Shih Tzu Care- Your Dog’s Coat
Shih Tzu care can be done in various ways or methods. Compared to other dogs with short hair or coat, Shih Tzus need regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats.
A Shih Tzu’s coat can be classified into two; clipped or full coat. Though you’d rather keep your Shih Tzu’s coat clipped short, it is still best if he is used to grooming. A fifteen-minute of daily brushing starting from an early age is enough to make your Shih Tzu get used to grooming. Shih Tzus used in dog shows has floor length coat thus daily grooming with a wire brush is required.
Start brushing your Shih Tzu’s hair from the head gently brushing the hair away from the eyes. It is important that the hair must be kept away from the eyes at all times to prevent irritation which may lead to infection or ulceration. If the hair is still falling into the eyes, trimming is recommended however, extra care should be taken when doing the process.
Trimming the hair around the mouth is also good to keep the hair short preventing it from gathering food. Excess hair around the ear canal should be removed as well. Once you are done with the face, proceed to your dog’s neck and then body.
Pay extra attention to your dog’s feet and legs. Remember that the nails and the hair between the pads should be kept short. Then lastly, in grooming your dog’s bottom area and tail, the hair in his behind should be kept short too for easy potty time. Check this area daily to make sure it is clean and free of excrement.
Take note that brushing totally dry coats causes hair to break. Simply dampen the coat and brush it in layers to maintain the condition of their long double coat. During the grooming session, it is better if you’ll do it in a grooming table for it prevents you from crouching. Get one that has a non-slip surface with a soft towel placed on it.
Grooming time is the best time for you and your dog to bond. Lasting friendship can be developed because of this. You just have to know the basics and practice that craft to perfect it. Remember that, an error in handling your dog can cause him to resist grooming and what you will have is a messy little dog running away from you.
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