Taking Care of a Shih Tzu in the Winter

Ivy, photo courtesy of Vicki Levinson-Elzaurdia

Overview

Winter brings about a lot of challenges with canine family members, especially for toy breeds like the Shih Tzu. So, if you live in an area that experiences cold winters, there are certain changes you'll want to make in regard to some care elements and several common winter-related issues to be aware of.

This article will cover the top 9 Shih Tzu wintertime care tips to help ensure your little guy or gal stays warm and enjoys the season.

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Tip #1 Keep the coat a bit longer.

Perhaps your Shih Tzu's coat is trimmed short or even shaved year-round, and that's fine to help keep your little one neat and tidy. But, if you let your Shih Tzu's coat grow to varying lengths throughout the year, the start of winter is not the right time for a close cut.

This breed does have hair, as opposed to fur (which can be super-insulating), but it is also a double-layered coat. So, having a very short hair cut in the winter can make a Shih Tzu get chilled easier and having a bit of a longer hair style will help keep a Shih Tzu a bit warmer.

This will not completely 'winterize' a Shih Tzu and make them invulnerable against the effects of freezing weather, but it can play a role.

Tip #2 Protect the paws.

Year-round paw protection is recommended, but this is never quite so important as in the winter when a slew of elements can cause lots of damage.

Ice-melt products can cause chemical burns and road salt and sand can be terribly coarse and drying; note that these are concerns even if you do not use these yourself since they can be tracked into the neighborhood via cars.

Another paw-related issue in the winter is 'snow balling', which is the term used when a dog walks outside in snow, snow melts between their toes and/or paw pads and then quickly re-freezes into ice. The process can stretch the delicate skin there, sometimes to the point of cracking but almost always to the point of discomfort.

And finally, you want to make sure that your Shih Tzu has good traction on slippery surfaces.

You can protect your Shih Tzu's paws in all of these ways by applying a quality paw wax. We recommend Musher's Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax. This should be massaged in just about every 7 days. Be sure to rub this in on the paw pads and also between the toes. It absorbs pretty quick (about 10 to 15 seconds), but we still suggest putting this on at night, right before your guy or gal is about to go to sleep.

Gizmo, nice and warm despite being outside in the cold, photo courtesy of Wendy Walthers

Tip #3 Protect the nose.

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.

One of the best ways to protect the nose in the winter is to use a nose balm. We recommend Natural Dog Company's Snout Soother. This should be lightly applied every 1 to 2 days. Keep checking your Shih Tzu's nose. The moment that you see it's getting dry, or if it's peeling a bit or looks raw, use a this up to 3 times a day to help the nose heal.

Tip #4 Keep humidity levels up.

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.

There's all sorts of models, but one that we like a lot is the TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier. This runs very quietly and for a good amount of time (12 to 30 hours on one fill-up) and has a nighttime mode and automatic shut-off.

Charlie and Sophie in their winter coats, photo courtesy of Scott and Missy

Tip #5 Place a winter coat on your Shih Tzu.

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.

There are all sorts of different clothing for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs that are super cute; but in the winter you also need to keep purpose in mind. The coat should provide warmth via fleece or cotton lining, double-layered is ideal, and the shell should be water-proof or at least water-resistant for protection against wintry precipitation. A wind-proof coat is a major plus.

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

Ake, at 18 months old, photo courtesy of Jonna Leganger

Tip #6 Keep your Shih Tzu active.

It's very common for both humans and dogs alike to be less active in the winter. But if dogs only meet their exercise requirements during warm months or when the weather is really nice, this can have a significant impact on long-term health.

Regular exercise helps a dog maintain proper muscle mass, it keeps the heart healthy, it boosts the immune system, it plays a role in helping to prevent a long list of canine diseases including some cancers, it helps regulate the metabolism, it can help a dog release pent-up energy that may otherwise manifest as excessive barking or destructive chewing, and it can improve a dog's mood since canines can and do get 'cabin fever'.

So, aim to have your Shih Tzu exercise each and every day. On most days, head outside with your gal or guy. By following the previous tips of using paw wax and nose balm, and providing a winter coat, heading out in snowy or cold weather should be better tolerated. Be sure to dress for the weather yourself. Two walks per day is best; the minimum duration is 20 minutes at a brisk pace.

On days with severe inclement weather (snow storms, high winds, below freezing temperatures), conduct indoor exercise sessions. If you have a hallway or large room, play some indoor fetch with a toy like the Chuckit Indoor Ball Dog Toy. Remember that your enthusiasm makes a big difference as to whether your Shih Tzu wants to get moving or wants to be lazy. And, it can help to use a timer to be sure you keep your Shih Tzu moving long enough.

Porter, at 10 months old, photo courtesy of Laura Toma

Tip #7 Consider setting up an indoor potty area.

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.

An another option is an artificial grass mat like the SavvyGrow Artificial Grass for Dogs; note that dogs are not fooled by this at all, but some do prefer this to pee pads and it's the more affordable option (long term). The downside to this is that you need to hose it down on a regular basis to clean it.

Daisy, snuggling up by the fire on a chilly day,

photo courtesy of Natalie Behan of Holly Springs, NC.

Tip #8 Reassess favorite indoor areas for drafts.

Homes tend to be colder near the floor and walls, where puppies and dogs like to spend time, leading to possible discomfort from cold drafts. This can affect a Shih Tzu's sleep quality and overall happiness. It's wise to check your Shih Tzu's favorite play and rest areas for drafts and either block them or move your little guy or gal to a warmer spot.

Also, remember that sleeping on hard, especially cold, floors can be rough on a Shih Tzu's joints and impede mobility, especially for older dogs. They should have a good mattress, preferably memory foam, for proper support and comfort.

There are lots of designs to choose from, but one that we really like a lot is the JOYELF Memory Foam Dog Bed; this has a sleeping surface of 2-inch memory foam, firm bolsters for side support, an interior liner that's waterproof, a washable cover, and it has a non-skid bottom. The small size is good for most puppy and adults 15 lbs. and under, and the medium is good for most adults over 15 lbs.

Tip #9 Consider a pet warming pad for a Shih Tzu sensitive to the cold, with arthritis or in their senior years.

A heating pad can be a comforting addition for Shih Tzus during cold winter months, providing consistent warmth that helps keep your companion cozy. A heating pad, like the Toozy Pet Heating Pad, can be placed in a dog's bed to offer soothing heat all day and night or used to quickly warm them up after a chilly winter walk. Designed with safety in mind, this pad has a chew-resistant stainless-steel cord and seven layers of protection to prevent burns, making it a worry-free choice for pet parents.

Beyond comfort, a heating pad can offer significant health benefits, especially for older Shih Tzus or those suffering from arthritis. Aging dogs often struggle with regulating their body temperature, and cold weather can exacerbate joint pain or stiffness. The gentle heat from a pad can help improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation, making it an excellent tool for managing discomfort.

Summary

Winter can indeed be a challenging season to care for our canine family members. However, following these 9 winter care tips for your Shih Tzu can help make the season safe, warm, and comfortable, while maintaining optimal health:

Keep the coat a bit longer.
Protect the paws with paw wax.
Protect the nose with nose balm.
Keep the humidity level in the house between 35 and 40%.
Place a winter coat on your Shih Tzu when outdoors.
Keep your Shih Tzu active with both indoor and outdoor exercise.
Set up an indoor potty area (if needed).
Assess the house for drafts.
Consider a pet heating pad for a Shih Tzu that struggles to warm up.

Have a wonderful winter!

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