Shih Tzu With a Dirty Bottom After Some Bowel Movements

This is very common in long-haired small dogs like Shih Tzus. Long fur around the bottom traps poop, especially when it's a bit soft. Ask your groomer to keep the area clipped short (a "sanitary trim"), and wipe with an unscented baby wipe after he goes.

Rich canned food and several treats a day can make poop softer. A complete, balanced food with fewer treats often firms it up, but change foods gradually over a week. If his poop is often soft, contains mucus, or he scoots or licks his bottom, ask your vet to check his anal glands and test a stool sample for parasites.

See our dog poop chart.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.