Groom your Maltese Shih Tzu at home and save yourself a trip to the groomer. Grooming a small dog can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and some patience, you can give your pup an amazing spa day without leaving the house. Here’s how to groom a small dog from head to toe right in your own home.
Maltese Shih Tzu Grooming at Home
Tools You’ll Need:
Before you start grooming, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You’ll need a brush or comb (depending on your pet’s coat type), shampoo and conditioner, cotton balls or pads for cleaning ears, nail clippers, scissors for trimming fur, and toothpaste and toothbrush for brushing teeth.
Brushing:
Begin by brushing through your pup’s fur with a brush or comb that is appropriate for their breed. This will help remove dirt, debris, and mats from their coat while also ensuring they look their best. Make sure to pay special attention to areas around their neck, legs and feet which are prone to matting. If you find any mats in their fur, try using a detangling spray before attempting to brush them out. Once brushed thoroughly throughout they should look sleek and shiny.
Bathing:
Now it’s time for bathtime! Start by wetting your dog down with warm water then lather them up with shampoo designed specifically for dogs. Take care not to get any shampoo in their eyes as this could cause irritation or infection. Work up a good lather then rinse off completely until there is no more soap residue left behind. Follow up with conditioner if desired, then towel dry them off before moving on to the next step in grooming.
Ears & Eyes:
Next up on the grooming checklist are ears and eyes. Gently wipe away any debris from around both using cotton balls or pads soaked in either clean, warm water, or a cleaner specifically recommended by your vet. For eyes, use an eye-safe solution that helps clear away discharge while also moisturising the area around the eyes. Don’t forget to trim nails as well, though you may opt to have a professional do this if you aren’t yet confident in your trimiming skills.
Teeth:
Use a toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs (never human toothpaste) along with a soft bristled toothbrush made specifically for pets. These toothbrushes come in sizes suitable even for smaller breeds such as the Malshi. To clean your dog’s teeth, start by applying toothpaste onto the brush then gently rub back and forth on each side of all four canine teeth, making sure not to press too hard as this could cause pain or discomfort. Repeat for all of your dog’s teeth, giving praise and encouragement to keep your dog calm. Finish by giving them one final rinse before patting their mouth dry with a clean towel. Now they’re ready for their big smile reveal!
Final Touches:
After completing all steps above it’s now time to do some final touches, such as spraying your dog lightly with deodorising mist (optional). You can also brush through their coat one last time just before they are rewarded handsomely for being such good sports during their “spa day” session. This reward may be cuddles, kisses or treats – whatever works best depending upon your pet’s individual personality traits.
And voila, everything you need to know about how to groom a small dog at home. Now go out there and show everyone how much you pamper your pooch!
