How to Care for a Shih Tzu? | Complete Daily Routine

Taking care of a Shih Tzu means staying ahead of its gorgeous double coat. If you skip a day of brushing, you can bet tangles will form behind the ears and under the legs. The good news is the breed thrives on routine—get the grooming cadence right, and the rest falls into place. Here is the exact weekly schedule and step-by-step home care that keeps a Shih Tzu healthy and comfortable.

The Weekly Care Cadence for a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu coat maintenance is non-negotiable: brush every single day, including the mustache. Bathing lands at every 3 to 4 weeks, teeth cleaning at least 3 times per week, and ear cleaning weekly. Nail trims happen every 3 to 4 weeks, with a quick face wipe each morning to manage tear staining.

Most Shih Tzu owners brush the wrong way. You need a bristle brush plus a metal comb, and you work down to the skin—not just the top layer. Start at the topknot, then work through the ears, legs, feet, chest, and neck, because those are the mat-prone zones. Use conditioner or detangling spray when brushing; for longer coats, never brush dry.

How to Bathe and Dry a Shih Tzu Without Making Mats Worse

Always brush out every tangle before the bath. Water and shampoo tighten existing mats into miserable knots that have to be shaved off. Use a dog-specific shampoo, lather thoroughly, and rinse until the water runs completely clear—shampoo residue causes flaky skin and dull hair. Towel blot the coat (don’t rub), then use a blow-dryer on low or cool if your dog tolerates it. High heat damages the coat and irritates the skin.

The face needs extra care during baths. Keep shampoo away from the eyes, and after the bath, wipe the eye corners with a damp cloth to keep tear stains under control. A clean, dry face daily is the single best way to prevent the reddish staining Shih Tzus are famous for.

Exercise, Diet, and Daily Living for a Shih Tzu

Two short walks per day—about 15 to 20 minutes each—are enough for this breed. Shih Tzus are ideal apartment dogs, but they still need that daily walk plus indoor play. Watch for heavy breathing or panting; the breed’s short muzzle makes heat dangerous. Avoid prolonged sun and always carry water on walks. A harness is better than a collar for walks because it protects the delicate trachea.

Feed a consistent diet of quality dog food and avoid table scraps. If you’re looking for healthy store-bought options, our roundup of the best treats for Shih Tzu lists chews and snacks that work well with sensitive stomachs and dental needs. Fresh water must always be available, especially if the dog starts breathing hard during play.

Eye, Ear, Teeth, and Nail Maintenance

Shih Tzus are prone to dental disease, so brush teeth at least 3 times per week with dog-safe toothpaste. Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution and a cotton ball; watch for redness or swelling, which can signal an infection. Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks, cutting just before the quick—the pink vein inside the nail. If you nick the quick, styptic powder stops the bleeding quickly.

The daily eye wipe is not optional. Hair around the eyes, tear staining, and debris can irritate the cornea. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short and wipe the corners every morning. This alone cuts down tear-staining more than anything else.

WebMD’s breed overview on Shih Tzu care confirms that daily brushing and proper bathing routines are the foundation of keeping this breed healthy and comfortable.