They were believed to originate in the Canary Islands and were brought by sailors to Europe and eventually became popular in the US.

Today, these vivacious little pooches are well-loved as companion dogs for their cheerful, even temperament. They also don’t bark a lot and don’t need much space to romp, making them perfect for apartment living. 

However, flaunting a snow-white fluffy powder-puff coat, Bichons require plenty of coat care. But can you groom a Bichon Frise at home? Certainly yes! 

In this article, we’ll teach you how to groom a Bichon Frise at home to help you care for your pet in the best way possible. 

14 Steps On How To Groom A Bichon Frise At Home

Grooming your adorable little furball helps keep them healthy, clean, and neat-looking. And with the right tools, you can give your Bichon Frise the classic Bichon haircut. 

Here’s an amazing video that will help you get an idea of how to groom a Bichon Frise at home.

Now that you’ve got a better idea on how to groom a Bichon Frise at home, you can regularly trim your dog’s plush coat in the comfort of your home and maintain their puffball look – like a little cloud walking across the floor.

Furthermore, Bichons are known to easily develop matted hair, so it’s also crucial to know how to brush and comb their double-layer coat daily.

Follow these 14 steps on how to groom a Bichon Frise at home on your own and keep your pet looking their best. 

Step 1: Find a Spacious Area for Grooming and Prepare All Necessary Equipment

The first step to grooming your Bichon Frise is making sure you have a spacious workspace. Put your pet atop an elevated surface, such as a wide table with a clean, flat surface.  

Is your Bichon Frise well-behaved? Or does your playful little dog tend to wiggle out of your grasp when being groomed?

Professional groomers recommend using an adjustable grooming arm to help keep your pet comfortably in place and minimize unnecessary movements.

Here’s an adjustable grooming arm we recommend that can do the job. What makes this grooming equipment great is it also comes with an adjustable clamp and a haunch holder.

Preview	Product	Price
	Downtown Pet Supply Dog Grooming Arm with Clamp and Grooming Loop, 2 Haunch, Silver - Adjustable,...		Buy on Amazon

After preparing your grooming workspace, you should gather all necessary supplies to perform a smooth DIY grooming session.

We suggest the following products, tools, and equipment that are specifically used for grooming Bichons:

Step 2: Brush and Comb Your Bichon to Remove Matted and Tangled Hair

Once you’ve prepared all necessary tools, the second step on how to groom a Bichon Frise at home is to brush your little furball’s coat. This step is best done before bathing as water will thicken tangles and mats, making them harder to remove. 

Bichons are known to have curly hair that mat easily. So it’s best to make brushing your pooch daily a habit. This helps maintain a smooth coat, prevents mat buildup, and gets rid of loose hairs. Furthermore, this routine will also help your dog get accustomed to being groomed. 

Here are a few tools to use for matted and tangled hair:

Slicker Brush

A slicker brush is an ideal tool for de-tangling and de-matting your Bichon’s hair. Make sure to follow the direction of your dog’s hair to make clipping an easier task later. 

Here’s a slicker brush you can use to de-tangle your Bichon’s curly hair:

Preview	Product	Price
	Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush for Pets with Long Or Short Hair, Dog Brush for...	$12.04	Buy on Amazon

Greyhound Comb

Using this comb when you encounter a knot while brushing will get rid of any tangles. Andis steel greyhound comb, which you can get from Amazon, is a great choice. It can remove the tangles and knots in your Bichon’s hair while providing volume.

Preview	Product	Price
	Andis 65730 Stainless-Steel Comb for Knots, Mats & Loose Hair Removal - Effective Dematting Tool,...	$12.68	Buy on Amazon

Detangling Spray

Watch out for tangles on your Bichon’s legs, and don’t forget to de-tangle your dog’s tail hair from the ends to the base. If you want to remove tangles faster, especially on parts away from the face, you can use a detangling spray like TropiClean.

Preview	Product	Price
	TropiClean Sweet Pea Cat & Dog Detangler Spray Dematting | Dog Conditioner Spray Derived from...	$14.99	Buy on Amazon

Throughout the process, make your Bichon feel more comfortable and less anxious by talking to them in a gentle, cheerful tone.

And don’t forget to give them lots of treats after every step of the grooming routine to encourage good behavior.

Step 3: Bathe Your Bichon Carefully and Pat Them Dry

After thoroughly brushing and de-tangling your Bichon’s fur, it’s time to bathe them. Bathing removes excess dead skin cells and any remaining loose hairs. And your Bichon’s coat will look clean, pristine, and ready for some clipping. 

When bathing a Bichon, you can soak them in a tub filled with warm water and use a whitening dog shampoo to maintain their white fur. Make sure to gently dampen your dog’s fur and lather carefully with the shampoo.

When using a whitening dog shampoo, always go for something that is meant for Bichons and contains no dangerous chemicals or synthetic dyes. If you’re looking for one, we suggest PetPost’s whitening shampoo:

Preview	Product	Price
	Petpost | Dog Whitening Shampoo - Best Lightening Treatment for Dogs with White Fur - Soothing...	$17.97	Buy on Amazon

However, if your dog has sensitive skin, it’s best to ask your pet’s veterinarian for a medicated shampoo.

Here are a few quick tips to remember during bath time: 

1. Use a non-slip mat – This will help prevent slipping when bathing your Bichon. 
2. Thoroughly wet the fur before applying shampoo – Make sure you dampen your dog all the way to the skin. 
3. Avoid the eyes and ears – Keep these sensitive areas dry and away from any liquid. Shampoo and conditioner can irritate your Bichon’s eyes and ears. 
4. Use a dog conditioner after completely rinsing out the shampoo – A conditioner will help keep your pet’s fur soft, healthy, and tangle free. 
5. Use a hand-held shower nozzle – Set it to a low-pressure setting and carefully wash your Bichon all over. 
6. Be gentle when drying your pooch – It’s best to pat your Bichon dry with a clean towel and let them shake out the water out of their fur. Avoid rubbing vigorously as this can irritate your dog’s skin. 
7. Use a hairdryer in a low-heat setting – Blow-dry your pooch’s hair using a hairdryer. However, don’t hold the dryer too close to avoid irritating the skin.
8. Comb out any remaining mats – Once your Bichon is fully clean and dry, comb out any mats you’ve missed. And work out stubborn tangles and matts with a de-tangling spray. 
9. Use a slicker brush – Keep brushing the fur with a slicker brush to smooth it out. 

Step 4: Create a Relaxing Environment for Your Pooch

The next step on how to groom a Bichon Frise at home is to create a relaxing environment for them.

Bichons are affectionate and playful companions, but they can be rowdy when grooming time comes. So it’s a good idea to help your furbaby get used to grooming activities from a young age. 

Raise your Bichon in a way that makes them unafraid and calm during grooming sessions. Here are a few tips you can try:

• Brush your pup’s lovely fur daily while snuggling them
• Touch and play with their paws to make nail trimming more fun rather than stressful
• Hold and gently massage their head during playtime

When it’s time to groom your Bichon Frise at home, create a bit of white noise that they’re familiar with and love to hear. You can play their favorite dog movie or a soothing playlist in the background.

Your goal is to make your pooch feel as comfortable as possible throughout the grooming process. 

Remember, be patient and avoid scolding your pet when things don’t go your way. And reward good behavior with lots of your Bichon’s favorite treats, especially when they sit still and stop fussing around. 

Step 5: Trim the Nails

Clipping your Bichon’s nails every two weeks is important to make sure your pet feels comfortable while walking and moving around. 

