Long Haired Shih Tzu: The Complete Pet Care Manual

Long-haired Shih Tzus require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Their coat needs to be brushed daily, ideally with a pin brush or a slicker brush, to prevent knots and breakage.

Daily brushing helps to distribute skin oils and prevent dryness.

Their fur can grow up to 6 inches in length, making regular grooming essential.

Their eyes need to be cleaned daily to prevent tear stains and irritation.

Their long fur can also make them prone to eye problems if not properly cared for.

They require regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth and cracking.

Their nails should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain their health and prevent discomfort.

Their ears need to be cleaned regularly to prevent wax buildup and infections.

Their ear canal should be gently cleaned with a cotton ball or soft cloth to prevent irritation.

Regular grooming sessions can help strengthen the bond between you and your Shih Tzu.

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Regular grooming is essential for long-haired Shih Tzus to check for any abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, or skin irritations.

Their coat grows continuously and needs to be trimmed and brushed regularly, so a consistent grooming routine is a must.

In the summer, Shih Tzus may require more frequent grooming to help them stay cool, while in winter, their skin needs to be moisturized due to indoor heating.

If your Shih Tzu is anxious during grooming sessions, take things slowly and use positive reinforcement with treats and praise to create a positive association with grooming.

Shih Tzus are minimal shedders, but they still require regular grooming to stay healthy and happy.

By performing routine grooming and helping them stay at a healthy weight, you can ensure your long-haired Shih Tzu lives a happy and healthy life.

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Regular grooming is essential for long-haired Shih Tzus to check for any abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, or skin irritations.

Early detection of potential health issues is one of the significant benefits of maintaining a consistent grooming routine.

A nutritious diet affects a Shih Tzu's coat quality, so feed them foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote a shiny, healthy coat.

Long-haired Shih Tzus are prone to tangling and matting, so regular brushing is a must to prevent these issues.

Their coat is often shaved short into a "puppy cut" to avoid continuous grooming, but if left uncut, the fur can grow so long that it drags on the ground.

Brushing and bathing will be a weekly chore if a Shih Tzu's coat is kept longer, with professional grooming appointments sprinkled in every few weeks.

Shih Tzus are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain medical conditions, including ear problems due to their floppy ears.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to catch any potential health issues early on.

Their average lifespan is long, at 10–18 years, making them a wonderful long-term companion.

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A long-haired Shih Tzu's coat requires regular attention to stay healthy and shiny.

Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can promote a shiny, healthy coat. Supplements can also be considered if recommended by a vet.

Bathing your Shih Tzu once a week is essential to prevent matting and skin irritation. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog's skin, including redness, flakiness, or dryness.

Regular brushing, ideally daily, is necessary to prevent mats and tangles. Mats can cause skin irritation and are painful to remove. Using a detangler spray during brushing can help prevent mats and make grooming more comfortable for your pet.

The Shih Tzu coat is a double coat consisting of a longer outer coat and a softer inner coat, requiring frequent grooming to prevent tangles and matting.

Brushing is a must for Shih Tzus, with daily brushing recommended, especially if their coat is kept long. Brushing not only prevents matting but also removes dirt and distributes natural skin oils throughout the coat.

Using a pin brush and a comb, start at the head and work your way down, taking care to gently work through any knots. Brushing not only prevents matting but also removes dirt and distributes natural skin oils throughout the coat.

A nutritious diet affects a Shih Tzu's coat quality, with foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promoting a shiny, healthy coat. Supplements can also be considered if recommended by a vet.

Shih Tzus should be bathed every three to four weeks to keep their coat clean and healthy, and a post-bath blow-dry on a low heat setting helps prevent dampness from causing skin issues.

Shih Tzus have a hypoallergenic coat that sheds less, making them a good choice for those with allergies.

Their low shedding coat is one of the reasons they're a popular choice for families with allergy concerns. You'll still need to brush them regularly to prevent matting and tangling.

Shih Tzus require relatively low exercise, which makes them well-suited for apartment living and less active households.

Here are some key characteristics of the Shih Tzu coat:

Their regal appearance belies their intelligent and trainable nature, but you'll need to use patience and positive reinforcement to bring out their best qualities.

Long-haired Shih Tzus require regular ear cleaning to prevent infections due to their floppy ears.

Their ear canals are prone to trapping moisture, which can lead to inflammation and infection by bacteria or fungus.

To prevent ear infections, use a vet-approved ear cleaner during regular grooming sessions and dry their ears thoroughly after baths.

Their ear hair can also hold onto moisture, causing irritation and infection, so it's essential to clean their ears regularly.

If excessive hair is noted inside the ear canals, your veterinarian or groomer may recommend removing it to avoid irritation.

Shih Tzus often suffer from tear staining and eye discharge due to their facial structure, so daily wiping with a soft, damp cloth can help keep their eye area clean.

Signs of eye problems in Shih Tzus include red eyes, bulging eyes, eye discharge, rubbing the eyes, cloudy eyes, squinting, and blindness.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a veterinarian for proper evaluation and treatment.

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Shih Tzus are prone to tear staining and eye discharge due to their facial structure. Daily wiping with a soft, damp cloth can keep their eye area clean. Consult with a vet for appropriate products if tear stains are a concern.

Eye problems are quite common in Shih Tzus, and can be painful. Signs include red eyes, bulging eyes, eye discharge, rubbing the eyes, cloudy eyes, squinting, and blindness.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian right away. They can help diagnose and treat any underlying eye conditions.

Here are some common inherited eye conditions in Shih Tzus:

These conditions can be serious, so it's essential to monitor your Shih Tzu's eye health closely. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch any issues early on.

Ear infections are a common issue for Shih Tzus due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and create a perfect environment for bacteria and fungus to grow.

Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved cleaner during grooming sessions can help prevent infections. Be sure to dry their ears thoroughly after baths.

Shih Tzus are also prone to ear infections due to hair growing inside their ear canals, which holds onto moisture and causes inflammation and infection.

Symptoms of ear infections include red, painful, and/or itchy ears, as well as a range of other issues such as:

If you suspect your Shih Tzu has an ear infection, it's essential to have them examined by a veterinarian, who will assess for ear infections and recommend treatment, which may include topical and/or oral medications, diet changes, and fluid therapy.