The 11 Best Shampoo for Shih Tzu (Vet Approved Review)

A well-cared-for Shih Tzu with beautiful long locks and a flowing coat is a sight worth seeing. Their natural beauty has made these adorable bundles of joy one of the most famous breeds. But their stylish appearance requires a lot of work to look after.

Shih Tzu owners know that the iconic appearance of their four-legged friends requires regular brushing and bathing. Without proper care, these dogs can quickly develop skin issues, hair problems, and other health troubles.

This article will run you through everything Shih Tzu parents need to know about this breed’s grooming and bathing requirements. We will also look at some of the most suitable Shih Tzu shampoos and why you should invest in them.

Without more ado, let’s get started.

At a Glance: TOP-3 Shampoos for Shih Tzus

There are many shampoos for Shih Tzu on the market. For those in a hurry, here are the top 3 products we recommend for this breed:

The Best Dog Shampoo for Shih Tzu Reviews

1. Healthy Breeds Shih Tzu Shampoo

If you are on the hunt for a good-quality shampoo, then you’ve come to the right place. This formula from Healthy Breeds provides gentle cleansing and has a wonderful, attractive smell.

It will make your Shih Tzu’s hair look healthy, shiny, and smooth. Plus, it contains mild proteins, aloe vera, and lanolin to support a healthy and beautiful coat. It is also suitable for puppies over four weeks old.

This recipe includes all the necessary elements to help restore your dog’s natural moisture and keep your pooch’s fur soft and manageable. Also, it’s safe to use with topical flea-control products.

The manufacturer guarantees that there are no irritating or harsh chemicals. You can scrub your canine companion as often as you like without removing his natural fur oils. Happy sudsing!

Summary: This product features all the necessary elements to gently cleanse your Shih Tzu’s coat and give it a lustrous shine.

2. Healthy Breeds Bright Whitening Shampoo for Dogs

Healthy Breeds Bright Whitening Shampoo is a tear-free shampoo loaded with protein. Your fluffy friend will have a dazzling white coat when you bathe him with this product.Paw-fect for Shih Tzus, this shampoo gives a radiant shine to any light-colored coat. It is based on natural oatmeal that relieves skin irritation and prevents hair from tangling and matting. This ingredient will bring luster to your pooch’s fur.

Its lavish lather is easy to wash off. It also leaves a delicious tropical scent. Equally important, you can use it safely with topical flea-control products. With this product, your dog will have manageable and soft fur.

Summary: Ideal for Shih Tzus, this shampoo provides a boost of brilliance, leaving your pooch pal’s fur clean and smooth.

3. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

Burt’s Bees Dog Shampoo is well-priced for dog parents on a budget, so it will not put a dent in your wallet. More than that, it can be a great choice for Shih Tzus with skin allergies. Thanks to the natural formula, this product nourishes pooches with dry, itchy skin.

It comes with colloidal oatmeal to gently clean your fluffy friend while hydrating his dry skin and promoting a natural fur shine. It also includes honeysuckle and beeswax, which soothe your dog’s skin and relieve itching.

This formula is also loaded with honey, which is known to have healing properties and helps with detangling. Honey can also contribute to the natural shine and strength of your dog’s fur.

Made with all-natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees Dog Shampoo is free of artificial fragrances, colorants, parabens, sulfates, and other synthetic chemicals. Use the power of nature and forget about your dog’s skin problems.

Summary: Made with beneficial ingredients, this product helps to deal with skin allergies. Also, if you are on a tight budget, it will not leave you penniless.

4. 4Legger Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs

4Legger Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs is an organic and hypoallergenic blend that is suitable for pooches of all skin types, from normal to sensitive skin. The natural formula moisturizes the skin and fur and provides soothing relief for itchy skin with olive, coconut, and jojoba oils and aloe vera.

This product is gentle on the coat and makes the Shih Tzus’s long fur more manageable. Your canine companion’s skin will benefit from proper hydration, conditioning, and softening without removing natural fur oils.