Keep in mind these tips when trimming your dog’s nails: 

1. Prepare a dog first aid kit with styptic powder – Styptic powder will help stop any bleeding. It is a clotting agent that you should apply immediately in the very unlikely event that you cut the “quick,” or the pink spot in the nail containing nerves and blood vessels.
2. Start trimming the nails when your Bichon feels more relaxed – As mentioned earlier, it’s best to create a calming environment for your pooch. Play some relaxing background sound, play with your dog’s paws, or give them treats to help them relax. 
3. Find the ideal position for nail trimming – Your Bichon might like to be held or they might prefer to sit on the table. 
4. Use dog nail clippers – Make sure to cut only the white part of the nail using clippers. Stop clipping when you see a black dot, because this means you’re close to the quick. 
   For dog nail trimming, we recommend this product to easily do the job:
   

   Preview	Product	Price
   	Epica Professional Dog Nail Clipper, Dog Nail Clippers for Large Dog, Easy and Safe Dog Grooming...	$13.99	Buy on Amazon

5. Use a nail grinder – If you don’t like using clippers, this is an excellent alternative. This nail-cutting tool makes it easier and safer to trim a frisky Bichon’s nails. 

Step 6: Clean Your Pet’s Ears

To prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria, it’s important to regularly clean your Bichon’s ears.

We recommend that you use an ear cleaning solution like Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution to clean and remove dirt in your dog’s ears.

Preview	Product	Price
	Vetoquinol Ear Cleansing Solution for Dogs and Cats - 8oz	$14.99	Buy on Amazon

Put a few drops of the pet ear cleaning solution onto a piece of cotton wool. And then rub it gently in your fur baby’s ears, and clean any excess liquid with a dry cotton wool ball. 

Watch the video below to learn more about cleaning your furbaby’s ears: 

Step 7: Brush Those Canine Teeth

Another essential part of grooming your Bichon Frise is maintaining oral health.

Keep those canine teeth and gums healthy by brushing your Bichon’s teeth every week using a dual-headed brush and a dog toothpaste. You can use the bigger brush for the front teeth and the smaller end for harder-to-reach areas. 

If you’re looking for a good dual-headed brush, we recommend using Pets & Pupps’:

Preview	Product	Price
	Pet Toothbrush for Dogs, Cats with Soft Bristles - Easy Teeth Cleaning & Dental Care, Non Slip Dual...	$6.99	Buy on Amazon

Another tool we recommend for brushing your dog’s teeth is a finger toothbrush, which has soft silicone bristles for gentle cleaning.

Preview	Product	Price
	Jasper Dog Toothbrush, 360º Dog Tooth Brushing Kit, Cat Toothbrush, Dog Teeth Cleaning, Dog Finger...	$13.99	Buy on Amazon

Step 8: Wipe Away Dirt and Stains From the Face

With such a lovely white fur, Bichons are more prone to staining on the face. They tend to develop red-brown patches beneath the eyes, which is why regular eye cleaning is essential.  

Wipe the area around your pet’s eyes to get rid of tear stains. You can dampen a clean washcloth or use grooming wet wipes for pets. And then swipe over the cheeks and chin after gently wiping the eye area.

If you’re looking for grooming wet wipes for your Bichon, we recommend this product:

Preview	Product	Price
	John Paul Pet Ear & Eye Pet Wipes for Dogs and Cats, 2 in 1, Safe, Clean Face, Infused with Aloe, pH...		Buy on Amazon

Alternatively, you can use an eye-cleaning solution for pets. The application typically involves using cotton wool. 

After wiping, make sure to comb out your Bichon’s fur to prevent tangles. You can then use a blow-dryer on a low, cool setting to dry your dog’s fur. 

When learning how to groom a Bichon Frise at home, remember that cleansing the face is an essential step. It helps get rid of dirt, discoloration, moisture buildup, and tear stains.

Step 9: Clip Underneath the Feet

Now that your pooch is clean all over, the next step is trimming the hair between the paw pads. Properly snipping the paw pads helps prevent the buildup of dirt and mats. But more importantly, it helps prevent unnecessary slipping that could lead to injury. 

Use a #30 blade when trimming around your Bichon’s paw pads. We recommend using this product for trimming your pet’s fur because a cordless electric clipper is typically more convenient to use. 

Preview	Product	Price
	Bousnic Dog Clippers 2-Speed Cordless Pet Hair Grooming Clippers Kit - Professional Rechargeable for...		Buy on Amazon

Brush hair between the paw pads to make clipping it easier. And then simply glide your electric clipper smoothly over your canine’s pads and spread the pads to snip any uneven hair. 

Step 10: Clip Around Private Areas

The next step on how to groom a Bichon Frise at home is by clipping around your pooch’s private areas.

Switch to a #10 blade when clipping around your Bichon’s sensitive and private areas. And be extra careful when trimming these fuzzy parts near the belly and groin.

To make the process easier, you can help your dog stand properly by holding both front legs for support. Or you can hold one leg up to lightly trim the area around the groin. 

Step 11: Start Trimming the Body

Use a size A, snap-on comb guard when it’s time to clip your Bichon’s body.

A clipping comb guard helps shield your dog’s skin from direct contact with the electric clippers. Don’t worry, different sizes of adjustable clipping combs are available to suit various pet hair lengths! 

First, start clipping from behind your dog’s shoulders toward the base of the tail. It’s best to leave some neck hair as you make your way to the head later. 

Next, trim from the shoulder downward, skimming off at the elbow. And then carefully clip the sides of your furry buddy, wrapping beneath the belly.

You can trim the head as the last step to make sure it looks well-balanced with the rest of the body. 

Don’t forget to remove loose hairs by occasionally brushing your furbaby’s body while clipping the hair. 

Step 12: Clip the Thighs and Legs, and Trim the Feet Round

After you’re done trimming the body, you can start clipping your Bichon’s upper outer thigh area.

First, trim from the bend of the knee toward the rear area while you go against the grain on the back of the legs. 

Next, brush the thighs and legs downward, and see if the front legs look rounded and straight. And then holding a pair of scissors straight down, start cutting a straight line from your Bichon’s body toward the edge of the paws.

Clip the belly moving towards the chest. And after snipping the rear legs, you can then scissor the front legs into straight columns. 

While keeping your Bichon standing still, begin cutting the bottom of the paws in a circular motion to round the feet. And keep on snipping uneven hairs until your furbaby looks neatly trimmed without any rough, irregular patches. 

We recommend trimming lightly at first instead of cutting too much quickly. This way, you can adjust the length of the hair and achieve your desired look more accurately. 

Step 13: Trim the Face and Head

Finally, it’s time to focus on the head as you continue to groom your Bichon Frise at home. 

You may use a #10 blade or thinning shears to trim the head and face. If you don’t have any thinning shears, these thinning shears from Pet Magasin is our top recommendation:

Preview	Product	Price
	Pet Magasin Pet Thinning Shears - Professional Thinning Scissors with Toothed Blade	$9.99	Buy on Amazon

When trimming, scissor the rear part of the head and the back of the ears.

Round the ears into the head by combing the ears and cheeks downward and snipping them after. And then snip the ears so that they blend well with the rest of the face. Make sure to trim the corners of the eyes to keep your Bichon’s vision clear. 

Furthermore, the head should have a rounded top and a flat bottom. So, brush the top upward and the bottom downward, and snip into a smooth dome shape. 

Step 14: Do Some Finishing Touches

And finally, do some finishing touches! When doing this, scissor the neck to your desired length. And do a bit more snipping on the entire body to make sure your Bichon looks seamless.

Comb and brush your Bichon’s hair to uncover rough spots you may have missed. With some finishing touches, your pooch will look neat, clean, and effortlessly gorgeous. 

We’ve come up with a simple list of grooming activities to keep your adorable Bichon in tiptop condition at all times: 

Start grooming tasks like coat brushing and nail trimming when your Bichon is still a pup, so they grow up healthy and unafraid of grooming sessions. 

The more your Bichon gets used to the process, the less anxious and rowdy they will be when grooming time comes. 

