Spring Cleaning: Keeping Your Shih Tzu's Items Clean and Refreshed

Overview

Spring cleaning, as you probably know, is the ritual of doing a deep clean and overhaul of the home as winter winds down. When blossoms get ready to emerge and the air becomes warmer, it’s the perfect time to refresh and revitalize our living spaces. And this is also the ideal time to do a spring cleaning of your Shih Tzu’s things. What sort of items should be cleaned for a Shih Tzu during a spring clean? Let’s take a look. 

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#1 Assess and Deep Clean the Bedding

Spring cleaning for your Shih Tzu should include a thorough inspection and cleaning of their bedding. Assess the bed for rips and tears and ensure that your Shih Tzu has not outgrown it. Feel the cushioning to see if it is as supportive as it's meant to be; most dog beds (even quality orthopedic ones) need to be replaced every couple of years (these are not like human mattresses that can last close to a decade). Remember that for a Shih Tzu, being prone to hip issues and (like all canines) arthritis as early as age 8, a quality supportive bed is vital.

In regard to cleaning, pet beds accumulate dust mites (it's not uncommon for there to be thousands to millions of these microscopic creatures in a dog's bedding), as well as dirt, hairs, and other debris, along with accompanying odor, making it essential to give them a good clean. Start by removing any washable covers or cushions. Launder them following the care instructions, and consider using a pet-friendly, hypoallergenic detergent. Note that dust mites must be washed in hot water (at least 130 F or 54 C) to be killed in the wash cycle. 

For non-removable parts, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove loose hairs and debris. And if the weather allows, place the bed outdoors for the day to air it out. 

#2 Evaluate, Update and Clean Toys

Spring cleaning should include your Shih Tzu's toy collection, with both reassessing needs and washing. Begin by evaluating what your Shih Tzu has, discarding any toys that are damaged and consider donating any that are ignored.

Then, consider changing needs. For a puppy that has outgrown teething, shift to more mentally stimulating toys like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. For a Shih Tzu that seems bored, introduce variety of interactive toys and those made for chewing fun. For those that struggle with being home alone or with getting enough attention, consider a companion toy. These are all various types that can be important parts of a Shih Tzu’s toy collection. 

Properly cleaning your Shih Tzu's toys helps remove odors and helps prevents the spread of germs. Run washables in a washing machine and hand-wash the rest in the sink, making sure to rinse thoroughly, removing any residue. 

#3 Freshen Up the Harness and Leash

Your Shih Tzu's harness and leash are essential tools for daily walks. Spring is an ideal time to reevaluate their sizing and condition. Has your Shih Tzu grown since you’ve gotten their last harness? Does the adjustment still allow for comfort? 

In addition to sizing, check for any signs of wear, like frayed edges or weakened clasps, and replace if necessary. If you’re looking for a new one, consider the EcoBark Step-in Harness that is exceptionally easy to put on and off, is padded yet breathable, has sizes for every Shih Tzu from tiny pups to full grown adults and comes in an array of colors. 

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the harness. Many fabric harness vests can be laundered in a washing machine using hypo-allergenic detergent to help prevent irritation to your Shih Tzu’s sensitive skin. Cleaning leashes will depend on their material. And this is a good time to restock any disposable poop bags that you may keep with the leash. 

#4 Inspect and Clean Food and Water Bowls

Your Shih Tzu's feeding and water bowls require regular attention. So, if you haven’t inspected them or cleaned them in a while, this spring-cleaning event is the perfect time to get this done and then stay on a schedule of at least weekly cleans. For stainless steel or ceramic bowls, consider sanitizing them in the dishwasher if they are labeled safe to do so. We do not recommend using plastic bowls, but if you have any, they may require more frequent replacement due to scratches, which can harbor bacteria. 

Evaluate the bowls for appropriate size, focusing on depth and capacity. Observe any feeding difficulties, such as rapid eating that might require a slow-feeder bowl, or messiness that could benefit from a shallower design. With a variety of bowls available for Shih Tzu dogs, spring cleaning offers an ideal opportunity to update to a more suitable food and water bowl set.

#5 Inspect and Clean Grooming Equipment

Take a closer look at your grooming tools, including brushes, combs, and nail clippers. Ensure that brushes are free of trapped hair and debris. Bristles brushes should be checked to ensure they have not worn down. Pin brushes should be checked for any rubber rounded tips that may have fallen off.

To thoroughly clean brushes and combs, once you’ve removed any loose hairs and debris, soak them in a sink, using hot water and add a bit of pet-friendly antibacterial soap. Allow the tools to soak for 10-20 minutes, ensuring that the soapy water penetrates all bristles and teeth. This step helps to eliminate any lingering bacteria or germs.

After the soaking period, rinse them and pat them dry with a soft cloth, ensuring that all excess moisture is removed. Pay attention to the hinges and joints of grooming tools such as nail clippers, ensuring they are thoroughly dried to prevent rusting. If you use scissors on your Shih Tzu for trims, be sure to clean and maintain them following manufacturer’s instructions, which often includes oiling the hinges. 

#6 Check and Refresh First Aid Supplies

It’s important to regularly check and replace expired items to keep your Shih Tzu's first aid kit, to be ready for any unforeseen situations and spring cleaning is the perfect time for this. If you don’t yet have a kit for your little guy or gal, consider ARCA PET First Aid Emergency Kit; this comes completely stocked with everything you need, including an emergency blanket (important to help prevent shock in case of a serious accident) and you can rest easy knowing you are prepared. 

This sort of kit is ideal not just at home, but to keep in the car and to take with you while out and about on any adventures, near or far. 

If you have a current kit, ensure it contains sterile gauze pads, bandages of different sizes, and pet-safe antiseptic wipes or solution to address wounds and cuts. Check for, or add in, tweezers and a tick remover for safe removal of splinters or ticks. Keep blunt-tipped scissors for cutting bandages, adhesive tape for securing them, and a digital thermometer for monitoring your Shih Tzu's temperature during colds or illness. Sterile saline solution is good to have, as it aids in cleaning wounds or eye debris. And an instant cold pack can help reduce swelling in case of an injury (as you await word from the vet). 

#7 Clean out Food and Snack Canisters or Cabinets

If you keep your Shih Tzu’s food in an air-tight canister (great for buying in bulk) or other type of container, crumbs and kibble 'dust' often inevitably end up at the very bottom and usually stay there as new food gets replaced on top. So, when you’re spring cleaning your Shih Tzu's things, it’s a good idea to wipe out any of those food containers.

If you keep the kibble, treats and snacks in their original bags, take a moment to wipe out the counter or cabinet they are stored in. While you’re at it, take a look at the expiration dates; if the treats are dry or expired, toss them out.

A Final Note

Spring cleaning for your Shih Tzu is a thoughtful way to show your love. By addressing your little guy or gal’s bedding, toys, harness and leash, feeding bowls, grooming tools, first aid supplies, and food canisters, you'll create a safe and comfortable environment for your Shih Tzu to thrive in the upcoming season. 

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