Dog shampoos are an easy and affordable way to keep your Shih Tzu clean. They also keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. A good shampoo will remove dirt, debris, and excess oil from your dog’s fur. It also helps to moisturize the skin and coat.
While there are a variety of pet shampoos on the market, shoppers should be aware that some of them are not as safe or as effective as others. The ingredients in many shampoos can damage the dog’s skin and coat. Choosing the wrong shampoo for your dog can also lead to dry, flaky skin. Getting a beautiful coat sheen begins with good nutrition, supplements, and by using a natural, plant-based shampoo for your pet.
Looking at reviews from pet parents and experts is an excellent way to determine which pet shampoo is best for your Shih Tzu. By reading their experiences and feedback, you will be able to compare the many products available.
In this review, we’ll share our favorite options. These include organic, all-natural, plant-based shampoos like the We Love Doodles 4-in-1 that are healthy and eco-friendly. Here’s how we got to our top picks. First, we analyzed several factors, including reviews from other dog owners, ingredients, and price. We looked at the majority of pet shampoos advertised. We then looked at the most popular pet shampoos, and our team tested and reviewed them.
In addition to our analysis, we read customer reviews on popular online retailers such as Amazon. We also considered expert opinions when available and incorporated reviews from leading brands and retailers. We then generated a score you can trust to ensure that your furbabies get the products they deserve.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
Best Overall Newly Released 4-in 1
- Pros
- Crafted with safe, non-irritating, and natural ingredients
- Works well and cleans, detangles, and moisturizes for optimal skin and coat health
- Free of harsh ingredients
- Allows for optimal sheen and skin and coat health
- Budget-friendly pet grooming product
- Made with 100% certified organic ingredients
- US-sourced ingredients
- Suitable for pups 12 weeks and up
- Cons
- Some may not like the chamomile lavender scent.
We Love Doodles shampoo is one of the newest pet grooming products on the market, and it is already getting rave reviews from dog owners. One customer said, “I was so excited to try this shampoo because my dog has very sensitive skin. This shampoo is amazing! It’s gentle and doesn’t irritate her skin at all. Her coat is also so soft and shiny now. I highly recommend this product!”
This is a newly launched pet grooming product that is certified organic and can be used regularly on all dog breeds. The takeaway from this pet shampoo for all dog breeds is that it’s non-irritating and features natural ingredients. This is a 4-in-1 pet shampoo that does it all, saving you both time and money. Not only is this pet shampoo budget-friendly, but it will also leave your dog looking and feeling great. It also has a pleasant lavender chamomile fragrance that’s not overwhelming but is relaxing and comforting.
We Love Doodles is the perfect pet shampoo for low-shedding dogs like the Shih Tzu because it contains not only shampoo, but also detangler. Made with natural, organic ingredients gentle on your dog’s skin and coat, this 4-in-1 pet shampoo is suitable for regular use. It’s also budget-friendly and does not have an overwhelming sweet chamomile lavender scent with use. Instead, the We Love Doodles 4-in-1 shampoo allows for a rather subtle lavender fragrance that’s calming at the same time. This shampoo features no formaldehyde, parabens, sulfates, or other harsh chemicals and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Features
- 4-in-1 Dog shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and moisturizer
- pH balanced just for pets
- Allows for a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
- Hypoallergenic for all skin and coat types
- Certified organic and ecofriendly
- Vet approved
- No parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, alcohol, or synthetic dyes.
- Gentle lavender and chamomile fragrance
- Suitable for all dog breeds and life stages
- No toxic ingredients
- A We Love Doodles pet grooming product
- Made in the USA
Best Shampoo For Shih Tzu Puppies
- Pros
- No parabens or sulfates
- Most buyers loved the fragrance
- Lathers up nicely
- Floral and jasmine scent
- Gently deodorizes
- pH balanced for pets
- Nourishes skin and coat
- Allows for optimal sheen
- Can be used with topical flea and tick treatments
- Budget-friendly for multi-pup homes
- Cons
- Some may not enjoy the light floral scent
This is another favorite for Shih Tzu’s because it is tearless. It is also suitable for all dog breeds and puppies. This shampoo will help to keep your puppy’s coat looking healthy and shiny. We like this shampoo for the Shih Tzu because the natural moisturizers nourish your dog’s skin and coat and eliminate any “doggie odors.” What stands out is the price, so if you have a litter of pups, Biosilk makes grooming affordable and safe.
