Shih Tzus are prone to skin issues and are very often afflicted by allergies, which is why choosing the right dog shampoo is such an important decision. For your Shih Tzu dog, you want a shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals, such as soap, paraben, alcohol, and artificial fragrances, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. In other words, you want a dog shampoo that contains natural ingredients like oatmeal, coconut oil, and aloe vera. You should also avoid using human shampoo on your Shih Tzu. With that in mind, here are the best dog shampoos you can use to wash your Shih Tzu dog.
1. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo
Many Shih Tzu owners on Reddit and Amazon recommend the Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo for Shih Tzus. It is also the most recommended shampoo for Shih Tzus by professional groomers. Made in the USA, this cruelty-free dog shampoo is soap-free and pH-balanced. The product also does not contain harsh chemicals such as paraben, sulfate, phthalate, phosphate, or dye, meaning it won't cause skin irritation. It is specifically designed to clean and safely deodorize, leaving your dog's coat and skin looking clean and smelling good. This shampoo is designed with the health of your beloved Shih Tzu in mind, as it's blended with only the finest ingredients, like colloidal oatmeal, organic shea butter, and organic aloe vera.
- Product scent: Vanilla/Almond
2. Wahl USA Dry Skin & Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
This oatmeal formula dog shampoo is pH-balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and PEG-80-free, meaning it will be gentle on your Shih Tzu dog's skin. It is a highly recommended dog shampoo for moisturizing dry skin, cleaning dirty coats, and providing itch relief. The production of this dog shampoo was inspired by a Goldendoodle named Rocket, who has severe allergies, as per Wahl, a company of animal lovers that want the best for your beloved Shih Tzu. This is the only shampoo that they have found safe and effective for Rocket, who loves the smell too.
- Product scent: Oatmeal
3. Burt's Bees for Pets Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Join the millions of dog owners in the U.S. who can't get enough of the Burt's Bees for Pets Oatmeal Dog Shampoo! It's designed to clean, soothe, soften, and condition your Shih Tzu's dry skin and coat. The ingredients present in this gentle formula include colloidal oatmeal, honey, and beeswax for sensitive skin. It is free of harsh chemicals like fragrances, paraben, sulfates, colorants, and dye. The shampoo is mild tearless and pH-balanced, meaning it can be used on both adult dogs and puppies.
- Product scent: Unscented
4. Burt's Bees for Pets Tearless Puppy Shampoo
Puppies are more susceptible to rashes and dry skin problems than adult dogs. As such, they need even more protection. If you have a Shih Tzu puppy, I'd recommend you use a mild, puppy-specific shampoo. Shampoos formulated for puppies are tear-free and gentle on their sensitive skin. The Burt's Bees for Pets Tearless Puppy Shampoo, for instance, is tear-free and keeps your puppy’s coat clean, soft, and healthy. As a Shih Tzu puppy owner, this puppy shampoo is a must-have in your puppy bathing supplies.
- Product scent: Unscented
How Often Should You Bathe Your Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus' luxurious coat requires more care than many other breeds. To keep your Shih Tzu dog's skin and hair healthy and to prevent bad smells from developing, I'd recommend you bathe them once every 3 weeks. Brushing your little bundle of joy at least three times a week is best with baths every three weeks. Here are the top three dog brushes I recommend for Shih Tzus. When bathing your Shih Tzu, make sure to avoid getting shampoo in their eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. You should gently clean the corner of your dog's eyes with a Pet Eye Wipe and their ears with a Dog Ear Cleaner.
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