Shih Tzu puppies, adults, and seniors have different development and nutritional needs. For this reason, it’s important to settle for the best dog foods ideal for your Shi Tzu’s age across their life span.

Shih Tzus are also prone to certain health problems, picky eating habits, sensitive stomachs, and food allergies, all of which can be avoided or managed through proper nutrition.

Given the wide range of dog foods available today, it can be difficult to decide which one’s the best dog food for your Shih Tzu. To help you out, I’ve narrowed down the most nutritious dog foods that will keep your Shih Tzu’s tail wagging for longer! 

8 of the Best dog foods for Shih Tzus

Be sure to consult with your vet before introducing your Shih Tzu to any dog food on this list.

1. Best dog food for an adult Shih Tzu in general

Your adult Shih Tzu needs a nutritionally balanced adult dog food specially formulated for small breeds like Shih Tzus. 

We recommend: Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

This adult dry dog food is carefully made for small dog breeds. Its high protein content from three sources: chicken, salmon, and lamb. This will help strengthen your Shih Tzu’s muscles. 

It contains different healthy whole grains loaded with fatty acids to keep your Shih Tzu’s skin and coat healthy. 

This trusted dry dog food also has fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants and vitamins that work together to boost your Shih Tzu’s immune system, strengthen their vision, and improve their heart health.   

2. Best wet food for a Shih Tzu

There’s no better way to give your Shih Tzu a hydration boost and lure them into eating than feeding them wet food. The extra moisture, rich aroma, and appetite-stimulating taste of wet food make this type of food a worthy choice for your Shih Tzu. 

We recommend: Merrick’s lil’ Plates Small Breed Wet Dog Food

This grain-free wet food, free from artificial flavors and gluten ingredients like wheat, is formulated for complete nutrition. 

It features a savory gravy and chicken, turkey, or beef as the top ingredient to help your Shi Tzu build healthy muscle and boost their energy levels throughout the day.  

Merrick’s wet food is full of essential nutrients that promote overall health, probiotics that improve digestion, and a high number of fatty acids to keep your dog’s skin and hair healthy for the long term. 

3. Best dog food for a Shih Tzu Puppy

Puppyhood is a crucial stage of life for a Shih Tzu puppy as they have several development needs that can only be met through proper nutrition. 

A Shih Tzu puppy needs the right set of nutrients and ingredients that will work for their growing needs and delicate stomach, not against. 

We recommend: Blue Buffalo Formula Small Breed Dry Dog Food

This reputable puppy food is specially made for small-breed puppies. It has quality, digestible proteins that are easy on the stomach and will help your Shih Tzu puppy build strong muscle.  

It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like calcium to support healthy bones, teeth, and joint development in Shih Tzu puppies.

This puppy food contains arachidonic acid (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vital fatty acids found in a dog’s breast milk that promote healthy brain and eye development in puppies. 

These omega fatty acids will also keep your Shih Tzu’s skin healthy and coat luscious. The antioxidants in this food will protect your Shih Tzu puppy against sickness by supporting their immune system functioning.  

On top of all the nutritional value, your Shih Tzu puppy will find the kibble easy to munch and the flavor irresistible. 

4. Best dog food for an elderly and senior Shih Tzu

An elderly Shih Tzu must be on a diet specially crafted to address the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs. This will ensure they remain in their best health as they age.

We recommend: The Blue Buffalo life protection Formula Senior Small Breed Dog Food

Starting with chicken as the top ingredient, this senior dry dog food for small breeds is packed with high-quality proteins to help your senior Shi Tzu maintain a healthy muscle mass in their golden years. 

One of the most common problems that elderly dogs, including senior Shih Tzus, is the loss of muscle mass. 

The best dog food for senior Shi Tzus will be enhanced with garden veggies, antioxidant-rich fruits, and digestible grains. This offers your elderly Shi Tzu a balanced combination of essential vitamins and nutrients. 

It has chondroitin and glucosamine to boost your senior Shi Tzu’s joint health, taurine to strengthen their cardiovascular functions, and essential vitamins to improve their immunity.

It’s also loaded with L-carnitine, an amino acid that supports healthy metabolism, and probiotics to improve your senior Shih Tzu’s digestive health.  

5. Best dog food for a fussy Shih Tzu

Having a Shih Tzu that turns their nose away each time they get to the bowl can be frustratig. 

We recommend: Ollie Fresh Dog food

This is suitable for both adult Shih Tzus and puppies who are picky eaters. It’s a unique fresh wet food, available as a subscription-only meal plan for your dog, includes a combination of meat protein, nutritious veggies, and more nutrient-rich ingredients slow-cooked to retain flavor and texture. 

The pairing of various food items that have different textures and flavors makes the Ollie Fresh Food a fantastic choice for Shih Tzus who are picky eaters. 

Ollie’s high-quality recipe formulations are developed by veterinary nutritionists, so you’re sure your Shi Tzu will get the right nutrients from this delicious dog food. 

This freshly cooked food is customized according to your Shih Tzu’s age, weight, and other crucial factors.  

6. Best dog food for a Shih Tzu that needs to gain weight

If your Shih Tzu is struggling with low weight, they will need food high in protein and healthy fats to help them bulk up. 

We recommend: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food

It’s formulated with a much higher amount of quality proteins and healthy fats.to ensure your dog only adds healthy weight. As always, make sure to chat with your vet before putting your Shi Tzu on a weight gain diet plan.  

7. Best dog food for a Shi Tzu with an upset stomach

It can be a worrying time if your Shih Tzu is experiencing an upset tummy or sensitive stomach. Fortunately, the right homemade diet can help ease the discomfort while providing them nutrition during this vulnerable period. 

We recommend: A bland homemade diet 

The best bland foods to give your sick Shih Tzu are mashed sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, plain pureed pumpkin, boiled plain white rice cooked into a mash, overcooked oatmeal, mashed bananas, and warm, unseasoned bone broth. 

