Let us ask you a question. What is the first picture that comes to your mind when we mention Shih Tzu? Maybe something like flowing locks, bows on the hair coat, shiny fur…bundle of love. Shih Tzus – their well-groomed fur makes them look even more adorable.
If you are already a Shih Tzu parent, you are aware of the care it needs to keep its fur soft and shiny. However, if you are preparing for owning a dog, you should know that Shih Tzus are very graceful looking pups with long and floating hair, but if they don’t get the attention and care they need, they can quickly become dirty, they could develop skin conditions and their coat could get tangled.
Proper grooming and the best shampoo for Shih Tzu puppies will ensure your pup is ready for a show-off, and beautifully smelling cuddles.
If you don’t know where to start to find the best shampoo for Shih Tzu, our article will help you discover what you need to look for when making a decision and we are going to give you our top choices.
What makes the best shampoo for Shih Tzu puppies the best?
If you are new at owning a Shih Tzu pup, you may not be aware that it has a double coat. What does that mean exactly? Shih Tzus have an outer layer of coat that protects them from the outer elements, and the undercoat keeps them warm when the weather is cold.
So, a shampoo that you use will simply not help with keeping your Shih Tzu hair soft, shiny, and clean. There are certain characteristics that you need to look for in the best shampoo for your Shih Tzu. Also, you need to be aware of the needs of your pup and get a shampoo that is suitable for your ball of fur.
What type of coat does it have?
Although most Shih Tzus have a straight and silky coat, some may have wavy locks. You will need to choose a shampoo that suits your pup’s type of hair coat.
Does it have any skin conditions?
In general, doggies have more sensitive skin than people. Therefore, paying attention to particular skin conditions your Shih Tzu may have can help you pick a shampoo that will not make its condition worse. Allergies, itching, or infections, all may require a different type of medicated shampoo to be used for the condition.
Thorough but gentle cleansing
As we mentioned above, Shih Tzus have a double coat, so you will need a shampoo that will be able to deeply cleanse the coat of the pooch thus removing all build-up caused by natural oils, dirt, and debris. However, at the same time, it needs to be gentle enough to prevent any skin dryness and flakiness.
Most regular shampoos will leave your Shih Tzu’s coat smelly and greasy, so look for gentle cleansing agents that will thoroughly clean its hair.
The more natural, the better
Deep cleansing is important, but if the shampoo contains chemical cleansing agents it will damage your pup’s coat, and I will strip its hair of natural oils. The best shampoo for Shih Tzu puppies will have plant-based, natural ingredients which will leave your pooch clean and soft.
Moreover, any chemical additives like phthalate, phosphates, cocamide DEA or MEA, parabens, and others, are harmful to your little ball of love.
Different pH Balance for doggies
Our furry friends need a pH Balance from 6 to 7 because their skin barrier is more alkaline. Avoid harsh acidic shampoos which can cause skin irritation or infections.
Rinse it all away
Another thing to consider when choosing the best shampoo for your Shih Tzu is its rinsing quality. Your pooch doesn’t need any residue from the shampoo on its coat or skin. Greasy hair, pores that can’t breathe, are just some of the effects of shampoos that leave a residue.
Quick grooming tips for Shih Tzu puppies
Brush, brush, brush
Brushing your dog may not be one of your favorite things to do, but it is extremely important. It removes dead skin and loose hair. Your doggie’s skin produces natural oils and with brushing your pup’s coat those oils will be distributed evenly.
Brush all areas starting at the little, cute paws and work up the legs. Don’t forget the areas around the ears, anus, and under the legs.
Furthermore, you should brush your Shih Tzu’s coat at least once a week, preferably more.
Trimming and cutting
If your furry ball of love is getting its hair cut regularly at a dog hair specialist, you still need to trim the hair around your pup’s anus, under the paws, and especially around the eyes. In relation, regular trimming and maintenance will keep your Shih Tzu’s hygiene in order and prevent bacteria that can stick on its fur.
Teeth, ears, and paws
Dental diseases are very easy to appear with small dog breeds like the Shih Tzus. Clean your pup’s teeth daily. Consult with a vet for proper toothpaste and toothbrush size.
In relation, ears infections can be caused by irregular cleaning. Use special wipes to clean the ears of your Shih Tzu. Moreover, every three weeks you will need to use a special cleanser to remove wax and debris that has built up in the ear canal.
Furthermore, those little paws will need to be protected to keep them soft, healthy, and moist. Paw wax will help you with preventing debris and dirt from sticking to your pup’s pads.
Bathing time
One thing that most Shih Tzu owners do is bathing their pup too often. Yes, you need to keep your pooch fresh and clean, but shampooing its coat too often will remove the natural oils its skin produces to help with keeping the skin healthy.
You may want to try bathing your Shih Tzu in the sink because it will be gentler on your back. Prepare all products you will need before you start the bath. Also, brushing your pup’s coat will remove excess hair and detangle any knots.
Furthermore, you could fill up the sink with water, but check the water temperature before putting the ball of fur in it. Soak your furry friend completely, but leave the head in the beginning. Once you are done with shampooing following the manufacturer’s instructions, you can start with the adorable face.