It uses the same classic ingredients as the original Biosilk line for humans and can be used on pups from 8 weeks of age to adult dogs. It is safe enough to use every day and great for all coat types. It contains no parabens or sulfates and is pH balanced for dogs, and is safe for use with topical flea and tick treatments. This product has over 3,900 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pup homes
- Crafted with a floral-inspired jasmine scent
- 100% safe with no harsh chemicals
- Suitable for pups and adult dogs
- Tearless and gentle formula
- Made in the US
- An extensive array of pet grooming products to choose from
- A Biosilk pet grooming product
Customer Review
“I’ve been using Biosilk for Dogs for the last couple of months & love it. My dog (a Shih-Tzu) has trouble with dry, itchy skin and after reading some reviews I was a bit nervous it could agitate him. But it does not. I bathe him every 4 weeks and if anything, this seems to have calmed his habit of chronic scratching. It smells really good but doesn’t keep that scent for as long as I’d like. Aside from that, no complaints. His coat is much shinier since I started washing him with this shampoo. Affordable and a little goes a long way!”
Best Vegan Pet Shampoo
- Pros
- It lathers up nicely with only a tiny amount of shampoo
- Rinses off easily
- Veterinarian approved
- A suitable holistic alternative option to medicated
- Holistic dog shampoo for Shih Tzu's
- Crafted with no artificial ingredients
- Safe to use with no sulfates, no parabens, and no detergents
- pH balanced for pets
- Suitable for all life stages, including puppyhood
- It may be beneficial for itchy and irritated skin-like crustiness.
- Cons
- Very concentrated, so you cannot use too much
The 4 Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is a hypoallergenic dog shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin. This dog shampoo contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, lemongrass, and aloe to soothe the skin and eliminate odors. The 4 Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is made in the USA.
We like this product for the Shih Tzu because it is gentle enough for their sensitive skin, and it contains natural ingredients that will soothe the skin and eliminate odors. The ingredients include saponified organic oils of coconut, olive, and jojoba, a natural essential oil blend of rosemary and lemongrass, organic aloe vera, and rosemary extract.
It also is easy to use and rinses off easily, making it perfect for those pups that don’t like to stand still while they get washed. This product features over 3,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Plant-based ingredients
- Concentrated
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Certified organic and biodegradable
- Hypoallergenic to relieve itchy skin
- Safe and non-toxic
- No added artificial thickeners
- A Climate Pledge Friendly pet grooming product
Customer Review
“I needed a new shampoo for my baby girl. She has allergies that causes dry itchy skin. The main reasons for trying/buying this product are… 1st of all, it’s Cruelty-Free & Vegan! 2nd, Made right here in the USA! 3rd, ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS! 4th, Certified to USDA Organic Standards! This shampoo smells really good and suds up well with just a little squirt. I recommend trying 4 Legger Dog Shampoo. Your dog will thank you as does Our Planet!!”
Best Bar Dog Shampoo
- Pros
- No messy spills
- pH balanced for pets
- No hassle travel item
- Easy to use
- A natural anti-itch dog shampoo
- Allows for optimal skin and coat health
- Gentle enough to use on Shih Tzu puppies
- Cons
- Some may prefer dog shampoo in a bottle.
Washbar is a natural dog shampoo bar made with organic coconut oil and neem oil. Neem oil is one of the most effective essential oils for itching relief and itchy scalp, dry skin, dandruff & psoriasis. Washbar® will help keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny by preventing flaky skin and making their fur soft and silky. The organic coconut oil in Washbar® hydrates dry skin and eases itchiness caused by allergies or hot spots. The neem oil repels fleas, ticks & mosquitoes.
This natural dog shampoo bar is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin, smelly dogs, and dogs that are prone to developing hot spots. Washbar® is suitable for pet parents who want to avoid washing their pets and accumulate plastic bottle waste.
