Does your Shih Tzu’s beautiful, flowing coat sometimes feel dry, itchy, or just… dull? You look at the wall of dog shampoos at the store, and your head starts to spin. Choosing the perfect wash for your tiny, furry friend shouldn’t feel like a guessing game, but the sheer variety of products can be overwhelming.
Shih Tzus have unique needs. Their long, dense double coats easily trap dirt and are prone to matting and skin irritation if you use the wrong formula. Many general dog shampoos are too harsh, stripping away essential oils and leaving your pampered pup uncomfortable. We know you want that picture-perfect shine without causing any skin trouble!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what ingredients to look for—and which ones to avoid—to keep your Shih Tzu’s skin healthy and their coat dazzling. Prepare to discover the top-rated, vet-approved shampoos that tackle tear staining and dryness effectively. Keep reading to transform bath time from a chore into a treat!
Top Dog Shampoo For Shih Tzu Recommendations
- Keep Your Dog Fresh And Clean With The Delicious Sweet Pea Vanilla Scent! Get Rid Of The Wet Doggy Smell!
- Ph Balanced! The Best Shampoos Are Between 5.00-7.00 On The Ph Scale In Order To Keep The Vibrant Color, Shine And Health! The Shampoo Also Contains Essential Fatty Acids That Nourish And Aid In The Flaking And Scaling Of Skin! Natural Moisturizing Factors Promote The Hydration Of Your Dog’S Skin And Coat!
- Hypoallergenic Formula Is Safe For Use With Topical Flea Control Treatments. Healthy Breeds Deodorizing Shampoo Is Gentle And Soap-Free Leaving Your Dog’S Coat Silky And Lustrous!
- Buy With Confidence! Made In The Usa! All Shampoos Made In Federally Regulated Manufacturing Facilities! Excellent Customer Service And Return Policy. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
- Healthy Breeds Offers An Assortment Of Dog Healthcare Products, Grooming Products And Treats For Over 200 Breeds! Make Sure To Search For Your Breed! Click The Healthy Breeds Hyperlink Above To See Our Amazon Storefront!
- Made in the USA - Our lavender chamomile scented pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for cleaning, conditioning, detangling, & moisturizing coats
- Calming Formula – This lavender scented pet shampoo is great for cleaning dirty coats, coat conditioning & detangling, & skin moisturizing short to long coats. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking and smelling clean
- Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of coconut derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much as other dog shampoos. A little bit of shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
- Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog, Cooper — a goldendoodle who has severe allergies. We've found this shampoo to be safe and effective for him. We love the smell too!
- The Brand Used By Professionals - Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. As a company of animal lovers, we believe your pet deserves the very best.
- Provides relief for itchy, scaling and sensitive skin with the mild oatmeal and aloe formula! A gentle shampoo is more suitable for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies!
- Hypoallergenic formula is safe for use with topical flea control treatments! Keep your dog fresh and clean with the delicious Pina Colada scent!
- pH balanced! Healthy Breeds offers a high-quality oatmeal shampoo that is gentle and soap-free! Help restore natural moisture and emollients in your dog’s skin and coat!
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All shampoos made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities! Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed!
- Healthy Breeds also offers a Deodorizing Shampoo and a Bright Whitening Shampoo for lighter/whiter coats to bring back the puppy shine! Search for your breed and product!
- A uniquely gentle shampoo that cleanses and conditions a puppy's skin and coat. Mild enough for use on the face of puppies 4 weeks of age and older.
- Formulated with the proper ingredients to maintain a moisturized and nourished coat as they get older. Contains aloe Vera, lanolin, and gentle proteins that leave a soft, fluffy coat.
- Safe for use with topical flea control products. No harmful chemicals or irritants. It can be used as often as necessary and will not strip the coat of natural oils.
- Made in the USA so you can buy with confidence. All shampoos made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction Guaranteed.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog healthcare products, grooming products and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our amazon storefront!
- Enhances White And Light-Colored Coats! Bring Back That Bright Shine Their Coat Used To Have As A Puppy!
- Cleans Your Dog Thoroughly While Adding Luster To Their Coat! Helps Control Matting And Tangling! Leaves Hair Smooth, Manageable And Shiny With A Delicious Pina Colada Scent!
