Shih Tzu Puppy Care Tips

This is the main Puppy Care page, offering a list of the most important tips to follow.

For even more information, below you will see a full list of Related Puppy Care Articles which offers additional advice and guidelines.

Overview

Welcoming a Shih Tzu puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with joy and new discoveries. As a brachycephalic breed, the Shih Tzu requires specific care to ensure they thrive, especially during their critical first year of growth and development. This initial stage lays the foundation for their health, behavior, and well-being throughout their lives. 



This article aims to provide you with essential Shih Tzu puppy care tips, focusing on the nuances of raising a brachycephalic breed and highlighting the importance of dedicated care during the formative first year. 

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Care Tip #1: Proof the house.

Puppy-proofing your house is a critical step in ensuring a safe environment for your new canine family member. Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings, often by chewing on anything they can get their mouths on. This exploratory phase is a crucial part of their development but can lead them into potentially dangerous situations. 

Start with a careful inspection of all floors, removing any small objects that could pose choking hazards. Equally important is safeguarding your belongings from puppy teeth. Shoes, gym bags, and anything chewable should be stored securely away from your Shih Tzu’s reach. Additionally, it's vital to manage electrical cords, either by using cord protectors like the Heavy Duty Cord Cover by Small Pets or by securing them fully out of reach. This prevents the risk of electrical shock from chewing on live wires. 

Creating a puppy-safe zone free from hazards allows your Shih Tzu puppy to explore and play without putting them in harm's way, ensuring their well-being during these formative months.

Care Tip #2: Create a designated area.

Creating a designated area for a Shih Tzu puppy is crucial for their safety, well-being, and for the ease of housebreaking. A canine playpen serves as the perfect solution to keep a pup contained in a safe environment when direct supervision is not possible. This controlled space is larger than a confining crate, yet prevents a puppy from wandering into potentially dangerous areas and limits any bathroom accidents to a specific spot.

Additionally, having a designated area equipped with a canine playpen ensures that all the puppy's essential items, such as water, toys, and a comfortable sleeping spot, are within reach. This setup not only caters to the puppy's physical needs but also to their emotional and psychological well-being by providing a sense of security and routine. It can help reduce anxiety in puppies when they're left alone, as they have their own defined space filled with familiar items. A playpen that we like a lot is the North States Pet Passage Indoor Playpen which can be expanded with extra panels as a puppy grows older.

Care Tip #3: Wait to go out to public areas.

It's essential to limit a Shih Tzu puppy’s exposure to public areas until their puppy vaccination series is complete, which is usually at the 16-month mark. This precaution is crucial to protect your little guy or gal from potentially deadly diseases like parvovirus and distemper, which are easily transmitted through contact with other dogs or contaminated environments.

However, this doesn't mean your puppy should be confined indoors without any exposure to the outside world. Allowing your little guy or gal to explore your yard, if you have one, can be a safe alternative as long as it's a controlled and clean environment. When taking your puppy out in the yard, make sure the area is secure, clean and free from waste to minimize the risk of disease. 

Care Tip #4: Follow puppy feeding guidelines regarding frequency and quality.

Ensuring your Shih Tzu puppy is fed often enough and with high-quality food is fundamental to their growth and overall health. In the early stages of life, free feeding (always keeping food available) can be beneficial, especially until the puppy reaches four months of age. This approach helps prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which young puppies are particularly prone to due to their fast metabolism and small size. As they grow, transitioning to three scheduled meals a day will continue to support their developmental needs while also establishing a healthy eating routine.

What you feed your pup is as crucial as how often you feed. Choose a quality puppy food to ensure your Shih Tzu receives the nutrients they need without the additives that can harm their health. Avoid foods containing synthetic preservatives, which have been linked to allergies, and food color dyes, associated with behavior issues, allergies, and asthma. Equally important is steering clear of by-products, generic meats and oils, and fillers like corn. These ingredients are often used as cheap fillers but offer little nutritional value and can contribute to digestive issues and poor health outcomes.