These foods are easily digestible, soothe the digestive system, and contain ingredients that will restore your dog’s poop to a firm state (if they also have diarrhea).

8. Best dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies

If your Shi Tzu suffers from allergies, it’s best to stick to a grain-free food with limited ingredients that still provides superior nutrition.  

We recommend: Blue Basics Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free

This grain-free dry dog food is specifically formulated for allergy-prone small dog breeds like your Shi Tzu. It’s made of only high-quality protein to minimize the likelihood of allergic reactions from different protein sources. 

It’s also crafted with a few simple but nutritious ingredients (eight in total, including the main ingredient, lamb meat). These carefully selected minimal ingredients lower the possibility of allergic reactions.  

The food doesn’t have fillers like soy protein, corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives and flavors that cause allergic reactions. It’s enhanced with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics to support your Shi Tzu’s immune system, digestive health, and skin health. 

Plus, it has the perfect balance of proteins and digestible carbs to meet your Shih Tzu’s energy needs.

You might also like…

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How long do shih tzus live for? The average Shih Tzu lifespan is between 10 and 16 years. As a small breed, Shih Tzus will live longer on average than larger dog breeds at 13 years, but they are still prone to various health issues due to their breeding and genetics.

That’s the short answer. But if you are planning on getting a Shih Tzu, there will be things you need to be aware of to help increase their average lifespan. You can read those tips lower down the page, but first a little more about how long this breed lives and why.

How long do shih tzus live on average?

Given that we know how long Shih Tzus live for, we can calculate an average age for life expectancy. The Shih Tzu life span ranges from 10 to 16 years, so the average age they live for will be 13 years old.

How long your Shih Tzu lives to in human years will depend on multiple factors though. This will include family genetics, how you care for them in terms of food and exercise, and how happy they are in life.

Handy Hint: Here are some signs to look for so you can tell if your Shih Tzu is leading a happy life and loves you.

What is the oldest living shih tzu?

The oldest living Shih Tzu on record was Smokie the dog. A resident of Florida, lived to the ripe old age of 23. He was reputed to be the oldest living dog at the time before he passed away 2009.

Many pet owners will make claims that they have the world’s oldest Shih Tzu. However, Smokie’s owners can make this claim better than most due to a veterinary record.

According to the Oldest.org website, this Shih Tzu was able to claim to be the oldest because:

“Claims that Smokey was older than the so called oldest dog at the time, was backed up by the VCA St. Petersburg Animal Hospital, which holds records giving Smokey’s birth date as January 18, 1986.”

Can shih tzus live 20 years?

Based on what we know about Smokie, we know it is possible for a Shih Tzu to be 20 years old, but this is extremely rare. In fact, so rare, I didn’t find any other records instances of Shih Tzus living to be 20 years old and over.

In simple terms, you should not expect a Shih Tzu to live to be 20 years old. It is very, very unlikely. If yours does, it could rival Smokie as being the oldest living on record.

What do shih tzus usually die from?

Health and genetics play a huge part in how long your Shih Tzu will live for. There are also certain health problems you will need be aware of, that typically account for more deaths in this breed than others.

So, the things that Shih Tzus usually die from in order of the most common, are:

1. Old age
2. Heart conditions
3. Kidney failure

The above information is a quick primer on the Shih Tzu life span. If you are still seriously considering buy a dog like this, you should read the rest below… it will help to prepare you!

Shih Tzu character traits

Shih Tzus are small, stocky dogs with long hair. As companion dogs, they are ideal for less active owners as they do not require much of an exercise regime.

They are considered lively, however, and do become animated around people and other pets.

They do not view themselves as guard dogs and therefore do not bark or yap much. This makes them ideal for owners who live in built-up areas.

A Shih Tzu will not have a suspicious bone in its body. This is the type of dog that will gleefully welcome burglars and hopefully delay them with their cute antics until reinforcements arrive.

Although with a price tag of $1,000 and upward on a pup, it is more likely that a thief would be after the dog itself.

They are independent dogs and despite their innate intelligence, are seemingly difficult to train. In Stanley Coran’s book, entitled ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’, two hundred professional obedience judges were of this opinion.

They provided the following comparison:

• Border Collies require five repetitions of an instruction before mastering it, and then they get it right 95% of the time.
• Shih Tzu’s require 80-100 repetitions and once having mastered the instruction, are obedient only 25% of the time.

They probably have long memories of their elite standing in Tibetan society, and do not see the need to follow orders.

Physical characteristics and consequent problems to health

Unfortunately, there is a long list of physiological features of the breed that can cause health and hygiene problems, and affect how long your Shih Tzu will live for.

The Shih Tzu has a double coat of fur. It has an undercoat for warmth, much like ducks have downy feathers. It also has a coat with longer strands which helps this breed in colder weather.

In warm temperatures, the short hair is shed in order to cool the dog’s body. These hairs get caught in the longer coat and can cause matting if the dog is not groomed often. Matted hair provides opportunities for a variety of parasites to make their home in the dog’s fur.

If the long hair is cut in line with the shorter coat, less grooming is required but the continuous shedding of its hair will become more noticeable.

Constant grooming using the wrong technique and / or tools can give rise to abrasions or hotspots on the skin which may take a long time to heal.

The breed is also prone to skin allergies, so take care when choosing grooming products and parasite treatments, such as tick and flea powders, etc.

The skin allergies and possible infection, as well as overgrown hair, can cause the dog problems in the ear. Getting water in the ears, during bathing or swimming, as well as a build up of ear wax, can exacerbate these.

Shih Tzu’s are bred to have short faces. This can cause them breathing difficulties and other nasal problems. They also experience shortness of breath when becoming too active. Some airlines have restrictive policies when transporting dogs with this characteristic.

This breed has eyes that protrude slightly. This makes them prone to developing cataracts, dry eyes, tear duct infections and ingrown eyelashes. Care must also be taken not to play too roughly with them for fear of hurting their eyes.

