Shih Tzu Eye and Coat Care: 5 Essential Steps Every Owner Needs

Shih tzu care tips that treat this breed like any other small dog miss two things that matter more here than almost anywhere else: their prominent, exposed eyes and their long, continuously-growing coat both need daily attention, not just weekly grooming.

Five essential shih tzu care steps

1. Wipe eyes daily with a clean, damp cloth. Their prominent eye shape makes them prone to tear staining and debris collecting in the corners, which can lead to irritation if ignored.
2. Keep facial hair trimmed away from the eyes, since hair constantly brushing against the eye surface causes irritation and increases the risk of corneal scratches.
3. Brush the coat daily, not weekly. Unlike breeds with a seasonal shed, Shih Tzu coat grows continuously and mats fast without frequent attention.
4. Watch for breathing effort during exercise or heat. Shih Tzus have a shortened muzzle that makes them less efficient at panting, so overheating happens faster than their small size might suggest.
5. Schedule a professional trim every four to six weeks if keeping the coat at a manageable length, rather than letting it grow out fully between visits.

A Shih Tzu’s eyes and coat aren’t separate grooming tasks — untreated hair irritation around the eyes is one of the most common preventable issues in this breed.

Why eye care deserves daily attention in this breed

Shih Tzus have a brachycephalic (shortened) skull shape that leaves their eyes more prominent and exposed than in longer-muzzled breeds. This anatomy, well documented by veterinary sources studying brachycephalic breed health at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, means minor issues that would go unnoticed in other breeds can progress to genuine eye injury faster here, which is exactly why the daily wipe-down matters more than it might for a longer-muzzled breed.

Shih Tzu Care Tips: Heat management for a breed that can’t pant as efficiently

Because their shortened airway limits how effectively they can cool themselves through panting, Shih Tzus need shorter walks during Delhi’s hottest months and closer monitoring for early signs of overheating — heavy breathing that doesn’t ease with rest, gum color changes, or reluctance to keep moving. Morning or evening walks, kept brief, are worth prioritising over a single longer outing during peak heat.

Coat length is a genuine choice, not just aesthetics

Keeping the coat trimmed short year-round is a legitimate, low-maintenance option for owners who don’t want to commit to daily brushing — it doesn’t compromise the breed’s health the way shaving a double-coated breed would, since Shih Tzu coat is single-layered.

Our at-home groomers handle the daily-level coat and eye-area maintenance this breed benefits from, and our training and walking services factor in shortened, heat-safe walk timing for brachycephalic breeds. Book a free demo to get a routine built around your Shih Tzu specifically.

Tear staining: what it is and what actually helps

Reddish-brown staining under the eyes is common in this breed and usually cosmetic rather than a health emergency, caused by tear overflow reacting with air. Daily wiping with a clean cloth, keeping the fur trimmed short around the eyes, and switching to a wide, shallow water bowl (which reduces facial wetting) all help manage it, though it rarely disappears completely.

Dental care matters more for this breed than owners expect

Shih Tzus commonly have crowded teeth due to their shortened jaw shape, which makes them more prone to dental issues than longer-muzzled breeds. Regular teeth brushing and dental check-ins during grooming visits catch problems earlier than waiting for visible discomfort, and this is a preventable issue that’s far cheaper and easier to manage early than after a dental problem has already progressed. Paying attention to bad breath, swollen gums, or changes in chewing habits can also help identify concerns sooner.