Quick Tips On How To Groom A Bichon Frise At Home

To make the grooming process seamless for you and your pooch, here are a few quick tips that we’ve rounded up:

1. Start clipping your pet’s coat at 6 to 8 months old – Puppies younger than 6 months will be harder to groom as they have a thinner coat. And young Bichons simply need daily brushing to maintain a tangle-free coat. 
2. Start brushing early on – Brush your puppy daily using a pin brush to establish a routine. And then switch to a soft slicker brush when they turn 4 months old.
3. Incorporate grooming activities into your dog’s regular routine – As mentioned earlier, help your pet get used to being groomed by playing with their paws, brushing while cuddling them, and/or gently holding their head. 
4. Stay patient each time you groom your Bichon Frise at home – Keep in mind that grooming can take anywhere from one to two hours or more. Be patient! Soon, you’ll develop techniques that will help ease your grooming sessions. 
5. Be consistent – Your Bichon will gradually learn to sit still and be more obedient after several grooming sessions, so be consistent with the grooming routine.
6. Don’t give up easily – First-time DIY grooming will most likely be far from perfect, but you’ll soon get better the more you groom your furbaby. 

Final Thoughts

Learning how to groom a Bichone Frise at home will help keep your fur baby clean, happy and most importantly, healthy.

With the tips above, you can care for your Bichon’s hygiene and keep your charming little cloud healthy and neat-looking at all times. Just be sure to maintain consistency and use the right tools to groom your adorable Bichon properly. 

These adorable lapdogs go back at least 1,000 years. They originated in Tibet back in the 7th century, and were offered as presents to the Chinese royalty.

Today, Shih Tzus are known as happy little balls of fluff that just love being spoiled, and look best with a fair amount of grooming. 

And if you’re wondering whether grooming a Shih Tzu at home is possible, the answer is yes!

With proper preparation and the right tools and equipment, you can give your furry baby a snazzy cut and a professionally groomed result. 

Continue reading below to find out how you can properly and safely groom your Shih Tzu at home.

Grooming A Shih Tzu At Home

Grooming your Shih Tzu at home strengthens your bond with them and helps you learn how to care for them better.

Here’s a helpful video to help you get an idea of how to groom Shih Tzu at home and do a puppy cut haircut.

Now that you have a better idea on how grooming a Shih Tzu looks like, you can follow the exact steps we’ll discuss below so you can groom your dog at home.

For this guide, we’ll lay down the steps for the most well-known cut Shih Tzus can rock – the puppy cut.

This haircut gives your small canine buddy a clean, easy-to-maintain look and makes them appear even cuter. And depending on your preferences, you can give your Shih Tzu a puppy cut with short or long ears. 

Are you ready? Now let’s get started with the DIY grooming process! Follow these 13 easy steps to grooming a Shih Tzu at home, from start to finish. 

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Grooming Equipment

Before anything else, find an area that’s roomy and comfortable enough for your grooming session. 

Do you have a table with a flat, clean surface? Then that will serve as your grooming workspace.

If your rambunctious little pet likes to squirm around, you may want to get an adjustable grooming arm with an adjustable clamp and a haunch holder.

A grooming arm will help control excessive moving while keeping your pet comfortable. Here’s one of our recommendations that you can easily buy on Amazon:

Preview	Product	Price
	Downtown Pet Supply Dog Grooming Arm with Clamp and Grooming Loop, 2 Haunch, Silver - Adjustable,...		Buy on Amazon

Before grooming a Shih Tzu at home, it’s important to prepare the necessary supplies to make the whole process a success. Here are all the tools and equipment you’ll need for your DIY grooming session:

2. Get Rid of Matted and Tangled Hair

When grooming a Shih Tzu at home, it’s important to remove any matted or tangled hair to make bathing easier. Thick knots of hair will be denser when damp and tougher to remove. Furthermore, tangles in the coat could also snag the clippers. 

Here are a few tools you can use to get rid of matted and tangled hair:

Pin Brush

Use a pin brush if you have a long-haired adult Shih Tzu, ideally a 16-millimeter to 20-millimeter brush.

Slicker Brush

You can use a slicker brush for a short-coat Shih Tzu. It effectively gets rid of debris and loose strands without hurting your pet. And it also helps eliminate mats and tangles.

When choosing a brush, pick one with fine bristles to deeply penetrate your dog’s coat without scratching the skin. For example, Hertzko’s Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush, which you can get on Amazon, does a great job at safely removing matted or tangled hair.

Preview	Product	Price
	Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush for Pets with Long Or Short Hair, Dog Brush for...	$12.04	Buy on Amazon

De-matting Comb

A de-matting comb, on the other hand, works wonders in de-tangling hard-to-reach spots from tips to roots, especially in the face, neck, and paw areas.

This Coastal Pet Safari de-matting comb helps remove stubborn mats. And it’s ideal for dogs with long, matted coats or coarse hair.

Preview	Product	Price
	Coastal Pet Safari Dog De-Matting Comb - Serrated Stainless Steel Grooming Tool for Dogs with Medium...	$13.96	Buy on Amazon

Alternatively, you can use a de-matting spray if your fluffy dog has stubborn matted hair. 

Steel Comb

Finally, use a simple steel comb (also called a greyhound comb) to get rid of excess hair and small mats. A lightweight comb with fine and coarse teeth, like Andis, is an excellent tool when grooming a Shih Tzu at home. 

Preview	Product	Price
	Andis 65730 Stainless-Steel Comb for Knots, Mats & Loose Hair Removal - Effective Dematting Tool,...	$12.68	Buy on Amazon

To prevent unwanted matting, it’s best to maintain a brushing routine that keeps your Shih Tzu’s double coat looking great. 

Take time to regularly brush your canine baby’s hair to make your grooming sessions less stressful.

3. Bathe and Dry Your Dog Carefully

Now that you’ve successfully de-tangled your Shih Tzu’s hair, the next step is to give your dog a nice bath to ensure your dog is completely clean. 

Keep these tips in mind when bathing your dog: 

• Place your Shih Tzu on a non-slip mat to prevent unnecessary slipping. 
• Use lukewarm water so your dog feels comfortable.
• Avoid getting water on the face, especially up the nose. Shih Tzus don’t like their faces getting damp. However, make sure to cleanse areas around the mouth and eyes properly. 
• Hold your dog’s head upward while massaging the shampoo. This helps prevent liquid from getting into the eyes. 
• Use a shower nozzle to minimize spillage. Run the water into your palm first to ensure the spray isn’t too strong. You could also let the water trickle from your hand onto your dog in the beginning so your dog feels less anxious. 
• And make sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent residue buildup.

It’s important to use quality dog shampoo and conditioner to maintain your Shih Tzu’s beautiful, healthy coat.

When choosing, pick a hypoallergenic, all-natural dog shampoo and conditioner without harsh chemicals or artificial dyes. Some formulations are specially made to help alleviate itching and dry skin. And some are made for sensitive or irritated skin.

If you don’t know which shampoo and conditioner to buy, here’s an option you can try:

No products found.

Furthermore, drying your Shih Tzu requires gentle pats – no harsh rubbing! Patting them dry will help prevent split ends on their coat. Then, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting while lightly brushing the coat with your fingers.

4. Keep Your Shih Tzu Relaxed

Shih Tzus are typically playful and energetic, but they can also get easily frightened or anxious when being groomed. 

So, when grooming a Shih Tzu at home, always ensure that you’re giving them a less stressful experience by taking the grooming process slowly.

Create a soothing background sound that they’re familiar with, like turning on the TV or playing some calming music at a low volume. Or you can also try playing with your dog’s paws to help your pet feel more comfortable. 

It’s also best to incorporate simple grooming habits into your dog’s regular routine. Brush your fluffy pet frequently, play with their paws and ears, and gently massage their head once in a while.

This way, your Shih Tzu will squirm less and feel more comfortable with being touched when grooming time comes. 

Furthermore, give your pooch plenty of tasty treats and praise them a lot when grooming them. Avoid scolding them if they keep on wiggling, especially when you’re clipping their nails.

It’s important that you stay calm and patient throughout the grooming process so your Shih Tzu feels less nervous. 

5. Clean That Adorable Puppy Face

Shih Tzus, particularly light-colored ones, quickly pick up dirt, debris, and food particles that could get stuck in their double coat. Furthermore, moisture retention also leads to discoloration. 

To keep your perky little dog looking clean and beautiful, it’s essential to clean their face every day.

And to do this, you can use grooming wipes to effectively get rid of tear stains, dirt, and moist buildup around the eyes. 

