Do Shih Tzus Shed? The Complete Coat Care Guide for Indian Pet Parents

Why Is My Shih Tzu Losing Hair?

You are not alone. Shih Tzus are one of the most popular dog breeds in Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. They are small, loving, and perfect for apartments. But their long, beautiful coat needs proper care especially in India's hot, humid, and polluted cities.

India now has over 36.8 million pet dogs (Euromonitor International, 2024), and Shih Tzus are among the most popular small breeds. But 70% of Indian pet parents are first-time dog owners (Expert Market Research, 2025). So if you are confused about coat care, that is completely okay. This guide will explain everything in simple steps.

Do Shih Tzus Shed?

Yes, Shih Tzus do shed but you will not find piles of fur on your floor like you would with a Labrador.

Here is why. Shih Tzus have two layers of hair a soft inner layer and a longer outer layer. When they shed, the loose hair does not fall to the ground. Instead, it gets stuck inside the coat itself. So the fur is still there just hiding inside.

This sounds like good news. But here is the problem: if you do not brush your Shih Tzu regularly, all that trapped hair turns into knots and tangles. In India's humid weather especially during the monsoon these tangled knots trap sweat and moisture close to the skin. This causes itching, rashes, and skin infections.

So even though Shih Tzus don't make a big mess, you still need to brush them every single day and bathe them regularly. As Heads Up For Tails explains in their India guide, "regular brushing is essential to prevent mats from forming."

Why Does Shedding Sometimes Suddenly Increase?

There are some normal reasons your Shih Tzu may shed more than usual:

Growing up (9 to 12 months). Puppies lose their soft baby fur and grow adult hair. This happens between 9 and 12 months. It can look scary, but it is totally normal.

Change of seasons. When summer arrives in India, your dog's body naturally sheds some hair to stay cool. This is normal.

After pregnancy. Female Shih Tzus often lose more hair after delivering puppies. This happens because of hormonal changes. It is called "coat blowing" and it is normal.

Stress or sickness. If your dog has moved to a new home, met a new pet, or is unwell, they may shed more. If the shedding is heavy and comes with itching or redness, visit a vet.

Why Is My Shih Tzu Losing Hair?

Shedding a little every day is normal. But if you see bald patches, thinning fur, or your dog is scratching a lot something is wrong.

Here is an important fact: nearly 25% of small dogs in Indian cities have skin allergies, and Shih Tzus are especially at risk because of their double coat and sensitive skin (Unleash Wellness). Skin problems get worse during the monsoon when humidity shoots up across most of India.

Before you try any home remedy, it helps to know the real reason. Here are the most common causes:

Not enough nutrients in food. Hair is mostly made of protein. If your Shih Tzu is eating low-quality food, their coat will become thin and dull. Heads Up For Tails recommends foods rich in omega fatty acids to "maintain skin health and reduce dryness." If the coat looks lifeless, try adding a small amount of fish oil to your dog's food ask your vet for the right amount.

Allergies. Shih Tzus can be allergic to dust, pollen, or certain foods like chicken or wheat. Allergies usually start with itching. If your dog scratches a lot and then loses hair in those areas, allergies could be the cause.

Fungal or bacterial infection. You may notice circular bald patches, flaky skin, or a bad smell. These infections are very common in India during and after the monsoon. A vet can diagnose this and suggest the right treatment.

Mites (Mange). Tiny insects called mites can get under the skin and cause hair loss usually around the face and legs. A vet needs to confirm this with a test.

Thyroid problem. If your dog is gaining weight, feeling tired, and losing hair symmetrically (same spots on both sides), the thyroid gland might not be working properly. A blood test can confirm this.

Hot spots. Hot spots are small wet patches on the skin that become red and painful. Dogs lick and scratch them constantly. The hair in that area falls out from all the scratching. Hot spots are much more common in India's humid months.

