I have a 15 week old shih tzu and wondered if anyone else has one on here and if so how on earth do you keep them clean???
He has just mastered walking on the lead and he wants to be out four times a day for a walk. All well and good, but he's an absolute filth magnet. His legs are constantly black and I have bathed him daily for the last two weeks.
Is it OK to bath them as much? If only someone would invent little wellies for small dogs.....
Last edited by Stressedmammy : 26-02-2016 at 12:41

The joys of owning a dog we have had big dogs and little dogs, dogs with long coats and short. All filth magnets in various ways, bowl of warm water by the front door with flannels and towels at the ready for the leg wash down and tummy clean when we get home.

Bathing often shouldn't hurt as long as you use a gentle shampoo or just water.

I've been using baby shampoo. I have to say though, he's been a really easy puppy, apart from being a little scruff bag.
I will try that just toweling him after a walk, thanks,

I would have him clipped short underneath and his legs and paws done shorter too, that way things won't gather in it the same and you will be able to wipe him down much easier. Bathing him so much isn't good, bathing strips the natural oils in the coat which keep the dog warm and the undercoat waterproof. Overbathing will also dry out the skin and make it sore.

Try a waterless shampoo, which is a foam you just spray on the hair and rub in. It's designed for quick touch up cleaning and simple to use: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bio-Groom-Wa...ss+dog+shampoo

Also you might want to try a paw plunger:

http://doggiestuff.co.uk/paw-plunger...paws-outdoors/

They come in different sizes for different dogs, you probably need either the petite or small size. Their ingenious, my dog can get her legs filthy black on a walk and their sparkling clean in seconds of being put in this! Highly recommend one!

Ooo Yes, I'll try that definitely. He's been to the groomer two weeks ago and within four days his hair was crazy again. But, God, he's so cute! I still like the idea of dog wellies, but I'll definitely get a paw plunger, thanks!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Large-Pawz-D...ords=dog+boots

As he is so young, he could get used to them quickly.

Thanks for that.