Enjoying a Safe and Happy Holiday

with Your Shih Tzu

Overview

If you're here, chances are there's a holiday upon us and you have some questions related to the special day and your Shih Tzu puppy or dog. This article covers all sorts of holiday topics including which traditional holiday treats are unsafe, which holiday goodies a Shih Tzu can safely eat, planning to take your pup or dog to visit other houses, travel tips, gift-giving and more.

Let's dive in to see how to make the holidays safe, fun and happy for your sweet Shih Tzu.

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Traditional Holiday Foods that are Unsafe or Toxic for a Shih Tzu:

Please note: This is not a complete list of toxic foods (you can find that on our Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines page), rather this pertains to foods traditionally served on holidays.

• Alcohol: Any form of alcohol is poisonous to dogs, even in small quantities. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death.
• Apple Pie: While apples are safe, the pie form often contains sugar, spices, and fats that are not good for dogs.
• Candied Pecans: The sugar and spices used in candied pecans can be harmful to dogs, and nuts in general are not recommended due to their high fat content.
• Cheesecake: High in fats and sugars, cheesecake can lead to gastrointestinal upset and obesity in dogs.
• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous.
• Fruitcake: Often contains nuts, alcohol, and candied fruits, which are all harmful to dogs.
• Garlic and Onions: Both can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia in dogs.
• Gingerbread Cookies: Sugar, nutmeg, and other spices found in gingerbread can be harmful to dogs.
• Ham: Ham is typically very high in sodium and fat, which can be harmful to dogs, eaten continually this can potentially lead to pancreatitis.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures and central nervous system problems.
• Stuffing: Commonly contains onions, garlic, and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs 
• Xylitol: This sweetener is found in many products, including some types of holiday candy. It can cause insulin release in dogs, leading to liver failure.
• Yeast Dough: Uncooked yeast dough can expand in your dog’s stomach, causing pain and potentially dangerous bloating. Additionally, yeast produces alcohol as it ferments, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Always keep these foods out of your dog's reach and be vigilant during holiday gatherings. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these items, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Traditional Holiday Foods a Shih Tzu Can Eat:

It's totally fine to just stick with feeding your Shih Tzu their quality kibble. But, if you're wondering if they can safely have a bit of your holiday food, here's a list of what's safe for some of the most popular holiday foods:

• Canned Yams (plain and unsweetened, given with precautions): If served plain and without any added sugar, spices, or marshmallows, plain canned yams can be a safe treat in small amounts. Note that most canned yams in syrup or sweetened forms are not advisable.
• Carrots: Raw or cooked, carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. They are good for your dog's teeth and can be given as a healthy snack.
• Cranberries: In small quantities, cranberries can be a healthy treat for dogs, but avoid cranberry sauce due to its high sugar content.
• Deviled Eggs (with precautions): This traditional holiday appetizer should be given with care. The primary ingredients (boiled eggs and mayonnaise) are generally safe for dogs, though mayonnaise should be eaten sparingly. Seasonings could contain onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
• Green Beans: Plain green beans are a nutritious snack for dogs. Ensure they are served plain, without any added salts or seasonings.
• Mashed Potatoes (plain): Plain mashed potatoes can be safe for dogs in small amounts, but avoid any with added ingredients like butter, milk, garlic, or onion.
• Peas: Peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs and can be added to their regular food for variety.
• Pumpkin: Cooked, plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is a fruit Shih Tzu dogs can eat and is beneficial for dogs' digestion. It's high in fiber and can help with digestive irregularities.
• Sweet Potatoes: Cooked sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Serve them plain and in moderation.
• Turkey (without bones or skin): Turkey is a good protein source for dogs. Remove all bones and skin, and ensure it's unseasoned, as onions and garlic are toxic to dogs.

Remember, moderation is key when feeding your dog human foods. Too much of even a safe food can upset their stomach. Always introduce new foods gradually and in small quantities.

Keeping Your Shih Tzu Safe from Certain Holiday Plants

• Poinsettias, Mistletoe, and Holly: These common holiday plants can be toxic if ingested by dogs. Poinsettias can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach, possibly leading to vomiting. Mistletoe and holly are more hazardous, potentially causing severe gastrointestinal upset, cardiovascular problems, and even fatal poisoning.
• Christmas Trees: Pine needles, if ingested, can cause oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Ensure your tree is securely anchored to prevent tipping and falling on curious Shih Tzu dogs.

Taking Your Shih Tzu for Holiday Visits: Ensuring Comfort and Safety

On holidays, many pet owners face the challenge of balancing family visits with the well-being of their canine companions. Leaving your Shih Tzu at home might seem undesirable, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety, but bringing them into a potentially overwhelming environment poses its challenges. Here are some tips for bringing your Shih Tzu to visit other houses: 

• Portable Canine Playpen: Consider bringing a portable canine playpen, which can provide your Shih Tzu with a familiar and secure space amidst the unfamiliarity of a new house. While it's not meant to confine them for the entire visit, it offers a safe haven where they can retreat and relax if the excitement becomes too much. This can also help if there's lots of foot traffic, putting a small dog like the Shih Tzu at risk of being accidentally stepped on.
  