Handy Hint: I’ve previously written a guide about Shih Tzu eye problems which will help you diagnose any issues.

Studies have shown that over a fifth (21%) of Shih Tzu’s have hip dysplasia. This is a painful and ultimately debilitating problem, especially as the dog ages.

They also, unfortunately, are prone to developing problems in the cartilaginous discs between their vertebrae which can cause them pain and difficulty moving about or walking. The first sign you will see will be a pronounced limp like this.

Sadly, the list continues. Shih Tzu’s are prone to digestive problems, hernias, kidney infections, liver disease and urinary stones. If left unchecked any of these can prove fatal.

They also need to have regular blood checks as the breed has a higher-than-average chance of developing blood clots.

Shih Tzu’s are also one of those breeds that are predisposed towards a nasty autoimmune dysfunction known as immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). This can suddenly afflict your dog and put its life in danger within 24 hours, with a 50:50 chance of survival.

How to care for a Shih Tzu to help with a longer life span

Given the list of things that could go wrong with a Shih Tzu, it is advisable to choose your puppy carefully. Get to know the breeder well. An unscrupulous breeder may not know all the potential problems or ignore them for the sake of profit.

Also get to know the history of the puppy’s parents. If they have shown any signs of the conditions described above, the chances are high that the genes will be passed on to the offspring.

The next most important person in your dog’s life is going to be your vet. Regular check ups of all the problem areas are advisable. Also pay attention to the vaccinations required and any potential harmful side-effects associated with these.

Get to know your pet’s potential health problems, and do regular health check-ups at home as well, in order to pre-empt any problems that may occur between visits to the vet.

On a daily basis, the Shih Tzu’s diet is extremely important. Skin irritations are often a good indication that the dog is not responding well to its food. Apparently, they are fussy eaters, and may know what is best for them. A good diet may also stave off the predisposed problems that affect the dog’s internal organs.

As they were designed to be layabouts, and are not above being bribed to do as they are told, be careful not to overdo it with the treats. Include the calory count in their daily allowance. Try to keep these to whole food such as carrots, cucumbers and cauliflower.

Unnecessary weight gains will exacerbate any latent hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc problems. Obesity also causes digestive problems, hypertension and heart disease, even in dogs.

Frequent and regular grooming will help regulate your dog’s temperature. Because of their compromised airways, Shih Tzu’s can easily develop heat stroke even when conditions are tolerable for humans.

A clean and neat coat will also help to keep the dog free from parasites.

Your pet will need frequent but not strenuous exercise to keep its lymphatic system active. This will strengthen the dog’s immunity and help it to fight opportunistic diseases and infections.

When choosing a lead, opt for a harness which does not restrict airflow to the airways. The dog is already at a disadvantage because of its short snout and you do not want to cause additional stress.

Shih Tzu’s have small bladders and need to urinate frequently in order to prevent the build up of toxins in the system. Some owners have experienced difficulty with toilet training because of this.

Conclusion

On average, Shih Tzus have a longer life expectancy than large dog breeds. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be prone to health issues which could reduce their life span on a an individual basis.

As owners, you need to have adequate pet insurance and make sure this dog gets enough exercise. It won’t need a lot, but it still needs to be kept active and health to live longer.

Shih Tzu means ‘Little Lion’ in its mother tongue. It is a toy dog, first bred in Tibet, as a companion for royalty and the aristocracy. It was designed to lounge around on silk cushions, being fanned by the court staff and constantly groomed.

That doesn’t mean you should not exercise them though.

You might also like…

• This is what you have to do with a bitey Shih Tzu
• Why cats and Shih Tzus might hate each other… or not
• Don’t let your Shih Tzu near the edge of the balcony!

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The post The Shih Tzu Life Span: How Long do Shih Tzu’s Live For? appeared first on DoggySaurus.

I have a very clear memory of when we got our first ever dog. During the puppy months we would find tiny teeth on the floor which would come out as he chewed everything in sight to relieve his sore teeth and gums. This chewing is a huge part of the teething process but is something you can make easier for your Shih Tzu puppy to contend with.

Today I want to share everything I have learned about why Shih Tzus teethe, at what age they lose their baby or milk teeth, what to expect as an owner, and how to help them… plus ways to stop them chewing your furniture!

My intention is for this to be the only guide you would ever need to read about the dental development of your Shih Tzu.

The teething stage of a Shih Tzu puppy

First things first; don’t be concerned if you start seeing small blood spots on your Shih Tzu’s toys or loose teeth in your carpet. This is completely normal during the teething phases. But when should you expect this to start and then finally stop?

Here’s an overview of the teething stages you can expect to experience with a Shih Tzu puppy.

1. Shih Tzu puppy baby teeth start coming through – between 2 and 3 weeks old

Shih Tzus are born without teeth. Shih Tzu puppy milk teeth (aka baby teeth) don’t actually start to push through their gums until around the 14-day point at the earliest.

In terms of the puppy’s overall dental development, the baby teeth coming through do so at the same point that they begin to open their eyes. The 2-week point in their life is a massive time in their growth and becoming the Shih Tzus we know and love.

Of course, most Shih Tzu owners will never get to see this phase in their dental development stage as Shih Tzu puppies should not be leaving their mother until they are at least 8 weeks old.

Here’s the order in which your Shih Tzu’s baby teeth will come though:

1. Front teeth (incisors).
2. Canine teeth (at which point they can start on solid foods).
3. Pre-molars (stop coming through after about 6 weeks).

By 8 weeks of age, your Shih Tzu should have grown all of its 28 milk teeth.

2. Shih Tzu starts teething and growing adult teeth – 12 weeks of age onwards

The next stage of dental development is the teething phase. Shih Tzus don’t have their milk teeth for as long as you might think and won’t be long until the adult teeth start to push through.