This natural shampoo bar is healthier and eco-friendlier than liquid dog shampoo. It is excellent for camping trips and pet vacays- no need to worry about messy spills when traveling with your furbaby. This product has over 1,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Two 3.5oz bars
- Lightweight at 7.05 ounces
- Crafted with Manuka oil, neem, and organic coconut oil
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Natural and safe
- Cardboard packaging
- Easy to travel with
- Climate Pledge Friendly product
- 100% natural ingredients
Customer Review
“I love these bars as they are much easier to use than trying to pour liquid shampoo on a wet dog and get it distributed. I can rub the bar all over their bodies and it makes it very easy to get them clean. It is nondrying so I can use it as often as needed.”
Best for Smelly Dogs
- Pros
- Long-lasting freshness
- Easy to rinse off
- Allows for optimal coat sheen with a clean fragrance
- Moisturizing and conditioning for Shih Tzu's
- Reduces static in all coats
- Leaves coat silky
- Suitable for all dog breeds and life stages
- Allows for easy detangling
- Veterinarian certified
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Cons
- It may have too thin a consistency for some.
Pawfume dog shampoos are gentle, pet-safe formulas that will clean your little pup’s coat while soothing his skin with aloe vera and moisturizing him with jojoba oil. The line of dog shampoos is free of sulfates, parabens, petroleum products, and alcohol, meaning they are perfect for pups with sensitive skin or allergies! We like this because it’s an all-in-one dog shampoo and conditioner, meaning you don’t have to purchase a separate product for conditioning your dog’s coat! Using an all-in-one allows for less stressful bathing sessions for you and your Shih Tzu!
The Pawfume dog shampoo line includes a variety of shampoos and conditioners to suit different needs, including a hypoallergenic formula that is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. The shampoos also feature probiotic extracts and aloe vera to soothe irritated skin, while jojoba oil keeps your pup’s coat probiotic shampoo is specially formulated to keep your doggo smelling fresh and clean.
The best way to use Pawfume dog shampoo is to wet your pup’s coat thoroughly, then massage the shampoo into their fur. Rinse well and towel dry. For best results, follow up with the matching conditioner. Pawfume dog shampoo and conditioner are the perfect solution for stinky dogs! This product has over 1,200 positive reviews.
Features
- Veterinary formula dog shampoo and conditioner (2-in-1)
- Professionally formulated
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free pet product (not tested on animals)
- pH-balanced formula for pets
- Signature fragrance
- Alcohol-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free
- An extensive array of pet grooming products to choose from
Customer Review
“Guys… I never write reviews, but this stuff is awesome. I got this in last night and gave my Shihpoo puppy a bath. I haven’t stopped sniffing him since. We had been having to bathe him every other day because he goes to work with me and he was stinky! It has been raining for several days here and every time he went outside he would start stinking again. He’s been out in the rain 3-4 times since I have him a bath and he still smells amazing! I’m just glad that this stuff will save him from too many baths. I also purchased the spray. It smells amazing as well and I will be using it in between baths to freshen him up. Totally worth the purchase. I’m so glad I stumbled across this and trusted the reviews!”
Best Value Dry Shampoo For Shih Tzus
- Pros
- No-rinse dog shampoo
- Promotes soothing hydration
- Neutralizes bad odors
- Crafted with peppermint extract for optimal freshness
- Removes impurities for a deep clean
- Safe for all dog breeds and life stages
- Best value dog grooming product
- Easy to use
- Eliminates funky odors
- Formulated without SLS, parabens, or phthalates
- Infused with baking soda for optimal odor control
- Cons
- Some may prefer a regular pet shampoo.
The Arm and Hammer Ultra-Fresh No-Rinse Deodorizing Foam for Dogs is a waterless dog shampoo that uses baking soda to neutralize foul odors and create an advanced clean. This Juniper Mist-scented dog shampoo is easy to use; simply rub it into your dog’s coat and let it dry.
The no-rinse formula means you don’t have to rinse away the shampoo after use, and it provides a non-sticky texture for easy drying. The formula is also safe for cats so that you can take care of your feline friends! This is a must-have product if you’re a working pet parent or The no-rinse between professional grooming appointments. This product has over 2,000 positive ratings.
Features
- Deodorizing formula
- Features cactus water and citrus
- Enriched with nourishing natural ingredients. Refreshing juniper mist fragrance
- Infused with baking soda
- Waterless dog shampoo for Shih Tzu’s
- Affordable
- An extensive array of pet grooming products to choose from
Best Hemp Shampoo For Itchy Skin
- Pros
- It may be beneficial in soothing irritated skin during contact
- Allows for optimal skin and coat health
- Third-party independent laboratory tested
- 3 rd. party audited
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free
- Replenishes moisture balance
- Cons
- Must leave on for 2 to 4 minutes.
