Preventing Shih Tzu Winter Blues and Depression: Essential Tips for a Happy, Healthy Dog
Overview
The winter season can be a difficult time for puppies and dogs. While this breed’s cheerful and loving personality can uplift any day, the colder months bring challenges that might leave a Shih Tzu feeling restless or down. With shorter daylight hours, cold temperatures, and limited outdoor time, Shih Tzus can experience what is commonly known as the 'winter blues' or 'winter blahs'.
But don’t worry. With thoughtful adjustments and creative solutions, you can help keep your Shih Tzu happy, active, and engaged. Let’s dive into the signs of the winter blues, why it happens, and tips you can start implementing today, to brighten up the season for your little guy or gal.
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What Are the Winter Blues for Shih Tzus?
Also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in humans, or seasonal depression, the Winter Blues can manifest in canines as a period of low energy, boredom, or changes in behavior during the colder months. Shih Tzus are usually very content with their regular activities like daily walks, playtime, and social interactions. However, winter's shorter days, reduced sunlight, and bad weather can get in the way of these routines, leaving a Shih Tzu feeling under-stimulated and restless.
You might notice signs such as increased lethargy, increased sleep, decreased energy, clinginess or withdrawal, destructive behavior (barking, chewing, etc.), disinterest in toys, or even mild anxiety.
Understanding these seasonal shifts and taking steps to treat any mild cases of winter blues can help your Shih Tzu stay emotionally balanced and physically active, even when winter challenges their usual routines.
How to Prevent and Treat Winter Depression with a Shih Tzu
There are some steps you can take to prevent or to treat any winter blues or seasonal depression you may notice with your Shih Tzu. Do note however, that signs of depression that do not lift or seem severe are reasons for a prompt checkup with the veterinarian.
Let’s take a look at the top 7 remedies that can quickly boost a dog’s overall mood, allowing them to enjoy the winter season.
#1 Light Up Their Mood with Sunshine Indoors
Sunlight is a natural mood booster for both humans and dogs, and the short, dark days of winter can feel particularly gloomy for your Shih Tzu as the season wears on. Research shows that exposure to sufficient light helps regulate serotonin levels, which contribute to better energy and emotional stability in dogs. Simply lounging in a sunbeam can provide a pick-me-up for a dog feeling some seasonal depression, so placing your Shih Tzu’s bed or play area near a sunny window is a simple but effective way to make use of natural daylight.
If sunlight is limited indoors, you may want to consider a sunlight lamp (also called a light therapy or SAD lamp) which can help mimic the benefits of natural light. Though not for every budget, these lamps work by emitting bright, full-spectrum light without UV rays, which are filtered out to ensure safety.
When choosing one, look for a lamp that offers 10,000 lux of light at 16-24 inches, to replicate daylight, like this Vertical Light Therapy Lamp with 10000 Lux. Select a size that provides sufficient coverage for your cutie-pie’s resting or play area, and position the lamp where they do not have direct glare. Short sessions of 15-30 minutes once or twice daily can be incredibly effective in lifting a dog’s mood and combating the winter blues.
#2 If Needed, Bring Your Shih Tzu’s Activity Indoors
Receiving enough exercise is vital for a Shih Tzu’s happiness. It helps combat boredom, allows them to make use of their canine senses and lets them release pent up energy, as well as offers an abundance of physical health benefits. So, if activity decreases as winter creeps in, a Shih Tzu can really start feeling the effects of that lost activity. And this is cumulative, often getting worse as the season wears on.
While heading outside is important (next tip), plan for days with extreme weather and keep your Shih Tzu moving. You can build an obstacle course using household items like pillows and boxes, play hide and seek, or engage in a rousing round of fetch down a hallway or other indoor space with a soft toy.
Aim for at least two daily sessions of physical activity for your Shih Tzu, lasting at least 20 minutes each. For more ideas and exact recommendations, see our Indoor Games to Play with Your Shih Tzu.
#3 Bundle Up for Outdoor Adventures
Despite any cold weather, it’s still very important to bring your Shih Tzu outside for walks and play as often as you can. Ideally, you will want to stick with the same routine your sweetie has year-round; though, you may want to make slight adjustments so that walks are done while the sun is shining.
This breed can be sensitive to the cold, due to both their coats of hair (not fur) and their small size (not much body fat); however, if a Shih Tzu is properly bundled up, they can enjoy outdoor time even on very cold days. Note: Please be sure to dress warm yourself so that you don’t have to come in early if your Shih Tzu is having fun outside.
