It is recommended to bathe a Shih Tzu every three weeks. However, puppies may need to be bathed more frequently, since they can soil their bottoms when they defecate. Using high-quality shampoo and conditioner will help ensure that your puppy's coat and skin will be clean and remain healthy.  The variety of shampoos and conditioners from which to choose at your local pet store may be bewildering. To narrow your search, you can look for tearless, puppy-specific shampoos. Hypoallergenic shampoos are also good for puppies. They are free of detergents, fragrances, and additives that may be harsh on your puppy's skin. Good-quality hypoallergenic shampoos contain such ingredients as avocado, coconut oil, or lanolin. Conditioner has many benefits. It prevents hair breakage, seals the hair shaft (helps to keep out dirt and stains), and can prevent dry and itchy skin after a bath. Conditioner is especially useful in long-haired dogs like Shih Tzus. Spray conditioners are also available that can give your puppy's coat a nice sheen after bathing. The spray can also protect your puppy's coat from the sun and other outdoor elements, such as wind and dry air.  Leave-in conditioners are ideal for Shih Tzus. Conditioners that need to be rinsed out are usually not strong enough for Shih Tzu coats.  If your puppy has specific skin issues, your veterinarian can assist you in identifying which shampoo and conditioner would be best for your puppy. Human shampoos and conditioners have pHs that could irritate your puppy's skin, so do not use your own shampoo and conditioner to bathe the puppy, or grown dog. Other than shampoo and conditioner, you will need several other supplies: comb, brush, cotton balls, towels, washcloths, and a pet-specific blow dryer. The comb should be a double-sided stainless steel comb and will be used after he is dry. A bristle brush will be needed to brush him before the bath.  Canine bath brushes are available that are helpful in bathing puppies.  Pin brushes especially useful for Shih Tzus, given their long hair. Bristle and nylon mixture brushes are also good for Shih Tzus.  The cotton balls will be helpful to keep water out of your puppy's ears when you are bathing him. You will need several towels: one to put in the bottom of the sink or tub for traction,  and a few with which to dry him off after the bath. Washcloths will be needed to clean your puppy's face and around his eyes.  The blow dryer must be specific for pets, since the intense heat from human dryers could result in thermal damage to your puppy's skin. Blow dryers are especially useful for longhaired dogs. If you plan to groom your puppy after the bath, you may also need nail clippers, styptic powder, and ear cleaner. If this is the first time that your puppy has been bathed, he will need some time beforehand to become comfortable with the bathing process. This means that he will need to get accustomed to the sights, sounds, and sensations of bath time. Your puppy may need only a few days, or he may need even longer (a week or more) until he is at ease with what bath time will mean for him.  For example, let him get used to the sound of running water. To acclimate your puppy to the blow dryer, first show it to him when it is turned off. When he is comfortable with it being turned off, turn it on while facing away from him. Gradually move closer to him with the blow dryer turned on until he is not frightened or wary of it. This process may take at least several days, depending on your puppy's comfort level. Give him treats during this acclimation process.  Let him sniff all the supplies that you will use to bathe and groom him. In addition to his regular play time, spend time touching his paws, handling his ears, and rubbing him all over in general. The more comfortable he is with you touching him, the better he'll react to you rubbing him with shampoo and conditioner. Give your puppy plenty of verbal praise and treats when he responds positively to the acclimation process. Rewarding him will help get him ready to have a positive experience at bath time.
اشترِ شامبو وبلسم للكلاب بجودة عالية. أحضر مستلزمات تحميم إضافية. اجعل جروك يعتاد على مواعيد الاستحمام.