NaturVet’s Hemp Hypoallergenic Shampoo is a soap-free formulation that gently cleanses without stripping natural oils. Oat and Aloe help to soothe and moisturize the skin and coat. Hemp oil has been helpful for pets with allergies, hot spots, dry skin, and a dull coat. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe your pet’s skin. Nature Vet hemp shampoo is safe with topical flea and tick products. This is an unscented pet shampoo with hemp seed oil, aloe vera, and oat oil.
Features
- Vet formulated and recommended
- Crafted with hemp seed oil, oat oil, and aloe oil
- Fragrance-free
- A cruelty-free pet product
- Hypoallergenic dog shampoo for Shih Tzu
- Crafted with hemp seed oil for optimal skin soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits
- Formulated for pets with sensitive skin
Customer Review
“One of my dogs has real bad inflammation in her pee area for over 2 years. We tried prescription cream, allergy shots, and allergy meds. The shots were effective for a few months then it stopped. I decided to try colloidal silver soap, very effective on the inflammation and shedding but boy my dog smelled so bad after a week. Phew. I then tried the colloidal dog shampoo but it was not as effective as the soap but my dogs didn’t smell as bad either. I decided to try this shampoo… NaturVet Hemp Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo with Oat & Aloe, and it works and significantly reduced the inflammation that my dog stopped licking the area! I walked my dogs 1 to 2.75 miles every day in the heat for the last two weeks and they still smell good, and their fur still feels clean. I’m so happy. My pup is no longer uncomfortable. I wish this shampoo would help reduce shedding. My other pup sheds so much that I am surprised she’s not bald. “
Shih Tzu Coat Care
When it comes to finding a naturally rich lathering shampoo for your Shih Tzu, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider your dog’s individual needs, such as their coat type, hair length, and skin sensitivity. You’ll also want to look for a shampoo that contains high-quality ingredients like natural oils and botanical extracts that are gentle on your dog’s skin and that you can feel comfortable using around your home.
Do Shih Tzu’s Shed?
The Shih Tzu is a low shedding breed, and they typically do not experience dry skin or dandruff. However, it is still important to bathe your Shih Tzu regularly to keep them clean and healthy. We recommend using a high-quality, all-natural shampoo for dogs for the best results. This will help prevent irritation or inflammation of the skin and keep your Shih Tzu smelling fresh and looking their best.
We’ve broken this review to include more than an essential dog shampoo for the Shih Tzu. Our team examined the best vegan, natural dog shampoos, the most affordable dog shampoo for Shih Tzu’s , and the best multifunctional pet shampoo like the We Love Doodles 4-in-1, a time-saving combination to clean, condition, and reduce excess shedding.
To complete this review, we’ve included how to groom your Shih Tzu videos, coat health tips, the best shampoo and conditioner for Shih Tzu’s, a dry Shih Tzu shampoo, and the best pet soap bar for camping and pet vacays. Here’s the takeaway:
How to Bathe and Groom a Shih Tzu puppy?
Tips On How To Bathe Your Shih Tzu
Bathing your Shih Tzu isn’t difficult, but it’s a good idea to follow a specific procedure to make grooming less stressful for your Shih Tzu. When bathing a Shih Tzu, the most common mistakes include not using the correct shampoo, using too much shampoo, and not rinsing all the shampoo off. Instead, gently apply a small amount of shampoo into your palms and lather or directly onto the dog’s fur and lather gently. Then rinse it off slowly and thoroughly to remove all the suds.
Bathing Your Shih Tzu
Wet your Shih Tzu from the base of his skull down to the tip of his tail with lukewarm bathwater. The water should not be too hot or too cold. You should ensure that hard-to-reach areas like the chest, groin, and legs are washed and rinsed properly. You can also consider using a soft sponge for bathing his head and hard-to-reach areas. This works well with nervous dogs and is less invasive than spraying.
How To Add shampoo?
You should fill your palm with a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs or use an all-natural, eco-friendly dog shampoo bar. Avoid using dish soap or human shampoo because they feature high acidity that will upset the pH balance of your Shih Tzu’s skin.