Here is a grooming wipes option for your pooch that is unscented and gentle on the eyes:

Preview	Product	Price
	John Paul Pet Ear & Eye Pet Wipes for Dogs and Cats, 2 in 1, Safe, Clean Face, Infused with Aloe, pH...		Buy on Amazon

Here are quick tips to remove stains and dirt with grooming wipes: 

• Swipe around the eyes to remove visible stains. 
• Swipe over your Shih Tzu’s cheeks and down the chin. 
• Wipe their face twice daily after meals. 

6. Clean Your Dog’s Ears

The next step in grooming a Shih Tzu at home is cleaning their ears, which is best done with a cleaning solution for dogs.

Choose an ear cleaner that gently yet thoroughly cleanses and deodorizes a canine’s external ear canal. Here are our top 3 recommendations:

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats, 8 oz	$20.69	Buy on Amazon
2		VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats - Otic Rinse for Infections and Controlling Ear Infections and...	$13.99	Buy on Amazon
3		Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution for Dogs and Cats to Soothe Ear Infections with 1% Hydrocortisone for...	$23.79	Buy on Amazon

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We recommend that you pour a few drops from the ear cleanser bottle over a cotton wool ball. Then, gently rub it into your pet’s ears. And finally, wipe away any leftover solution with a dry cotton wool ball. 

Routinely cleansing your Shih Tzu’s ears helps prevent ear infections. And you can do this around one to two times weekly to maintain clean, healthy ears. 

7. Brush Those Pearly White Teeth

Dental hygiene is another important part of your Shih Tzu’s grooming routine.

Brush your Shih Tzu’s teeth weekly using a dual-headed brush for small dogs like the below option.

Preview	Product	Price
	Pet Toothbrush for Dogs, Cats with Soft Bristles - Easy Teeth Cleaning & Dental Care, Non Slip Dual...	$6.99	Buy on Amazon

This type of toothbrush has a small brush on one end and a bigger brush on the other end. And it helps simplify the process of cleaning hard-to-reach mouth areas. 

Alternatively, you can use a finger toothbrush with soft silicone bristles for gentle yet thorough cleaning. 

And of course, don’t forget to choose a toothpaste that’s specially formulated for dogs. 

8. Clip the Nails

Now it’s time to give your fabulous pooch a paw-dicure! Part of grooming a Shih Tzu at home is keeping their nails well-trimmed. 

As mentioned earlier, when grooming, it’s best to raise your dog in a way that makes them comfortable. And when it comes to clipping their nails, it’s best to expose them to the sounds and sensations of nail trimmers while they’re still a pup. 

Before trimming the nails, prepare a pet first aid kit with a clotting agent like styptic powder. In the unlikely event that you hit the “quick” (the vein in the middle of the nail), you should immediately dab some styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Over time, this vein will recede and allow you to trim your pup’s nails shorter. 

Next, find out what position works best for your dog. Some Shih Tzus like to be held, while others prefer to sit at a table or sprawl on the floor. 

When nail trimming time comes, start lightly touching your Shih Tzu’s paws. Touch the areas around and in between the toes. 

Give your little pooch treats whenever you’re playing with their paws, so they associate the activity with a positive experience.

However, be sure to reward good behavior only. Don’t hand out treats when your dog keeps on moving, biting, and resisting. Your goal is to help them be calm, obedient, and still. 

Once your fur baby starts responding positively, you can then start clipping their nails. Be gentle and take it slowly. 

Start making small cuts on the nail with the clippers. Only cut the white portion of the nail. And stop cutting once you see the black dot, which indicates the start of the quick. 

Alternatively, you can use a nail grinder instead of a nail clipper. This tool is usually more expensive, but makes it easy to trim your dog’s nails swiftly and more safely. 

So, if you have a fussy and sensitive pooch, here’s a dog nail grinder we recommend:

Preview	Product	Price
	Dremel 7350-PET 4V Pet & Dog Nail Grinder, Easy-To-Use & Safe Nail Trimmer, Professional Pet...	$38.93	Buy on Amazon

After trimming your pet’s nails successfully, don’t forget to reinforce good behavior with delectable treats. 

9. Snip Hair Between the Paw Pads

The next step to grooming a Shih Tzu at home is keeping their paw pads well-trimmed.

This helps prevent your rambunctious fluffball from sliding on slippery surfaces that could result in injury. Also, maintaining well-trimmed paw pads prevents dirt buildup and matting. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to trim the hair on your pooch’s paw pads:

• Gently brush the bottom of your pet’s paw with a slicker brush. This makes the hair between paw pads easier to trim.
• Glide the electric clipper lightly over your dog’s paw pads, ensuring that the hair is even with the pads.
• Carefully cut excess hair between the toes while spreading the paw pads.

Depending on your dog’s clipper model, you can use a #40 blade to trim their paw pads.

And don’t forget that when you’re grooming a Shih Tzu at home, give them more treats as you go through every step of the grooming routine. 

10. Snip Around the Body

The puppy cut, also called the summer cut, is one of the most popular hairstyles for Shih Tzus.

This haircut is when you trim the hair 1 to 2 inches in length to create a neat, low-maintenance look. And to maintain this look, you’ll have to trim your furbaby’s hair every three months or so.

To make the grooming process easier, it’s best to hold your pet in place by putting them on a flat, clean table that’s outfitted with an adjustable grooming arm.

However, you may not have to do this if you have a well-behaved pooch that’s comfortable with being groomed. 

You can use a #10 blade for your cordless electric grooming clipper to trim your dog’s hair. Depending on your chosen grooming clipper, you’ll have to use different blades when trimming specific parts of your dog. 

In our case, we love using this grooming clipper from Amazon when trimming the dog’s body:

Preview	Product	Price
	oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers Low Noise Rechargeable Cordless Electric Quiet Hair Clippers Set for...	$25.49	Buy on Amazon

When snipping around the body, first, lightly trim the fuzzy parts around your dog’s groin area while holding one leg up. Make sure to take extra caution when snipping hair from the belly and sensitive areas. 

Attach a clipping comb guard to protect your dog’s skin from direct contact with the clippers. Adjustable clipping combs typically come in varying measurements to suit different pet hair lengths. 

Next, hold your dog’s face upward and start trimming down the neck. Continue trimming to the middle of the body as you make downward strokes from the top of the head. 

Leave the head untouched for now, so you can later see what the body looks like and how you can make the head look proportionate to the rest of the body. 

And don’t forget to brush the body swiftly every once in awhile before continuing the haircut to get rid of loose hairs. 

When you’re clipping, you’d want to go with the grain in the hair for the most part. Repeat the process and soon, you’ll get a good sense of the right speed and pressure to achieve a smooth, balanced cut. 

11. Clip Around the Legs

Grooming a Shih Tzu at home also means clipping around the hair on their legs.

So, now that you’ve evenly trimmed the body, start clipping hair around each leg while keeping your Shih Tzu in place.

Just do the same swift downward strokes in one direction to achieve a clean cut. You could hold each leg up to trim the inner area more thoroughly. And clip from the top of the leg down to the foot. 

12. Start Trimming the Head

When grooming a Shih Tzu at home, you can’t forget trimming their head and face!

To do this properly, add a snap-on comb atop the #30 blade to give your Shih Tzu a cute puppy look while protecting sensitive areas.

Trim the top of the head smoothly with the clippers, and then use a pair of round-end scissors to create a well-balanced facial shape. You’ll have to constantly check if the size of the head fits the rest of the trimmed body. 

After trimming your Shih Tzu’s head, you can then use scissors to clip the ears and snip away any uneven hair lengths on the face. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to keep the ears short or long. 

13. Do Some Finishing Touches

The final step to grooming a Shih Tzu at home is to smooth any uneven areas. This helps ensure your charming pooch looks beautifully groomed.

You can also use a brush or comb to inspect your furbaby’s coat closely and spot any rough areas. Take your time to trim as necessary, ensuring that your dog’s new haircut looks clean, consistent, and smooth. 