- Ph Balanced! Healthy Breeds Offers A High-Quality Bright Whitening Shampoo That Moisturizes And Nourishes Your Dog’S Skin And Coat!
- Made In The Usa! Buy With Confidence! All Shampoos Made In Federally Regulated Manufacturing Facilities! Excellent Customer Service And Return Policy. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
- Healthy Breeds Offers An Assortment Of Dog Healthcare Products, Grooming Products And Treats For Over 200 Breeds! Make Sure To Search For Your Breed! Click The Healthy Breeds Hyperlink Above The Title To See Our Amazon Storefront!
- NOURISHED COAT – Our veterinarian-approved formula combines moisturizing botanicals, pH-balanced cleansing, probiotic conditioners, and lab-tested care to soften fur while deodorizing deeply. Engineered as a dog shampoo for smelly dogs, it enhances shine, boosts coat resilience, and keeps fur fresh for weeks.
- SOOTHED SKIN – Alcohol-free cleansers and creamy conditioner relieve dry, itchy patches, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness. Formulated as the dog shampoo for allergies and itching, it maintains natural moisture balance, promotes skin recovery, and delivers lasting relief so your pup stays comfortable and active.
- PROVEN CLEANING POWER – Our pH-balanced lather harnesses salon-quality botanicals and gentle surfactants to lift dirt, debris, and odors without stripping natural oils. Doubles as a dog wash for full-body purification across all coat types, leaving fur healthy, vibrant, and protected against daily grime and seasonal buildup.
- IMMEDIATE COAT RELIEF – This anti itch dog shampoo & conditioner combo delivers fast-acting irritation control and detangling power in one simple step. Enriched with probiotics, oatmeal extracts, and soothing agents, it alleviates hot spots, reduces scratching, improves manageability, and supports your dog’s skin barrier health.
- REDUCED SHEDDING – With a shedding shampoo for dogs featuring de-shedding and detangling complexes, our formula loosens undercoat hair, prevents matting, and enhances coat smoothness. Recommended for multi-breed use, it streamlines grooming sessions, diminishes excess shedding, and maintains a cleaner home.
- Made in the USA - Our oatmeal formula pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for moisturizing dry skin & providing itch relief
- Oatmeal Formula – This coconut lime verbena scented pet shampoo is great for moisturizing dry skin, cleaning dirty coats, & itch relief. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking and smelling clean
- Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of a coconut-derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much product as other dog shampoos. A little shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
- Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog, Cooper — a goldendoodle who has severe allergies. We've found this shampoo to be safe and effective for him. We love the smell too!
- The Brand Used By Professionals - Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. As a company of animal lovers, we believe your pet deserves the very best.
- NOURISHED COAT – Our veterinarian-approved formula combines moisturizing botanicals, pH-balanced cleansing, probiotic conditioners, and lab-tested care to soften fur while deodorizing deeply. Engineered as a deodorizing dog shampoo, it enhances shine, boosts coat resilience, and keeps fur fresh for weeks.
- SOOTHED SKIN – Alcohol-free cleansers and creamy conditioners relieve dry, itchy patches, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness. Formulated as the dog shedding shampoo for any breed, it maintains natural moisture balance, promotes skin recovery, and delivers lasting relief so your pup stays comfortable and active.
- PROVEN CLEANING POWER – Our pH-balanced lather harnesses salon-quality botanicals and gentle surfactants to lift dirt, debris, and odors without stripping natural oils. Doubles as a pet shampoo for full-body purification across all coat types, leaving fur healthy, vibrant, and protected against daily grime and seasonal buildup.
- IMMEDIATE COAT RELIEF – This shedding shampoo for dogs delivers fast-acting irritation control and detangling power in one simple step. Enriched with probiotics, oatmeal extracts, and soothing agents, it alleviates hot spots, reduces scratching, improves manageability, and supports your dog’s skin barrier health.
- REDUCED SHEDDING – With allergy shampoo for dogs featuring de-shedding and detangling complexes, our formula loosens undercoat hair, prevents matting, and enhances coat smoothness. Recommended for multi-breed use, it streamlines grooming sessions, diminishes excess shedding, and maintains a cleaner home.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Dog Shampoo for Your Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are adorable dogs. They have long, beautiful coats that need special care. Choosing the right shampoo is very important for their skin and fur. This guide helps you pick the perfect bottle for your little companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Shih Tzu shampoo, certain features really matter. These features help keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Coat Type Specific Formulas
- Look for shampoos labeled for long, double, or sensitive coats. Shih Tzus have a lot of hair.
