Why does my Shih Tzu have brown marks under its eyes?

This is tear staining, a common tendency in the breed linked to their short muzzle and facial structure causing tears to run down the face rather than drain normally. A dedicated tear-stain product used gently around the eyes can help manage it, though persistent or worsening staining is worth mentioning to your vet in case there is an underlying cause.

How often should I bathe a Shih Tzu?

It varies by individual dog and coat condition, but many owners find every few weeks works well alongside regular brushing between baths. Bathing too frequently with the wrong shampoo can dry the coat out and make matting worse, so a gentle, moisturising formula matters more than the exact schedule.

Can I use human shampoo on my Shih Tzu?

No, it is best avoided. A dog's skin has a different pH to human skin, and human shampoo can be too harsh and drying for a coat that already needs careful moisture management. A shampoo formulated for dogs is the safer and more effective choice.

What should I do before bathing a matted Shih Tzu?

Brush the coat out thoroughly while it is still dry, since water and shampoo make an existing mat tighter and much harder to work through. If the matting is severe or close to the skin, a professional groom may be a better first step than bathing at home.

Best shampoo for a Shih Tzu

A Shih Tzu's long, flowing double coat and short, flat face create two grooming needs a standard shampoo does not always address: something gentle and moisturising to help prevent matting, and separate care around the eyes where tear staining is common in the breed. A mild, tear-safe shampoo alongside a dedicated tear-stain product covers both.

Why the coat needs a gentle, moisturising shampoo

The Shih Tzu's long double coat tangles and mats easily if it dries out, and a harsh or heavily fragranced shampoo can strip natural oils that would otherwise help keep the coat manageable between grooms. A gentle, moisturising formula, used alongside regular brushing, does more for a coat like this than any single grooming product on its own.

Rinsing thoroughly matters as much as the shampoo itself. Any residue left in a long coat can attract dirt and contribute to matting, so it is worth taking the extra time to rinse fully rather than rushing the final stage of a bath.

Tear staining is a genuine breed tendency

Shih Tzus are one of the breeds commonly affected by tear staining, the reddish-brown marks that build up under the eyes from tears running down the face rather than draining normally. This is partly related to the breed's short muzzle and facial structure, and a standard shampoo used on the body does not address it.

A dedicated tear-stain remover, used gently around the eye area with a soft cloth or pad rather than the fingers, is a separate product worth having alongside a body shampoo. Keep any shampoo well away from the eyes themselves during a bath regardless of which one you use.

A few practical bathing tips for the breed

Because the face sits close to the eyes and the muzzle is short, a no-tears or tear-free formula reduces the risk of stinging if any shampoo runs down during a bath, which matters more for a flat-faced breed than for a longer-nosed dog.

Brush the coat out thoroughly before bathing rather than after — a matted coat traps water and shampoo against the skin and is far harder to work through once wet than it was dry.

What we stock for this breed

Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.

Electric Pet Grooming Clipper

A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.

From£11.99

Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles

A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.

£18.99

Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb

A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.

From£8.99

Pet Deshedding Grooming Mitt

A soft mesh grooming mitt you wear on one hand to lift loose fur while stroking your pet, turning shedding control into a soothing massage. Suits dogs and cats with any coat length.

From£7.99

Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

A skin-friendly slicker brush that gently lifts loose fur and undercoat from dogs, cats and rabbits. The angled pins glide through the coat while a one-click button releases the collected hair for easy cleaning. Soft non-slip handle.

£9.99

Double-Sided Deshedding & Flea Comb

A two-sided steel comb with coarse deshedding teeth on one side and fine flea-comb teeth on the other. Lifts loose fur and catches fleas to keep your cat or dog's coat clean and healthy.

£13.99

Steam Spray Detangling Grooming Brush

A rechargeable steam grooming brush with a fine mist that lifts loose fur and eases tangles while you brush. Gentle on the skin and cuts down flyaway hair, no bath needed. Chick design.

£12.99

Fast UK delivery

Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades

High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.

From£37.99

Double-Sided Undercoat Rake

A twin-bladed rake that removes mats and tangles on one side and reduces shedding on the other. The non-slip ergonomic handle suits cats and dogs with thick or long coats.

£23.99

Silicone Pet Bath & Massage Brush

Soft silicone bristles work shampoo into a rich lather while gently massaging your pet and lifting loose hair at bath time. A handy strap keeps the brush secure across the back of your hand.

£7.99

Self-Cleaning Deshedding Slicker Brush

A deshedding grooming tool for dogs and cats that lifts loose undercoat and eases out tangles, with a self-cleaning button that releases the trapped fur in one press.

£25.99

Wooden Pet Deshedding Grooming Brush

An ergonomic wooden grooming brush with a fine-toothed edge that loosens and lifts away dead and shedding fur. The smooth contoured handle sits comfortably in the hand for quick, gentle daily de-shedding.

£14.99

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Common questions

Why does my Shih Tzu have brown marks under its eyes?: This is tear staining, a common tendency in the breed linked to their short muzzle and facial structure causing tears to run down the face rather than drain normally. A dedicated tear-stain product used gently around the eyes can help manage it, though persistent or worsening staining is worth mentioning to your vet in case there is an underlying cause.
How often should I bathe a Shih Tzu?: It varies by individual dog and coat condition, but many owners find every few weeks works well alongside regular brushing between baths. Bathing too frequently with the wrong shampoo can dry the coat out and make matting worse, so a gentle, moisturising formula matters more than the exact schedule.
Can I use human shampoo on my Shih Tzu?: No, it is best avoided. A dog's skin has a different pH to human skin, and human shampoo can be too harsh and drying for a coat that already needs careful moisture management. A shampoo formulated for dogs is the safer and more effective choice.
What should I do before bathing a matted Shih Tzu?: Brush the coat out thoroughly while it is still dry, since water and shampoo make an existing mat tighter and much harder to work through. If the matting is severe or close to the skin, a professional groom may be a better first step than bathing at home.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.