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Shih Tzu Well-Groomed at Home

Grooming a Shih Tzu at home means putting in plenty of time and effort to do it regularly. And we hope, that with these steps, you’ll be able to properly and safely do it with your pooch at home.

Don’t forget that with proper preparation and quality tools, you can keep your furbaby happy, healthy, and gorgeous at all times. 

Luxury mobile dog grooming firm Barkbus examined the bacteria and fungi levels on dogs before and after a clean-up to see precisely how efficient professional grooming is at getting rid of the dirt and grime and unfriendly organisms in a furry friend’s coat, mouth, and paws.

Barkbus conducted six total gram and stain culture swab tests across the fur, mouth, and paws of a dog before and after a professional groom. 

The study found that thorough grooming significantly reduces the number of bacteria in the average dog. The swab analysis was performed to determine the total number of colony-forming units and the types of germs (CFUs). The number of fungi, viruses, and both good and harmful bacteria present in a sample is measured in CFUs.

The dogs’ fur and mouths showed a significant difference between before and after grooming. 34.7 million CFUs on their coat decreased to just 10, while 6.1 million CFUs on the mouth on average, reduced to 140.

Meanwhile, paws didn’t have the same significant changes. Before grooming, dogs’ feet had an average of 6,500 CFUs, after grooming, that amount only decreased to 3,200 CFUs.  So when cleaning your dog, make sure you give extra attention to their paws.

Additionally, remember to take your dog for deep cleaning. Professional groomers not only do meticulous brushing, washing, trimming, and nail-cutting procedures, but because of their experience and their ability of a detailed examination of your dog, they are more likely to spot any problems. If ignored for an extended period of time, long nails can compel your dog to alter the way it walks, resulting in bone deformations and arthritis. Infections, mites, and other unpleasant conditions can also enter the body through unclean ears.

The study also compared the dog’s fur, mouth and paws to daily household items. The result? Dogs have more bacteria than the items tested. 

When compared to their humans’ headsets and kitchen surfaces, dogs were 14 to 18 times dirtier before getting groomed. However, following thorough grooming, the CFUs in the fur (10 CFUs), mouth (140 CFUs), and paws were essentially unnoticeable (3,200 CFUs).

How often your dog takes a bath may vary, but it is a good idea to bathe your dog at least once every two to three months. 

Unfortunately, taking a bath can be stressful for your dog. From the sound of running water affecting their sensitive hearing to their bottled-up nervous energy triggered by baths, many factors can influence why they don’t like it. You become stressed when they become stressed, and cleaning them seems impossible. Here are some tips on how you can help your dog feel comfortable in the bath!

Avoid Negative Associations

Make bathing an enjoyable experience for your dog so that every time he sees shampoo bubbles, running water, or bathrooms, he associates it with a positive experience. Toys, praise, and treats during bath time are encouraged. If your dog has a hard time in the bathtub, try a mild shower or a hose outside. Do not force them into doing things if they’re afraid or uncomfortable. This makes them feel unsafe and only lengthens the process. With enough positive associations, once they can get into the bathroom and stay comfortably, you can regularly wash your dog in a full-on bath. 

Prepare Key Products and Tools

Prepare their brush, shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner, and towels. You may also include a non-slip mat or stickers to help them feel steady and secure. Make sure you have the items needed while taking a bath right where you can reach them. Trying to find things with a wet dog running around the house can be a handful. Choose where you want to give them a bath. Depending on whether the dog is big or small in size, you can choose between a small sink or a larger tub. Having a dedicated space for their bath area can help keep dog hair clean from the family bathroom, but using it is fine too. 

Use Lukewarm Water

Check the water temperature before using it for your dog. If the water is too hot, it can increase your pet’s heart rate and cause strain. If the water is too cold, it can be uncomfortable and won’t clean as much. Use lukewarm water and avoid spraying your dog full force. Protect their ears, nose, and other sensitive areas. 

Brush Fur Before and After

Brushing before cleaning them detangles dog hair and minimizes shampoo and water waste. Talk to your pet in reassuring tones while brushing to help him be calmer before taking a bath. To help prevent ingrown hairs that lead to bumps in the skin, brush your dog’s hair in the direction you want it to grow. 

Apply Shampoo and Rinse Thoroughly

Use a dog shampoo with the correct PH balance for your pet. Due to their acidic levels, human shampoos are not suited for a dog’s skin and coat. Work your way through the neck, front shoulders, armpits, stomach and down to your dog’s tail and feet with your fingers or a soft brush. While rinsing, keep an eye on if there is still dirt and bubbles running down. Use a cotton ball to protect their ears from running water. 

Dry Your Dog

Sometimes, infections and itching can come from trapped moisture after washing. Use a dry towel or a blow-dryer to ensure they are completely dried. You could also air dry your dog and brush him as he dries. Gently hold the back of their neck to control their movements. 

There are bath-free ways to clean your dog. The use of cleaning wipes, dry shampoos, and deodorizing spray can also make your dog clean. But by following these steps, you can get your dog to feel comfortable in the bath to make him spick and span!

Under the law, there is an act that protects and promotes the welfare of dogs. And as a responsible pet parent, you must provide the proper care and nutrition for your furry friends. 

Most dogs have an average life expectancy of 14 years. It varies depending on their breed and other factors, and they may live longer than that. You want only the best for your dog, and you want one thing for him: a long and healthy life. Here are some tips on how you can give your dog proper care to help him live longer:

Healthy Diet

Obesity is a major health issue for dogs, and along with it comes other medical issues. To stay fit and healthy your dog needs a well-balanced diet. You can mix up their diet with conventional meat, raw meat, or a vegan diet. Supply fresh drinking water at all times to keep them hydrated throughout the day. Combine a healthy diet with exercise to help with both medical and behavioral problems. Dogs are man’s best friends, and exercising with them creates a bonding experience.

Regular Vet Visits

Just like you, dogs need their routine checkups. They should undergo a comprehensive physical examination at least once a year. With the vet assessing your dog’s health condition, chronic diseases can be prevented. Schedule the necessary vaccination appointments for your dogs and seek your veterinarian’s advice on the appropriate diets, exercise, and medications. 

Comfortable Living Environment

A dog’s surroundings greatly affect his health, and as a pet owner, you should provide a comfortable living quarter for your dog. His rest area should be clean, dry, quiet, and hazard-free. Owning a dog can be overwhelming. But stocking up on basic care supplies such as toothbrushes, combs, leashes, beds, and food bowls can help you lessen your worries. 

Good Grooming Habits

Good hygiene is essential to a healthy life. Observe the regular grooming of your dog and do not neglect their dental care and nail trimming. A dog given frequent baths is free of fleas and ticks. Use cleaning products made especially for dogs. A variety of places offer professional grooming services, and you can try availing them for a more thorough cleaning. 

Socializing

Allow them to meet other people and dogs in a low-risk environment. Socializing helps develop relationships and reduces anxiety and fear of people, animals, and places. This minimizes serious behavioral problems, such as aggression or nervous behavior. Take your dog on frequent walks while keeping them on a leash. 

Identification

If your dog is off-leash, chances are he’ll get out of your yard sometimes without you knowing. You can lessen your worries by putting a microchip on him. This makes it easier for you to locate them. Make sure the contact information is up-to-date and registered. You can also use dog tags for the same purpose. 

Dog ownership may feel like an enormous task, but learning and meeting your dog’s needs by giving proper care ensures the foundation for a healthy life. What are your other dog care tips for their longevity? 

As a new dog owner, becoming a pet parent comes with tons of responsibilities. This includes learning how to groom your pet to keep him clean, healthy, and huggable! Dog grooming can seem a bit intimidating at first, which is completely normal. At first, it can definitely be a bit messy and unpleasant, but with tons of patience and practice, you’ll soon get the hang of it. Use these tips below to help you get started.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Comfortable With You

Grooming your new pooch can be a bit unfamiliar and scary to them. If you just got your dog, it’s best to establish trust with them first before you can take the necessary steps to groom them. Take the time first to get to know your dog’s personality as well. Some dogs are more easy to handle than others. The more comfortable your dog is with you, the better the grooming experience will be. Eventually, your new pup will even enjoy grooming. 

