Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies Checklist

Here is a handy Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies wish list for all of you potential "Do-it-Yourself" Dog Grooming Enthusiasts.

By Janice Jones     |Last Updated 04-20-2-23

So you just brought your new Shih Tzu Puppy Home and don’t know where to begin with grooming.  Relax.

Part of owning a Shih Tzu dog is grooming that wonderfully soft luxurious coat.  Fortunately, at first all you will need is a good shampoo, a good pin brush, comb and nail clipper.  As you go along, you will want to pick up some more supplies to keep your Shih Tzu looking great.  Here is a list of basic Shih Tzu grooming supplies for the pet Tzu to get you started.

Basic Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies

You will want to keep your Shih Tzu grooming supplies handy for when you have a moment or two to brush or comb that lovely coat. 

At first, your supplies will be limited, but as you get more experienced, you may want to purchase additional materials. 

A tote bag or make-up box works well at first or you may want to empty out a drawer to use exclusively for your Tzu's beauty supplies. 

I use a cabinet in my kitchen but also have a portable box upstairs and in my office.  You just never know when the opportunity to groom might strike, so I always adhere to the Boy Scout Motto:  Be Prepared!!

Here are a couple of options

Over the Door Storage Idea

Wahl Professional Animal Paw Print Travel Tote Bag

A portable system works best if you plan to travel with your pet, but if all of your grooming tasks will be done at home, something more permanent might be your best answer.

Once you have your storage needs met, its time to fill them up with your own personal Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies. But, before you do, let's get something especially for you!

You don't have to be a professional groom to appreciate a plastic smock for keeping water and dog hair and (whatever) off of you and your clothes.

Check out more grooming storage ideas for your Shih Tzu dog.

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My Personal Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies Recommendations

People are always asking me what to purchase and if I have any recommendations for specific grooming tools.  I thought I'd take this opportunity to answer those questions. 

Dog Brushes

If you have a Shih Tzu dog, you will need a brush or two.  You can spend a lot of money on brushes  that do not last and need to be replaced frequently.  In some cases, it is just better to purchase high quality items that will last.  I have provided some suggestions for products I love.

Read more about dog brushes

Shih Tzu Combs

To do a thorough job of grooming, brushing and combing is a must.  Don't neglect combing the coat before or after brushing.  You may even decide that combing the coat before and after makes sense.  For combing you will need some good combs that don't loose their teeth after the first grooming session.

Read more about Combs

Supplies for Bath Time

Even if you get your Shih Tzu professionally groomed every couple of months, you will still need to give him a bath now and again.  I will walk you through the steps of giving a bath and provide some suggestions on supplies you will need.

Read more about bath time supplies

Pedicure Supplies

In most cases a complete pedicure includes clipping and/or grinding down the dog's nails.  That is, of course, if you're don't want to get fancy with nail polish.  Before you attempt to clip nails, be sure to have the right supplies available.

Read about dog nail supplies

Ears Cleaning

If you have a Shih Tzu, you know they come with ears that need cleaning.  Hair grows continually, especially in some Shih Tzu dogs and ear wax builds up.  Keeping ears clean will prevent ear infections and costly trips to the vet.

Shih Tzu Ears

Watch Our Ear Cleaning Video

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Clippers

If you plan to groom your Shih Tzu at home, a pair of high quality clippers will be necessary.  Clippers are used to trim the coat, clip the hair between paw pads, and keep the dog clean and sanitary.  You might also want to use them on the face and head.  

Don't skimp on this item.  Not only do cheap clippers break, they can also overheat and burn your dog.  

Learn more about dog clippers

Clipper Assessories

Clippers are a big investment so you will want to purchase the items that will keep them running for years to come.  Beyond that, there are other accessories that you will need to achieve the look you are after. 

Do you know what you will need?  Let me help you navigate through the maze of clipper accessories and save you some money at the same time.

Read about clippers and all the accessories you might want to consider.

Hair Fashions

The sky's the limit when it comes to dressing up your little Shih Tzu with bows.

Bows, Barrettes, rubber bands: Here’s where the fun comes in and some owners just go nuts purchasing and making bows. A few simple everyday bows work well to keep your Tzu’s hair out of her eyes.  There are so many on the market so I have just added a sample of each.  Click on the image to browse Amazon's large collection of hair fashions for dogs.

Scissors

For the true at home groomer, you will want to purchase a set of scissors or shears.  There is quite a range in prices, though, so before you go out and invest thousands for top quality shears, I would recommend some less expensive alternatives to get you started.  To be fully stocked and ready to take on any Shih Tzu grooming task, you will need to have the following:

• Pair of Straight Shears
• Pair of Curved Shears
• Pair of Thinning or Blending scissors
• A small pair of blunt tipped scissors for faces

The larger sized shears such as 8-9 inches are great for larger dogs, but I've found that 6.5 to 7 inch scissors work great on Shih Tzu dogs.

You can purchase each pair of scissors separately or as a set.  Most sets seem more economical that their individual counterparts. 

TIP:  Always purchase scissors in the pet section of a store or on line.  They will always be less costly than if you purchase from a (human) beauty supply store where you can spend upwards of hundreds of dollars on one pair of shears.

Blunt tip scissors: A good pair of grooming scissors with rounded or blunt ends can be used to trim around the Tzu’s face if you are keeping her in a puppy clip or around her rear end to prevent any messes getting onto her hair. It’s also a good tool to clip around the bottom of her paw pads. If you can’t get a knot out with either pin or slicker brushes, you may be able to work it out with a pair of grooming scissors.

More Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies

There is really no end to the number of products you can purchase to groom your dog.  Here are a few more things that are helpful for completing many of the grooming tasks presented on this site.  Read over them and decide what's most important to you.

Cotton Balls

These come in handy for many small jobs such as cleaning around the eyes and ears and for stuffing in the ears when you bathe your dog.

Cotton Tipped Applicators

Cotton Tipped Applicators or Q-tips for carefully cleaning ears.

Wash Cloths, Wipes, Towels, Tissue

Wash cloths or wipes for washing the face, cleaning foot pads and removing debris from around the eyes.

Grooming Table and Arm

Grooming Table:  Not essential but it makes it much easier.  Purchase a grooming table with an arm and leash to secure your dog.  Grooming is much easier with the table accessories.

About Janice

Janice is the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu. Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, she served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.

Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.

She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu.

When not writing, reading, or researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, her husband, and her family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and smart knit crocheting.