Struggling to care for your Shih Tzu or thinking of getting one? These small lap dogs, known as “lion dogs,” need special attention due to their double coat and playful temperament.
In this guide, you’ll learn practical tips about grooming, training, health care, and much more. Keep reading—you won’t want to miss this!
Key Takeaways
- A Shih Tzu’s coat needs daily brushing, grooming every 8-10 weeks, and monthly baths to stay healthy and tangle-free.
- Feed high-quality dog food for small breeds, avoid overfeeding, and always provide fresh water to prevent obesity or digestion issues.
- Short walks, puzzle toys, basic commands training with positive reinforcement help keep your Shih Tzu active and mentally stimulated.
- Regular vet visits (every 6-12 months), core vaccines by 16 weeks old, eye cleaning, and dental care are vital for health maintenance.
- Watch for signs of illness like appetite loss, limping, or excessive panting—these can signal serious health problems common in the breed.
Essential Care for Your Shih Tzu
Caring for a Shih Tzu means keeping them happy, healthy, and looking their best. From daily routines to special needs, their care involves attention to detail and lots of love.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
A Shih Tzu’s coat is a double-coat that needs daily care to stay silky and tangle-free. Brush the fur every day to remove knots, prevent matting, and reduce dirt buildup. Plan for grooming appointments every 8-10 weeks, as their non-shedding coat grows quickly.
Monthly baths keep them clean while keeping skin healthy. Use dog shampoos made for small breeds like Shih Tzus to avoid dryness or irritation.
Their face also needs regular attention. Clean around their eyes daily with a damp cotton pad to stop tear stains and avoid corneal ulcers. Dry eye checks at least once a year can help catch issues early.
Adding salmon oil to meals boosts coat shine and softness naturally over time—your pup will thank you!
Proper Nutrition and Feeding Tips
Good food keeps your Shih Tzu healthy and happy. They need the right nutrients to grow strong and stay active.
- Feed them high-quality dog food made for small dog breeds like Shih-Tzus. Look for options approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- Avoid canned food, as it can cause tartar buildup on their teeth. Dry kibble is often a better choice for dental care.
- Transition your puppy to adult food around seven months old. Puppies have different needs than fully grown dogs.
- Stick to a balanced diet to prevent obesity, which is common in small dogs. Their weight should stay between 9 to 16 pounds on average.
- Measure portions correctly based on their size, age, and activity level. Overfeeding leads to digestive problems or weight gain.
- Fresh water must always be available for hydration and digestion support.
- Healthy snacks like carrots or green beans can make great low-calorie treats during training sessions.
- Watch for signs of food allergies such as diarrhea or bad breath after meals, which could indicate an issue with digestion.
- Introduce new foods slowly into their diet to avoid upsetting their sensitive stomachs.
- Consult with your vet regularly about meal changes and supplement choices if needed.
A proper feeding routine builds the foundation for training your canine companion effectively!
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Shih Tzus need activities to stay healthy and happy. Though they are small lapdogs, they still benefit from light exercise and mental challenges.
- Take them on short walks daily to keep their bodies active. Avoid long or intense walks since Shih Tzus can overheat due to their flat faces (brachycephalic syndrome).
- Create fun indoor games if you live in an apartment. Hide-and-seek or fetch with soft toys works well for keeping them sharp and entertained.
- Offer puzzle toys during quiet times to boost problem-solving skills. These toys provide both mental stimulation and a great way to pass time.
- Allow them access to dog-friendly spaces for socialization. Being around other dogs improves their confidence and teaches better social skills.
- Rotate their toys regularly so they don’t get bored of the same ones. New objects keep their curiosity alive and encourage playtime.
- Train basic commands like “sit” or “stay” using positive reinforcement training techniques. Praise, treats, or belly rubs motivate Shih Tzus while teaching obedience.
- Limit outdoor play during very hot days as Shih Tzus are prone to overheating. Their thick coats trap heat, which can lead to discomfort or breathing issues.
- Spend time cuddling with your furry companion after activity time ends—it fosters companionship and builds trust between you both!
Training Your Shih Tzu
Training a Shih Tzu takes patience and lots of positive energy. Start with basic commands, like “sit” and “stay,” to build trust and understanding.
Housebreaking and Obedience Training
Housebreaking and obedience training are vital for a well-behaved Shih Tzu. Early teaching builds trust and sets clear boundaries.
- Start training between 3 to 12 weeks of age. Puppies learn best during this window.
- Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, or playtime. Reward good behavior right away.
- Set a regular schedule for potty breaks. Take your puppy outside after meals, naps, or play sessions.
- Choose one spot outdoors for potty time. The scent will signal them where to go.
- Watch for signs like sniffing or circling indoors. Quickly guide them outside when you notice this.
- Keep commands simple and consistent—use words like “sit,” “stay,” or “potty” in every session.
- Crate train your puppy with patience. A crate helps prevent accidents and gives them a safe space.
- Avoid punishing mistakes harshly; it causes fear or shyness in Shih Tzus. Calmly clean up messes instead.
- Socialize your dog during key milestones, especially by 8 months old. This reduces anxiety and improves obedience in busy places.
- Work on basic commands daily but keep sessions short (5-10 minutes). Overtraining can overwhelm small breeds like Shih Tzus.