This formula is absolutely chemical-free. Instead of soap or alcohol, the manufacturer uses lemongrass to sanitize your fluffy friend. It is one of the most expensive and effective natural cleansers on the planet. Lemongrass helps to get rid of unpleasant smells while stimulating blood circulation. And that’s not all – this ingredient is known to provide antibacterial and antifungal properties.

4Legger shampoo is great for dogs prone to yeast infections. The product is cruelty-free, environment-friendly, and made from non-GMO ingredients. This product is non-toxic and safe for humans.

Summary: This product is exceptionally gentle for sensitive skin. The formula is also easy to rinse off and does not contain irritants found in most low-end brands.

5. Pawstruck Anti-Itch Shampoo

If itchy skin is bothering your fluffy friend, Pawstruck Anti-Itch Shampoo may provide some relief. Formulated with 2% Chlorhexidine and 1% Ketoconazole, this antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal shampoo helps prevent and gets rid of various skin infections and relieve itching. Some related problems that cause skin issues are bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Containing the active ingredients Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole, this shampoo is one of the best on the market.

This formula from Pawstruck is great for everyday use and helps wipe out any harmful bacteria your Shih Tzu may have on his fur and skin. It will keep your pooch’s coat soft and sparkling clean all week long and have him feeling like a million dollars. At the same time, fatty acids and vitamins boost your pooch’s skin and fur health while aloe soothes any sensitive skin spots. You can be sure that this choice will tackle the root of the problem and make your pup healthy and happy.

Summary: Pawstruck shampoo is an antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal pet wash solution that helps deal with infections and provides relief for dry, itchy skin.

6. Vet Formula Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs

Vet Formula shampoo is a great choice for pups with sensitive skin. Made with coconut-based cleansers and no harmful elements, colorants, or artificial fragrances, it will not irritate your Shih Tzu’s skin.

This gentle shampoo is loaded with vitamin E, which promotes healthy hair growth, improves dull and lifeless fur, and nourishes your sweetheart’s skin and coat for a clean feel and a shiny finish. Equally important, this product contains allantoin, which moisturizes your pup’s skin and provides relief from itching and inflammation.

Many dog parents know that parabens can cause breast cancer and reproductive problems. The Vet Formula takes this issue seriously, so all their products are paraben-free, which contributes to the safety, well-being, and health of your four-legged friend. Also, it’s safe to use with topical flea-control products.

Summary: Gentle, tear-free formula with natural ingredients to support healthy fur and skin is perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

7. Earthbath Mediterranean Magic Shampoo For Dogs

This product from Earthbath is formulated with the health of your little pup in mind. The manufacturer believes that all the ingredients and elements that come into contact with your puppy’s fur and skin should be natural, organic, non-toxic, and gentle. It comes with plant-derived cleansers, rosemary oil, and aloe vera. More than that, it is free of parabens, synthetic colorants, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol. This shampoo is pH-balanced for animals and safe for pooches over six weeks.

The doggy smell doesn’t have the ghost of a chance against Earthbath. The attractive scent of rosemary oil magically neutralizes unpleasant scents while thoroughly and safely cleansing your Shih Tzu’s skin and fur. This will keep your canine’s fur smooth, shiny, and naturally fresh all week long. Also, you can use it safely with topical flea applications. We are confident that you will like this shampoo. The company is ready to refund your money if you are dissatisfied for any reason.

Summary: This shampoo is a great choice for Shih Tzu puppies, as it comes with organic and non-toxic ingredients. It has no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, colorants, and alcohol.

8. Only Natural Pet Shampoo & Spray

Only Natural Pet Shampoo & Spray are designed with zinc that neutralizes any unpleasant scent, from slight doggy smell to “where on God’s green earth have you been keeping yourself?!” They also contain plant-derived ingredients to gently cleanse and deodorize your Shih Tzu’s skin and fur without the use of harmful chemicals. These formulas are non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of synthetic colorants, artificial fragrances, phosphates, phthalates, sulfates, and parabens. On top of that, this set is pH-balanced to moisturize and hydrate the skin.

The products from Only Natural Pet come with rosemary and herbal cleansers, leaving your pup’s fur smelling fresh and looking sparkling clean for days. Dog parents can also use the spray to deodorize and refresh their four-legged friends between baths.

