The Shih Tzu New Year's Resolution Challenge
We'd like to challenge you to choose one, some or all of these goals to keep your Shih Tzu healthy & safe and make a commitment to follow it for the year.
Which resolution will you choose?
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Goal #1:
I will exercise my Shih Tzu every day
Why choose this goal?
- Improved Physical Health: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall cardiovascular fitness.
- Mental Stimulation: Exercise provides mental engagement and can reduce boredom, which is particularly important for intelligent, high-energy breeds like the Shih Tzu.
- Behavior Improvement: Regular physical activity can help reduce behavioral issues like excessive barking, chewing, or digging by channeling energy constructively.
- Enhanced Digestion and Regularity: Regular exercise promotes a healthy digestive system and can help prevent constipation.
- Increased Bonding: Spending time exercising together strengthens the bond between a dog and their human.
- Better Sleep: Regular activity can lead to more restful and consistent sleep patterns.
- Joint Health: Consistent, low-impact exercise can help maintain joint health and mobility, which is especially beneficial for small breeds prone to joint issues.
- Socialization Opportunities: Walking or playing in dog-friendly areas provides socialization with other dogs and people, which is crucial for behavioral development.
- Longevity: Regular exercise can contribute to a longer and healthier life by preventing excess weight gain and maintaining heart health.
- Stress Relief: Physical activity is a natural way to relieve stress and anxiety in canines, promoting a calmer demeanor.
Your commitment:
Each day, take your Shih Tzu for two 20-minute walks and play a game for at least 20 minutes.
Tips for success:
#1 Adjust walking times. Morning and early evening are best, but for example, if you know a storm is due in the afternoon or you'll be busy, take one 'double' walk in the morning.
#2 Walk at a pace considered brisk for your Shih Tzu. Take breaks as needed, but go at a good pace that allows your Shih Tzu to have some pep in their step!
#3 Don't let the weather sway your goal. Severe bad weather warrants staying safe indoors, but don't let the cold, rain, or snow get in the way. If your Shih Tzu doesn't like the rain, consider a jacket like the Raincoat for Small Dogs by Candofly that's adjustable with a hood.
For cold days, a lined vest that keeps a dog's core body warm can be just the thing to keep your Shih Tzu warm and comfortable. We love the Puppia Mountaineer Winter Dog Coat, it has an integrated harness, with fleece inside, a waterproof shell and a back zipper.
, repels dirt and irritants (road salt, de-icing products, lawn care chemicals, allergens, and more), offers a layer of protection from both cold and hot walking surfaces, and gives a dog great traction. As an added bonus, this prevents (or heals) dry paw skin. 
. 
. Goal #2:
I will take excellent care of my Shih Tzu's teeth
Why choose this goal?
- Tooth Decay and Loss: Lack of dental care can lead to decay and premature tooth loss.
- Gum Disease: Increases the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can be painful and lead to tooth loss.
- Bad Breath: Accumulation of bacteria leads to halitosis (bad breath).
- Infections: Bacteria from dental diseases can spread, causing infections in other parts of the body including the jaw bone, or even full body sepsis (in severe cases).
- Heart Disease: There's a link between poor dental health and heart disease in dogs.
- Pain and Discomfort: Dental issues can cause significant pain, affecting a dog's quality of life.
- Difficulty Eating: Dental problems can make it difficult and painful to eat.
- Expensive Veterinary Bills: Neglected dental care often leads to costly treatments or surgeries.
Your commitment:
Clean your Shih Tzu's teeth each day.
Tips for success:
#1 The best way to clean your Shih Tzu's teeth is to brush them. If they're new to this, try a fingertip brush. Otherwise, use a canine toothbrush. Never use human paste, it's toxic. Consider the Arm & Hammer Dental Kit; it has both types of brushes and a safe paste (peanut butter flavor). Note that this is sized for puppies (of larger breeds) and small dogs like the Shih Tzu.
#2 If your Shih Tzu refuses to cooperate, don't give up. Try a dental spray. This isn't as effective, but is a good alternative for Shih Tzu dogs that won't tolerate brushing. Though you can add it to water, it works best when sprayed directly on the teeth, once or twice a day. One we like is the Pets Are Kids Too Premium Dental Spray, which has baking soda, aloe and peppermint.
which helps to soften and loosen plaque. Note that this works mainly due to its hard consistency, so this should only be given under supervision. If a piece breaks off, immediately discard it. Goal #3
I will not allow my Shih Tzu to drink unfiltered tap water
Why choose this goal?
- Fluoride (toxic to dogs and proven to cause osteosarcoma which is the #1 cause of bone tumors in canines)
- Chlorite (potential long-term health effects of anemia and central nervous problems)
- Chloramines (can cause eye and nose irritation, stomach discomfort, and anemia)
- Haloacetic acids (possible carcinogen)
- 1, 1, 2-Trichloroethane (long-term consumption leads to liver, kidney, and immune system problems)
Your commitment:
Give your Shih Tzu bottled water, spring water or filtered water.
Tips for success:
#1 Bottled water can be a good option; it's readily available at your local food store and relatively inexpensive if purchased by the gallon.