In relation, you could use a cloth with soapy water to wash your Shih Tzu’s head. Be careful with the areas around the eyes, ears, and mouth. You could take cotton balls and put them in the ears of your pooch to prevent water from entering.
Rinse the pup thoroughly making sure that there is no shampoo left on your dog’s coat. When you wash the shampoo off the face, do it with a cup with water, and be gentle around the eyes and nose.
If you are using conditioning, now is the time to apply it and leave it for about five minutes unless it is recommended differently. Once more, rinse until everything you applied is removed completely.
Use a soft towel to absorb the excess water off the coat of your Shih Tzu. Avoid rubbing with the towel because it will damage the fur and it can tangle the hair.
You could use a hairdryer to dry your doggie’s fur, or you could leave it to dry by itself. If the weather is warm, the second may be a better option. Some owners apply leave-in conditioner, so if you choose to do this, leave the fur to dry. Remember to brush your dog’s coat after it’s dry to remove tangles.
Best Shampoo for Shih Tzu Puppies – Our top choices
Luxury 2 In 1 Papaya And Coconut Pet Shampoo And Conditioner By TropiClean
The products of TropiClean are safe to be used when treating your pet for fleas and ticks because they don’t contain any detergent or soap. Natural and eco-friendly are the two adjectives that best describe TropiClean products.
The Luxury Papaya and Coconut shampoo are great for your Shih Tzu for several reasons. To begin, it doesn’t contain any artificial dyes, parabens, soaps, or detergents. It is hypoallergenic in case your cute ball of fur is dealing with some allergies, this shampoo would be a good choice.
Furthermore, the shampoo has a coconut oil base as a cleanser, so it doesn’t strip away any natural oils produced by your pup’s skin. It is pH balanced so it supports the dog’s natural skin moisture and helps with replenishing it.
In addition, since it is 2 in 1, shampoo and conditioner, you don’t have to buy a separate conditioner and it will help with detangling the fur and easy brushing.
Pros
- Doesn’t contain dyes, parabens, soaps, or detergents
- It has a cleanser based on coconut oil which doesn’t irritate the skin but cleanses well
- It is 2 in 1, contributing to easy brushing, detangling and soft fur
- It doesn’t leave any residue
Cons
- Although the scent is nice, it can’t be felt on the dog
- The bottle may leak
Antiparasitic And Antiseborrheic Dog Shampoo By Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
If your Shih Tzu is battling some skincare issues, products by Veterinary Formula Clinical Care offer effective over-the-counter medicated treatment. They are good quality products with great design and solutions with special formulas.
This antiparasitic and antiseborrheic shampoo for dogs by Veterinary Formula is free of parabens, dyes, and soap. However, if you decide to use it while treating your pooch for fleas and ticks, read the instructions on the treatment first.
To continue, the shampoo has coal tar in its formula which effectively treats skin conditions. This is a great choice if your Shih Tzu has parasitic or bacterial skin infections. You could use it two to three times a week until the skin condition improves.
The oatmeal and allantoin in the shampoo help with hydration and healing of the skin.
Pros
- It is free of artificial ingredients like parabens, dyes, and soap
- It fights bacteria and parasites with the combined effort of micronized sulfur, salicylic acid, and coal tar
- It decreases itchiness, dryness, and flakiness of the skin
Cons
- When you use it, avoid getting shampoo in your pup’s eyes because it irritates them
- It doesn’t have a pleasant smell
Oatmeal, Shea Butter, And Aloe Vera Shampoo By Paws And Pals
Paws & Pals has a tradition of over ten years and has consistently provided its furry customers with accessories, furniture, and grooming products of high quality.
This particular shampoo by Paws & Pals is made of organic oatmeal, shea butter, and aloe vera, which makes the shampoo gentle and soothing on your pup’s skin.
Furthermore, dry, sensitive skin and brittle coat are yesterday’s worries with the blend of all-natural aloe, jojoba, and coconut oils. The shampoo hydrates the skin of your pooch, and with the conditioner, it moisturizes the fur making it soft and silky.
The shampoo is non –toxic, free of parabens, soap, and dyes. Your pup will be safe from irritation and inflammation of the nose or eyes.
The pain and itchiness of the skin are relieved by the aloe, jojoba, and coconut oils, while the oatmeal, shea butter, and rosemary extract make your Shih Tzu’s coat smooth and soft.
Pros
- It has a formula that is non-toxic, free of parabens, soap, dyes, and safe for your doggie’s eyes
- It is made of organic oatmeal, shea butter, and aloe vera which help with skin irritation and itchiness
- With the oatmeal, shea butter, and rosemary extract, it gives your pooch smooth and soft fur, easy to detangle
Cons
- You may not like the scent
- It doesn’t lather much
Fresh and Clean Scented Dog Shampoo by PetAg
PetAg was founded in 1930, and over the years they have manufactured high-quality nutrition and health products for pets, senior care of dogs, nutrition bars, as well as toys and chews.