• Familiar Comforts: Dogs often find solace in familiar objects. Pack your Shih Tzu's favorite toys, a beloved blanket, and their usual food and water bowls. These items can significantly reduce stress by providing a sense of normalcy in a new environment. Remember, dogs may hesitate to eat or drink from unfamiliar bowls, which can add to their anxiety.
• Regular Walks: Regular outdoor walks are crucial, particularly during long visits. These walks allow your Shih Tzu to expend built-up energy and can help in acclimatizing them to the new environment. If it's cold outside, ensure they are appropriately clothed for winter weather. A well-exercised dog is often a calmer and more content dog, which can translate to less stress indoors.

Visiting family or friends during the holidays doesn't have to be stressful for you or your Shih Tzu. By planning ahead and bringing along familiar and comforting items, you can help ensure that your little guy or gal feels as much a part of the festive celebrations as everyone else. Remember, the key is to monitor their comfort level and adjust your plans accordingly, ensuring a happy holiday experience for all.

Tips for When You Have Holiday Visitors 

Welcoming a steady stream of visitors to your home during the holidays can be challenging when you have a small dog. Their comfort and safety, as well as the ease of your guests, are paramount. Here are a few tips to help manage a busy household with frequent visitors:

• Establish a Safe Space: If your Shih Tzu is shy or gets antsy around visitors, create a comfortable, quiet area for them, away from the main gathering spaces. This can be their canine playpen or a corner that you set up with their bed and favorite toys. It gives them a retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Ask visitors to avoid petting your dog when they have retreated there.
• Proper Introductions: If your Shih Tzu is comfortable with new people, introduce them to your visitors in a calm and controlled manner. This can prevent overexcitement or anxiety.
• Training and Commands: Ensure your Shih Tzu responds well to basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." This obedience can be crucial in managing their behavior around guests.
• Guest Guidelines: Politely inform your visitors about any rules you'd like them to follow regarding your little guy or gal, such as not feeding them table scraps or leaving doors open.
• Monitor Interactions: Keep an eye on interactions between your Shih Tzu and new people, especially children who may not be familiar with how to interact with pets.
• Regular Exercise: Ensure your sweet Shih Tzu gets plenty of exercise, especially before guests arrive. A well-exercised dog is typically calmer and less prone to hyperactivity.

By following these tips, you can help make your home a comfortable environment for both your Shih Tzu and your guests.

Holiday Travel Tips: Ensuring a Safe and Comfortable Journey with Your Shih Tzu

Traveling during the holidays can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when accompanied by a small dog like the Shih Tzu. Ensuring their safety and comfort, while also addressing concerns like motion sickness, requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips:

Plane Travel with Your Shih Tzu:

Traveling by plane with a small dog requires adherence to airline policies and preparation to ensure a stress-free flight.

• Check Airline Regulations: Each airline has its own set of rules regarding pet travel. Confirm the size and weight limits for pets in the cabin, and understand the requirements for pet carriers. Something like the Henkelion Pet Carrier can work well for Shih Tzu dogs up to 15 lbs. It has breathable, see-through mesh side panels and a nice comfort strap. 
• Familiarize with the Carrier: Let your Shih Tzu get accustomed to the travel carrier before the trip. Place familiar blankets or toys inside to make it more comforting.
• Visit the Vet: Get a health certificate from your vet and ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Plan ahead to prevent motion sickness: There are OTC products designed to help with motion sickness and anxiety with dogs, like NaturVet Quiet Moments Supplement Treats which have a combination of chamomile, ginger, L-Tryptophan and melatonin. If your Shih Tzu has a history of severe motion sickness, speak to the vet about a prescribed medication. 
• Limit Food and Water Before Flight: To reduce the risk of motion sickness, avoid feeding full and heavy meals right before the flight. Water and small dry treats are often best before traveling.

Car Travel with Your Shih Tzu

Car travel offers more control over your dog's environment than airplane travel, but it still calls for certain precautions for safety and comfort.

• Secure the Your Shih Tzu: Use a canine car seat, like the K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Dog Car Seat, to keep your little guy or gal from roaming freely in the car and to be up near a window for a fresh air source (which helps prevent car sickness).
• Plan for Breaks: Schedule regular stops for bathroom breaks and exercise. This helps to manage motion sickness and allows your dog to stretch.
• Control the Environment: Keep the car at a comfortable temperature. Avoid loud music and maintain a calm atmosphere to reduce stress.
• Motion Sickness Prevention: If your Shih Tzu is prone to motion sickness, consider an OTC supplement as covered under 'Plane Travel' and for severe issues, talk to your vet about prescribed medication. Avoid feeding your Shih Tzu a large meal before the trip; stick to small amounts of dry food. Read more: Shih Tzu Car Seats and Car Travel.

Gift Giving

If you're thinking about buying a holiday gift for your Shih Tzu, you're not alone. In a USA Today survey on pet gift-giving, 81% of pet owners plan to buy holiday gifts for their pets, primarily spending between $51 and $75. Most popular are food and treats (60%) and toys (58%), with 49% also purchasing pet clothing. While 15% spend $51 to $75, others plan to spend more: 11% between $126 and $150, 7% between $201 and $500, and 6% over $1,000.

We've curated several lists that you may want to consider:

Gifts to Spoil a Shih Tzu - This is a fun list of gifts that may spoil a dog a bit, but are also very practical. Includes lovely ideas for both puppies and adults.

Christmas and Birthday Gifts for a Shih Tzu - This one is geared more toward these two special days and you'll find both practical and fun ideas.

The Best Toys for a Shih Tzu - This is an updated list of toys for a Shih Tzu's specific needs. This includes teething toys, toys for aggressive chewers, interactive toys, interaction toys and companion toys.