If your Shih Tzu has sensitive or dry and itchy skin, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian to find out which shampoo he needs. You can also use an alcohol-free, all-natural pet shampoo with no detergents or surfactants.
We like foaming a small amount of shampoo up in our hands before adding it to the dog’s coat. You should start applying the shampoo to the base of your Shih Tzu’s skull, avoid the eyes, and massage it gently into a lather around the chest and head areas. Then work your way down the body using gentle strokes.
You should also read your shampoo instructions, as these will vary, with some advising you to leave the shampoo on for a few minutes before rinsing. If you do so, it’s best to praise and reward your pup for being so patient.
Rinse properly and repeat
It should not be difficult to rinse off if you’re using an all-natural pet shampoo. This is because there are no detergents or surfactants. You should repeat this process a couple of times until the water runs clear and all shampoo residue has been removed. So it’s essential to get all the shampoo out.
Conditioning the Coat
This is just as important as shampooing, and if you have a 2 -1 or, better still, a 4-in-one like the, then you’re onto a winner. A good quality conditioner will help make the coat more manageable, add shine, and feel softer. You should apply the conditioner from mid-length to tips, avoiding the roots. Rinse thoroughly until all the conditioner is removed and your Shih Tzu’s coat is squeaky clean.
Drying Your Shih Tzu
After giving your pup a good rinse, use a clean, soft towel to remove as much water as possible from his coat. We like using a pet absorber towel to get the maximum amount of water out quickly. You can also use a pet hair dryer on the lowest setting, holding it about 12 inches away from the dog’s body.
Zoomies
This is normal after bath time, and you should allow your Shih Tzu to run around and “shake off” any bath time-induced stress. The zoomies also enable your pup to shake off any excess moisture.
Use a soft, clean towel to dry your Shih Tzu’s face after a bath. Avoid using a hairdryer on the face, as this can be too hot and uncomfortable for your pup. Instead, blot his face with the towel until it is slightly damp. Then use a second towel to dry off the rest of his body.
And that’s how you bathe a Shih Tzu! Be sure always to supervise your pup during bath time and never leave them unattended with water or shampoo. Have fun and enjoy bath time with your furry friend!
The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than he is tall. This is a small, well-balanced dog breed that has an arrogant carriage. The feisty Shih Tzu has a broad, round head with wide eyes. The snout is unwrinkled and short and square.
This breed has a wide jaw and large drop ears. With the tail set high, and curls over his back, the Shih Tzu is double-coated and has a long thick outer coat flowing and high maintenance. The long hair on his head is usually tied in a top knot.
When mature, this lively, alert breed usually weighs between 9 to 16 pounds. The temperament is outgoing, friendly, and affectionate. The American Kennel Club (AKC) adds that “As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is that of a companion and house pet, it is essential that its temperament be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting towards all.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I condition my Shih Tzu after bathing?
Yes, you should condition your Shih Tzu after bathing to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. Choose a quality conditioner designed for dogs and apply it after shampooing. Then, rinse the conditioner entirely from your dog’s coat and then towel dry them before allowing them to air dry or using a blow dryer on a low setting.
My Shih Tzu won’t stop scratching; what can I do?
If your Shih Tzu is scratching excessively, it could be a sign of allergies or other skin irritations. Try using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo and conditioner to help soothe their skin. You may also want to try a natural and safe flea or tick treatment if you think that your dog may be suffering from an infestation. Additionally, talk to your vet about any other potential causes of your Shih Tzu’s itching and scratching, as it could signify a more serious health issue.
How can I help keep my Shih Tzu coat looking healthy and shiny?
You can do a few things to help keep your Shih Tzu’s coat looking its best. First, brush your dog regularly using a high-quality bristle brush or comb. This will help remove dead hair and prevent tangles from forming in their coat. You should also regularly bathe your Shih Tzu using a dog shampoo and conditioner to moisturize and protect their coat. Lastly, give your Shih Tzu regular supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help promote a healthy coat.
What is the best shampoo for Shih Tzu?
We like the We Love Doodles Hypoallergenic 4 in 1 Shampoo for Shih Tzu. This shampoo is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin and contains natural ingredients that help soothe your dog’s skin while gently cleansing their coat. It also provides extra moisture to help keep your dog’s coat looking soft, shiny, and healthy.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.