Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
Quick Picks
- Best Shampoo for Shih Tzu Overall: Burt’s Bees Shed Control Shampoo
“Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo is made from all-natural ingredients to give your Shih Tzu a healthier coat. It is packed with Omega fatty acids and vitamin E to keep your dog’s skin properly moisturized.”
- Best Value for Money: Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
“This is. a dual-action formula that cleans, soothes, and moisturizes . It is made with botanical extracts in safe and beneficial quantities giving your Shih Tzu a healthy coat and skin.”
- Best Antibacterial Shampoo: Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
“Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo is a premium quality dog shampoo for Shih Tzus that are prone to allergies. It is made from natural, wholesome ingredients that help fight different skin problems.”
As the name aptly translates, Shih Tzus have long, gorgeous coat just like a lion’s mane. Proper grooming for shih tzus can take a lot of work, especially for newbie dog parents. Having the best tools and products at your disposal helps make this task easier. The best dog shampoo for Shih Tzu dogs, for example, is a key product in keeping your dog well-groomed and properly maintained.
Table of Contents
Best Dog Shampoo For Shih Tzu
Here are the best Shih Tzu dog shampoo products available on the market today:
- Best Shampoo for Shih Tzu Overall: Burt’s Bees Natural Shed Control Shampoo
- Best Value for Money: Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
- Best Antibacterial & Antifungal Shampoo: Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
- Most Versatile Dog Shampoo: Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo
- Best for Removing Stains: Veterinary Formula Snow White Shampoo
- Best Deodorizing Shampoo: Oliver’s Choice Dog Shampoo
- Best Antiseptic Shampoo: Pet MD Medicated Dog Shampoo
1. Burt’s Bees Natural Shed Control Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Shih Tzu Overall: Effective shampoo for shed control that strengthens the fur to reduce breakage
PROS
- All natural ingredients loaded with Vitamin E and Omega-3 Fatty acids
- Mild formula which is pH balanced for adult dogs and puppies
- Vet-recommended dog shampoo that does not contain fragrances, sulfates, and colorants
CONS
- Doesn’t lather as easily as others
Short-haired Shih Tzus shed more than long-haired ones. Burt’s Bees Natural Shed Control Shampoo can take good care of your Shih Tzu whether they shed mildly or excessively.
This dog shampoo contains all-natural ingredients that effectively cleans and moisturizes your pooch without using any harsh chemicals. It’s loaded with Vitamin E and Omega Fatty acid-rich ingredients that help nourish your dog’s skin while protecting and strengthening their hair.
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Omega fatty acids and vitamin E help bulk up your dog’s hair, strengthening it so there’s less chance of it breaking and falling off. Vitamin E also does wonders for keeping the skin moisturized. Skin and hair health go hand in hand, so nourishing the skin can help rejuvenate hair too.
This Shih Tzu shampoo doesn’t lather quite like others because its mostly made of natural ingredients but it cleans and reduces shedding just as effectively.
2. Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Value for Money: Dual-action shampoo and conditioner product that’s gentle and safe for your Shih Tzu
PROS
- 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner formula
- Contains healthy botanical extracts like aloe vera
- Soap-free and alcohol-free, extremely safe for your Shih Tzu
- Lavender and Mint formula that soothes and refreshes your dog’s skin
CONS
- Large bottle can be difficult to use as it doesn’t come with a pump dispenser
Keeping your Shih Tzu’s coat healthy and shiny doesn’t have to be expensive. Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner puts cleaning and conditioning properties in one effectively formulated, affordable bottle. It’s less common to find shampoos and conditioners in one handy mix, but this shampoo-slash-conditioner gets it right, and at a nice price too.
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Great Value for Money
This shampoo/conditioner formula is soap-free, which makes it a good shampoo for a Shih Tzu’s face, too.
It contains a variety of healthy botanical extracts, including mint and lavender for a fresh scent. It also contains tea tree oil, which can be toxic to pets in its pure form, but in these quantities is safe and beneficial.
Aloe vera is a nice addition that soothes your dog’s skin while nourishing their hair. As well as aloe vera, you’ll find vitamin E in Buddy Wash, which serves a similar purpose and conditions both hair and skin.
3. Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
Best Antibacterial & Antifungal Shampoo: Dog-friendly shampoo that cleans deep into your dog’s undercoat and eliminates infection-causing bacteria
PROS
- Contains 28 natural, wholesome ingredients that’s safe and gentle on dog’s skin
- Formulated using Dead Sea minerals with powerful therapeutic properties
- Antibacterial and antifungal shampoo, reducing the risk of infections
- Amazing blend of essential oils that eliminates bad odor
CONS
- A little more pricey than others
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo is highly recommended for Shih Tzus with recurring skin infections. It’s a therapeutic shampoo that uses Dead Sea minerals with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This dog shampoo also has powerful deodorizing properties thanks to the added essential oils.
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Therapeutic Shampoo
There are 28 wholesome ingredients in this formula, and no chemicals added. Your dog should find it easy on their skin and it should leave them smelling light and fresh.
This dog shampoo is designed to combat skin problems. Although your Shih Tzu may not currently have issues, prevention is always better than cure and it’s a good idea to start off with a medicated shampoo to avoid possible issues down the line.
4. Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo
Most Versatile Dog Shampoo: All-in-one dog shampoo that effectively cleans, conditions, detangles, and moisturizes your Shih Tzu’s skin
PROS
- Waterless formula that eliminates the need for rinsing for a more convenient use
- Fragrant oatmeal formula for a fresh and clean smell
- Soothes dry, itching, and irritated skin using all-natural ingredients
- Safe, alcohol-free and pH-balanced formula
CONS
- The scent doesn’t linger for too long
- It may leave a greasy residue
If your dog needs extra cleaning in between monthly baths, Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo offers a convenient way to clean, moisturize, and detangle your Shih Tzu’s coat without the hassle of bathing him. This dry, no-rinse shampoo uses oatmeal as its main ingredient, combined with lime, aloe vera, coconut, and lemon verbena for a more efficient cleaning and moisturizing effect.
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Easy to Use Between Baths
Too many baths and applications of shampoos and conditioners can dry out the skin and fur and cause worse allergies over time.
A dry product is the best shampoo to use if you need to clean your dog in between their monthly baths. This one is easy to apply and doesn’t require rinsing – just lather it over the coat, rub, dry with a towel, and brush!
5. Veterinary Formula Snow White Shampoo
Best for Removing Stains: Ideal for breeds like your Shih Tzu who are prone to tear stains
PROS
- Effectively cleans and brightens without the use of any bleach or peroxide
- Removes stains and yellowing especially for dogs with white coats
- pH balanced formula that’s ideal for extra sensitive skin
- Can be used on top of topical flea and tick treatments
CONS
- Contains fragrance which may aggravate allergies
Veterinary Formula Snow White Shampoo is the best shampoo for Shih Tzu dogs with light or white coat. We know how easy it is for white dogs to get dirty, and this product keeps them looking shiny and clean. It takes just a few applications to make your dog look white again!
This dog shampoo has patented optical brighteners and fragrance extenders keeping your dog’s coat not only clean and white but also smelling fresh.
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For Light-Colored Shih Tzus
If you have a white-coated Shih Tzu, you’ll know just how easy it is for them to get dirty and begin to look a little grubby!
This is the best dog shampoo available that cleans and whitens your dog’s coat at the same time. And the best thing is, it doesn’t even need peroxide or bleach to achieve that shiny whiteness.
Green tea extract and vitamin E help remove stains and keep your dog looking pretty and bright. If you’re using topical tick and flea treatments on your dog, it’s safe to use this product on top of them.
6. Oliver’s Choice Dog Shampoo
Best Deodorizing Shampoo: Contains a perfect blend of oatmeal, aloe vera, and shea butter with amazing fragrance keeping your dog smelling great
PROS
- Oatmeal and aloe formula that is gentle and safe on the skin
- Moisturizes and soothes irritated skin
- Tear-free formula that’s gentle for dogs of all life stages
- Contains amazing antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
CONS
- The scent may be too strong for some
Some dogs just have more sensitive skin than others and need a specific product to keep it soothed and comfortable. The Oliver's Choice Dog Shampoo is highly recommended for dogs with extra sensitive skin who need a soothing product that cleans, heals, and moisturizes your dog’s skin.
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Soothing Formula
Oatmeal, aloe vera, and shea butter are a great combination for sore, dry, itchy, or flaky skin. Together, they soothe and moisturize, leaving your dog feeling more relaxed and comfy.
Some pet parents may find the scent to be slightly overpowering, with many of them likening it to the smell of a sugar cookie!