After the zinc neutralizes the unpleasant smell, Only Natural Pet shampoo and spray will keep your Shih Tzu fresh with eucalyptus and rosemary. These oils continue working well after bathing sessions, and the pleasant scent is easy to replenish with a spray!

Summary: The products from Only Natural Pet make for the best deodorizing option, as the set consists of shampoo and spray. So when you feel that it is time to bathe your Shih Tzu, but you are snowed under with work and short on time, you can postpone bathing for a day and use the spray to refresh your family friend.

9. Earthbath Green Tea & Awapuhi Shampoo

Earthbath Green Tea and Awapuhi Shampoo focuses on caring for your Maltese Shih Tzu’s skin and hair from root to tip. This formula stops shedding while leaving your canine companion clean and heavenly scented. Crafted with essential antioxidants and organic skin moisturizers, this shampoo features aloe vera, shea butter, ginseng, omega-6 fatty acids, green tea extract, awapuhi, and other natural ingredients that control excessive shedding by nourishing skin and rejuvenating fur. Plus, this natural pH-balanced shampoo helps reduce dandruff in dogs. Carefully selected natural ingredients work together to keep your Shih Tzu’s coat feeling soft and looking shiny.

This product from Earthbath is safe for all dogs over six weeks. Which elements go into a shampoo is just as important as which don’t. This dog wash solution is free of parabens, harmful colorants, sulfates, soap, gluten, and phthalates. Plus, the company provides a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied after using this product.

Summary: This product from Earthbath is a great choice forMaltese Shih Tzus as it stops shedding and nourishes their skin and fur for a clean feel and a shiny finish.

10. Cloud Star Buddy Wash Shampoo & Conditioner

If you are looking for most suitable shampoo for dandruff and for your dog’s dry skin, consider Cloud Star Buddy Wash Shampoo & Conditioner. Made with natural ingredients, this two-in-one conditioning shampoo cleanses and moisturizes your Shih Tzu’s skin and hair. It contains a coconut-based cleanser that gently cleans your pup’s skin with aloe vera and herbal extracts. This is significant to this dog breed because of the fine nature of the long hair that our little pups are endowed with. This formula uses a blend of excellent plant-based oils to repair any damage that may have occurred to the coat, promoting a natural shine and coat health. It also comes with natural wheat protein for neutralizing doggone odors.

Soap-free, this product is perfect for any pup with sensitive skin. You will be able to wash your fluffy friend as often as you like with this tool, as it is gentle enough for regular use and suitable for puppies. Both of you will feel at ease with the lovely relaxing scent of mint and lavender, and the aloe vera infusion helps soothe irritated skin. Your Shih Tzu will enjoy his paw-fect spa sessions and feel like a king living in luxury.

Summary: This is a great choice for dandruff and dry skin because it helps restore the coat’s natural moisture, soothe your pup’s skin and reduce dandruff.

11. Advantage Treatment Shampoo

Advantage Treatment Shampoo is scientifically-formulated for pups over 12 weeks of age. It comes with highly-effective ingredients that work on contact to kill parasitic pests. Plus, this product protects your sweetheart from potentially harmful diseases fleas and ticks can transmit (such as flea dermatitis, Lyme disease, and more). The odorless recipe is ideal for fragrance-sensitive pooches and their owners.  Its lavish lather helps treat every inch of your Shih Tzu for complete protection.

Remember that fleas climb to the top of your dog’s coat when they die.  So you are on the way to success if you see more pests after applying this shampoo. Watch your fluffy friend as he may pick up new fleas from other pets, carpet, or yard. In addition, you should also treat your home with appropriate products to ensure complete flea and tick control.

Summary: This shampoo is an excellent choice for flea and tick control, as it features a blend of functional and good-quality ingredients that help kill parasitic pests and prevent diseases they can transmit.

Final Thoughts

Here are the results! We have rated the above shampoos and compared them with our requirements to a quality product. Our TOP pick for Shih Tzu shampoo is Healthy Breeds Shih Tzu Shampoo.