One kibble that we recommend is Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Formula; this is an all-natural food with DHA for brain development and has an excellent blend of high-quality protein and carbs. There's no fillers or by-products and this packs lots of flavor with salmon, turkey, oatmeal, rice, carrots, spinach, blueberries and apples.

Care Tip #5: Offer consistent, clean water.

The importance of providing your Shih Tzu puppy with constant access to fresh water cannot be overstated. Fresh water is essential for a puppy's health, aiding in digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and toxin elimination. It's recommended to refill your puppy's water bowl with fresh, cool water at least twice a day.

Ensuring water is not only available but also of high quality is essential. Alarmingly, Chromium-6, a carcinogen, has been detected in the tap water accessible to over 200 million people in every U.S. state. Additionally, the presence of heavy metals, prescription drug residues, and fluoride—which is toxic to dogs—highlights the critical need to reassess the water source for your little guy or gal. 

One of the simplest solutions to ensure your Shih Tzu puppy has access to clean and safe water is to provide bottled spring water. Other options include portable pitchers like the ZeroWater 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher, tap attachments or under-the-sink systems. 

Care Tip #6: Groom your puppy on schedule & with the correct products.

Regular grooming is not just about keeping your puppy looking good; it's a crucial part of their health and hygiene. Bathing your puppy every three weeks is a good routine to start with, as it helps maintain their coat's cleanliness without stripping away natural oils. 

In between baths, use grooming wipes for spot cleaning, especially useful for removing dirt or mud after outdoor adventures. Brush the coat to keep it free of debris, loose hairs, allergens and more. Regularly wipe your puppy's face to clean off food debris, eye discharge and to help prevent tear staining, which is common with the Shih Tzu breed.

When selecting grooming products, choosing the right ones can make a significant difference in your puppy's skin health. Look for shampoos with a pH balance specifically formulated for dogs, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5, to ensure compatibility with their skin's natural pH. Opting for all-natural products that use plant-based cleansers, such as those derived from coconut, can provide a gentle yet effective cleaning solution. 

These products are less likely to irritate your puppy's skin or cause allergic reactions, making them a safe choice for maintaining your puppy’s coat and skin health. The shampoo and conditioner we recommend as a regular use coat products is Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe which proactively prevents dry skin, a common issue with Shih Tzu puppies and dogs. 

Care Tip #7: Help your puppy during teething phase.

Puppies begin their lives with 21 deciduous teeth, also known as milk teeth, which start to appear at about three to four weeks of age. This initial set of teeth is crucial for a puppy as they transition from nursing to solid food. However, as they grow, these milk teeth begin to fall out to make room for their adult teeth. The teething stage, a significant period of dental development, typically starts around the age of 3 to 4 months for Shih Tzu puppies and ends about the 7 to 8 month mark. During this time, your pup will experience discomfort and itching as their adult teeth push through the gums, leading to an increased urge to chew.

This natural process can lead to chewing on practically anything they can find to relieve their discomfort. To support your puppy through this phase, it's important to provide them with safe, appropriate chew toys. Some helpful types are those with nubs and textures that can help scratch itchy gums and ones that can be frozen to provide cooling relief like the PetStages Cool Teething Stick. These toys not only help soothe their gums but also promote healthy chewing habits and prevent them from turning to non-toy items that could be harmful.

Care Tip #8: Use a harness, not a collar. 

Choosing a harness, not a collar, is a particularly important care tip for Shih Tzu puppies, a breed known for its brachycephalic features (short snouts and compressed breathing passages). This unique physical structure makes them more susceptible to breathing issues. A collar can exacerbate these problems by applying too much pressure on their windpipe when they pull on their leash or when you're trying to guide them. This can lead to discomfort, distress, and an increased rate of tracheal collapse and other related problems. 

In contrast, a harness is the right choice for this breed starting at puppyhood and throughout their life. It distributes the pressure evenly across their chest, back, and shoulders, rather than focusing it all on their neck. This ensures your Shih Tzu can breathe easily, even while on the move. Additionally, harnesses offer better control over your puppy, making walks safer and more enjoyable for both of you. A harness that we love is the Ecobark Step-in Harness Vest, which is super-easy to put on, starts at size xxx-small to fit even tiny pups, is breathable and comes in lots of cute colors. 

