Bathing

In between trips to the groomers (once every 4-6 weeks), I give my dogs a bath every 1-2 weeks. I have found that Shih Tzu are like cats, they like to be clean! Cheeko would just walk right into the shower when I open the door; I don't have to say anything, he just knows it is time! Fonfon needs some verbal encouragement but would also walk in by himself. The other two don't love the water as much. I use baby shampoo.

After eating or drinking, Cheeko would always wipe his face on a rug or a throw on the couch, he likes to keep his whiskers clean! Fonfon licks his paws and cleans his face just like a cat. The other two do not display special cleaning routines, but they always snuggle up to you extra close after a bath, as if they know they smell so good!

On the rare occasion that they get an upset stomach and have diarrhea; you can always tell if Fonfon has a messy bottom due to this because he would have this look on his face that says "I am so sorry, I made a big mess, please help!"