Groom Your Dog Regularly

Constant grooming not only keeps them looking clean and smelling good, it keeps them healthy as well. Brushing them regularly keeps their coat healthy and shiny, and bathing them prevents skin problems. There are tons of grooming tools that you can choose from and this will vary on your dog’s coat type. In terms of how often you should bathe your dog, according to the American Kennel Club this will depend on many factors such as your dog’s coat type, lifestyle and hair condition. The rule of thumb is “we should wash our dogs when they are no longer huggable.”

Constantly Check for Ticks and Fleas

Prevention is better than cure. Ticks can cause life-threatening diseases and are more active during the summer. Some ways to avoid ticks and fleas making their way to your pooch is to buy flea collars for your dog or using flea-repellant sprays. It’s best to also keep your environment, especially your yard, tick-free. Be sure to constantly check your dog’s body, including the 5 common places tick’s hide on dogs. If ever your dog does have ticks, don’t worry, as there are plenty of products that help you rid your dog of ticks. 

Clean Their Ears and Teeth

Not only is it important to make your dog’s hair and skin healthy, but even parts that usually go unnoticed such as their ears and teeth are important as well. Ear infections and diseases can be quite common in dogs and can be caused by ear mites, allergies or if they aren’t regularly cleaned. You also want to regularly brush your dog’s teeth not just to prevent bad breath, but to avoid diseases and to keep your dog healthy inside and out. 

Clip Their Nails

Clipping your dog’s nails not only keeps their paws clean, but helps improve their posture and mobility as well. It can be scary at first for your and your dog, but all you need is practice, the right nail clippers and a whole lot of treats. Be sure to just trim a small amount of the nail as you want to avoid hitting the dog’s vein. You’ll also want to keep your nail clippers sharp all the time as dull ones tend to crack your dog’s nails instead of cutting them. 

If you follow these basic tips and slowly introduce them to your dog, you’ll be well on your way to have a dog that’s well-groomed and loves grooming time!

Because an important part of raising a happy and healthy dog includes grooming, incorporating these 7 steps into your regular routine will set your dog up for success when it comes time to visit your favorite salon.

1. Play with your dog’s paws.

While some breeds will require more grooming than others, every dog will need their nails trimmed regularly. To help your dog become comfortable with having their nails trimmed and their paws groomed, make it a habit to play with their paws! Massage your dog’s feet, touch his paw pads, look between his toes, and touch his nails. 

2. Get your dog used to the sounds and sensations of clippers/trimmers.

Andis Grooming Educator, Valerie Partynski recommends pet owners expose their dogs to the sounds and sensations of grooming early and often. “Think of it like training. If you were only teaching your puppy how to ‘sit’ once a month, it would take a really long time for them to learn.” Most groomers will use clippers during at least a portion of the grooming process, even if just to trim up paw pads, ears, and sanitary areas. If your dog’s first exposure to a clipper is at the groomer, it can be scary and stressful. 

Valerie suggests removing the blade from your clippers and turning them on (or if you don’t have clippers at home, an electric toothbrush can be used) and letting your dog hear the noise it makes. Once they’re comfortable with the sounds, move the clippers closer until you’re able to touch your dog with them. If your dog doesn’t react or pull away, reinforce this behavior with treats or praise. Over time, you should be able to touch the clippers to your dog’s feet, legs, paws, and face without him reacting or pulling away.

3. Brush your dog regularly.

Brush your dog as often as possible to maintain a healthy coat and to prevent mats from forming. If your dog develops painful mats that are only brushed out at the salon, he may associate that experience with the groomer. Your best course of action is to prevent mats from developing with regular, even daily, brushing. Be sure to pay close attention to “friction areas” like armpits, ankles, back legs, and behind ears. Valerie recommends using an Andis slicker brush all over the coat for longer-haired dogs, then using a stainless steel comb to check that there are no knots. For shorter-haired dogs, use a curry brush and an Andis rake comb. 

4. Play with your dog’s ears.

Just like having their nails trimmed, every single dog will need to have their ears cleaned from time to time. You can help make this experience less stressful for your pup by getting them used to having their ears touched. Every chance you get, gently touch your dog’s ears, lift the ear flaps, touch behind their ears, and gently massage the base of the ears. If their ears are healthy, most dogs will love a good “ear noogie!”

5. Hold your dog’s head in your hands.

At certain points during the grooming process and especially during facial trims, your dog will need to remain perfectly still and calm. To do this, your groomer will often hold the dog’s head in place, usually by gently holding onto his chin or muzzle. You can help your dog feel perfectly comfortable with his head being held by practicing at home. Remember to just gently hold your dog’s head in your hands and reward him for calmly resting and not pulling away. Once your dog will calmly rest his chin on your hand, practice slowly guiding his head from side to side.

6. Get your dog used to standing on an elevated surface.

We don’t generally allow our dogs to stand on kitchen counters or dining tables. So, for a lot of dogs, going to the grooming salon is the only time they’re allowed to stand on an elevated surface—and it can be stressful for dogs that aren’t used to it. To better prepare your pup for going to the groomer, practice safely lifting them onto a sturdy elevated surface and allowing them to stand there calmly. Putting down a non-slip mat will help to make this more comfortable for them. Do not leave your dog unattended. Instead, hold onto their collar or leash with one hand while gently petting your dog, touching their legs, or stroking their tail with the other.

7. Teach your dog to be comfortable in a crate.

Even if you don’t choose to crate train your dogs, there will be many instances in their life where they’ll need to be placed inside a crate such as veterinary visits, during travel, and at grooming salons. A dog that has never been introduced to a crate at home can become stressed and has a much harder time remaining calm inside. You can create a positive association with the crate by feeding your dog or giving him high-value treats and toys inside. As a general rule, never use a crate for punishment but think of it as a calm and quiet retreat for a happy pup.

In this video, Andis Grooming Educator, Valerie Partynski demonstrates all 7 steps above, plus provides more important information, especially about puppy grooming:

Whether you’re raising a brand new puppy or you recently adopted an older dog, incorporating these 7 steps into your regular routine will help make grooming (both at-home and in a salon) more enjoyable for your dog and stress-free for you both.

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Left unchecked, dirty ears can lead to excess wax buildup, painful irritation, dangerous infection, and eventual hearing loss. That’s why cleaning your dog’s ears is should be a regular part of your grooming and maintenance routine. Here’s how to do it:

Step One: Check & Handle Your Dog’s Ears

While most dogs aren’t thrilled with having their ears cleaned, you can make the entire process easier on you both by frequently handling your dog’s ears, not just when you’re preparing to clean them. When you’re petting your dog – and we know you pet him often – just take a second to touch his ears, lift an ear flap, look inside, give an “ear noogie” by rubbing the base of the ear with a circular motion, and then give your dog praise or treats. Perform this “ear check” often, not only to get your dog accustomed to having his ears handled, but also to check for any potential issues.

The inside of your dog’s ears should be free of dirt, debris, and waxy buildup. The skin should be healthy and free off any redness or inflammation. Any excess hair or mats should be carefully removed.

During these random and frequent ear checks, if you notice any redness, discharge, swelling, foul odor, hair loss, flakey or scabby skin, or if your dog is pawing at his ears, shaking his head frequently, or showing signs of ear pain, do not attempt to clean his ears on your own. Instead, schedule an immediate trip to your veterinarian.

Step Two: Gather Your Supplies

Now that your dog is accustomed to having her ears handled and you’ve checked for signs of infection, it’s time to get to cleaning! Because it’s not exactly a pleasurable experience for your dog, you’ll want to gather your supplies and have them all easily within reach before getting started. (Take it from me – it’s not easy to lure a dog out from under the bed when you had to leave the room to grab more cotton balls halfway through the cleaning!)

