Shih Tzu hair knots can be quite challenging and painful to remove. Yet, there are tips you can work with to make the process less painful where you don’t even have to cut the hair.
This means that you have to make sure that the dog’s coat is well taken care of. Because once neglected, safe untangling is not possible.
You may also want to do it on your own. At times, professional groomers usually don’t have the time and/or patience to untangle the knots and are often too fast to cut and shape.
Below is a simple process on how to get knots out of dog hair.
Essential Tools for Untangling Shih Tzu Hair Knots
Here are some tools that you will need to get knots out of your dog’s hair safely without using harsh chemicals:
A great tool to start with is a leg and mustache comb that is about 4-5′ long, or a rat-tail comb that has a long steel pin at the base. Another essential tool is a pin brush that comes with wood or steel pins and without balls on their tips, because balls normally damage and drag the hair which makes brushing more complicated. You can also use a Flea comb that has a close-set of teeth.
You can also make use of a slicker brush that is specifically designed for dogs with double cotton coats. Untangling products, such as conditioning serums and sprays are also useful when it comes to getting knots out of your dog’s hair.
You can buy these particular items from pet stores or on Amazon.com. But you have to be careful to avoid the ones that have harsh chemicals claiming to melt away the knots.
Once you have selected all the items needed, it is important to look for a comfortable place where you will work on untangling your precious pet. Use a towel on top of a table or any countertop.
Use your body to block the pet from jumping once you start the combing process. Remember never to leave the dog on a surface that is high from the floor without attendance.
Untangling process
As you go about the process of getting rid of your Shih Tzu hair knots, keep in mind that you should do it before giving her a bath. This is because water can make the knots tighter.
The only exception is when the dog is filthy or has urine in its hair. Thus, in this situation washing is essential before progressing with the untangling procedure.
Combs are ideal when it comes to getting out the knots. Apply a generous amount of the untangling product on the problem area. And use the small mustache and leg comb together with the rat tail comb to untangle the knot softly.
Point the hair tool away from the dog’s body in downward movements. When you’re finished loosening all the knots, comb the dog’s hair in tiny sections.
Use one hand to hold the hair without pulling on the skin as this helps to prevent injury.
This is important as you are not only getting out the knots, you are also helping to stimulate skin circulation and enhance healthy hair growth.
Remember always to keep your Shih Tzu groomed. These dogs expect a pampered life at all times. Owning a Shih Tzu is a rewarding and wonderful experience, yet they are a huge responsibility.
The beloved Shih Tzu was bred for the laps of Chinese royalty over two thousand years ago. Today, the breed is a companion dog that still relishes the opportunity to comfort its owner as much as probable.