When do Shih Tzus lose their baby teeth?

Shih Tzu puppies will lose their baby teeth at around 3 months or 12 weeks old. This the age at which Shih Tzus start to teeth as they lose the milk teeth which fall out.

There are 28 baby teeth in total, and surprisingly, 32 adult teeth which will grow through in the place of the milk teeth.

3. Shih Tzu puppies stop teething – 7 to 8 months of age

When do Shih Tzus stop teething?

Shih Tzu puppies will typically stop teething at around 7 to 8 months old. It’s not always this specific, as some Shih Tzus will stop the teething phase before this, and possibly even after this age.

4. How long do Shih Tzus teethe for – can be as long as 20 to 24 weeks

The majority of Shih Tzu puppies will stop teething once they hit 6 months old, but don’t be surprised if it takes longer, it’s not an exact science and can vary from dog to dog.

Shih Tzu adult teeth take a lot longer to grow and push through compared to their baby milk teeth. The molars at the back are the ones that are particularly stubborn.

At the very latest, your 8-month-old Shih Tzu puppy should have stopped teething. Anything after that age would be unusual, but still not unheard of. Most Shih Tzus will now have all 42 adult teeth.

Handy Hint: Does you Shih Tzu bit you with those sharp teeth….  here’s how to stop it!

Signs of teething in Shih Tzu puppies

As you might have already experienced with your Shih Tzu puppy, the first sign of teething is them chewing everything in sight. Here’s all those teething signs in full.

• Small baby teeth: One of the more obvious signs is finding their cute little teeth (yet sharp). They might be on the floor, embedded in a toy, or near a food bowl.
• Blood spots on toys: As Shih Tzus teethe, they will chew on their toys to relieve the pain. This can result in blood when baby teethe come out or gums are irritated.
• Lots of drooling: Teething puppies can drool, so expect to see more saliva than usual coming from their mouths.
• Even more chewing: When Shih Tzus teethe, they need to relieve the pain and the best way to do this is by chewing. Give them chew toys and keep them away from anything that you value!
• Sore gums: Teething Shih Tzus will get inflamed and red gums. They will look really sore, because the larger adult teeth are pushing up through.
• Change in behavior: Your Shih Tzu puppy will be in pain from time to time and might even be irritable. Try to distract them with teething toys and lots of attention.
• Mild fever: If you have ever had kids, you will know that they can get a little hot when teething. Shih Tzu puppies are the same.
• Misaligned teeth: As the adult teeth come through, they might not always push a baby tooth. Your Shih Tzu might have a bit of a redneck look at the two teeth sit together until the milk tooth falls out.

Recommended Shih Tzu teething toys

All puppies need something to chew on when new teeth are coming through. They will try to chew your shoes, furniture… pretty much anything. To help them out, give them toys to chew on, but not the soft stuffed ones – those simply won’t cut it.

To help your Shih Tzu puppy when teething, instead invest in some teething toys that are hard and durable enough to give their gums relief.

There are two teething toys we used with our own puppy which always worked a treat.

Firstly, there’s the Kong chew toy on Amazon. Not only is a great for Shih Tzus to get their teeth around, but you can also put treats inside of it to mentally challenge them as well.

What we also used to do was place ours in the freezer before letting our teething puppy have. That way it was really nice and cold and helped to soothe his sore gums.

My second recommendation is the Nylabone dog chew on Amazon. It’s a fantastic alternative to chews like rawhide, and our dog still has this chew toy 3 years down the line. It’s extremely durable and hard-wearing.

This is how much they will end up chewing it!

How to stop your Shih Tzu puppy chewing when teething

Once those milk teeth start to fall out, your Shih Tzu puppy will want to get his or her teeth around anything to give much needed pain relief. You might have to hide things, reduce their access to certain rooms, and keep a close eye on them.

It’s a dog’s natural instinct to want to chew during the teething phase, so as owners, it’s our job to help them out. Here’s what you can do.

• Chew proof your home: You might need to install stair gates to restrict access to certain rooms where your prized furniture is located. You might have to move things above their height. Nothing is safe from a teething Shih Tzu puppy!
• Give them frozen treats: As well as chew toys, a piece of frozen carrot or an ice cube can really help to soothe their sore gums.
• Keep them exercised: Shih Tzus that have energy to burn will chew more than those that are tired out. Give your Shih Tzu puppy a couple of walks a day and provide plenty of indoor play time too.
• Keep them entertained: Bored Shih Tzus tend to be destructive. Get their toys out to keep them mentally challenged and distracted whilst teething.
• Give them chew toys but not rawhide chews: I’ve already shown you what toys we use. But please don’t let them chew rawhide. It’s dangerous for dogs and can cause choking.

Puppies can cause utter devastation whilst teething. You just need to look at how chewed the corner of our wooden dining room table was during the teething phase.

What other owners say

I am part many different Shih Tzu social media groups, and recently asked people about their own experiences with their own puppies and teething.

Here’s a selection of the best responses on how to help teething Shih Tzus that chew things:

“Make sure you have lots of chew toys, so your Shih Tzu has options and doesn’t get bored. Bored Shih Tzus will start chewing your things when they teethe. Mine loves to chew but he’s always been good about only chewing his toys. I’ve always made sure he had many different kinds so he doesn’t get bored with them. Nylabone and Kong Toys are two of my faves.”

“Get lots of rawhide alternatives! Bully sticks and Himalayan cheese sticks are good. Kongs are wonderful too as you can stuff them with banana and peanut butter (make sure it isn’t the kind sweetened with Xylitol) and freeze it! We also use real bones from the meat department at our local store, frozen so they last longer, and our dogs love them.”

“As to teething, freeze your Shih Tzu some ice cubes with some meat jelly in them. If your Shih Tzu is teething and eats dry food try and soften the biscuits as chewing hard food can be a big turn off put for them as their gums can be quite sensitive.”

