5 Meaningful Ways to Show Your Shih Tzu Love
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
This breed is often incredibly attuned to how their humans speak to them. Your little guy or gal can pick up on both your body language and, most importantly, the inflection and tone of your voice. On stressful or exhausting days, it's easy to unintentionally convey the wrong message simply by how you speak. However, one of the simplest ways to show your Shih Tzu you love them is by being mindful of your tone and using a happy, loving voice.
This doesn't mean you can't have a bad day or be yourself around your Shih Tzu. In fact, this breed is known for being empathetic to their human's moods and often tries to cheer up a pet parent who's feeling down. However, making an effort to speak in a positive tone can go a long way in reinforcing the bond you share.
Keep in mind, your Shih Tzu likely understands many of the things you say. The average dog can easily learn around 165 words or signals. So, if you are not doing this already, think about putting words to the loving actions you share with your sweetie-pie. Many owners instinctively hug or cuddle their Shih Tzu but may not verbalize those moments. Saying words like "cuddles," or "hug" while showing affection helps your Shih Tzu associate those words with positive experiences. Over time, this practice can deepen your bond and create a lasting emotional 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
This might seem obvious, but pulling off is not always easy! You may want to play more with your sweetie pie, but before you know it, the day is over. Though hours can only hold so much, scheduling an activity makes it far more likely you'll follow through. Not every moment needs to be action-packed, but dedicating 20 to 30 minutes on most days for one-on-one playtime can make a world of difference. Even dogs that typically seem satisfied just lazing around can experience tremendous joy when prompted to run and play.
What you choose to do will depend on your Shih Tzu's age, personality and energy levels. On bad-weather days, try tossing a small toy down the hallway or working together on an interactive puzzle game. On days when the weather cooperates, take advantage of the outdoors for more energetic activities. A simple game of fetch might seem basic to us, but it's endlessly fun for our dogs. 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:
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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