For your Shih Tzu, you’ll want to opt for a winter vest that covers a good amount of the chest and back. Some styles also cover a dog’s upper legs. Since Shih Tzus should always be walked wearing a harness, not a collar, it can help to choose a coat that has the harness built in. One that we like a lot is the Norbi Dog Coat, which has a soft fleece lining, water-resistant outer shell, a built-in harness and a safety zipper to help prevent caught hairs.
#4 Implement Outdoor Play if Roads are Not Walkable
While a walk may be your Shih Tzu’s most common and/or favorite activity, snowy or icy conditions can make it unsafe to hit the usual route. In these cases, if you have a driveway, yard, or nearby park, make use of it if you can safely do so.
Some Shih Tzu love to romp in soft, freshly fallen snow. Others will love if you shovel a fun path or maze for them to run through. Add small, shoveled "nooks" where they can sniff around; it mimics their natural curiosity to forage around. Gently toss snowballs for them to “catch” or watch as they chase them down, adding a playful twist to the usual fetch.
For Shih Tzus that are hesitant about snow, try bringing along some of their favorite toys to encourage activity. Bright-colored fetch toys are especially helpful so they stand out against the white snow. You can also scatter small treats in shallow snow piles to create a winter treasure hunt that will keep them moving while engaging their foraging instincts. And of course, see the previous tip to stay bundled up.
#5 Provide Mental Enrichment
Dogs require mental stimulation just as much as physical activity and winter weather that brings along slower days can leave a Shih Tzu feeling quite restless and bored. So, keeping your Shih Tzu mentally active can play a big role in boosting their mood and maintaining their well-being during the colder months.
Interactive toys like puzzle games, treat-dispensing balls, and snuffle mats like the Interactive Snuffle Mat for Small Dogs by GoxRunx are wonderful for challenging a dog’s mind and providing entertainment. Many of these are self-rewarding, which can encourage a Shih Tzu to stay occupied for quite some time.
For more options and details, you may wish to visit our article on the Best Interactive Toys for a Shih Tzu.
If you’re looking for quick DIY options, there are plenty of ways to make mental enrichment games at home. One idea is an egg carton puzzle: place small treats in the cups, close the lid, and let your Shih Tzu figure out how to retrieve them. Another great activity is a scavenger hunt. Hide treats in safe, accessible areas around your home and encourage your Shih Tzu to sniff them out.
Tapping into their foraging instincts, this type of game provides immense mental stimulation. In fact, just ten minutes of sniffing has been shown to offer the same enrichment as an hour-long walk, making these activities an excellent way to keep your Shih Tzu engaged and content during the winter months.
#6 Encourage Social Connection
Many Shih Tzus love social interaction, and the quieter pace of winter can sometimes leave them feeling lonely or restless. Prioritize opportunities to keep their spirits high by incorporating social and bonding activities into their routine.
If the weather permits, arrange a playdate with another friendly dog; ideally one your Shih Tzu already knows and enjoys visiting with. A romp in the snow or a playful chase indoors can lift their mood. Alternatively, consider taking your Shih Tzu to a pet-friendly café or store (Home Depot, JoAnn’s or pet stores often welcome canine visitors) for a change of scenery. The new sights, smells, and social encounters can be invigorating and enriching for them. Even a quick visit can make a big difference.
#7 Implement Command or Trick Training
Winter is a fantastic time to incorporate training into a Shih Tzu’s day. Dogs love to learn, perform to receive treats, and have a job to do. So, taking the time to teach your Shih Tzu a new command or a trick offers all these elements. It can break up the day to prevent boredom and provide a good way to keep moving despite any cold or unpleasant weather.
If you’re interested in structured lessons, check out local training classes through the ASPCA or other nearby organizations, many of which offer group sessions or private one-on-one guidance. If at-home training suits you better, there are plenty of resources like online tutorials or books such as 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance.
A Final Thought
Whether you see winter as a beautiful, peaceful season or one that can’t end soon enough, it’s important to remember that our Shih Tzus may need a little extra support to stay active and content. By providing mental stimulation, maintaining a fun routine, and incorporating activities tailored to their needs, you can ensure your sweetie feels engaged and loved all winter long. These thoughtful efforts not only can combat the winter blues but can also deepen the bond you share, making even the coldest months warm with companionship.
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