“Shih Tzu puppies should have a variety of several different texture chew toys. Puppies crave different things at different times and are learning what their teeth can do in addition to the teething that they are going through. Don’t be surprised if you find your puppy chewing on the drywall. it’s all about the texture. I recommend 20 different teething toys and rotate them. Kong’s with treats are great as well.”

“When your Shih Tzu is teething put lavender oil on things. They hate the smell and it will stop them chewing your stuff. And give him chews. It is boredom that makes them chew more than anything.”

“We used old tea towels when our Shih Tzu was teething. Just put a knot in each end and wet them, then freeze them! He loved it and still just loves playing with tea towels now at nearly 2 years old. Would recommend putting the tea towel in a food bag when freezing.”

Conclusion

At the age your Shih Tzu starts to teethe, he or she will suffer with sore gums and the pain of their baby teeth being pushed through. How much pain they are will vary from puppy to puppy – our own dog had quite mild teething pain from what we could tell, but it depends on the dog.

But, almost all of them will chew. You can expect to see little teeth on the floor or stuck into things they have chewed on, plus those little blood spots I mentioned.

During your Shih Tzu’s dental development just give them plenty of love, attention, understanding… and chew toys!

At this time of their dental development, your Shih Tzu puppy will need your love and support, plenty of chewable toys, patience, and understanding.

You might also like…

If you enjoyed this guide to Shih Tzu teething ages and how long it all lasts, then you might also like these other Shih Tzu puppy related articles:

• The Shih Tzu heat cycle
• How to bath your Shih Tzu properly
• The best dog food to feed your Shih Tzu

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Being prepared for all of these changes during their heat cycle will make the whole journey much easier for both of you.

I am going to start off this introduction to the Shih Tzu heat cycle with some very quick pointers on how often it happens, how to tell, and how long the heat will last. I will then go into each aspect of the heat cycle in more detail.

How often do Shih Tzus go into heat?

Unless you have spayed your Shih Tzu, she will enter her first heat (also known as a season) at around six to eight months of age.

How often do Shih Tzus go into heat? After her first heat at 6 to 8 months, your Shih Tzu will then go into twice a year, typically every 6 months. Initially, her cycle may be sporadic, but after the first year or two, you should notice her reproductive cycle settling into a regular pattern.

The average Shih Tzu will go into heat once every six months. Occasionally, she might show signs of going into heat between these regular cycles, but she will typically be infertile during these additional seasons.

Once an Shih Tzu reaches six years of age, her fertility will start to slow down. Fertility will continue to drop off until roughly ten years of age when her ability to reproduce typically ceases altogether.

That said, unless spayed, a female Shih Tzu will continue showing signs of going into heat for the rest of her life.

How do you know when your Shih Tzu is in heat?

You will know your Shih Tzu is in heat due to a range of signs including:

• Swollen vulva.
• Bleeding from the vulva.
• Increased mounting behavior.
• Licking her genital region.
• Obvious nervous or agitated behavior.
• Increased urination.

The Shih Tzu heat cycle length in detail

The reproductive cycle for dogs is made up of four distinct stages, each with its own physical and behavioral changes. Read about each stage below, including the Shih Tzu heat cycle length and what to expect.

1. The Proestrus stage

Typically, this is the stage that most people are referring to when they say that their Shih Tzu is in heat. On average, this initial stage of the reproductive cycle lasts nine days for most dogs, but it can last anywhere up to twenty-seven days in total.

During this stage of the reproductive cycle, estrogen levels will begin to peak in your dog, and the follicles (eggs) will start to develop. Most owners may start to notice male dogs showing an interest, although the female Shih Tzu will not reciprocate during this time.

Handy Hint: Despite what you think, spayed female dogs can still attract males for a number of reasons you might be surprised about!

If anything, she may even seem more on edge than usual. It’s not uncommon to see dogs holding their tails close to their body and becoming a little clingier with their owners during this first stage.

Physical signs include a swollen vulva and a blood-tinged discharge. Although many dogs will keep this area clean, Shih Tzus tend to have a hard time reaching this area. To avoid any messes, many owners recommend using diapers.

You may also notice your dog urinating more often during this stage.

2. The Estrus stage

This second stage can last anywhere from four to twenty-four days in total. On average, however, the Estrus stage only tends to last nine days for most dogs and marks the fertile window in a dog’s reproductive cycle.

Attention from male dogs will continue, but now the female Shih Tzu will be receptive to these advances. One of the most common ways your dog may show her availability is by “flagging”, where she lifts her tail up or to one side.

Physical changes will include an enlarged vulva and brown or clear discharge.

With the pheromones she emits during this period, the attention she receives from male dogs will be heightened.

It may also result in aggression from females, which can sometimes escalate into fights. If you have no intention of breeding your Shih Tzu during this period, it will be necessary to keep her away from other dogs as much as possible during this time.

3. The Diestrus stage

During this stage, your dog will once again lose interest in reciprocating male attention. On average, this third stage of the reproductive cycle will last two months.

Physical changes include her vulva returning to normal, and an absence of any discharge.

There are instances where she may act as though she is pregnant, even if she isn’t. If this happens, you may notice your dog exhibiting the following behaviors:

• Restlessness
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Nesting (may involve digging bedding or moving it around)
• Nursing (may show increased attachment to a favorite toy)
• Depression
• Aggression

Aside from these behavioral changes, you may also notice several physical changes. Even though a loss of appetite is common during false pregnancies, the female Shih Tzu may stay at the same weight, owing to fluid retention.

Other physical changes include a swollen belly and enlarged mammary glands that may or may not lactate.

If you suspect that your Shih Tzu is pregnant, it would be best to take her to see your vet as soon as possible. Pregnancies in Shih Tzus must be carefully monitored from the onset due to the health risks involved, both for the puppies and the mother.

Handy Hint: Here are some ways you can check to see if your Shih Tzu really is pregnant or not.