They also have a money-back guarantee, so if you aren’t totally happy the company will make it right with you.
7. Pet MD Medicated Dog Shampoo
Best Antiseptic Shampoo: Relieves symptoms of severe bacterial and fungal infections
PROS
- Antiseptic and antifungal formula used to treat severe cases of skin infections
- Kills bacteria and yeast and cleans inflamed and infected skin
- Relieves symptoms of skin conditions so your dog can be more comfortable
CONS
- May turn white dogs a pink color
If your dog has been recommended a medicated shampoo for certain allergies or conditions, this antiseptic and antifungal medicated shampoo is the best one we can suggest, apart from our premium choice.
It’s perfectly acceptable to use it on dogs who don’t have allergy problems, in order to avoid potential problems down the line. But it’s really aimed at those pups who need extra help keeping their skin moisturized, and allergies or skin conditions at bay.
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This shampoo formula moisturizes and nourishes your Shih Tzu’s skin and eliminates nasty bacteria that could cause severe problems for a sensitive dog. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, allowing it to target the root cause of your dog’s skin infection.
Different Types of Shih Tzu Shampoos
Basic Shampoos
If your Shih Tzu is healthy and itch-free, a basic dog formula would probably do. These usually contain some essential oils and helpful ingredients, but aren’t aimed at any specific condition. Make sure your Shih Tzu’s body is happy with a basic shampoo and doesn’t need special attention.
Sensitive Skin Shampoos
Environmental conditions can disrupt the pH balance of your Shih Tzu’s skin and cause it to be extra sensitive. If your Shih Tzu gets dry, flaky skin or a rash from normal, basic shampoo, they may need one that’s specially formulated for sensitive dogs. They’re made to balance your Shih Tzu’s pH levels and prevent skin issues being aggravated.
Anti-Itching Shampoos
Things like yeast infections, allergies, medical conditions, and environmental stimuli can cause flaking and itching. If your Shih Tzu suffers from this, you can find shampoos and conditioners created specifically to relieve and soothe itchy skin. This may be the best choice for an itching Shih Tzu.
Anti-Shedding Shampoos
Some Shih Tzus have long hair and others have short hair. Although neither of them shed excessively, it does happen that they drop hair around the house as they go. Generally, excessive shedding is a sign of an underlying problem, but the right dog food and shampoo can help. If your Shih Tzu loses a lot of hair, you can try using an anti-shedding product to improve their hair health.
Flea and Tick Shampoos
Fleas and ticks happen to every dog at some point! If your Shih Tzu needs help with these nasty critters, choose a flea and tick shampoo that’s specifically made to get rid of them. These kinds of shampoo usually contain some specific ingredients to kill and remove the little biters.
Medicated Shampoos
Some shampoos for Shih Tzus are “medicated”. This means they’ve been specially formulated to treat certain conditions, such as itching, allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, or parasites. They usually contain specific medical ingredients aimed at reducing symptoms. Speak to your vet about medicated shampoo if you feel it’s the kind of shampoo your Shih Tzu may need.
2-in-1 Shampoos
Some products offer a shampoo and conditioner mix. If you want your dog’s hair to be extra smooth, silky, and luxurious, you can try one of these. Adding a conditioner can give your dog’s hair an extra shine thanks to its moisturizing properties.
Dry Shampoos
Some dogs just have a habit of getting very dirty, and a monthly bath may not be enough! If your Shih Tzu needs extra cleaning, a dry shampoo could be your new best friend. All you need is to apply it and brush it through your dog’s coat – no rinsing required!
If you have a Shih Tzu puppy, you may want to try a puppy-specific shampoo, which will be much more mild.
Top 6 Tips To Keep Your Shih Tzu Clean
Tip 1 – Bathe Your Shih Tzu Once A Month
Bathing your Shih Tzu more often than once every three to four weeks can lead to dry, sensitive skin. Shampoos for Shih Tzus aren’t meant to be used every day, or even every week. The best shampoo for Shih Tzu dogs will be easy on the skin if used about once a month.
Of course, if your dog rolls in mud or something like that, bathing your Shih Tzu may be the only option to get them clean again! There’s nothing wrong with giving them more than one bath a month every now and then, but as a general rule, a bath a month will keep them clean and comfortable.
Tip 2 – Groom Your Dog Daily/Weekly
To keep your Shih Tzu’s coat lovely, shiny, and healthy, it’s essential to groom them often. A Shih Tzu has a double coat, so if you skip grooming it can get out of hand very quickly!
