If you are the owner of a Shih Tzu, you may already know about its beautiful coat! Their hair is almost similar to human hair. Also, they grow more prominent than an average dog and don’t lose much hair like other breeds. As hair is the ex-factor of this breed, what kind of shampoo should I use on my Shih Tzu?
Well, there are lots of pet shampoo brands out there. Any quality tear-free dog shampoo followed by an emollient can be the perfect option. The tear-free shampoo is supreme because you have to wash your pup’s face, and the conditioner helps comb and brush wet hair.
What Kind of Shampoo Should I Use on My Shih Tzu?
If your dog has yeast infections or smells a little after bathing, you should choose an ideal Shih Tzu shampoo to tailor your dog’s needs. So, find out what shampoo you have to use for your Shih Tzu.
Antifungal Conditioners and Shampoos
Humans and dogs have natural yeast on the skin. In balanced pH, the yeast on the skin is good for your pup’s health. But if the pH gets out of control, yeast can augment, and your dog can get sick.
Hot and humid weather and dog foods high in fructose and sugar can promote yeast growth. Sometimes, a canine may develop a fungal infection after surgery or recover from another condition that has weakened its immune system.
When your dog scratches, rubs, or chews and licks too much, it may have a fungal infection. Always check with your veterinarian before making a diagnosis. Fortunately, specially formulated shampoos are antifungal and control fungal levels in the green zone.
For Sensitive Skin
Humans and canines have a so-called acid mantle on their skin surface. Acid mantle protects the deep skin layers from infection, inflammation, and tenderness. Fatty acids are acidic, and when puppies or humans toil, the lactic acid and amino acids from the sweat produce skin’s stable pH.
In humans, the healthy pH is acidic, about 0-14. But dogs’ skin is less acidic, and the pH is about 6.5-7.5. Less acidic skin is more sensitive plus prone to irritability.
When the pH is out of balance, all sorts of unpleasant skin conditions may occur. Mediocre shampoo brands use plenty of sulfites and parabens to quickly disrupt your pup’s pH balance and cause itching and redness of the skin. For dogs with susceptible skin that regular shampoos cannot handle, you will require a special Shih Tzu shampoo for puppies with sensitive skin.
Shedding Control Shampoo
Shih Tzu dog breed shed but is slightly different from other breeds. First, the Shih Tzu has no fur but hair. Anyway, hair does not fall out as often as fur.
Sometimes, shedding hair will cling to the coat when your dog has long hair, and the dog will not look shedding much. A short-haired Shih Tzu will be prone to shed its hair at home, giving the impression that the dog is losing more coat.
If your dog’s hair is stiff, it can shed more often. It is better to pick a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for these breeds.
Deodorant Shampoo
Shih Tzu skin secretes natural oils to shield hair and skin. Those oils make hair silky, shiny, and smooth.
Still, they cause an unpleasant odor that may persist even after bathing your dog. So, there are some shampoos to minimize those odors by preserving your pup’s hair and skin from drying out.
Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Dandruff is often a sign of dull skin, and the Shih Tzu tends to face this problem. Dry climates, cold weather, and dog food allergy sufferers can cause dandruff. If your Shih Tzu is brown or black, you can easily spot dandruff.
Not so with white dogs. The Shih Tzu needs careful grooming, and if you do not brush your dog’s coat, dead skin will be trapped, forming rugs and fur.
Luckily, there are some anti-dandruff shampoos for Shih Tzu out in the market. Those shampoos contain high-quality natural ingredients, chlorhexidine gluconate, and miconazole nitrate.
FAQ:
Can I use human shampoo on my Shih Tzu?
You can use human shampoo for your dog. But it’s better to avoid it. Some shampoos are known to cover all hair and grow up after application, possibly causing itching. There are many good dog shampoo brands available in the market. There really isn’t a compelling reason to use human shampoo in the Shih Tzu. So, try out dog shampoo specially formulated for Shih Tzu.
How many months can a Shih Tzu take a bath?
There is no definite time. But mos vet suggest that you can bathe your pup when he is one month old. Remember that you have to complete a first warm water bath; cold water may cause many diseases. If you are the parent of a small breed, a month may not be enough to dive into the water.
Why do Shih Tzu’s smell bad?
Foul body odor or smell bad is not typical for the Shih Tzu. A lousy dog smell can result from a skin ailment such as Cushing’s disease or seborrhea, allergies, anal gland problems, eye or ear infections, periodontitis or tooth decay, or any other medical reason. Meet your vet soon if your dog has any one of these problems.
How Often Should I Bathe My Shih Tzu?
Since Shih Tzu is not a very active dog, it generally does not need daily bathing, unlike golden retrievers. However, their long curly coats require special care and bathing every 3 weeks to look beautiful. Also, bathing with your Shih Tzu frequently will keep its skin hydrated and healthy, as well as get rid of unpleasant odors. It applies not only to the purebred but also to hybrids like Shichon.
Final verdict:
Shih Tzu’s coat is usually fluffy. But if your puppy doesn’t have that type of coat, there are several reasons for this. It is not purebred. Or it may experience hormonal problems at the time of its birth.
Moreover, it may happen due to the lack of proper care and attention. Drying the fluff requires using a hairdryer to straighten and add volume to your pet’s coat. But the shampoo we have mentioned above can be your best solution to overcome those situations.
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