#2 Some areas offer spring water at the source, you just need to bring your own container. Your local town hall should have information about any in your locale.
#3 There are filtering systems that can be hooked up to a kitchen tap; these can be a bit pricey and usually require a plumber to install (unless you're handy), but are an option.
which is highly effective in filtering water as it's being poured. Goal #4
I will help to prevent osteoarthritis with my Shih Tzu
Why choose this goal?
Osteoarthritis is a common ailment in older dogs, particularly affecting those age 8 years and above. Note, that is not a typo, arthritis starts as early as 8 years old. Here are some key points to be aware of:
- Around 80% of dogs aged 8+ experience some level of osteoarthritis.
- This disease causes quite a bit of discomfort. It is characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. As it progresses, it can cause structural damage to the bones.
- Older dogs with advanced osteoarthritis often face severe mobility issues and significant discomfort.
- Osteoarthritis doesn't have to be a 'given'. Though some pet parents considered it to be an expected part of the aging process in dogs, and it can be heartbreaking to witness especially knowing that there are steps to help minimize the development of osteoarthritis.
Your commitment:
Follow a 3-step plan of daily exercise, a joint supplement and an orthopedic bed with proper support for bones and joints.
Tips for Success:
, that has a 2-inch solid memory foam base, sturdy bolsters for good neck support, an inner waterproof cover, and a machine-washable outer cover. 
. Goal #5
I will stay on track with my Shih Tzu's veterinary wellness checks
Why choose this goal?
Regular veterinary check-ups play a crucial role in ensuring your Shih Tzu's health and happiness. These visits are much more than just routine examinations; they offer a comprehensive approach to preventive care. Here's how bringing your Shih Tzu to the vet for regular check-ups will be beneficial:
- Early Detection of Health Issues: Catching conditions early, when they are often easier to treat, can mean a better prognosis.
- Professional Consultation: Check-ups provide a valuable opportunity to discuss any of your concerns with a veterinarian.
- Growth Monitoring: Vet visits are an opportunity to make sure your puppy is growing as expected or your adult is maintaining a proper weight.
- Dental Health: Regular oral examinations can prevent dental diseases, which are common and can affect overall health if left untreated.
- Parasite Control: Vets can check for and treat parasites that may not be visible to the untrained eye.
- Nutritional Advice: Tailored recommendations for your dog’s diet can support their specific health needs and life stage.
- Behavioral Assessment:
Vets can offer advice on behavioral issues, which may be signs of underlying medical conditions.
Your commitment:
Take your Shih Tzu for wellness checks once per year. Those age 8+ should be seen twice per year.
Tips for success:
#1 If you're not thrilled with the current vet, find a new one! Disliking or not trusting the vet will prevent you from making and keeping appointments. So, if this is happening, make it your objective to ask family, friends, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations.
#2 Tuck away some money each month for vet visits, both unexpected and scheduled. Work these visits into your budget so spending the money is already planned.
#3 Make the appointments and set both reminders and alarms the moment you have the day and time.
#4 Start a tradition of bringing your Shih Tzu somewhere special after appointments, so they associate the visits with something nice and you both can look forward to checkup days. This could be getting a Puppuccino for them and a coffee for you, a picnic in a lovely park, or a shopping trip to the pet supply store; whatever you'd both enjoy!
Goal #6
I will always place a harness on my Shih Tzu when on leash, never a collar
Why choose this goal?
For brachycephalic breeds like the Shih Tzu (short snouts and compressed breathing passages), a collar (which puts tension on the neck) can be overly restrictive on their already limited airways. These breeds require harnesses, which distributes pressure across the much-stronger chest, shoulders and back. Benefits of a harness include:
- Helps prevent tracheal collapse.
- Promotes better breathing.
- Gives you better control when walking your Shih Tzu; you can safely implement heeling. techniques of keeping them to your side and controlling their stops, starts and turns.
- It does double-duty, as it is an accessory required when placing a Shih Tzu in a car seat.
Your commitment:
Always place a harness on your Shih Tzu any time they will be on a leash.
Tips for success:
#1 If your Shih Tzu is not used to a harness, start off slowly. Steps to take are: Introduction (just sniffing it), indoor practices (short times of having the harness on but not completely fastened), short walks with it fastened properly and then longer walks.
#2 Choose a harness that's very easy to put on and off to avoid any frustration. You may wish to avoid 'over the head' designs and instead opt for styles with side buckles or Velcro flaps. One we like a lot is the EcoBark Harness Vest, it's incredible easy to slide on and off and has sizes for every Shih Tzu from the littlest pup to the biggest adult.
A Final Note
More Articles:
How to Help a Shih Tzu Live a Long Life - A 'can't miss' article for pet parents of Shih Tzu of all ages. The time to start following these guidelines is today.
Shih Tzu Do and Don't List - This is a fantastic summary of the most important dos and the most vital don'ts. How many are you following?
How to Bathe a Shih Tzu - Super-helpful step-by-step instructions with photos, ideal for Shih Tzu of any age.