Wrong shampoo. This is one of the most common and easily fixable causes and most Indian pet parents don't realise it. The Doggos, an Indian pet grooming resource, says that shampoos with harsh chemicals like SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) and parabens "strip natural oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and create a vicious cycle of dryness, itching, and infection." Many shampoos sold in India even ones labelled as "dog shampoo" contain these ingredients.

If the hair loss is in patches, sudden, or your dog seems uncomfortable visit a vet first before trying anything at home.

How Often Should You Bathe a Shih Tzu in India?

This is the question most Indian Shih Tzu parents get wrong.

The right answer for India: once every 2 to 3 weeks.

Not every day. Not once a month. Every 2 to 3 weeks.

If you bathe them too rarely, dirt, pollution, and shed hair build up in the coat. If you bathe them too often, you wash away the natural oils that protect their skin and this causes more dryness and itching.

Petsworld.in, an Indian pet resource, recommends that long-coated breeds like Shih Tzus be bathed once every 2 to 3 weeks. They specifically note that India's humidity "raises the risk of fungal infections, hot spots, and ear issues."

Adjust the Bath Routine Based on Indian Seasons

Monsoon (June to September): Bathe only once every 2 weeks. After every rainy walk, rinse your dog's paws and belly with clean water and dry them immediately. According to Supertails, India's leading pet platform, "damp coat between baths is the primary cause of monsoon fungal infections in dogs." Never let your Shih Tzu sleep with a wet coat.

Summer: Shih Tzus have flat noses (called brachycephalic) and they overheat quickly. Keep baths short and use water that is just slightly warm not hot. Dry your dog quickly and keep them in a cool room after the bath.

Cities with hard water (most Indian metros Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai): Hard water leaves mineral deposits on the coat that make it look rough and dull. After the bath, do a final rinse with filtered water or RO water. You can also add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a litre of water and use that as a last rinse.

Puppies below 3 months: Bathe only once a month. Use only a very mild, puppy-specific shampoo.

How to Bathe a Shih Tzu - Step by Step

1. Brush first. Always brush before the bath. Wet hair makes knots tighter and harder to remove.
2. Use lukewarm water. Not hot, not cold. Think of the temperature you would use for a baby.
3. Wet the coat fully. Shih Tzus have a thick double coat. Take your time make sure water reaches all the way to the skin.
4. Apply shampoo gently. Use your fingertips, not your nails. Cover the neck, body, legs, paws, and belly. Keep shampoo away from the eyes and ears.
5. Rinse fully. This step is very important. Any shampoo left on the skin causes itching and dandruff. Rinse until the water runs clean.
6. Apply conditioner - don't skip this. Conditioner makes the coat soft, easy to comb, and less likely to break. Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse.
7. Dry completely. In India's humid weather, a partially dry coat is dangerous. Pat dry with a towel first, then use a hairdryer on low heat while brushing. Do not let your dog air dry during monsoon months.

Why You Should Never Use Human Shampoo on Your Shih Tzu

Your skin and your dog's skin are very different.

Human skin is slightly acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.5). Dog skin is less acidic (pH 6.2 to 7.4). Think of pH like a scale from 0 to 14 lower means more acidic, higher means more neutral.

When you use your shampoo or even baby shampoo on your Shih Tzu, it disturbs this balance. Supertails explains it clearly: "Use human shampoo, even baby shampoo, and you disrupt that balance immediately, leaving your dog vulnerable to bacterial infections, dryness, and itching."

The Doggos, an Indian grooming resource, says this pattern is extremely common in Indian dogs: harsh shampoos strip the skin's protective oils, which then leads to itching, which leads to infection, which then leads to more products a never-ending cycle.

The fix is simple: always use a sulphate-free, paraben-free dog shampoo. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, manuka honey, neem, and yogurt powder. These are gentle and safe for sensitive Indian Shih Tzus.

Petterati's own urban grooming guide also recommends switching between a moisturising shampoo and an antifungal one during monsoon and summer months  because what your dog's skin needs changes with India's seasons.

