How To Groom A Shih Poo

How To Groom A Shih Poo

A Shih-Poo is a beautiful mixed-breed dog that is developed by crossbreeding between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. This is one of the small to medium-sized breeds that have friendly and affectionate personalities, making it ideal for family pets and companions.

Shih-Poos have luxurious coats that require special attention. However, these are low-shedding, and hypo-allergic breeds but need to have regular grooming sessions. Grooming sessions not only enhance the overall look of the dog but are also important for the dog to stay healthy and active.

In this article, I will go through all the information that you will be required to start a grooming session for your furry friend at home to keep them healthy and stylish.

Supplies checklist:

These items are necessary for the grooming session, so make sure to have them ready before starting the process. These include:

1.   Brushes

2.   Comb

3.   Shampoo and conditioners

4.   Trimmers or clippers

5.   Scissors

6.   Thinning shear

7.   Towel

8.   Nail trimmer

9.   Ear cleaning solution

10.   Dryer

Step-by-step grooming process:

Try to have a separate,  low-distraction area for your dog. This will make the whole experience easy as the dogs feel more comfortable with you. So, let's begin the step by step journey:

Brushing:

Firstly you need to start by brushing. Because this breed can easily get matted and tangled. Thoroughly brushing the hair will help remove knots and loose hairs from the dog's coat.  However, it is important to use a brush that really suits your dog's coat.

Furthermore, brushing in the direction of hair growth is essential for a comfortable experience.

Bathing:

After brushing your Shih-Poo's coat to remove tangles and mats, it's best to give them a bath before proceeding with any trimming. Because they have a lot of hair and can easily become matted.

Bathing before trimming helps remove mat formation, dirt, and makes the trimming process easier for you and your dog. What you need to do is just wet the coat with the lukewarm water and apply the dog shampoo, gently working into it. Then, rinse the dog thoroughly until the water comes out clean.

Additionally, make sure to not leave shampoo as this can really cause irritation for your dog. Also, follow it with the conditioner, this will keep your dog from any tangles or knots and the hair will become more silky and shiny.

Drying:

As you are done with bathing, make sure to completely dry your dog to prevent skin issues. Use a towel, just pat it on the dog's coat. It will absorb all the water and leave your dog dry. Then follow it with a hair dryer. Set the temperature to low and maintain a good distance.

Furthermore, by continuously moving the dryer, you will prevent your dog from overheating and experiencing any potential discomfort.

Trimming:

Trimming your dog is very important to keep your dog happy and healthy. Long hairs are more prone to germs and have a lot of bacterial or fungal infections.

You can start from wherever you want but I will recommend you to start with paws. Use the clippers to trim the hair around the paws. In doing this, you need to be very cautious not to cut too close to the skin to avoid injury.

Then move to other body parts. You can use the combination clipper with the comb, straight scissors, or thinning shears. Furthermore, try to not get too close to the skin while doing the trimming. and give your dog your favorite haircut. Take help from YouTube videos to give your furry friend a haircut as it is a great source to learn new things.

Nail care:

Nail care is also an essential step in grooming. Trim the nails short so that the dog doesn't feel discomfort and won't accidentally hurt others. Do not cut too close to the nails of your dog as it can lead to bleeding or injury.

Moreover, have the styptic powder with you as a precaution. If your dog gets injured during nail trimming immediately use styptic powder. It will instantly stop the bleeding and seal the wound from further losing the blood.

Ear cleaning:

A lot of dogs are more prone to ear problems, so it's crucial to clean their ears to prevent infection or discomfort. Use a special ear cleaning solution for cleaning the ear. Put 2 to 3 drops of ear-cleaning solution in the ears. Then after a few seconds, gently clean the ears.

Make sure that it won't go again in the ear while cleaning. However,  if you should have a close look at the ears on regular days, and if you notice persistent issues, a bad odor, or excessive wax buildup, I will recommend you consult your veterinarian. So that you can avoid any potential issues.

What kind of brush do you use for Shih Poo?

Due to their mixed breeding, shih poo possesses different coats such as curry, and wavy. Double, silky, and straight. so each coat type requires specific grooming tools Therefore having a combination of the following brushes will help you to meet your dog's needs.

Slicker Brush:

For the shih poos that have long wavy hairs, a slicker brush is the best.  The brush has thin, fine wire bristles closely spaced on its head. It not only removes tangles, and mats but also loose fur from the coat of your dog. This will make your grooming session easy due to its properties.

However, while using a slicker brush, it is very important to brush gently in the direction of hair grains. Because if you move it opposite to the hair grains, it can cause discomfort for your dog.

Pin Brush:

This is excellent for use on coats that have smoother and silkier hair. Pin brush has long, thin bristles that are set in a cushion or rubber Base. They are gentle and can be used on a regular basis. It really helps to detangle, and remove loose hair and also helps to distribute the natural oils of the body.

Comb:

A comb is one of the brushes that can be used on every dog coat. This usually comes in 2 designs, with fine-toothed and wide teeth. Their bristles are made of metal that really helps to remove mats and tangles especially useful for sensitive areas around the ears, tail, and feet.

Moreover, this really helps to check for fleas and ticks and provides a finishing touch to the coat.

The table below will be instrumental in helping you clearly understand what you can use for each type of coat.

Conclusion:

Grooming your Shih-Poo is a whole act of love and care that can enhance the bond between you and your dog.  Also, it not only enhances their appearance but also contributes to their overall health and happiness.

By following this comprehensive guide and establishing a grooming routine, you'll ensure that your Shih-Poo remains a happy and healthy companion for years to come. Enjoy the bonding experience and the satisfaction of having a well-groomed pup by your side.