You’ll need the following supplies:

• Ear cleaning solution: Always use an ear cleaning solution designed specifically for dogs.
• Cotton balls or pads
• Cotton-tipped swabs (Q-Tips): ONLY use cotton swabs to clean folds of the outer ear, NEVER inserting them into the ear canal. Cotton swabs are not recommended for super squirmy dogs.
• Washcloth or towel
• Yummy, high-value treats
• A second person may be helpful if your dog is especially squirmy.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, find a calm, quiet place to sit with your dog. Because your dog may shake his head and make a little mess, many people prefer to clean their dog’s ears in a bathroom or kitchen and away from furniture and bedding.

Step Three: Cleaning the Ears

First, squeeze a few drops of ear cleaning solution into one ear. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 20-seconds. You may be able to hear the solution swishing around in your dog’s ear canal as you massage – that’s a good sign that the solution has reached the inner parts of the ear. The moment you stop massaging and let go, your dog will shake her head – this is when ear cleaning can get a little messy.

After your dog shakes her head, squeeze enough cleaning solution onto a cotton ball or pad to saturate it. Use the solution-soaked cotton ball to wipe away any dirt or debris on the visible part of the dog’s ear. Don’t ever stuff cotton balls or fingers into the ear canal as this could damage delicate ear structures. (Some pet parents find that pre-moistened ear cleaning wipes work great for this in place of cotton balls or pads!). If your dog sits calmly for an ear cleaning, you may use cotton swabs soaked in solution to clean within the folds of the outer ear flap. Repeat the process on the opposite ear.

Once both ears have been cleaned, use a washcloth or towel to dry any remaining moisture or cleaning solution from your dog’s ears and face – and possibly from yourself.

Most dogs will benefit from having their ears cleaned at least once a month. However, some dogs with long, droopy, hairy, or floppy ears may need cleaned more often. Dogs that swim frequently should have ears cleaned more often. Talk to your veterinarian about an ear cleaning schedule that’s appropriate for your dog.

Step Four: Praise and Reward

Now that your dog has successfully had her ears cleaned, be sure to reward with tons of praise, loving attention, and tasty, high-value treats! Though she may put up a fight at first, she’ll eventually learn that sitting nicely for an ear cleaning means big rewards, making the process easier on you both.

While your dog’s coat is actually designed to protect them from the sun and scorching heat of summer, there are a few things you should be doing each year to help them effectively keep cool.

We spoke with Nicole Kallish, a Certified Master Groomer and Education Manager at Andis Company, about how we should be caring for our dogs’ skin and coats this summer, not just to keep them cool and comfortable, but to protect against sun exposure and help control fleas and ticks.

A lot of dog parents choose short “Summer Cuts”to keep their dogs cool and reduce shedding. Should I shave my dog?

Summer cuts or shave-downs are popular among pet parents hoping to make their dogs more comfortable during the hottest time of the year. But, that doesn’t mean it’s right for every dog. Nicole explained that a “shave down” is anything shorter than about 3/8 inch of hair, or a cut using anything shorter than a 4-blade on your clippers. While shave-downs can be a great option for easy maintenance and for the comfort of the dog, it’s not recommended that double-coated dogs get shaved.

Shaving a double-coated breed, like a Golden retriever, Husky, or German shepherd can actually do more harm than good. “The hair doesn’t always grow back properly and it can cause skin problems.” Instead, Nicole recommends double-coated dogs have their coats de-shed for the health of the pet.

It’s also important to remember that dogs with a short summer shave-down are more susceptible to sunburn and may need the added protection of a dog-safe sunscreen.

For de-shedding your dog at home, we recommend the Andis deShedding Tool. Your dog will love being brushed with the handheld tool and you’ll love that it reduces shedding by up to 90%. The unique shape and tooth pattern removes loose hair without causing damage to the top-coat or scratching your dog’s delicate skin. We tested this simple tool just two days after using a popular fur-reducing brush and were astounded at how much undercoat and loose hair was simply brushed away. In the summer, a deshedding tool can be used weekly if needed.

Toenails should always be kept trimmed, but what about the hair between paw pads?

A dog’s paws play a small role in helping them regulate their body temperature. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do have sweat gland””on their paw pads. When a dog’s paws sweat, the process of evaporation helps to reduce their body heat. So, with such a limited ability to cool themselves through sweating, it’s essential to keep your dog’s paws groomed so they’re most efficient in the summer heat.

Nicole recommends keeping fur around and between the paw pads shaved in the summer and the rest of the year, too. Besides inhibiting your dog’s ability to sweat effectively, paw hair can trap dirt and moisture on your dog’s paws or the hair can become painfully matted. And, overgrown paw pad fur can make it difficult for dogs to walk on hard floors or slick surfaces.

How often should we be brushing our dogs? 

A lot of dog owners have low-maintenance dogs that don’t require a ton of grooming. Still, every dog will benefit from regular brushing. Brushing removes loose hair, distributes natural oils through the fur, stimulates the surface of the skin, helps get rid of dead and dry skin, and provides the perfect opportunity to check your dog’s body from head to toe for lumps, bumps, fleas, ticks, and other skin and body conditions. Removing loose hair and thick undercoat through regular brushing will help your pup stay much cooler in the summer.

So, how often should it be done? Nicole explained, “the breed of dog and how long you keep their coat will determine how often they should be brushed. A good rule of thumb is to brush weekly. If your dog has a longer coat that is prone to matting, a few times a week is a good idea.”

Aside from giving veterinary-prescribed flea/tick prevention, how can grooming help control pests?

Fleas and ticks are a common complaint of pet parents during warmer seasons when they’re most prolific and regular brushing and grooming are essential in helping to control the pests. According to Nicole, “often, an owner does not notice any pests until they get their dog wet in the tub or go to a groomer. Fleas and ticks hide very well in longer, thicker coats.” She suggests keeping a close watch for excessive itching or chewing and occasionally going through your dog’s coat with a flea comb to discover fleas or ticks long before an infestation occurs.

Summer is the perfect time of year for outdoor adventures, lounging by the pool, and having fun in the sun, but there are a few important summertime rules to remember. “Dogs can also get heatstroke or heat exhaustion, so be sure to monitor your pet for signs of distressed breathing or high temperature” Nicole urges. “Make sure you have plenty of water available and take breaks in the shade whenever possible. For the swimmers out there, I recommend a bath with a quality dog shampoo followed by a conditioner to keep the coat in tip-top shape.”

One such task, keeping your dog’s bum clean and trimmed, can easily be done at home using the right tools and techniques. 

In the video below, Andis Grooming Ambassador Brian Taylor, nicknamed the “Dogfather of Harlem”, and a couple of colorful Pomeranian sidekicks demonstrate how to trim shape your dog’s hairy hiney at home to keep potty messes to a minimum while still having a perfectly peachy bum.

To take on this simple trim at home, you’ll need:
Slicker Brush
Stainless Steel Comb
Clippers: We recommend the Andis Pulse Li5 Cordless Clippers
Curved Grooming Shears
Thinning Shears

Before beginning, your dog should be clean, dried, and thoroughly brushed. You’ll also want to make sure he or she is comfortable with the sights, sounds, and sensations of being groomed. If you’re brand new to grooming at home, start by following the tips in this article, 7 Steps to Raising a Dog That Enjoys Being Groomed.

All of the clippers, shears, and accessories Brian used above can be found at Andis.com. 

Tips to Remember

• Always place your dog on a sturdy, secure, non-slip surface for grooming. If necessary, ask a friend or family member to assist with holding and rewarding your dog for good behavior while being groomed.

• Keep it simple. Never take on a task you aren’t completely comfortable with, but don’t be afraid to talk to your groomer about what you can do between appointments to keep your dog looking and feeling their very best—and to keep messes to a minimum.

• Use the right tools. Although you’re grooming at home, you still want professional quality results. Don’t reach into your junk drawer for an old pair of scissors and don’t try to clip your dog’s hiney with Dad’s beard trimmer. Instead, opt for the same Andis Grooming tools that pro groomers use for great results every time.

• Remember to clean and disinfect all of your grooming tools after each use, particularly after grooming the bum. We recommend Andis Cool Care Plus, a 5-in-1 cleaner and disinfectant spray that helps to maintain and prolong the life of your grooming tools.

