup clean and extend that time as long as your pup seems happy and healthy.

The exception to this is if your dog has any skin conditions; a doctor might suggest more frequent bathing using a medicated shampoo. When in doubt, consult with your vet.

Too much bathing can leave your dogs skin overly dry and flaky because it strips your dogs coat and skin of essential oils, and too much bathing can also dry out the skin.

Of course, if your dog starts to get extra smelly, thats always a good indicator that its time for a bath.

If the thought of a Shih Tzus elaborate grooming routine has you a little hesitant, hopefully, this has given you a little more food for thought.

Grooming your dog does not have to be exhausting. It should not be a time-consuming affair that makes you (and your pup) want to run for the hills every time that its bath time.

Of course, if you find yourself unable to keep up with your pup's beauty routine, then you might want to consider regular visits to a professional groomer.

For more fun facts and resources to help you get the most out of your time with your Shih Tzu, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

We wish you much future happiness with your furry and clean canine friend!