5 Meaningful Ways to Show

Your Shih Tzu You Love Them

Overview

Shih Tzus have a way of wrapping themselves around your heart. Their sweet faces, loyal nature, and playful personalities make them more than just pets; they're cherished family members. There are some meaningful actions you can take to deepen your bond and show your Shih Tzu just how much they mean to you. These small yet powerful gestures can help your sweetie-pie feel safe, adored, and more connected to you than ever.

So, if you're ready to brighten your Shih Tzu's days, strengthen your connection, and earn even more tail wags and snuggles, let's dive into these thoughtful and practical ways to show your best friend how much they are loved.

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#1 Notice Their Comfort Levels

Some Shih Tzu dogs are like little shadows, mimicking your every move. They might follow you outside on a chilly day or curl up at your feet on the kitchen floor while you're busy washing dishes or doing other household tasks. But just because they're by your side doesn't mean they're entirely comfortable. Paying attention to certain cues can help ensure your Shih Tzu feels as happy and relaxed as possible.



Let's look at a few areas to focus on:

1. At Rest.  If your Shih Tzu lies at your feet while you're doing chores or tasks, take a moment to check their elbows. Are they becoming dry, or is the hair thinning there? If so, placing a small cushion or baby blanket under them can make a big difference in their comfort.

2. Outdoors. While your Shih Tzu may eagerly trot out the door for a walk, consider the temperature before stepping out. Shih Tzus can be sensitive to cold weather, and temperatures below 50°F (10°C) may require extra protection. A light vest on chilly days and a warm winter coat on cold days can keep them cozy and safe.

3. For sleep. Examine their sleeping/napping area. Is their bed in a drafty spot during the winter? Does the sun glare in at eye-level during the day? Take note of the bed's age; older than 4 or 5 years, the cushioning may be worn out, and an upgrade to a better bed may be needed for proper joint support.

4. Discomfort signals. Watch for signs of general discomfort, such as frequent shifting, lip or nose licking, yawning (out of context), a tense mouth, whale eyes (white parts of the eye are showing more than usual), pacing, shaking as if wet, and/or a low, tucked tail. These behaviors could indicate that adjustments to their environment are needed.

#2 Expand Your Shih Tzu's World

Your Shih Tzu's world is as big or small as you allow. And there's no 'right' answer. But whether you love new adventures or prefer a quieter life at home, exploring together can strengthen your bond and bring joy to both of you.

Choose outings that match your Shih Tzu's personality and that you feel comfortable with, but don't hesitate to try something new. For example, if your Shih Tzu loves walking, plan to visit one new location each month. This could be a local park, a scenic lakeside path, a dog park (for Shih Tzu that love to be social) or even a dog-friendly store during colder months.

Walks in those new places will allow your Shih Tzu to satisfy the important canine urges to explore via sniffing. Remember that a sniff isn't just a smell; it's a story. Scents provide dogs with information about their surroundings, other animals, and even the area's history. Allowing your Shih Tzu to stop and sniff on walks isn't just fun for them, it's mentally stimulating and helps them feel more connected to their environment.

Aside from venturing to new places, you can allow for this natural behavior at home via a snuffle mat. This type of toy allows you to hide treats among soft fabric strips, turning snack time into a fun and rewarding foraging activity. One that we love is the Garden Flower Snuffle Mat by Meilzer. 

#3 The Power of Loving Communication

Shih Tzus are incredibly attuned to how their humans speak. They notice body language and especially the tone of your voice. On tough days, it’s easy to unintentionally send the wrong message. But using a warm, kind tone is one of the simplest ways to show love and strengthen trust. You don’t need to pretend to be cheerful if you're feeling blue; just be aware that your voice carries meaning.

You can also strengthen your bond by putting words to your actions. Since most dogs understand up to 165 words or signals, saying things like “cuddle” or “hug” during affectionate moments helps your Shih Tzu associate those words with comfort and connection.

In addition, make an effort to praise your Shih Tzu, even for actions they easily do. Saying "good dog" or "well done" reinforces their good behavior and makes them feel appreciated. 

If you want to improve communication, consider introducing canine voice buttons like the Voice Buttons Set by the ArtistUnknown Brand. These clever tools, which usually come in sets of four or more, allow you to record simple words or phrases. By guiding your Shih Tzu to press the buttons and associating the action with the word, you can open up a new level of communication.

#4 Small Moments, Big Joy: The Power of Play

It might sound simple, but making room for play isn’t always easy. You may have every intention of spending more time with your sweetie pie, but the day can slip away. Choosing a specific window for playtime makes it far more likely you’ll follow through.

Not every moment needs to be action-packed, but carving out 20 to 30 minutes most days for one-on-one play can make a big difference. Even laid-back Shih Tzus often light up when invited to move, explore, or engage.

What you do will depend on your dog’s age, energy, and personality. On rainy or too-hot days, try tossing a soft toy down a hallway or working on an interactive puzzle. When the weather’s nice, take advantage of outdoor space for something more energetic like fetch. All you need is something your Shih Tzu can easily carry, like the Mini Tennis Balls by HyperPet.

Remember, your attitude and enthusiasm will set the tone. If you're excited about the game, your Shih Tzu will often mirror your energy. They will take their cues from you as to how excited they should be for the game.

A bonus of playtime together is that it will help your Shih Tzu meet their exercise requirements, which is vital for good health and a long life. 

#5 Proper Care for a Life Full of Love

Providing proper care is one of the most meaningful ways to show your Shih Tzu love. Even if they seem fine without much effort, neglecting certain aspects of care can lead to long-term health issues. Here are three areas to focus on that can make a significant difference:

1) Food

Low-quality dog foods often contain fillers, chemical preservatives, and artificial food dyes that can cause issues over time. Choose wholesome, high-quality meals and snacks. Refer to our Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines for specific recommendations.

2) Dental Care

Due to their brachycephalic profile, Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems. Regular dental care, such as brushing with canine toothpaste or using dental wipes, can prevent plaque and tartar buildup. For more details, check out our Shih Tzu Dental Care article.

3) Harness Over Collar

Shih Tzus are prone to breathing issues, and collars can put unnecessary pressure on their airways. However, a harness distributes leash pressure evenly across their chest, shoulders, and back, allows for easier breathing, and helps prevent tracheal issues. Refer to our Shih Tzu Harness Guide for tips on selecting the best harness for your dog.

A Final Thought

Your Shih Tzu gives you unconditional love every day, and finding ways to reciprocate that love in ways they can truly understand is one of the greatest gifts you can offer. By embracing these meaningful ways to show your love, you're giving your Shih Tzu the best life possible and creating moments of happiness and devotion that you'll both treasure forever.

Lists to Love:

Sensational Scents for a Shih Tzu - From tropical fruits to fresh herbs to sweet sugary pies, discover the fun, fabulous fragrances your Shih Tzu can strut around in. These are also excellent for skin and coat health. 

Soothing Treats for Shih Tzus with Sensitive Stomachs - These limited ingredient goodies are a smart choice for pups with delicate bellies. Each is easy on digestion but still packed with tail-wagging taste.

Lovely 5 Flower-Themed Shih Tzu Care Items - Our pick of the top 5 most wonderful flower-based essentials. From engaging toys for independent play to immune-boosting treats packed with antioxidants, you'll love the benefits of these floral delights.

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.

Seasonal Care 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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