Head to Andis.com for all your dog grooming tools and accessories, and be sure to visit Andis Grooming College for answers to commonly asked questions, how-to videos, and step-by-step guides to grooming your pets at home.

When unchecked, long nails can impact your dog’s posture and mobility. Long nails put pressure on their paw pads and nail bed. Similarly, semi-trimmed nails can curl, crack, and even become infected, which can cause pain and severe injury. 

There are many ways you can help make this process comfortable for your dog, and this is where we step in! We’re providing five ways you can help your dog not to feel scared of nail trimming sessions. 

Let’s dive right into it, shall we? 

Make Your Dog Feel Comfortable

The first step to start with is to make your dog feel comfortable. If your dog isn’t used to you touching their paws and nails, then it’s highly likely you’ll struggle with getting their nails trimmed.

However, you still have to trim their nails, and to get to that point; you’ll have to start with baby steps. Your furbaby needs lots of reassurance and encouragement from you (don’t forget the treats!). 

So, start by just holding their paws first. If your dog gives you the green light, advance by touching between the nails and toes, both top and bottom.

You must be gentle when you’re moving their toes around. You shouldn’t enforce that handling their paws is terrible or that they’ll have a painful experience from it. 

Once your furry friend gets used to you touching their paws and toes, then you can get started on the nail trimming! 

Treats, Treats, and More Treats! 

As we mentioned before, you’ll need lots of treats to make this nail trimming process easier for both you and your dog. 

Reward them for the behavior you want and not for the one you don’t want. You have to be careful there. We’re aware this is obvious to a dog owner, but it’s often easier to resort to bribery and distractions when trying to get things done quickly. 

Why Is This Important? 

You must make sure you’re not giving your dog a treat if they move their paw, struggling, biting or growling away from you when you’re trimming their nails. 

That’s because doing so may reinforce their behavior to move their paws away every time you try to trim. Reward them with treats if they’re being a total champ about you handling their paws and nails. 

This lets your furry buddy know that you were looking to reward him for his good behavior when trying to trim their nails. 

Are nail grinders good for dogs? Check out the link to find out more!

Clippers or Grinders?

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the grooming tools you’re going to use to trim your dog’s nails. Some dogs don’t like the sound of the “‘snap” the clipper makes. To them, it’s easily a terrifying thing to hear.

If your dog also has similar qualms about nail clippers, then it’s better to go for the grinder for quick and painless trimming. However, some dogs can’t tolerate a grinder’s vibration and are better suited to enduring their nails being cut with a clipper. 

Whichever device your dog prefers, you have to decide on what your aim here is. Is it to get their nails shortened safely and quickly, teaching them to be comfortable with weird things, or maybe both? 

Decide first and then carry on with it accordingly and always remember to be gentle and encouraging towards your furbaby. 

Be Gentle, Take It Slow

When you’re starting to trim their nails, take it slow. The key is to establish trust between you and your dog. Once you’ve achieved that, continue with trimming just a small amount off the tips of their nails first. 

Occasionally, you will quick a nail, it’s bound to happen once or twice, and that’s fine. Be as gentle as you can be during the nail trimming session, even if your dog is feeling hesitant and unsure. Don’t panic under any circumstances. (And, keep some styptic powder in your first aid kit, just in case!)

If you can’t get to trim all the nails or can’t get to the length you wanted to trim off, don’t force it.  End the session and get back to it another day.

You can always trim them the next time. As time goes by, your dog will have also accepted the concept of you handling their paws and trimming their nails. Remind yourself to be gentle and not to lose your patience with your pup.

Seeking Help

Finally, if you can’t seem to get anywhere with your dog with trimming their nails, then it’s time to seek help from professionals. 

Professional groomers are trained to work with all personalities and sizes of pets for nail trims. Find a groomer that you’re comfortable with letting you handle your dog. 

Let them know all about how your dog is terrified of getting their nails trimmed, and they will schedule a time to help work with them to fight their fears! 

It also helps if you seek help from a dog trainer while you’re at it. They can help with building confidence in your dog and train them too. So, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals because this is not easy work – and you could use all the help you get!  

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we’d like to say that nail trimming is a vital part of dog grooming, and worrying or stressing about it will only make it worse for you and your dog. 

It also helps if you try to see this process through your dog’s eyes. They have to give you complete control of their paws, and there is a possibility you might injure them. All of it goes against their natural instincts.

It’s not so hard to understand why they are scared of it. Take your time to build the trust between you and your furry friend. 

Spending a little time developing the bond you have can help you immensely and will make those nail trimming sessions easier.

So, before you plug in the clippers and start a DIY dog ‘do, take a moment to learn the ins-and-outs of clipper-cutting your dog’s coat, including when to use attachment combs or clipper blades.

The Basics of Clippers

There are two types of grooming clippers—detachable blade clippers and adjustable blade clippers. A detachable blade clipper has a removable blade system that requires you to change blades depending on the length you want to keep your pet’s coat. Blade lengths range from around .2mm (50 blade) to 16mm (⅝ blade). Hint, the higher the blade number, the shorter the cut. The shortest, the 50 blade, is a very close surgical cut.

Alternatively, an adjustable blade clipper has a blade system that can be adjusted to different coat lengths using a sliding mechanism or lever, without the need to stop and change blades.

The Basics of Attachment Combs

Attachment combs (also commonly known as snap-on combs or clipper guards) can only be used on detachable blade clippers, and only on size 10, 15, or 30 blades. Attachment combs are available in plastic or stainless steel with either a clip-on design or a spring attachment to connect them to the clipper blade. Plastic combs are affordable, durable, and easy to use, but may require multiple passes over the coat to achieve the desired cut. Stainless steel blades are more costly, but slide through the coat easier and require fewer passes to achieve a smooth finish.

We almost always recommend using a detachable blade clipper for beginner home groomers, like the Andis Pulse ZR II Cordless Detachable Blade Clipper or the Andis Happy Hour 5-Speed Corded Detachable Blade Clipper. With detachable blade clippers, you can add on attachment combs to reduce the risk of accidentally cutting your pup’s coat too short, minimize any chance of scratching or cutting your dog’s skin, dissipate heat generated by the clippers, and make it much easier to achieve a blended, smooth haircut. However, attachment combs aren’t suitable for use during sanitary trims or when clipping paws and paw pads.

In the video below, Andis Grooming Educator, Gabriel Feitosa dives deeper into the differences between clipper blades and attachment combs, including when and how to use each to flawlessly groom your dog at home:

All of the clippers, blades, attachment combs, and accessories Gabriel used above can be found at Andis.com. 

Important Tips to Remember

• For best results, only use clippers on a freshly bathed, completely dried, and thoroughly brushed dog. When using attachment combs, it is imperative that your dog’s coat be free of tangles, knots, and mats. Attachment combs will not glide through knotted fur and may pop off during use, making it possible to cut your dog’s coat too closely in that area.

• Refer to this article for tips to remove mats and tangles from your dog’s coat. If your dog’s coat is too matted to be thoroughly brushed through, consider using a blade to create a short cut, and as the fur grows back in, keep it tangle-free with regular brushing and combing. When it’s time to groom again, you will have better results with the attachment comb, allowing you to achieve the desired length.

• If you prefer to use a blade alone to groom your dog, we suggest keeping two of each length on hand to use during your grooming session. Blades can get very hot due to the friction of the blade going back and forth. A hot blade can be uncomfortable or dangerous to use on your dog. When one blade gets too hot, simply switch to the other. 

Another great product to have is Andis Cool Care, a disinfectant and cleaning spray that also cools and conditions your blades. Simply spray onto the blade for quick cooling.

• Always follow up grooming with blade maintenance. Clean and oil blades regularly to keep them sharp and lubricated. For more detailed tips to Clean, Maintain, and Prolong the Life of Your Grooming Tools, click here.

Head to Andis.com for all your dog grooming tools and accessories, and be sure to visit Andis Grooming College for answers to commonly asked questions, how-to videos, and step-by-step guides to grooming your pets at home.