- These formulas often help prevent mats and tangles.
Moisturizing Ingredients
- Shih Tzu skin can get dry. Good shampoos include ingredients that add moisture.
- Oatmeal, Aloe Vera, and natural oils are great choices.
Odor Control
- Shih Tzus can sometimes develop a doggy smell faster than other breeds.
- Seek out shampoos with long-lasting, gentle scents or excellent odor-neutralizing properties.
Tearless Formulas
- Since you wash their face often, a tearless formula is a must. This prevents eye irritation.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list tells you a lot about the shampoo’s quality. You want gentle ingredients that clean without stripping natural oils.
Top Recommended Ingredients
- Natural Oils: Coconut oil or Jojoba oil help condition the fur deeply.
- Soothing Agents: Chamomile or Calendula calm irritated skin.
- Protein Boosts: Wheat protein helps strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some common shampoo ingredients can harm your Shih Tzu’s sensitive skin. Try to skip these:
- Harsh Sulfates (like SLS): These create lots of bubbles but dry out the skin.
- Parabens: These are preservatives that some owners prefer to avoid.
- Artificial Dyes: Bright colors are for you, not your dog. They can cause reactions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about how the product works for your specific dog.
Improving Quality: pH Balance
Dog skin has a different pH level than human skin. High-quality dog shampoos maintain a neutral or slightly acidic pH level (around 6.5 to 7.5). This balance protects their skin barrier. A balanced pH prevents dryness and itching.
Reducing Quality: Over-Cleaning Formulas
Shampoos that clean *too* well strip away necessary oils. If your dog’s coat feels squeaky clean and brittle after a bath, the shampoo is likely too harsh. This reduces the coat’s natural shine and protection.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the shampoo during bath time. A good user experience makes bath time easier for both of you.
Ease of Rinsing
Shih Tzus have thick coats. Formulas that rinse out quickly save time and prevent soap residue buildup, which can attract dirt. Look for reviews mentioning easy rinsing.
Lather Quality
You need enough lather to spread the shampoo through all that hair effectively. However, too much lather often means too many harsh detergents were used.
Frequency of Use
Because Shih Tzus require regular grooming, you might bathe them every one to three weeks. Choose a gentle formula that is safe for frequent use.
10 FAQs About Shih Tzu Dog Shampoo
Q: How often should I bathe my Shih Tzu?
A: Most owners bathe their Shih Tzus every one to three weeks. This keeps their long coat clean and manageable.
Q: Can I use human baby shampoo on my Shih Tzu?
A: It is best not to. Human shampoos have the wrong pH balance for dog skin, which can cause irritation and dryness over time.
Q: What is the most important ingredient for a Shih Tzu coat?
A: Moisturizers like Aloe Vera or natural oils are very important. They keep the long hair from becoming dry and brittle.
Q: Should I choose a scented or unscented shampoo?
A: If your dog has sensitive skin, choose unscented. If you need odor control, pick a shampoo with a very mild, natural scent.
Q: What does “tearless formula” really mean?
A: A tearless formula means the shampoo will not severely sting or irritate your dog’s eyes if it accidentally splashes near them.
Q: Why does my Shih Tzu’s coat feel dry after I use a new shampoo?
A: The shampoo is likely too strong and is stripping away the natural protective oils from the skin and fur.
Q: Are oatmeal-based shampoos good for Shih Tzus?
A: Yes, oatmeal is excellent. It soothes itchy skin and helps reduce common irritations Shih Tzus sometimes experience.
Q: Does the shampoo need to be concentrated?
A: Concentrated shampoos often offer better value because you use less product per bath, which is helpful for long coats.
Q: What is the best time of year to switch shampoo formulas?
A: You might switch to a more deeply moisturizing formula in dry winter months. In humid summer months, a lighter cleansing shampoo works well.
Q: How do I ensure all the soap rinses out?
A: Rinse your dog thoroughly for at least as long as you spent shampooing. You should see clear water running off the coat before you stop rinsing.