How to Make Your Shih Tzu's Hair Grow Longer and Faster

Let's be honest first: no product can change your dog's genetics. If your Shih Tzu's hair is naturally only going to grow to a certain length, no shampoo will take it beyond that.

But here is the thing most Shih Tzus with short, thin, or dull coats are not at their natural limit. They are being held back by bad food, wrong grooming, or harsh products. Fix those things, and the coat improves.

Feed Your Dog Well

Hair is made of protein. If your dog does not get enough protein in their food, their coat becomes thin and weak. Heads Up For Tails recommends foods with omega fatty acids specifically for Shih Tzus in India to "maintain skin health and reduce dryness."

Indian pet food quality varies a lot. Budget brands often have low protein content. If your Shih Tzu's coat is dull despite regular grooming, try adding a small amount of fish oil to their food (ask your vet for the right dosage). You may notice improvement in 4 to 6 weeks.

Stop Breakage First

Most "slow hair growth" is not really slow growth. The hair is growing, but it is also breaking off from the ends at the same time. So the length never increases.

Hair breaks when:

• The coat is dry because of harsh shampoos or India's dry-season air
• You comb the coat when it is wet without using a conditioner first
• You pull through knots roughly instead of gently working them out

The single biggest fix: use a conditioner every bath, without fail. It keeps the coat supple and reduces breakage.

Between baths, use a detangling serum. Apply a small amount to dry hair after brushing. It reduces friction when combing and keeps the ends healthy especially important in Indian winters and summer when the air is dry and static is high.

Brush Every Day

Daily brushing does three helpful things:

• It spreads the skin's natural oils through the coat, which keeps hair moisturised
• It removes shed hair before it turns into knots
• It gently increases blood flow to the skin, which helps hair grow

Use a soft slicker brush for everyday brushing. Use a wide-tooth comb for knots. Always start from the ends and slowly work toward the roots. Never drag the brush from the root to the end through a knot that causes breakage and pain.

The Best Petterati Shampoos for Your Shih Tzu

A good grooming routine has three steps: clean, condition, protect. Here are the right Petterati products for each Shih Tzu need matched to what Indian dogs actually face.

For everyday bathing: Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Manuka Honey

Good for: Shih Tzus with healthy coats who need a gentle shampoo for regular use.

The Petterati Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Manuka Honey is ideal for Indian Shih Tzus who need regular baths without drying out the coat. Oatmeal creates a gentle protective layer on the skin, locks in moisture, and soothes any mild irritation. Manuka honey has natural antibacterial properties and also helps keep the coat soft and hydrated. No sulphates, no parabens so it cleans gently without causing the itch-infection cycle.

For hair fall: Anti Hair Fall Shampoo with Conditioner

Good for: Shih Tzus that are losing more hair than usual, or whose coat looks thin and lifeless.

The Petterati Anti Hair Fall Shampoo is made to fight hair fall from the root. It supports the scalp, reduces inflammation (swelling under the skin that weakens hair roots), and conditions the coat to prevent breakage. Hair fall and shedding are the most commonly searched Shih Tzu problems in India this shampoo addresses exactly that. Sulphate and paraben free. It also has a conditioner built in, so it is two steps in one.

For itchy skin and dandruff: Dandruff & Itch Control Shampoo

Good for: Shih Tzus that scratch a lot, have white flakes on the coat, or have dry, irritated skin especially in the monsoon.

The Petterati Dandruff & Itch Control Dog Shampoo uses yogurt powder (which contains lactic acid a gentle natural cleanser) and aloe vera to calm itchy, flaky skin. Fungal dandruff is very common in Indian Shih Tzus during the six months of high humidity that most of our cities experience. This shampoo works on the skin from the inside out not just cleaning the surface, but also rebalancing the skin's natural environment. Sulphate and paraben free, with a built-in conditioner.

