Shih Tzu grooming is daunting, and being owned by 3 Shih Tzus and a Peki-huahua can end up costing me upwards of $200 a month in grooming expenses a lone! So I decided to learn how to groom the girls myself. To some this may be a crazy endeavor, but I would rather the money I spend on grooming go to a more healthy feeding program (raw from Darwin’s Naturals).
So this is their grooming program I have developed for them and how I keep them looking presentable:
Step 1: Brush, Brush
Before each bath I make sure to brush out ears, tails and legs. I normally keep a short shave on the bodies of my Shih Tzus.
Step 2: Bath Time
Our shampoo of choice is Bobbi Panter’s Gorgeous Dog Shampoo. There is no itching or irritated skin after using this wonderful shampoo, it is simply the best. We follow-up with a quick rinse on the body only with a diluted 1:1 ratio of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar and water. It is very important that if you use ACV as a rinse that you do not use on the face as it can highly sting and irritate the eyes.
Step 3: Dry Time
Hair is brushed and blown out using a Conair Dog Hair Dryer. This is much safer than using a human dryer as it does not blow out extremely hot air.
Step 4: Trimming
My dogs are a learning process. One of the most important things that I have learned is to always point the scissors down when trimming around the eyes and nose so accidents don’t happen! I have also learned a lot with great YouTube videos from HazelRidgeHottie.
Step 5: Final Finishing Touches
No Shih Tzu is complete without the proper accessories bow, clips and or top knots.
We are so happy to be participating in this months A to Z Challenge!
In addition, we are participating in the Pet Blogger Niche of the A to Z Challenge so be sure to visit all the wonderful pet bloggers below.
I love all of the photographs! I have a fairly grueling grooming routine here, being a Shih Tzu mummy too, but I am fortunate my other two are Westies, who take nowhere near the time Millie does. I think you are very brave to tackle the actual cut yourself! I’d like to but wouldn’t want to ruin that lovely coat… however, if I had 3! I think it would be a must!
Hugs, Carrie (Myfie, Ellie and Millie) x
Carrie Johnson recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Ponder
yes having so many Shih Tzus it became a must, but to be honest I find it so therapeutic when I groom the girls. Since i have been doing it the last year I have become a lot better 🙂
I feel your grooming pain….I was lucky enough to find a great groomer and spend less than $150 every 6 weeks or so…We tried and tried to do it ourselves, but it just ended up a horrible experience for all of us. I give you so much credit…and you do a wonderful job on your babies!!
dorysbackyard recently posted…Tasty Tuesday – Dinnertime with Sojo’s
Thanks so much… I would practice and take chances with the dogs that don’t go out in public!! lol they were my little experiments. some days were goood and some… well good thing they didn’t go out in public!! lol
Cute photos and great tips! Do your shih tzus get any matting in their ears? I have a Peekapoo who we brush regularly, but he still gets those darn ear mats!
Chelsea Price recently posted…Tuesday’s Tails: Starlight + Tamer!
they do get matted behind their ears, I keep their hair cut short so it’s usually not so bad, but i have to be careful with the little part on the top back portion of the ear because that will get matted, so I feel your pain with that.
Bobbi Panter and her sassy shih tzus Bebe and Cece were on local TV this morning! Check out her FB page is you haven’t seen it! Love Dolly
What a great segment! I posted it to my FB fan page 🙂 Thanks for the info 🙂
Owning dalmatians myself (or rather, they own me) our grooming rituals are fairly basic, and I’m thankful there is no trimming around the eyes involved! Your pictures are lovely 🙂
Saxton-Corner recently posted…G is for Guardians
I understand you there… we do own a Boston and she is so easy… wash & dry!! Thanks for visiting us!