This dog wash solution uses botanical ingredients to gently cleanse the fur without stripping it of inherent oils while keeping the skin in excellent condition. It does not contain synthetic chemicals such as parabens and sulfates. This shampoo is pH-balanced to moisturize and hydrate your Shih Tzu’s skin and fur. More than that, it is suitable for regular use.

This product contains mild proteins, aloe vera, and lanolin to give a lustrous shine to your pup’s hair. Its delicious tropical scent and advanced odor-eliminating recipe deodorizes the coat and leaves it looking shiny and smelling great.

This combination of qualities makes Healthy Breeds Shih Tzu Shampoo our top choice.

Buying Guide: What to Look for While Choosing the Best One

As a dog owner, you probably know that your Shih Tzu has a long double coat of hair. The hard topcoat protects your canine companion from moisture and dirt, while the soft undercoat protects him from both hot and cold temperatures. Below the hair, your dog’s skin secretes oil that keeps his fur and skin healthy. Brushing on a daily basis helps to distribute the oil throughout the coat, to get rid of loose hair, and to keep hair healthy. It also helps to remove dandruff.

But brushing your dog’s hair isn’t enough. You need to bathe your Shih Tzu regularly to remove excess oil and dirt from his fur to keep it in good condition. ^[1] When looking for a shampoo for your pooch pal, consider the following:

• Gentle Cleansing – The oils secreted on your pup’s skin help keep the skin and fur healthy, but they can build up over time. You will need a mild cleanser that can penetrate under the double coat and remove old oil, debris and dirt without damaging his hair.
• Botanical Ingredients – Synthetic chemicals in some dog cleaning solutions can damage your pup’s fur and dull it. Botanical ingredients are generally softer and more nourishing for the skin and coat.
• PH-balanced for Dogs – It’s true that dog skin differs from human skin. The dog’s skin is the most alkaline of all species making it more vulnerable to infections if the pH is disrupted. The PH level of dog skin is 6.2 to 7.4, and human pH is around 5.5 to 5.6. ^[2] Using a more acidic product, such as human shampoo, can strip away that outer layer, cause skin dryness, and remove the defense mechanism against irritants and allergens.
• Medicated (if needed) – If your pooch pal has skin irritation or infection, you may need special shampoo to cope with the problem.
• Chemical-free – Avoid fillers such as artificial colorants and perfumes.

Chemicals that can be harmful to your dog includes the following:

• DEA
• Phosphates
• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• Parabens

Types of Shampoos for Shih Tzu

When we buy shampoo for family members, we choose different types of shampoo because everyone has individual hair-care needs. Some of us suffer from dryness of the scalp and dander and need to hydrate our skin and hair, while others dye their hair and require special care. It is the same thing with our pooch pals, and even if you have the same dog breed, all of you won’t use one and the same dog wash solution. What works for one Shih Tzu may not suit the needs of another. You need to find out what health problems and coat issues your dog may have and then choose an excellent product that will meet your pup’s individual needs.

Skin Sensitivity

Skin sensitivity is one of the main factors to consider before purchasing shampoo. Some dog parents know that dogs possess sensitive skin. You can balance it with the right tools to relieve irritation and soothe the skin. ^[3] Therefore, Shih Tzu owners should learn about pH-balanced shampoo.

Canines and humans have an acid mantle under the surface of their skin. It helps our skin defend itself against irritation, inflammation, and infection. This acid mantle is composed of fatty acids, and when pups begin to sweat, amino acids come out and soothe troubled skin. Naturally occurring acids are measured by pH level.

As pointed out above, the pH level in dogs is between 6.2 and 7.4. ^[2] When it becomes unbalanced, all sorts of skin problems can occur. Poor-quality shampoos that use parabens and sulfites can upset your Shih Tzu’s pH balance and cause itching and skin redness. For pups with very sensitive skin, you will need a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive issues.