- Hire a professional dog trainer if behavioral issues persist, such as excessive barking or reverse sneezing out of stress.
- Consistency matters most—stick to the same rules across the household to avoid confusing your pup!
Addressing Common Behavioral Issues
Shih Tzus are adorable but can be stubborn. Patience and consistency are key to fixing their unwanted behaviors.
- Separation Anxiety
These dogs often hate being alone. Start by leaving them for short periods and gradually increase the time away. Give them puzzle toys or a piece of your clothing with your scent to ease stress. - Mood Swings in Adolescence
At about 7 months, Shih Tzus might become irritable or moody. This phase usually lasts around two months. Stick to routines and continue positive reinforcement training during this time. - Barking Excessively
Shih Tzus are known to bark at every sound or stranger they see. Teach them a “quiet” command paired with treats when they stop barking on cue. - Chewing Furniture
Puppies love chewing, especially while teething. Provide chew toys and discourage bad behavior by redirecting their attention calmly. - Stubbornness During Training
They can resist commands if not trained consistently early on. Use treats and praise as rewards with basic commands like sit, stay, or come. - Reverse Sneezing Panic
Many owners get scared by reverse sneezing episodes, common in Shih Tzus due to their anatomy. Stay calm and gently rub their throat until it stops to comfort them. - Food Aggression
Some may growl when someone approaches during meals. Feed separately if you have multiple pets, using reward-based training to teach sharing is okay. - Pulling on the Leash
Train patience by walking slowly and stopping each time they pull forward on the leash until calm walking resumes smoothly. - Fear of Grooming Tools
Brushing sessions can scare some Shih Tzus, making grooming hard work for owners at first efforts! Introduce tools gradually alongside treats after each use for easier future sessions. - Socializing Challenges with Other Dogs
Shih Tzus sometimes struggle mingling peacefully outside home boundaries! Take small trips introducing one calm-trained friend-dog ensuring short starter meetups until confident teamwork forms friendly bonds together safely across environments later!
Health and Wellness
Your Shih Tzu’s health is like a puzzle, and every piece matters. Watch for changes in energy or appetite—they can signal bigger problems.
Regular Vet Checkups and Vaccinations
Keeping your Shih Tzu healthy starts with regular vet visits. Vaccinations and checkups prevent illness and keep your dog happy.
- Schedule a vet visit every 6-12 months. This helps catch health problems early, like hip dysplasia or patellar luxation.
- Your Shih Tzu needs core vaccines by 12-16 weeks. These include Bordetella to protect against kennel cough.
- Ask the vet about deworming for intestinal worms and ringworm treatment if needed. These can harm their digestive system.
- Maintain good dental health with professional cleaning at age two. This prevents tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- Look out for signs of illness, like lameness or changes in appetite, during these visits. Early action is key!
Good care gives your dog a long life, but training keeps them well-behaved too!
Recognizing Signs of Illness
A sick Shih Tzu might not always show clear signs. Watch for changes in their behavior, habits, or appearance.
- Lack of appetite can signal stomach upset or more serious issues. If your dog skips meals for more than a day, act fast.
- Red or cloudy eyes may hint at infections or corneal ulcers. Clean their eyes daily to help prevent problems.
- Dry, itchy skin could mean dermatitis or allergies. Regular grooming helps keep the coat and skin healthy.
- Constant head shaking often points to earwax buildup or ear infections. Check their ears weekly.
- A reverse sneeze may sound odd but is common in small breeds like Shih Tzus when excited or irritated.
- Limping should never be ignored—it might indicate hip dysplasia or knee cap problems common in this breed.
- Bad breath can mean dental calculous, which leads to tooth loss if untreated.
- Excessive panting could be a sign of overheating, which Shih Tzus are prone to because of their short noses.
- Cloudy urine might point to a urinary tract infection that needs quick attention from a vet.
- Sudden lethargy might mean low energy due to illness—always seek professional advice quickly with such symptoms!
Conclusion
Caring for a Shih Tzu takes time, love, and patience. This guide by Molly Weinfurter simplifies the journey with clear advice. It covers grooming tips, training basics, and health care essentials.
Perfect for both new and seasoned owners, it’s your go-to book for raising a happy Shih Tzu. With this resource in hand, you’ll have a loyal and loving companion by your side!
FAQs
1. What are the key traits of a Shih Tzu’s temperament?
Shih Tzus are friendly, affectionate, and playful. They love being around people and adapt well to small spaces like apartments.
2. How do I start training my Shih Tzu puppy?
Begin with basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” Use positive reinforcement training, such as treats or praise, to encourage good behavior.
3. What grooming tips should I follow for my Shih Tzu?
Regular brushing is essential to prevent tangles in their long coat. Focus on hygiene by cleaning their ears, trimming nails, and bathing them monthly.
4. Are there specific health care needs for Shih Tzus?
Yes! Preventative care is crucial for this breed due to common issues like eye problems or breathing difficulties. Regular vet visits help maintain their health.
5. Can I travel with my Shih Tzu easily?
Shih Tzus are great travel companions since they’re small dogs that fit comfortably in carriers. Look for dog-friendly spaces when planning trips.
6. Where did the Shih Tzu originate from?
The breed has ties to Tibet but became popular among Chinese emperors during the Qing dynasties in imperial palaces like the Forbidden City!