Care Tip #9: Properly exercise your puppy.

Ensuring your Shih Tzu puppy gets enough daily exercise is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Physical activity not only helps them burn off excess energy but also prevents it from being channeled into undesirable behaviors, such as destructive chewing. Until your puppy reaches the age of 16 weeks and completes their vaccinations, making them safe to explore the outside world, there are plenty of ways to keep them active indoors. Engaging in indoor play, like fetch with something like Zanies Mini Tennis Balls, can be an excellent way to stimulate their minds and bodies, keeping them healthy and entertained while safeguarding them from external risks.

Once your Shih Tzu puppy is fully vaccinated and ready to venture outdoors, take them for at least two walks a day for a minimum of 20 minutes, going at a brisk pace. These walks not only provide them with the physical exercise they need but also expose them to new sights, sounds, and smells, contributing to their social and mental development (more ahead).

Additionally, incorporating daily cardio sessions into their routine, whether through extended playtime or more structured exercises, can help maintain their cardiovascular health. This balanced approach to physical activity will lay the foundation for a well-adjusted, happy, and healthy Shih Tzu now and as they mature.

Care Tip #10: Socialize your Shih Tzu puppy.

Socialization is a pivotal aspect of Shih Tzu puppy care, crucial for their development into well-rounded and confident adult dogs. Introducing your puppy to a variety of environments, people, and other animals helps them become adaptable and less fearful in new situations. Once your Shih Tzu has received all their vaccinations, usually around the 16-week mark, it's safe to start exploring the world together.

Places like the beach, pet-friendly stores, parks, and outdoor markets offer rich opportunities for socialization. Each of these environments exposes your puppy to different stimuli, from the sounds of the waves and the feel of sand at the beach to the hustle and bustle of people and other pets at markets and parks.

The goal of socialization is to ensure that your Shih Tzu puppy grows up to be a sociable and friendly dog, comfortable with various experiences and encounters. Regular, positive experiences in these settings can significantly reduce the likelihood of anxiety and fear-based behaviors later in life. Remember, socialization is not just about quantity but also the quality of experiences.

Always monitor their comfort level and be ready to offer a break if they seem overwhelmed. With patience and consistent exposure, socialization outings can be enjoyable and beneficial, laying the groundwork for your Shih Tzu's happy, healthy social life.

A Final Note:

Raising a Shih Tzu puppy is a rewarding journey and it's a quick one too, as a Shih Tzu becomes an adult at the age of one year old. This brief yet formative period is crucial, as the care and experiences you provide during these months will significantly shape their adult lives. 

It's essential to cherish every moment with your puppy while diligently adhering to care guidelines that ensure their health, happiness, and well-being. From ensuring proper nutrition and safe exercise routines to the vital aspects of grooming, socialization, and using the right accessories like harnesses, every decision plays a role in their development. Remember, the foundation you build through consistent care, love, and training during this puppy phase will influence their behavior, health, and happiness for years to come. 

Related Puppy Care Articles:

Shih Tzu House Training - Your complete step-by-step guide to find fast success when housebreaking your new puppy. This advice is also applicable for an adult that needs some reminders.

Shih Tzu Puppy Growth Chart - Our formulas and prediction charts for adult size, based on a pup's weight at 8 weeks old and 4 months old.

How to Help a Shih Tzu Puppy Gain Weight - Common reasons that interfere with healthy weight gain and how to address this so a pup gains weight as they should.

More Articles:

Wonderful Fragrances for a Shih Tzu - You can have your Shih Tzu smelling absolutely fantastic while keeping their coat protected, soft and shiny. Have a look at these 5 splendid scents for your little guy or gal. 

Shih Tzu Cold Intolerance and Other Top Concerns - How to address sensitive skin, tummy troubles, cold intolerance, breathing discomfort, and mobility issues in Shih Tzu dogs. Fast, effective remedies to help your Shih Tzu start feeling better today. 

The Best Toys for a Shih Tzu - From durable chew toys for teething pups with itchy gums to companion toys for Shih Tzu that spend time home alone, this article covers all the best types of toys and recommendations.