Anti-fungal Shampoo

Yeast growth on a canine’s skin is quite normal. When pH levels are within the norm, the amount of yeast on the skin has a good effect on your pooch’s overall health. But when pH levels drop dramatically, your dog’s skin tends to be infectious. Feeding your fluffy friend foods high in sugar and taking him for a walk during hot, humid weather can promote yeast growth. Sometimes, a dog can get a yeast infection after undergoing surgery or when recovering from another medical condition that has weakened his immune system. ^[4]

Shedding Control

If your pooch pal boasts long hair, loose hairs sometimes remain in the dense coat, and the dog will seem like he doesn’t shed much. Short-haired Shih Tzus may seem like they shed more because they lose their hair all over the place. If your dog has dry hair, it can fall out more often. Moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and products for shed control will come to the rescue for this dog breed.

Dandruff Control

Dander is usually a sign of dry skin, and this breed is prone to this issue. Dry weather and feeding your Shih Tzu foods he is allergic to can deteriorate the condition even more. These dogs require careful grooming, and if you don’t brush your pup’s hair down to the skin, dead skin can get stuck, leading to mats and dandruff. ^[5] In this case, your little pup with dander-prone skin needs shampoo with dandruff-fighting agents.

READ MORE: Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu

Deodorizing Shampoo

The dog’s skin produces body oils that act as a protective barrier against external pathogens. These oils will leave your Shih Tzu’s hair shiny, silky, and soft. However, these oils can also cause an unpleasant odor that can stay even after bathing. There are shampoos on the market that are specifically crafted to neutralize these offending odors while nourishing your pup’s skin and protecting it from dryness.

Tips on How to Take Care of Shih Tzu Coat and Skin

Now you are armed with knowledge about the issues this dog breed faces when it comes to hair and skin care, and you know what features to look for in a good-quality Shih Tzu shampoo. Here, we will give you some tips on how to groom your family friend and keep him in excellent condition between baths.

Brush Your Pup Daily

Shih Tzu’s long hair requires constant care and attention. The majority of dog parents know that it tends to tangle and matt. If you don’t take good care of your pup’s coat, it can get very messy.

Some Shih Tzu owners try to wait a little longer and brush their fluffy friends once every three days or even once a week. This is flat-out wrong. The longer you leave it, the more time it will take to get rid of all tangles. By brushing your pup once a day, you ensure that the whole process will take no more than 5 minutes (instead of wasting half an hour every three days).

Or, Trim Overgrown Hair…

If you are a busy person and can’t meet the grooming needs of your dog, you can cut his hair. His appearance will be very different from Shih Tzu’s famous loose curls, but still, he will stay a beautiful little creature.

The best thing about short-haired pups is that you only need to brush them once a week to keep them in tip-top condition, which is much easier compared to taking care of their sisters and brothers with long hair.

Keep the Hair around the Eyes Short

This will prevent the buildup of dirt, tears, and bacteria that can stain the fur and make your dog’s face dirty. You should also cleanse your Shih Tzu’s face and around his eyes with wet wipes daily.

Get a Quality Hairbrush

When it comes to brushing your four-legged friend’s hair, we recommend that you spend a little more when buying a hairbrush.

You will use this hair-care kit every day for the rest of your dog’s life. Every day, you will go over your dog from head to tail to get rid of mats and tangles.

There are many products on the market that can do a good job of this without putting a dent in your wallet, but the increased performance you will get from high-quality grooming gear is well worth the extra cost. They get the job done faster; they are more comfortable to hold and easier to clean. On top of that, they usually last for years.

Don’t Bathe Your Dog Too Often

If you bathe your pooch pal too often, you can strip his coat of inherent oils that help keep the skin moisturized and healthy. Unless you are working on treating an infection or other medical condition, you can wash your pet with a good-quality shampoo about once every three weeks. This will remove old oil, debris, and dirt without drying his fur.

READ MORE: Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish?

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “How to Bathe Your Dog Correctly.” MSU Extension, 23 Mar. 2012, canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_bathe_your_dog_correctly.
2. Reisen, Jan. “Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs?” American Kennel Club, 1 Jan. 2021, akc.org/expert-advice/health/human-shampoo-on-dogs/.
3. “Sensitive Skin in Dogs.” The Kennel Club. thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/sensitive-skin-in-dogs/.
4. “Yeast Infections.” American Shih Tzu Club. shihtzu.org/yeast_infections.
5. “Dandruff in Dogs.” PDSA, pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/pet-health-hub/symptoms/dandruff-in-dogs.