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Can I Put Baby Powder on My Shih Tzu?

puppy shih tzu in front of white background
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It’s reasonable to think that baby powder might be safe for your dog. It is safe for babies, so why wouldn’t it be? The truth is, you can use baby powder on your Shih Tzu, but there are a few things you need to know before you do. So, if you want to know, “Can I put baby powder on my Shih Tzu,” the quick answer is yes, but you’ll need to be careful.

Can I Put Baby Powder on My Shih Tzu?

If your Shih Tzu needs a little freshening up, baby powder seems like a reasonable option, and it can be, but you need to use caution.

And if your Shih Tzu has flea issues and the medicated flea powder is causing them problems, then again, baby powder can seem like the solution.

There are times that baby powder can be used such as helping with itchy skin which Shih Tzus are famous for, getting rid of odors, and helping with fleas and flea bites.

But don’t use it for a skin infection.

The powder will actually suffocate the fleas and they will die.

You can also put some baby powder in your dog’s bed as well.

Having said that, not all baby powder is the same, and you need to be careful when it comes to the ingredients to make sure it is dog friendly.

Top view of spilled hypoallergenic baby powder on light beige background.
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Which Baby Powders to Avoid

Chances are you have heard in the news that baby powder with talcum powder can cause cancer in humans.

While the jury might be out on whether or not it can harm your Shih Tzu, it just makes sense to avoid any with talcum powder as there are other options.

You can find a couple of great options here and here.

You will also want to be sure that anything you use is scent-free.

The perfumes can cause breathing issues and skin issues.

Also, your Shih Tzus nose is much more sensitive to smells than yours is, so a strong scent can really bother them.

Spilled baby scented powder on striped background with short depth of field
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How To Use Baby Powder on Your Shih Tzu

If you decide to go this route, just take a handful of baby powder and rub it through their hair.

Don’t pour it from the container as the particles will float through the air and your Shih Tzu will breathe them in.

Put it in your hand first.

Be sure to keep it off their face.

Let it sit for 4 or 5 minutes and then use a brush to remove the excess.

While this is safe for dogs, don’t use it too often or it can dry out their skin.

You shouldn’t use it more than once per week.

Shih Tzus have skin issues, to begin with, so you don’t want to add to them by using too much baby powder too often.

Also, keep a close eye on your dog when you apply this as you don’t want them licking the baby powder.

That can cause health issues as well.

Using Baby Powder to Remove Tangles

If you’ve had a Shih Tzu for any length of time you know how easily their hair gets tangled and matted.

That’s why daily brushing is so important.

However, if yours does end up with a few tangles then baby powder can help.

Simply apply a little baby powder to the tangles and then brush.

You’ll find the tangles come out easier.

white talcum powder splash on black background,
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Can You Put Baby Powder in Your Shih Tzu’s Ears?

No, you shouldn’t do this.

Baby powder is made for topical application, meaning on the outside and not the inside.

If it gets in the ear and especially the inner ear it can cause your dog problems.

Possible Issues When Using Baby Powder on Your Dog

If you use too much powder or apply it in a room with poor ventilation it can become a choking hazard for your Shih Tzu.

They will breathe in all the excess powder floating around in the air.

This can then become an irritation in their windpipe and cause coughing and sneezing.

Baby powder is great at drying skin.

That’s why people use it after they get out of the shower.

But for your Shih Tzu, it can dry their skin and hair too much.

This will strip away the natural oils in their hair which will lead to brittle hair and a dulling of the coat.

You might also enjoy:

Do Shih Tzus Have Fur or Hair?

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Can I Use Conditioner on My Shih Tzu?

Can Baby Powder Treat Canine Heat Rash?

Actually, yes it can help.

If your Shih Tzu gets a heat rash, they will tend to lick the area over and over again.

This only makes things worse.

By using a little cornstarch-based powder it will give your dog some relief.

You can also use it on hot spots.

Just be careful here.

You don’t want your Shih Tzu to lick all of it up.

And you never want to use talc-based powder on irritated skin.

You might also enjoy:

Do Shih Tzus Stink?

What Are the Best Face Wipes for Shih Tzus?

How Long After Applying Frontline Can I Bathe My Shih Tzu?

To Sum it All Up:

Baby powder can help with some of your Shih Tzus skin conditions but just use caution. Shih Tzus tend to have sensitive skin and baby powder can cause dry skin if too much is used. If your dog has a medical condition, be sure to talk to your vet before using any powders on them. Using baby powder on dogs can be a way to reduce smell and even kill fleas and will help with a flea infestation when used on your dog’s bedding. Just keep in mind, a little goes a long way.

 

 

 

Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.

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