For a silky, fresh-smelling coat: Silky Coat Dog Shampoo

Good for: Shih Tzus whose coat looks good overall but lacks that beautiful silky shine or dogs that tend to smell between baths, which is very common in India's humid climate.

The Petterati Silky Coat Dog Shampoo is pH balanced for dogs and has a malodour neutraliser a special ingredient that removes bad smells rather than just covering them up. In Indian cities, pollution and humidity make coats pick up smells faster. This shampoo leaves the coat smooth, shiny, and fresh. Available in 1000ml for better value.

For a complete routine: Shampoo + Conditioner Combo

Good for: First-time Shih Tzu parents who want to start with a proper matched pair.

The Petterati Cleansing Shampoo + Nourishing Detangling Conditioner combo gives you both products together at a much better price. The shampoo cleans and moisturises. The conditioner makes the coat smooth and easy to comb after the bath. Together they work better than buying either product alone and they save you money too.

Which shampoo is right for my Shih Tzu?

---

Frequently Asked Questions

My Shih Tzu is suddenly shedding a lot. Should I be worried?

A little extra shedding during season changes or after pregnancy is normal. But if you also see bald patches, red skin, constant scratching, or your dog is eating and sleeping less than usual take them to a vet. A simple blood test can rule out thyroid problems or other health issues.

How often should I bathe my Shih Tzu in India?

Once every 2 to 3 weeks is ideal. During monsoon, stick to once every 2 weeks and always dry the coat fully after the bath. Dogs in polluted Indian cities may need baths every 2 weeks throughout the year.

Can I use my shampoo or baby shampoo on my Shih Tzu?

No  please do not. Your shampoo and your dog's shampoo need to have different pH levels. Using human shampoo disturbs your dog's skin and can cause dryness, itching, and infections. This is one of the most common mistakes Indian pet parents make. Always use a dog-specific, sulphate-free shampoo.

My city has hard water. Is that harming my dog's coat?

 It can. Most Indian metro cities have hard water. The minerals in it can make your dog's coat feel rough and dull. After bathing, do a final rinse with filtered or RO water. A good conditioner every bath also helps counteract hard water damage.

How long will it take to see improvement in the coat?

Give it 6 to 8 weeks of consistent changes better food, right shampoo, daily brushing, conditioner every bath. If you see no improvement after 3 months, consult a vet to check for underlying health issues.

How do I handle knots and tangles?

Apply a detangling spray or conditioner to the tangled area. Wait for 1 minute. Then gently work through the knot using a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and moving toward the roots. Do not use scissors unless you are experienced it is easy to accidentally cut the skin. For severe matting, visit a professional groomer.

Does coconut oil help the coat grow?

Coconut oil is a common Indian home remedy, but it does not really help hair grow. It only adds surface shine. If applied too much on the scalp, it can block pores and cause skin problems. A proper leave-in serum or coat conditioner works much better and is safer.

My Shih Tzu's coat looks dull every summer. What should I do?

Indian summers dry out the coat and the skin. Keep your dog well hydrated with fresh water always available. Use a moisturising shampoo, condition every bath, and apply a light leave-in serum between baths. Avoid taking your Shih Tzu outside between 11am and 4pm during peak summer heat.

Simple Daily Routine for Your Shih Tzu's Coat

Here is all of it in one easy summary:

Brush the coat every day. Bathe once every 2 to 3 weeks with the right shampoo for your dog's needs. Use conditioner every single bath no skipping. Dry the coat fully after every bath. Feed good quality food with omega-3 support. In monsoon, keep the coat dry at all times. In summer, avoid midday heat and switch to a moisturising shampoo.

When something looks wrong sudden hair loss, constant scratching, skin redness do not wait. Visit a vet early. It is always easier and cheaper to treat a problem early.

Your Shih Tzu's coat shows how healthy they are on the inside. Take care of the basics, and the beautiful coat will follow.

Browse the full range of Petterati dog shampoos all sulphate and paraben free, pH-balanced, made in India, and designed for India's climate.