14 Best Shih Tzu Shampoos: Buyer’s Guide + Reviews
A well-groomed Shih Tzu with flowing locks is a sight worth beholding. Their natural beauty has made these pups one of the more popular breeds. But their classy appearance requires special care and attention.
Parents of Shih Tzus know that the iconic appearance of their furbabies takes regular grooming and bathing. Without proper care, these pups can quickly develop skin conditions, coat troubles, and other issues.
That’s why we’re here. In this review, we’ll give you some helpful tips for grooming and bathing your special pal. We’ll also share the results of our research on some top shampoos on the market. In our analysis, we’ll point out some of our top picks for different needs and explain why we selected Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs as our overall pick for Best Shih Tzu Shampoo.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
At a glance: Top 7 Shampoos For Shih Tzus
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo
- It helped clear up a bad flea infestation and flaky skin after just two uses
- It can significantly decrease dandruff
- It works to ease itching
- It’s affordable
- It has a strong odor
- It can irritate/damage the eyes if it gets in them
The ingredients oatmeal and aloe aren’t just for dogs with dry, itchy skin. These natural substances can also gently help clean and nourish healthy coats.
- It helps ease itching in pups with sensitive skin
- The fur feels soft and silky
- It helps resolve flaky skin
- It rinses clean - there’s no residue left behind
- Some dogs react to the ingredients
- Some people don’t like the scent
Paws & Pals 5-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Shampoo and conditioner in one makes bath time easier
- It has no soap, so it’s gentle on the eyes
- It mild and gentle and effectively reduces itching
- The coat is soft and smooth
- The scent can be a little strong
- It doesn’t rinse out well
- It seems to be effective at preventing fleas and ticks
- It helps lessen itching in Shih Tzus with sensitive skin
- The coat feels soft after using this shampoo
- It cleans well, and dogs smell fresh
- Some Shih Tzu owners say it leaves their dog’s coat feeling sticky
- The shampoo is too watery
- It can help some Shih Tzu coats to be tangle-free
- It helps dogs with skin sensitivities to itch less
- It leaves the coat soft and shiny
- It has a fresh, pleasant scent
- Some dogs react to the ingredients and can get hot spots
- It’s hard to rinse
No one product will work for every dog. Before using a new shampoo to wash your dog, test in on one part of his body. That way, if he reacts poorly, it will be a limited response.
- It makes the coat feel soft and smooth
- It smells amazing, and the scent lasts
- It gently and effectively cleans the coat
- It can keep some dogs from smelling doggy
- It can be harsh for dogs with sensitive skin
- Some people don’t like the scent
Burt's Bees for Dogs Natural Skin Soothing Shampoo with Honey
- It leaves some Shih Tzu hair feeling super soft
- There are no stinky perfumes
- It helps reduce itching for dogs with sensitive skin
- It helps reduce dandruff and dry, flaky skin
- It doesn’t remove the dog odor very well
- It takes a lot of product to get a good lather
- It helps soothe itchy skin
- The skin is healthy and doesn’t get dry with this shampoo
- It leaves the fur soft and shiny
- It can help to smooth out coarse, curly hair
- Some people and dogs don’t like the scent
- It takes more shampoo to get a rich lather than some other products
- Owners say it leaves the coat feeling soft
- You can dilute it and make a little last a long time
- It lathers well and rinses easily
- It has a pleasant, light scent
- Some people find the scent to be overpowering
- It doesn’t condition as well as using a separate product
Nature's Miracle Supreme Whitening Odor Control Shampoo
- It effectively cleans and brightens the coat
- It deodorizes well
- The scent is nice, and it lasts a long time
- It’s not very good at removing stains
- It can be drying to the coat if you use it frequently
If You’re using a medicated shampoo, you’ll need to give the product time to work. Let it sit on the coat for the amount of time indicated on the label before you begin rinsing.
Isle of Dogs Silky Oatmeal Shampoo
- It cleans the coat effectively
- It leaves the coat feeling soft and fluffy
- A little bit goes a long way
- It helps ease dry, itchy skin
- Some people say it has an overpowering scent
- Some dogs react to the ingredients
- It leaves the coat soft and shiny
- It eases itching and hot spots
- It helps to clear up dry, flaky skin
- It has a pleasant scent
- It’s thick and difficult to use
- Some dogs react to the ingredients
Douxo (Sogeval) Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dogs
- It effectively clears up some allergy flare-ups
- Customers reported noticeable improvement after the first bath
- It leaves the coat shiny
- It has a pleasant scent
- It doesn’t produce much lather
- Some dogs still have itchy skin after using this
Things to Look For When Picking a Quality Shampoo for Your Shih Tzu
As a Shih Tzu parent, you probably know that you have a pup with a double coat. The outer layer protects your pooch from the elements while the dense undercoat insulates your furbaby and keeps him cozy even when it’s cold outside. Below the hair, your pal’s skin produces oil to keep the hair and skin healthy. Daily brushing helps to spread the oil throughout the coat and keep it healthy. It also helps to remove dead skin cells known as dander.