4. The Anestrus stage

During the fourth and final stage of the reproductive cycle, the body will begin to prepare itself for the next season.

Typically, this final stage lasts an average of four months for most dogs, although for certain breeds it can take a lot longer. During this time, there are typically no physical symptoms or behavioral changes.

Handy Hint: There are some ways that breeders use to make their female dogs come into heat faster.

Can a spayed dog still go into heat?

Generally, no.

The process of spaying a dog means removing all the reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus. As this eliminates the possibility of reproducing, it also means that her heat cycle will usually stop as well.

However, if you do notice your dog showing signs of going into heat once spayed, this may be an indication of ovarian remnant syndrome.

If the surgeon misses some of the ovarian tissue during the surgery, this can result in the remaining ovarian tissue still producing estrogen. If this happens, it will continue to trigger your dog’s usual heat cycles.

It can be annoying, since this may only become obvious several months after the initial surgery. However, it is a non-threatening condition, and also relatively easy to remedy.

If you notice that your dog is showing signs of going into heat once spayed, you will need to get your dog booked in to see your vet again. Typically, ovarian remnant syndrome can be treated with a simple operation to remove any remaining ovarian tissue.

Breeding Shih Tzus

When it comes to breeding, Shih Tzus are some of the most challenging, time-consuming, and expensive dogs to breed.

Owing to the many health problems this breed faces, owners must be present through every stage of the pregnancy and delivery. Owners will also need to keep a very close eye on the litter for the initial few weeks of development to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

How to prepare for your Shih Tzu being in heat

Now you know how long and how often your Shih Tzu will be heat, it’s time to get prepared. By doing so, you can guard against your girl getting pregnant unexpectedly, leaving messy blood spots on the floor, and even possible changes to behavior including aggression.

Here’s how you get prepared using some inspiration I found on Chewy.com.

1. Track her heat cycles

On the day your Shih Tzu starts her heat cycle, place a note on your calendar. I’d use your phone’s calendar as you can record day 1, and then put a reminder in that it could come again in 6 months’ time.

Set the reminder up a week before the 6-month point, as that gives you time to prepare again.

2. Buy dog diapers

A dog in heat will leave blood spots and mess on her bedding and the floor. You can mitigate this by using specialist dog diapers.

If you don’t want to spend this money you can use human baby diapers but will need to cut a hole out of the back of them for the tail to come through.

3. Think about security

Some dogs will try to escape during their heat cycle and can show aggression. If this sounds like your Shih Tzu, think about keeping her secured using door gates, or just being more vigilant than usual – perhaps an off-leash walk isn’t a good idea during this period!

Conclusion

My wife and I recently looked after a female Shih Tzu who came over to play with our Frenchie, Claude. The female hasn’t been spayed yet, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she started to show signs of going into her first ever heat cycle very soon – she’s 7 months old.

When that happens, our friend will need to be prepared, as the Shih Tzu heat cycle can be quite a shock if you’ve never owned a female dog before.

I’ve told them to be prepared for some changes to her personality!

You might also like…

There’s a wealth of information on the DoggySaurus website about Shih Tzu ownership:

• How to bath and shower your Shih Tzu
• Stop a Shih Tzu from biting so much
• Understanding the teething stages with your Shih Tzu

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-shih-tzu-maltese-canine-white-4824027/

The post Shih Tzu Heat Cycle: Signs & How Many Times a Year appeared first on DoggySaurus.

With that in mind, how often is too often when it comes to bathing your Shih Tzu? I spoke to our vet about this to get a professional opinion, and here’s what he said about washing regularity and how often Shih Tzus need a bath.

How often should you bathe a Shih Tzu? You should only bathe a Shih Tzu every 2 to 6 months in order to maintain a balance between their skin health and hygiene. However, the reality is this probably isn’t practical, as Shih Tzus love to run in mud, so will need more regular baths and showers.

If you’re a dog owner, you know that bathing any dog every couple of months is almost impossible, especially if you live in a wetter climate where mud is common.

So, in practical terms, if your Shih Tzu gets his coat muddy, and he starts to stink, you need to give them a bath outside of the regular bathing schedule.

However, due to Shih Tzus’ skin conditions, there are a few things you ought to know in order for their grooming and bathing regime to be happy, healthy and effective.

How to bathe your Shih Tzu in 5 simple steps

Smaller Shih Tzus can be bathed in a usual bathtub with a shower, but if you have a smaller Shih Tzu or a Shih Tzu puppy, you can bathe them in a sink with a sink sprayer.

I would not bother filling up the tub. I would instead recommend you use the shower or sink sprayer, but if you want to fill up the tub, I would advise only filling it insofar as your dog’s ankles. This means they can still have their feet touching the floor and they’re paddling, not swimming.

This is especially important if your Shih Tzu is young, anxious or not a very confident swimmer.

1. Gently wet your Shih Tzu’s coat

The first step is to gently wet your dog’s fur with the shower orsink sprayer. When doing this, you need to keep an eye on two things: the water’s heat and intensity.

The water should be lukewarm: not too hot and not too cold, and if you’re using the shower, you don’t want to scare them off with the jets! I would only turn on the shower/sink sprayer halfway, so what you have is a gentle trickle rather than an intense spray.

It is incredibly important to get the temperature and the consistency of the water right, because not only do you risk harming your Shih Tzu with burns, but you also risk scaring them and making them associate baths with unpleasant memories, feelings and sensations – making it incredibly difficult for you to give them baths in the future.

2. Use a specialist dog shampoo

Then, get a gentle, soap-free dog shampoo and use your fingers to lather and work the shampoo into the coat.

As mentioned, Shih Tzus have extra sensitive skin, which is why a soap-free shampoo is the best option.

What is the best shampoo for a Shih Tzu smell?

If you’re wondering which shampoo Shih Tzu owners most often recommend, particularly to help get rid of the smell, it’s Wahl’s 4-in-1 doggy shampoo and conditioner on Amazon. You don’t need to buy a separate conditioner. It also helps to moisturise their skin, and smells great too.

