Since most Shih Tzus live in apartments and are underexercised because of their small size, the breed has become prone to obesity and its ugly consequences. For this, it is best to feed your Shih Tzu food that is low in calories and high in protein and fibre. That said, most Shih Tzu parents find it helpful to provide optimum breed-specific nutrition right from the start with Shih Tzu puppy food and gradually move on to adult dog food of the same brand.
Apart from obesity, Shih Tzus are prone to skin infections since the upkeep of their coat requires much attention. In order to make your job easier and your Shih Tzu's coat smoother, it is best to feed your Shih Tzu a good supplement recommended by a veterinarian.
At the end of the first year of Shih Tzu parenting, consider yourself a professional groomer. Whilst their coat may look all but hard-to-do on the outside, it is known to take up a significant portion of a pet parent's time and money. Their small size means grooming gets done fast as long as it's done every day; otherwise, that long, flowy coat can end up in knots and mats in no time.
Shih Tzu grooming products include, but aren't limited to, slicker brushes, de-shedders, toothbrushes, toothpaste, long-coat shampoos and conditioners, ear cleaning solutions, nail clippers, and tick and flea kits. Since Shih Tzus require extensive grooming, here's an easy guide for you to follow -
● Daily brushing using a slicker brush and de-shedder
● Weekly ear cleaning and teeth brushing
● Bi-monthly tick and flea grooming
● Monthly nail trims
● Trip to a professional groomer once in three months
Want a dog but aren't up for vigorous exercise? Get yourself a Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus require anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise apart from playing with toys. This can be brisk walks, runs, agility, hikes, scent work, and flyball. It also helps to give your dog puzzles to work his/her brain to avoid boredom while you're busy or away.
While training a Shih Tzu is easy, time and consistency are key. If you start early, are patient, and stay consistent, Shih Tzus are a pleasure to train and enjoy challenging themselves. Contrarily, inconsistent training coupled with little effort and no patience results in a dog that's always fearful, nervous, and at times aggressive.
Since most Shih Tzus live in apartments and are underexercised because of their small size, the breed has become prone to obesity and its ugly consequences. For this, it is best to feed your Shih Tzu food that is low in calories and high in protein and fibre. That said, most Shih Tzu parents find it helpful to provide optimum breed-specific nutrition right from the start with Shih Tzu puppy food and gradually move on to adult dog food of the same brand.
Apart from obesity, Shih Tzus are prone to skin infections since the upkeep of their coat requires much attention. In order to make your job easier and your Shih Tzu's coat smoother, it is best to feed your Shih Tzu a good supplement recommended by a veterinarian.
At the end of the first year of Shih Tzu parenting, consider yourself a professional groomer. Whilst their coat may look all but hard-to-do on the outside, it is known to take up a significant portion of a pet parent's time and money. Their small size means grooming gets done fast as long as it's done every day; otherwise, that long, flowy coat can end up in knots and mats in no time.
Shih Tzu grooming products include, but aren't limited to, slicker brushes, de-shedders, toothbrushes, toothpaste, long-coat shampoos and conditioners, ear cleaning solutions, nail clippers, and tick and flea kits. Since Shih Tzus require extensive grooming, here's an easy guide for you to follow -
● Daily brushing using a slicker brush and de-shedder
● Weekly ear cleaning and teeth brushing
● Bi-monthly tick and flea grooming
● Monthly nail trims
● Trip to a professional groomer once in three months
Want a dog but aren't up for vigorous exercise? Get yourself a Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus require anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise apart from playing with toys. This can be brisk walks, runs, agility, hikes, scent work, and flyball. It also helps to give your dog puzzles to work his/her brain to avoid boredom while you're busy or away.
While training a Shih Tzu is easy, time and consistency are key. If you start early, are patient, and stay consistent, Shih Tzus are a pleasure to train and enjoy challenging themselves. Contrarily, inconsistent training coupled with little effort and no patience results in a dog that's always fearful, nervous, and at times aggressive.
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