But there’s more to grooming care than a daily brush out. You need to regularly bathe your dog to remove excess oils and debris from the coat to keep the hair and skin healthy. When looking for a product for your Shih Tzu, you’ll want to consider the following features:
Coat Texture – Most Shih Tzus have a silky coat that’s fine and straight. However, some have coarse or wavy hair, and they may need a different product.
Gentle Cleansing – The oils your pal’s skin produces help keep the skin and hair healthy, but they can build up over time. You need a gentle cleanser that can get down under the double coat and clear out the old oil and debris without stripping the coat.
Plant-based Ingredients – Harsh chemicals in some general shampoos can strip your furbaby’s hair cuticles and damage the coat. Plant-based ingredients tend to be more gentle and nourishing for the skin and hair.
pH Balanced for Dogs – Canine skin and human skin are different. Dogs have a more alkaline skin barrier, and they need a pH range of around pH 6-7. Using a more acidic product like a human shampoo can upset the protective barrier and cause dry, irritated skin leaving it more vulnerable to infections.
Chemical-Free – It helps your Shih Tzu furbaby when you go natural. Avoid additives like synthetic colors and fragrances. Other chemicals that can be harmful to your pooch include:
- Phosphates
- Parabens and methylparaben
- Phthalate
- Cocomide DEA or MEA
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, or quarternium-15 – release formaldehyde
- Isopropyl, isopropanol, 2-propanol, and propyl – turns to acetone in the body
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone – a known carcinogen
Rinses Clean – You don’t want your shampoo to leave any residue behind. Anything that stays on the skin and coat can cause clogged pores and leave the hair looking limp and greasy. Products that leave a residue are usually oil-based.
Medicated (if needed) – If your special pal has a skin condition or infection, you may want a product that’s medicated to treat the problem
Expert Tips For Keeping Your Shih Tzu’s Coat Super-Clean and Healthy
Don’t over bathe your pup. If you shampoo too often, you can remove the skin oils that help to keep the skin healthy. Unless you’re working to clear up an infection or other condition, you can bathe your furbaby with a quality shampoo about once every 3 weeks. This will remove oil and dirt without stripping or drying the coat.
Brush your pup at least once a week and more often if needed.
- Groom with a slicker or wire brush using smooth, downward strokes to remove loose hair and dead skin or dander
- Start from the feet and legs and work up to the neck and head.
- Pay extra attention to areas that are prone to matting:
- Under the front legs and the back of the thighs
- Underneath the ears and behind the face
- Around the anus
- Use a leave-in conditioner or spritz on the coat to keep it fresh
Trim overgrown hair as needed. After you brush your dog, check between the paws, under the tail, around the anus, inside and under the ears, and around the eyes to see if you need to do any touch-up trimming. Regular maintenance can help keep the hair clean and free of trapped debris.
Keep the hair around the eyes short. This prevents the buildup of tears, gunk, and bacteria that can stain the coat and give your pooch a dirty face. You should also clean around the face and eyes daily with grooming wipes.
Use paw wax to protect the delicate feet and help keep them clean. The wax will repel dirt and debris and help to keep the pads moist and healthy.
Clean the ears regularly.
- Wipe the ear flaps with a specialty wipe that will cleanse and soothe the tissue without adding moisture.
- You will also need to remove wax and debris from the ear canal about every 3 weeks. Use a cleanser designed to break up the wax, massage it in the canal, and swipe the area with ear wipes, a cotton ball, or gauze pads.
Use grooming wipes for spot cleaning and touch-ups between baths. This will help remove any traces of urine, feces, or dirt that can build up over time.
Clean your pup’s teeth daily. Toy breeds like Shih Tzus tend to develop tooth decay and infections. Regular brushing with canine toothpaste and a properly sized toothbrush can help to keep the breath fresh and prevent dental disease
Quick Tips For Bathing Your Shih Tzu
Before bathing, prepare your supplies and decide where you will wash your furbaby. An ideal place can be the kitchen sink because your teacup pup won’t outgrow it, and you don’t have to kneel or bend over.
The supplies you want to have on hand include a soft towel, a double-sided brush, quality shampoo and conditioner, leave-in spritz, a non-slip bath mat for the sink, face cloth or thin flannel cloth, cup or small bowl, cotton balls, children’s toothbrush, and a blow dryer.
Before you start the bath, brush your pooch to remove any dead hair that’s trapped between the double coat. This practice will also brush out tangles and knots before you wet the hair. Start with the legs and feet and move towards the head using short, downward strokes. After you finish brushing, gently place balls of cotton in the ear canals to prepare for bathing.
