Shih Tzu Paws: How to Keep Them Healthy and Clean

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Shih Tzu Dog Lying on the Sofa near the Window
Credit: pexels.com, Shih Tzu Dog Lying on the Sofa near the Window

Shih Tzu paws require regular care to stay healthy and clean.

Their paws are made up of a thick pad of skin that protects them from rough surfaces.

To keep their paws healthy, it's essential to trim the hair around their paws regularly.

Shih Tzu owners can use nail clippers specifically designed for dogs to trim their nails, which should be done every 4-6 weeks.

Trimming the hair around their paws helps prevent matting and tangling, which can cause discomfort and irritation.

Cleaning their paws is also crucial to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.

Shih Tzu owners can use a damp cloth or a dog paw wipe to gently clean their paws, paying special attention to the areas between the toes.

Broaden your view: Shih Tzu No Hair

Paw Care Issues

Trimming your Shih Tzu's paw pads is a must, especially during wintertime when hair between the paws can grab snow and ice, making it uncomfortable for your dog.

Hair between the paw pads can also cause your dog to lose traction on slippery surfaces, leading to accidents on wood floors, ceramic tile, marble, and other smooth surfaces.

Credit: youtube.com, Dog Excessive Paw Licking: Stop It With Natural Recipe

It's not as hard as you think to trim your Shih Tzu's paw pads, but it does require some equipment, training, and practice.

Hair between the paw pads can also lead to medical problems if it gets matted and entangled with other foreign objects, causing your dog a great deal of discomfort.

If you normally take your dog to a groomer, they will clean between the pads, but if not, it's your responsibility to do it.

A bored or anxious Shih Tzu may lick their paws as a way to relieve stress, and these small companion animals need to walk for 30 minutes to an hour every day to stay in shape.

Food allergies can also cause your Shih Tzu to chew their paws, and if you suspect a food allergy, talk to your vet about the best food to give your Shih Tzu.

Redness or irritation on their paws or skin can be a sign of a food allergy or another underlying issue, so take your dog to the vet for a check-up.

If your Shih Tzu experiences vomiting or diarrhea, it could be a sign of a food allergen, so take them to the vet right away.

Normal Grooming and Trimming

Credit: youtube.com, Shih Tzu Grooming: How to Trim Hair in Paw Pads

Dogs don't need daily showers like we do, so they lick themselves to stay clean. It's perfectly healthy for your Shih Tzu to clean their feet sometimes.

However, if it develops into obsessive behavior, it can become a problem. I've seen some Shih Tzus get a bit too enthusiastic about licking their paws, and it's not pretty.

To keep their paws clean and prevent problems, you can trim the hair around their paw pads. This will also help prevent hair from getting matted and entangled with other foreign objects.

Here are some tools you'll need to get started: Electric Clippers with a small size blade (usually #15 to #30 work best)Shears with safety tipsTrimming ShearsComb

Normal Grooming

Dogs don't need to shower every day like we do, so they lick themselves to stay clean.

It's perfectly healthy for your Shih Tzu to clean their feet - sometimes.

They lick themselves to stay clean, which is a normal part of their grooming routine.

Trimming Paw Pads

Credit: youtube.com, Cute dog paws | Shaving out the pads

Trimming your Shih Tzu's paw pads is an essential part of their grooming. It's not a daily task, but regular maintenance can prevent problems.

In the wintertime, hair between the paws can grab snow and ice, causing discomfort for your dog. This can be especially uncomfortable on slippery surfaces like wood floors or ceramic tile.

You may notice your dog trying to shake off the debris, but it's not just about aesthetics. Hair between the foot pads can also cause medical problems, such as matting and entanglement with foreign objects.

Some owners may think it's cute to see their puppy "skating" on hardwood floors, but in reality, it's a sign of a bigger issue. Your dog may lose traction and struggle to walk on smooth surfaces.

Cleaning between the paw pads is a relatively simple task that requires some equipment and training. If you normally take your dog to a groomer, they will likely take care of this for you. However, if you're doing it yourself, you'll need to get the right tools and practice with your dog.

Credit: youtube.com, Learn How to Shave Your Dog's Feet from The Soggy Doggy

Here are some of the best tools for trimming your Shih Tzu's paw pads:

  • Electric Clippers with a small size blade (usually size #15 to #30)
  • Shears with safety tips (if you prefer to scissor the hair instead of clip)
  • Trimming Shears (for smoothing out the hair after using regular shears)
  • Comb (for combing the hair up and out)

If you're unsure about how to trim your dog's paw pads or if they're experiencing discomfort, consult with your veterinarian for guidance and treatment recommendations.

Injuries

Your Shih Tzu's paws are sensitive, so it's essential to check for injuries regularly.

An overgrown nail can cause irritation, so keep an eye out for signs of discomfort when your dog's paws are touched.

Sun-scorched paws can be painful if you walk your Shih Tzu on asphalt during hot weather.

Regular paw inspections can help you catch any potential issues early on, preventing more severe problems from developing.

Note if your Shih Tzu feels unusually anxious when you touch their paws, as this could be a sign of an underlying issue.

A unique perspective: Why Is My Shih Tzu so Itchy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Shih Tzu chewing his paws?

Your Shih Tzu may be chewing his paws due to allergies, which can be triggered by environmental factors, food, or fleas, causing itchy skin that leads to excessive licking and chewing

Sheldon Cormier

Senior Writer

Sheldon Cormier is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging articles on a wide range of topics. His expertise lies in the realm of canine health concerns, where he has honed his skills through extensive research and a deep understanding of the subject matter. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Sheldon brings complex information to life in a way that's both informative and accessible to readers.

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