3. Rinse the shampoo away

Rinse the shampoo out and repeat the process as many times as necessary to get all of the dirt out.

4. Use a specialist dog conditioner

Once you’re done with shampooing, get your conditioner specially formulated for dogs (scent-free again to avoid skin issues and allergic reactions for your Shih Tzu) and apply it evenly to the coat, brushing it through with a wide-tooth comb.

Give the conditioner no more than two minutes to set and then rinse again thoroughly.

5. Dry your Shih Tzu thoroughly

To avoid that nasty wet dog smell, you need to dry your Shih Tzu completely. Dry your dog with either a towel or a hairdryer on the lowest setting.

Handy Hint: If you don’t dry your Shih Tzu off completely, they will probably run about like crazy after a bath. This is their way to get water off their coat and out of their ears.

Additional Shih Tzu bathing and washing tips

Now you know how to bathe a Shih Tzu, I wanted to get into a little bit more detail about how you wash some specific parts of their body in the bath or shower.

Cleaning a Shih Tzu’s face

When you’re bathing your Shih Tzu, it is important to take steps to ensure they don’t get any water or shampoo in their eyes. The dog friendly shampoos are designed not to sting, but I don’t think it’s entirely comfortable.

One way of doing this is by applying protective ophthalmic ointment to your dog’s face before bath time.

To clean your Shih Tzu’s face, use a flannel soaked with lukewarm water (no soap!) and gently wipe every nook and cranny of the face. This includes the outside ear flaps and the corners of the eyes to get rid of any stubborn tear stains.

I would do this instead of pouring water on their face – not many dogs like this!

Cleaning a Shih Tzu’s ears

Due to the way Shih Tzu’s ears hang, they don’t get a lot of air circulation, which unfortunately makes them more prone to infections. To avoid this, a Shih Tzu’s ears should be cleaned weekly.

Specially made dog ear-cleaning solution contains ingredients that helps to break down and remove wax, as well as anti-bacterial agents that soothes inflammation and prevents infection.

You should apply this solution to a damp cotton ball and gentle wipe the inside of the ear (use a different cotton ball for each ear in order to prevent spreading infection) and check for any injuries, infection, inflammation or scrapes.

If you notice something unusual, apply antibiotic ointment and go to your vet in order to seek further advice.

Taking care of your Shih Tzu’s toenails

If your Shih Tzu’s nails get in the way of their movement, this is a good time to get them cut. You can either do them yourself or take them to a vet or a groomer if you don’t feel confident.

It is important to be careful when you are cutting your Shih Tzu’s nails, as inside each nail is what is called the ‘quick’ – which is extremely sensitive pink flesh that holds the blood vessels and the nerves that go into the nails.

If you cut into the quick, this will cause bleeding and extreme pain for your dog. It will also make it incredibly difficult to cut their nails in the future.

To cut your Shih Tzu’s nails, use a sterile pair of scissors to avoid infection and gently trim the very ends of the nails off – this might take longer, but it is better to cut off too little than too much.

After cutting the nails, give your Shih Tzu a treat so that they have positive associations with the experience.

Caring for a Shih Tzu’s coat

Shih Tzus have what is called a ‘double coat’, which means that there are two layers of fur. The top layer is thick, waterproof and usually a brown colour, whilst the bottom layer is softer, more sensitive and yet also dense because it acts as an insulator.

It is usually white and is more likely to shed during the winter months. Luckily, with Shih Tzus being short-haired breeds, their coat, despite its complexities, is reasonably easy to care for.

• Brushing: Brush out dirt, prevent shedding and distribute natural oils throughout your Shih Tzu by brushing them at least once a week with a bristle brush, a hound grooming glove or or a finer brush if you want to remove excess dirt or hair. Brush your Shih Tzu more frequently – up to three times a week – during shedding season.
• Trimming: Shih Tzus don’t really need trimming, but if you choose to trim them, it is advisable to lightly trim them with electric clippers. You should also pay attention to any fur around the feet or on the pads of the feet that you might want to trim for tidiness.
• Freshening up: To keep your Shih Tzu clean between baths, doggy dry shampoo is quick and easy to use – you just need to sprinkle it on your dog and then distribute it with a brush. You can also use a spray-on dog conditioner in order to keep the coat looking shiny.

Conclusion

Although you should always keep in mind the allergies and skin issues that come with owning a Shih Tzu, bathing them can be a rewarding bonding experience that helps to keep them squeaky clean, happy, and free from infection!

With any dog, it is important to strike that balance between not enough grooming and too-much grooming. Whilst it is important to ensure your dog is clean, tidy and healthy, over-bathing can cause its own issues, making it ultimately more counterproductive.

You might also like…

Here are some more guides to help you care for your Shih Tzu.

• How to stop a Shih Tzu from nipping and biting
• How long the Shih Tzu heat cycle lasts 
• How stop stop a Shih Tzu from snoring

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-shih-tzu-animal-pet-cute-1495903/

The post How Often Should I Bathe My Shih Tzu? + How to Bath & Shower appeared first on DoggySaurus.

In this guide I will explain how you can overcome Shih Tzu puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved.

The training methods are all ones I’ve used with my own dog as a puppy. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping.

But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt.

Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a Shih Tzu biting that you see anywhere on the Internet.

But first, why do Shih Tzus bite you?

Why Shih Tzus bite (what’s normal and what’s not)

Most Shih Tzus will show some fear or aggression at some point in their lives. Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away.

If you don’t keep your distance, the barks can turn into a growl, with their little (but sharp) teeth showing. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite.

Most Shih Tzus will bite you with a little nip when scared, and hopefully won’t cut you. But, with an older and more aggressive Shih Tzu, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children.

Do Shih Tzus bite a lot?

