5 Best Gadgets for Shih Tzus: Practical Devices to Simplify Care
Overview
Have you ever wondered if there are tools or devices that could simplify caring for your Shih Tzu or make their life more comfortable? From keeping them clean and cozy to ensuring they stay entertained and healthy, there are innovative solutions some Shih Tzu owners don’t know about, but should!
We’ve curated some of the most effective and practical items tailored to the unique needs of this beloved breed. Whether you need help with interactive play, hygiene, managing anxiety, or providing warmth during colder months, these tools can transform your Shih Tzu’s daily routine. Each one is thoughtfully designed to tackle common challenges, making your role as a pet parent easier while enhancing your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Let’s explore these must-have solutions and how they can help your little one thrive.
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#1 An Automated Dog Food Feeder
An automated dog food feeder can be a practical and helpful device for pet parents who want to ensure their Shih Tzu has consistent, timely meals. Whether you're working late, busy out in the yard, or simply sleeping in, an automatic feeder can provide the peace of mind that your sweetie-pie is fed at their designated times.
Some models like the Auto Cat and Dog Feeder by PitPet allows you to schedule multiple meals a day and customize portion sizes, so you can tailor the feeding schedule to your Shih Tzu’s needs, promoting better digestion and preventing overeating. We like that the food storage area keeps hard kibble nice and fresh. This is especially beneficial for Shih Tzus who may be picky eaters or sensitive to stale food.
What makes this particular device really helpful is that you can record a 10-second message (calling out to your Shih Tzu that it’s meal time, etc.), which is so wonderful for times you are away from home. There’s also a locking lid, a non-slip base, and backup battery power so that it’ll work even during a power outage.
#2 A Ball Launcher
An automated dog ball Launcher is an innovative device designed to take the game of fetch to a whole new level. This sort of gadget allows your Shih Tzu to enjoy endless fun by launching small tennis balls a set distance, keeping them entertained for hours. Though you can certainly reload the device, it's designed so that a dog can learn to place the balls back inside, essentially able to play fetch by themselves and have a blast doing so.
One that we like is the Elevon Automatic Dog Ball Launcher, which is geared toward small dogs. In fact, the few reviews that are from unimpressed pet parents are mostly those with large dogs that slobber a lot!
It can be charged up or run on batteries, comes with 6 mini tennis balls, and has 3 range settings. This sort of gadget is can be incredibly helpful, especially if you're having a busy day or are too exhausted to continually throw a ball to an energetic dog. And this can be used both indoors and out. So, if your Shih Tzu likes to run around and you're looking for a way to keep them occupied, this can be the answer.
#3 A Calming Hood
You may be familiar with calming vests, aka 'thunder vests', designed to help dogs cope with summer storms or other scary events, by swaddling their body. However, not all dogs can tolerate a full vest. In some cases, swaddling the head and ears is what provides comfort, something vests cannot achieve.
This is where a calming hood can make a difference. While there are knockoffs available, we recommend the Original Happy Hoodie for Dogs. It can be an excellent tool for pet parents aiming to ease their Shih Tzu’s anxiety in various situations, such as during nail clipping, when there are lots of visitors, during thunderstorms, fireworks, or even while the vacuum cleaner is running; essentially, anytime your Shih Tzu could benefit from feeling more secure and having noise dampened.
It works two-fold: It helps reduce noise by covering the ears and gently compressing them, which is particularly useful during loud noise-situations. And the swaddling effect given to a dog’s head can offer immediate comfort during otherwise high-stress events.
For pet parents seeking a natural, non-invasive way to help their Shih Tzu cope with anxiety or stress, a calming hood can be a highly effective option. Whether used alone or as a complement to other tools, it can make a significant difference in helping a dog feel safe and at more at ease in challenging situations.
#4 A Dog Paw Washer
Keeping the bottoms of paws clean isn’t always easy, as the nooks and crevices can trap dirt, mud, and debris that can be difficult to simply wipe away. Adding to the challenge, the hairs on a Shih Tzu’s feet both trap dirt and get in the ways of wiping the pads. Rinsing paws in a sink is an option, but that takes time and can make a mess. A paw washer simplifies this process and can get a Shih Tzu’s paws clean in a snap, without the hassle of traditional methods.
This type of tool is especially useful after walks in the park, rainy-day outings, or hikes where mud and dirt are inevitable. We like the the Dog Paw Cleaner by ComoTech, which has dense yet soft silicone bristles. It's effective at removing dirt while being gentle enough for a Shih Tzu’s delicate feet.
It's really easy to use: You just add water, place one paw at a time, spin the washer, and then remove the paw and pat it dry with one of the included towels. It’s small, so it's easy to bring along for cleaning your Shih Tzu’s paws before they're put back into the car or re-enter the home after a neighborhood stroll.
As a practical gadget for keeping both your house and your Shih Tzu’s paws clean, this little device earns a big thumbs-up from us. It’s a simple yet highly effective solution for maintaining hygiene and saving time.
#5 A Pet Heating Pad
A pet heating pad can be a valuable tool for Shih Tzus, providing comfort and warmth to dogs of any age. With their small size, close proximity to the ground, and fine coats, Shih Tzus are particularly sensitive to the cold, especially during the winter months. A heating pad can provide a cozy, temperature-controlled space to keep them comfortable and relaxed. It’s also a great option for quickly removing the chill from a Shih Tzu that’s just come inside after venturing outdoors in the winter.
This sort of device is also beneficial for senior Shih Tzus that may experience joint stiffness or arthritis. The gentle warmth can help soothe sore muscles, promote circulation, and alleviate discomfort. Likewise, it can be a helpful aid for dogs recovering from illness or surgery, as the warmth encourages rest and speeds recovery by creating a calming, supportive environment.
One that we like a lot is the Toozey Pet Heating Pad, which comes in many sizes, so you can choose just the right one to fit your Shih Tzu’s bed or favorite resting spot. For safety, the cord is a chew-resistant stainless-steel and there are 7 layers of structure to prevent any burns. It has temperature settings, auto shut-off and is waterproof with a soft, machine-washable cover.
Lists to Love:
List of the Best Scents for a Shih Tzu - Treat your little guy or gal to a luxurious coat spray for optimal hair health with some unique and amazing fragrances.
List of the Best Fish Snacks for a Shih Tzu - Discover the power of fish, how it can help your sweetie-pie and some lip-smacking options that your Shih Tzu will love.
List of Flower-Themed Items for a Shih Tzu - Explore the best flower-themed care items for your Shih Tzu! From floral snuffle toys to adorable flower-patterned shirts, these colorful and charming picks are sure to delight your sweet pup and brighten their day.
List of the Best Interactive Toys for a Shih Tzu - Keep your Shih Tzu entertained and engaged with these fun-filled toys, perfect for both puppies and adult dogs. These top picks are the ultimate boredom-busters, offering hours of enjoyment.
More Articles:
Shih Tzu Summer Care - When temperatures start to rise and summer's on the way, it's time to prepare your Shih Tzu. See our top tips for keeping your little guy or gal cool, comfortable and happy all summer long.
Shih Tzu Winter Care - When the daylight hours start to get short and temperatures are dropping, it's time to winterize your Shih Tzu. See our top tips for helping your little guy or gal stay warm, safe and happy all winter long.
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