Plug the sink and fill it deep enough to soak your pal’s paws (2 or 3 inches). Test the water temperature with your elbow before putting your pup in the sink. Then thoroughly soak your pooch to the skin. Start from the neck area and move backward. Leave the face dry for the time being. If you have a sprayer, you may use that. Remember to test the water temperature first.
Once your pup is drenched, apply shampoo. If you’re using a concentrate, dilute the solution according to the manufacturer’s direction. Massage the soap deep into the coat, but be careful to not create any tangles. Pay special attention to the armpits, private areas, and paws.
Next, wash the face. Use a bowl or cup of soapy water and the face cloth. Dip the cloth into the water, wring excess liquid, and gently scrub the face. Take extra care around the ears, eyes, and corners of the mouth. If there are difficult tear stains under the eyes, you may use the child’s toothbrush dipped in soapy water for gentle scrubbing.
Flush the soap from the face with a cup or the sprayer. Aim the water away from the nostrils to prevent getting water in the nose, and shield the eyes. Make sure you rinse until there’s no residue left. Follow up by completely rinsing the shampoo from the rest of the body.
Apply a conditioning rinse and massage into the coat as you did with the shampoo. Leave the conditioner in for the amount of time indicated on the label. If you can’t find a time, we recommend about 5 minutes. Rinse the coat thoroughly to remove all of the product.
Let some of the water drain from the coat then place your furbaby on an absorbent towel and wrap his body with the ends. Use a firm patting motion to dry the hair. Resist the urge to rub your pooch as that will cause tangles and damage to the coat.
Once the coat is mostly dry, you can apply a leave-in conditioner and allow your furbaby to air dry. You may elect to use a blow dryer to speed up the process. As your pooch dries, use the wire side of the brush to brush out the coat. Use an upward motion from the root to the tips of the hair to remove any tangles and fluff the coat. Remember to remove the cotton balls from the ears when you’re done.
Why Shouldn’t I Use Human Shampoo or Conditioner on My Shih Tzu?
Dogs and humans have different skin pH. When you use products that are pH balanced for human use, you risk upsetting the delicate acid barrier that protects your pup’s skin from infection and drying. Canine products should have a neutral pH around 6-7.
F.A.Qs
Q: What Type of Fur Do Shih Tzus Have?
A: Shih Tzus have hair that grows in long strands. Their coat is a double layer with longer outer hairs and an undercoat of fine, short hair. You can use a human-style hairbrush to manage your pup’s coat.
Q: How Often Should I Bathe My Shih Tzu?
A: Unless your Shih Tzu has an underlying condition, you should bathe your pup about once every 3-4 weeks. You can do spot cleaning or rinse your pooch between baths as needed.
Q: How can I wash my Shih Tzu’s face without hurting his eyes?
A: To gently wash the face, use a facecloth that’s moistened with soapy water. You can work out tear stains or other stains around the face with a child’s toothbrush. Once the fur is clean, use a washcloth wet with water to rinse away any soap residue. Dry with a clean cloth.
Q: Is it OK to bathe Shih Tzu every day?
A: No. You should not bathe your Shih Tzu daily. Washing any dog too frequently can damage the coat and skin by stripping away the natural body oils. Daily bathing does not allow your pup’s body enough recovery time between cleanings.
Q: Why does my Shih Tzu smell even after a bath?
A: If your pup has an odor after his bath, there may be an underlying condition. Some common causes of body odor include skin or ear infection, Cushing’s disease, allergies, or an anal gland problem. If your pup has a persistent smell, consult with your veterinarian.
Q: Why Does My Puppy Shih Tzu’s Coat Tangle So Much?
A: Shih Tzu puppies have a single coat until about 9-10 months. This layer has long hair that can be fine and fluffy, which makes it prone to tangles. To help prevent matting, brush your pup’s coat daily.
Q: Why does my Shih Tzu face stink?
A: Shih Tzu’s eyes are easily irritated and tend to tear frequently because they’re large. Unless you treat or clean the fur around the eyes, it will become stained and start to stink. Add to that the fact that food and water get caught in their beard, and you have a recipe for odor.
Paws Up – Our Top Pick
The results are in! We evaluated the above products and compared them against our desirable features. Our pic for Best Shih Tzu Shampoo is Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs.
This product uses plant-based ingredients to gently cleanse the coat and nourish the skin. It’s free of harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates. The product is pH balanced for canines and safe for frequent use.
Natural oils and plant-based ingredients deodorize and freshen the coat. A few of the essential oils also calm your pooch and help to soothe the skin. Aloe vera and vitamins C and E nourish the skin and keep it hydrated and healthy.
This combination of qualities makes Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo our top pick.
