Taking Care Of Your Shih Tzu Dog

It’s easy to keep your treasured Shih Tzu healthy by paying close attention to his diet, veterinary care, and grooming. Your Shih Tzu’s health is the best predictor of his life expectancy, so the best way to show your pet you love him is to give your Shih Tzu the care he deserves.

The old saying, "you are what you eat," is true, and its truth applies as much to dogs as it does to humans. A toy breed like the Shih Tzu can only consume a small amount of food without risking obesity, so it is especially important to feed this breed healthy food. The best Shih Tzu diet is premium dog food—with occasional treats, of course.

If you’re bringing a Shih Tzu puppy into your home, start her off on the same food as the breeder fed her litter, following the food manufacturer’s recommendations as to amount based on the weight of your dog. Any dietary changes should be made gradually, over several days or weeks. Between meals, your Shih Tzu will enjoy healthy snacks, like small bites of chicken or vegetables.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of care for your Shih Tzu’s long, silky coat. Daily brushing and regular shampooing will keep your dog’s coat clean, shiny, and free of mats and snarls. Trimming the hair around your dog’s eyes, or tying the hair away from her eyes with a ribbon, will keep the hair neat and reduce irritation to the eyes.

Inspect your dog’s eyes, ears, and teeth regularly with a goal of finding any dirt or tartar that needs to be removed. You should report any redness, swelling, or discharge around your dog’s eyes, ears or teeth to your veterinarian.

Start handling your Shih Tzu’s feet and mouth early, when the dog is still a puppy if possible. That way, your dog will be accustomed to this kind of attention, and it will be easier for you to trim his nails, check his teeth, and give him medicine. Be sure to reward his good behavior when he patiently tolerates your probing.
Every dog needs veterinary care, and the Shih Tzu is no different. However, small dogs tend to have fewer health problems than larger dogs, and if you have owned large breeds before, you may be pleasantly surprised by how easily your Shih Tzu health will be to maintain.

Choosing the right veterinarian is the first challenge. If you’ve had pets before, then you probably already have a vet. If you don’t, then the best way to find a reliable vet is to talk to your friends, co-workers, and family members who have pets and find out who they use for veterinary services. You should be able to develop a short list of really good vets this way. Choose the veterinary clinic closest to your home, and make sure the clinic is open for business during hours that are convenient for you.

Take your new Shih Tzu to the vet for a health inspection as soon as you get it. Your vet will diagnose any health conditions, will make sure your dog has all the required vaccinations, and will set your dog up on a schedule of regular health checks.

A lifelong dog lover, Rebecca Simpson is the devoted owner of two Shih Tzu dogs. With regular grooming and veterinary visits, you can be assured the best Shih Tzu care for a long and happy life. Seek your vet’s advice about the best Shih Tzu diet. In such a small dog every bite counts, so be careful not to feed your dog table scraps that can lead to obesity.