The Fresh and Clean Scented Dog Shampoo is soap-free and pH-balanced. The cleansers in its formula are natural, derived from plants, and they’ll deep clean the coat of your furry friend without irritating the skin.
Moreover, the conditioner in the shampoo will make the fur of your Shih Tzu tangle-free and soft. The vitamin E and aloe leaf juice will soothe and keep the coat of the dog healthy and shiny.
Your pup will have a fresh scent up to two weeks after the bath. How nice is that?
Pros
- It is free of soap
- It is pH-balanced
- It has natural, plant-based cleansers
- It contains natural ingredients like vitamin E and aloe leaf juice
- Its scent will leave your dog smelling fresh up to two weeks after the bath
Cons
- The scent maybe not be preferred by some people
Itch Soothing with Honeysuckle Shampoo by Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees is a brand which is known for its earth-friendly, natural health and beauty products for people and pets. It has been an active brand for more than thirty years. In addition, it has been consistent with its quality and wide range of natural grooming products for pets that are specially formulated.
In relation, the Itch Soothing Shampoo by Burt’s Bees is pH balanced specifically for dogs. The honeysuckle in its formula helps with soothing the dry and itchy skin of your Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, this shampoo doesn’t contain any sulfates or artificial dyes. The skin of your pup will be moisturized by avocado oil and honey, and its hair follicles will be stronger and healthy.
The colloidal oat flour will reduce the itchiness caused by eczema or other skin conditions.
Pros
- It is free from sulfates or any artificial coloring
- Its avocado oil and honey moisturize the skin and strengthen its follicles
- It has a special formula for dog’s skin pH balance
- It helps with skin irritations and itchiness
Cons
- It doesn’t lather well
- It doesn’t have a smell
Relaxing Green Tea and Bergamot Dog Shampoo and Conditioner by Buddy Wash
The ingredients of the gentle, soap-free, and alcohol-free 2 in 1 shampoo are in the name itself. Green tea, rosemary, sage, and chamomile are natural conditioners that promote healthy, soft skin with silky fur.
Moreover, if your furry friend is battling itchiness and irritation, the aloe vera and tea tree oil will soothe skin.
The cleansers are coconut-based which help with deep cleaning and removal of dirt.
Pros
- It is free of ingredients that dry the skin, like alcohol and soap
- It has botanical ingredients which help with conditioning and softening the fur
- It contains coconut-based cleansers which are gentle for the skin
- The tea tree oil and aloe vera help with the redness and itchiness of the skin
Cons
- The scent is not very pleasant for some people
- It is not suitable for hypoallergenic pups
Supreme Odor Control Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Conditioner by Nature’s Miracle
Nature’s Miracle has been solving pet issues like odor, stain, and training for more than twenty-five years.
This Supreme Odor Control Shampoo is one of the many products of Nature’s Miracle that have been helping pet owners to solve their problems with their furry friends.
In addition, the shampoo is safe to use with tick and flea treatment because it doesn’t have any dyes or parabens. It is gentle and good to use for pups with sensitive skin and allergies.
The cocoa surfactant in the formula offers thorough cleaning and promotes fur softness. Your Shih Tzu will be fresh and ready for cuddling.
The shampoo neutralizes odors, and the conditioner in it moisturizes the coat of the dog.
Pros
- It is free of certain artificial ingredients like parabens and soap
- It is safe for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies
- Its 2 in 1 formula cleanses and conditions at the same time
- It provides odor control and helps with static fur
- It rinses well
Cons
- It doesn’t lather much
- It may not help with the odor much
Whitening Shampoo by Petpost
If your Shih Tzu has white fur, the Whitening Shampoo by Petpost will help your pup stay white and clean.
The shampoo has exfoliates that soften the skin and whiten the coat. So, if you don’t enjoy taking your furry ball of love to the groomer for every bath, this whitening shampoo will help you keep your pup looking like it just got out of the spa.
Also, the watermelon scent will leave the pooch smelling fresh and clean while you enjoy its cuddle.
There are no harsh chemicals and additives in the formula of the Whitening Shampoo by Petpost. If your furry friend has dry and irritated skin, the aloe will be soothing and softening.
Pros
- It helps with whitening your pup’s coat
- It has a nice and fresh scent
- The aloe helps with dryness and irritation of the skin
Cons
- It doesn’t remove stains very efficiently
It all comes down to…
When choosing the best shampoo for Shih Tzu puppies, it all comes down to meeting your dog’s needs. Take into consideration the condition of its fur, skin, and any infections or irritations it may have.
If it has a soft, fluffy coat, Burt’s Bees may be ideal for your doggie. Whereas, the whitening shampoo by Petpost is a good choice for white fur. The odor of your pup can be controlled by Nature’s Miracle. And, if your pooch is battling some allergies, bacteria, or infections the shampoo by Veterinary Formula Care may be your go-to choice.
All shampoos on our list have great properties, and most of them are hypoallergenic and puppy-friendly, which means they can be used for younger pups.
Whatever your choice, ensure it helps with what you and your furry friend need.