How to Clean Shih Tzu Facial Folds and Tear Stains (Complete Home Grooming Guide)
The facial-care routine every Shih Tzu owner searches for but rarely finds explained clearly.
If you own a Shih Tzu, you’ve probably searched things like:
- “How do I clean my Shih Tzu’s face?”
- “How to remove Shih Tzu tear stains naturally”
- “Why does my Shih Tzu’s face smell?”
- “How often should I clean Shih Tzu wrinkles?”
These are wildly common questions, yet there aren’t many detailed, step-by-step guides online.
This article fills that gap with a clear, practical, guide you can refer to anytime.
Why Shih Tzu Face Care Is One of the Most Important Parts of Daily Grooming
Because of their short muzzle, round eyes, and thick facial coat, Shih Tzus are prone to:
- Tear stains
- Moisture trapped in facial folds
- “Sour” or “yeasty” odor
- Redness and irritation under the eyes and nose
- Bacterial buildup in mouth corners
Many owners assume this is “normal,” but proper cleaning dramatically reduces staining, smell, and discomfort.
How to Clean Your Shih Tzu’s Face (Step-by-Step Routine That Actually Works)
1. What You Need Before You Start
To remove stains, clean wrinkles, and prevent odor, prepare:
- Soft cotton pads or microfiber cloth
- Warm water or dog-safe saline
- Mild, tearless dog facial cleanser (optional)
- A small grooming comb
- Dry, lint-free towel
- Optional: dog tear-stain drying powder or unscented cornstarch
These gentle tools keep the face clean without irritating the eyes or skin.
2. Clean the Shih Tzu Eye Area First
This is where most tear staining begins.
- Moisten a cotton pad with warm water or saline.
- Hold it on the inner eye corner for 5–10 seconds to soften debris.
- Wipe downward, never across the eyeball.
- Remove any soft buildup with gentle strokes.
This simple step reduces the bacteria that cause dark stains and odor.
3. Clean the Nose Fold (The Spot Most Owners Miss)
The “nose roll”, the tiny wrinkle right above the nose, is a magnet for moisture.
- Lift the fold gently.
- Wipe inside with a damp cloth.
- Dry the area completely.
This fold often smells before owners even notice it.
Cleaning it daily prevents yeast, irritation, and redness.
4. Clean the Mouth Corners (Major Source of Odor)
Food, drool, and water get trapped here.
- Wipe both sides with warm water.
- Comb out any stiff or stuck hairs.
- Dry thoroughly, especially if your Shih Tzu drinks messily.
A lot of “Shih Tzu face smell” comes from this area, not the tears.
5. Add a Moisture-Control Step to Reduce Future Staining
After the face is fully clean and dry, apply a tiny amount of:
- Unscented cornstarch
or - A dog tear-area drying powder
These help keep the area dry and prevent new stains from forming.
How Often Should You Clean a Shih Tzu’s Face?
For best results (and minimal staining):
- Daily: Quick wipe of eyes, nose fold, and lip corners
- 3–4 times weekly: More thorough cleaning
- Weekly: Comb through facial hair and trim debris
Shih Tzus with heavy tearing may need twice-daily eye wipes.
Signs You’re Not Cleaning the Face Enough
If you notice these symptoms, increase your routine:
- Brown or pink tear stains spreading
- Yeasty or sour smell around the muzzle
- Brown buildup at the inner eye corner
- Moist, irritated skin inside folds
- Dog pawing at their face
These signs often show before an infection starts, early cleaning prevents it.
Groomer Tips Most Websites Don’t Mention
1. Stainless-steel food bowls help reduce tear staining
Plastic bowls trap bacteria that irritate the muzzle.
2. Keep the inner-eye hair short
Long hairs act like wicks, pulling moisture into the folds.
3. Dry the beard after drinking
This prevents odor and lip staining.
4. Replace bedding regularly
Dusty or dirty fabric creates eye irritation.
5. Watch for “wicking mats”
These tiny mats near the inner eye hold moisture like a sponge and worsen stains.