If you can, brushing them every day would be a great way to maintain a beautiful, clean coat. If you can’t manage it every day, then every other day would still be good. At the very least, a Shih Tzu should be groomed once a week.
Choosing the right clippers, brushes, and accessories is important!
Tip 3 – Choose A Great Quality Dog Food
You may be wondering how a dog food could possibly keep your Shih Tzu clean, but trust us, the right food can help! Choosing a high quality dog food that caters specifically for Shih Tzus and their potential health issues can make a world of difference.
The right dog food will nourish your Shih Tzu’s skin and coat with Omega fatty acids, reducing the chances of allergies and skin conditions. Their coat will also have a shine that you can’t replicate using shampoo alone, no matter how good it is!
If your Shih Tzu seems to always struggle with skin and coat issues, no matter how often or well you bathe and groom them, try changing their food.
Tip 4 – Get Regular Check-Ups
It’s possible that your dog’s coat and skin could be dry, flaky, itchy, and seemingly dirty because of a medical condition. Even the best shampoos for Shih Tzus are not a cure – they may not even work on your dog if there’s an underlying medical reason for their irritated skin or brittle hair.
Part of keeping your Shi Tzu clean is making sure they have a clean bill of health. We recommend taking your dog for at least an annual checkup, if not every six months.
If you notice any change in your dog’s skin and coat, eating habits, health, or personality, it’s best to be safe and get them to the vet so they can rule out medical conditions.
Tip 5 – Use The Right Dog Products
Not all dog shampoos and conditioners are equal! The right Shih Tzu shampoo for your dog might not be the right one for your friend’s Shih Tzu.
Choose your dog shampoo based on your Shih Tzu and their individual needs. Shih Tzu shampoos come in many varieties.
The right shampoo for your Shih Tzu will depend on your dog’s skin and coat. If they shed a lot, a high quality anti-shedding shampoo would help. Dogs with sensitive skin would do best with a special sensitive skin product.
Tip 6 – Give Your Shih Tzu Lots of Love!
It’s a fact that dogs who get plenty of love are healthier than those who don’t! It might sound silly to think that giving your Shih Tzu love can help them stay clean, but a loved dog is a healthier dog, and a healthier dog is a happier dog.
Grooming and bath time can also be fantastic bonding times for you and your Shih Tzu. The best Shih Tzu shampoos can only go so far – if your dog is happy, they’ll have a natural shine.
Questions & Answers
Q: How often should I bathe a Shih Tzu?
A: Shih Tzus should be bathed once a month, or once every three weeks at the most. Believe it or not, a Shih Tzu bathing too often can have detrimental effects!
Shih Tzus (like all dogs, and even humans) have a layer of fatty acids on their skin called an acid mantle. This layer, plus the natural oils in sweat, make up the body’s pH.
Bathing too often disrupts the body oils’ pH balance! This can lead to a variety of skin conditions, and no amount of Shih Tzu shampoo is going to help if it’s bathing that’s causing the problems in the first place.
Q: How do I clean my Shih Tzu’s face?
A: Your Shih Tzu’s long hair needs regular cleaning and grooming, but don’t forget about their face! While using pet shampoo on your dog’s face isn’t something we’d usually recommend, Shih Tzus have such long facial hair that they need some extra care.
Choose a mild dog shampoo, or even a puppy-specific formula. Wet your Shih Tzu’s face with lukewarm water, apply the dog shampoo, and rinse it off immediately, and make sure to keep it away from your dog’s eyes.
Clean your dog’s eyes using special eye wipes, Also, make sure to keep water away from your dog’s ears to avoid ear infections!
Q: Can I use human shampoo on my Shih Tzu?
Dog shampoos and human shampoos might be created for the same purpose, but dog hair is not the same as human hair. The kind of shampoo you use on your Shih Tzu makes a difference, and human shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products should be avoided.
Dog shampoo, conditioner, and grooming products are made to work with the natural oils on your dog’s skin. Shampoo and conditioner created for humans can do more harm than good!
Q: How do you keep a Shih Tzu smelling good?
A: Regular bathing, grooming, and taking care of that flowing coat will go a long way towards keeping Shih Tzus clean and smelling pretty.
Using the right cleaning products, feeding your dog the right kind of food, and making an effort to maintain their health will help a lot!
