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Winter care for your Shih Tzu's nose involves a delicate balance. Due to shorter days and less outdoor time in winter, your dog's nose may lose some pigment, or even develop 'winter nose' with pink spots, but this often corrects itself in spring with more sun exposure. On the other hand, winter is also a common time for chapped noses, much like our chapped lips, so it's important to protect your Shih Tzu's nose from the harsh winter conditions while ensuring some sun exposure for healthy pigmentation.
Winter air is much drier due to cold air's inability to hold moisture, and heating your home doesn't add moisture back into the air. This dryness can affect your Shih Tzu, leading to dry skin issues since the air draws moisture from their skin. Dry skin can cause intense itching, discomfort, and in severe cases, cracking and infection, which won't resolve quickly without help.
To prevent this, aim to maintain indoor humidity levels around 35 to 40%. While DIY methods like house plants, leaving the bathroom door open during showers, or placing bowls of water on radiators can help, they might not be sufficient. A more effective solution is using a humidifier, ideally throughout the house, but at least near where your Shih Tzu rests and sleeps, to keep them comfortable during the dry winter months.
While some might view dog clothes as a luxury, they're actually quite practical, especially for toy breeds like the Shih Tzu. This breed lack insulating body fat and has hair instead of dense, water-resistant fur, making a winter coat essential for added warmth and protection against snow, sleet, and cold winds. With the right winter wear, a Shih Tzu can tolerate the cold better, staying active during winter months and making outdoor potty visits more comfortable.
One coat to consider is the Gyuzh Dog Coat with Built-in Harness, which has an integrated harness to make heading out a simple process. This has a waterproof outer layer, a warm fleece inner lining and comes in all sizes
Most dogs, including the Shih Tzu, often do well with house training outdoors as it aligns with their instinct to find the perfect spot. However, in areas with extreme winters, it might not always be safe to take your Shih Tzu outside, even for brief potty breaks.
While transitioning from outdoor to indoor bathroom habits can be confusing for some dogs, setting up a designated indoor area can be a good alternative. This could be in a mudroom, garage, or similar space, where you can place pee pads or grass mats. Real grass mats are an option, though they can be pricey and require regular disposal. By leading your Shih Tzu to this area on a leash for bathroom breaks, you can maintain a consistent routine, even during harsh winter days.
Shih Tzu Physical Comfort - How to address the top 5 concerns of: Sensitive skin, tummy troubles, cold intolerance, breathing discomfort, and mobility issues in Shih Tzu dogs. Help your Shih Tzu start feeling better today.
Shih Tzu Do's and Don'ts - A quick, helpful summary of the 3 most vital do's and the 3 most important don'ts when taking care of a Shih Tzu puppy or dog. It's always a good idea to reassess things, for optimal health and well-being.
When a Shih Tzu Has a Cold or Flu - With the Shih Tzu being a brachycephaly breed, it's important to keep a close eye on the sniffles or other signs that your little guy or gal may be coming down with a cold. It's not uncommon with dogs! Read this guideline so you can recognize symptoms early and offer at-home treatment to help your Shih Tzu recover asap.