When Shih Tzu are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Most of the time it’s all about playing and teething, and most will grow out of the behavior.

Why Shih Tzu puppies bite?

The teething phase is when you will notice your Shih Tzu puppy biting the most. Some Shih Tzus will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used.

You need to draw the line between biting and playing. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older.

Shih Tzu puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you (and guests in your home). Yes, that’s right, these little bundles of fun might think they are the ones in charge of your relationship, so it’s up to you to put that right.

Whatever the reason is for your Shih Tzu puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult Shih Tzu thinking that biting is acceptable.

An adult Shih Tzu that bites is a problem

If your Shih Tzu continues to bite as an adult and hasn’t grown out of the nipping, you need to train them to stop. Also, if your Shih Tzu suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately – it could be the sign of a new illness or injury.

How to stop your Shih Tzu puppy from biting

Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a Shih Tzu from biting as a puppy.

1. Squeal like a puppy (bite inhibition)

When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off.

As Shih Tzu owners we can imitate this behavior!

If your Shih Tzu puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You can also use a firm command, like “no”, or “stop”.

This bite inhibition method is used by expert dog trainers and works because the puppy thinks you’ve been hurt after being bitten.

Some Shih Tzu puppies won’t like this, because it’s a bit like being told off. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them.

This might sound mean but if you want your Shih Tzu to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your Shih Tzu will biting you and your family.

2. Don’t smack your Shih Tzu puppy who bites

Dogs don’t understand physical punishment, and it never works. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear.

3. Don’t react to biting by playing back

If you want your Shih Tzu puppy to stop biting you, don’t react back to them when they nip. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more.

I think it’s because you are mirroring the fun back to them and reacting in a playful way. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again.

4. Use chew toys instead of your hands

When puppies are young, it can be fun to use your hands when playing with them, and a little nip here and there probably won’t hurt you. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game.

Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten.

It’s all about positive association.

There’s a great chew toy on Amazon I let my puppy play with when we started training him not to bite. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below.

5. Teach your Shih Tzu to accept your hands near their mouth

This leads onto having to teach your Shih Tzu puppy that it’s ok to have your hands near their mouth without biting at them. It’s something they need to accept, and will also help with the points later in this guide.

Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums.

You won’t be able to do this if your Shih Tzu won’t stop biting your hands anytime you attempt a check or intervention.

One of the best ways you can train a Shih Tzu puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again.

Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back.

6. Train your Shih Tzu puppy to not bite over food

One of the most common times a Shih Tzu puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition.

Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl.

If your Shih Tzu is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time – with no aggression from the dog.

What you do is put a bowl in front of your Shih Tzu then quickly remove it again. If your Shih Tzu doesn’t react with a bite attempt, praise them vocally and reward with a treat.

If you do get a growl and bite, give them a firm “no” command and keep hold of the bowl.

Repeat the process until you get the response that you want… the end game is your Shih Tzu viewing you as the dominant alpha who controls the food source and doesn’t get bitten.

Handy Hint: Here are the best foods for Shih Tzus at various stages in their life.

7. Put a thumb under the puppy’s tongue and a finger under the chin

With persistent biting you could try this tip. It seems to be quite cruel, and admittedly I’ve never tried it, but it is used by some dog trainers so could be a fall-back tactic.

Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the Shih Tzu puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin.

Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy.

The Shih Tzu will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time.

8. Wear gloves with a nasty tasting substance

Another Shih Tzu bite prevention tip I’ve seen online on a dog trainer website was to use gloves that have a foul-tasting substance on.

Dog trainers use bitter spray (see on Amazon), and puppies soon learn that bites won’t taste good so should stop the aggressive behavior.

9. Let your Shih Tzu know you are in charge

Older Shih Tzus that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed.

Handy Hint: I’ve written an in-depth explanation to why dogs like to steal your seat when you get up.

You need to train your Shih Tzu to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain.

Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will.

10. Socialise your Shih Tzu puppy with other dogs

Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. That’s why it’s so important to socialize your Shih Tzu with other dogs from a young age. It will help them learn to understand what’s acceptable and what’s not.

We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting.

There’s another thing here too; they will also tire each other out. This means your puppy hopefully won’t have the energy to bite you!

11. Expose your puppy to loud noises and fearful situations

As well as socialization, it’s also important to expose your Shih Tzu puppy to situatons that can spark fear and aggression such as vehicles, children, and busy public places.

The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear.

12. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present

A Shih Tzu that bites a child is a massive problem.

In most case the bite won’t be serious. But it’s still enough of a risk to make sure you supervise younger kids during Shih Tzu play and at all times.

Kids can easily be knocked over by an excitable Shih Tzu, and I’ve seen puppies try to go for ears and faces when they are over-excited.

When to get help with your Shih Tzu’s biting problem

If even after using all these training methods to stop a Shih Tzu biting, you still have problem behavior, do contact a professional vet.

They can very quickly tell you if it’s simply mouthing to do with teething, or something more behavioral or health-based that needs to be addressed.

There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in Shih Tzus. If you are in the United States you can find help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist on the CAAB website (d=for UK readers take a look at the RSPCA website).

Something to consider though is how long your Shih Tzu could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase.

The dangers of a dog bite

Adult Shih Tzus that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness.

“A dog’s front teeth will grab and compress your tissue, and their smaller teeth can also tear your skin. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. 1 concern with these bites is infection. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. You should always see a primary care provider if you’re bitten.” Dr Sayles of the Cleveland Clinic.

What do so when bitten by a Shih Tzu

If you get bitten by a Shih Tzu and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps:

1. Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound.
2. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound.
3. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding.
4. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage.
5. If serious, contact a health professional for advice.

Conclusion

To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a Shih Tzu from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad.

Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your Shih Tzu puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy.

Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your Shih Tzu, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing.

You need to take the role of the pack leader.

You might also like…

I regularly write about Shih Tzu related issues, some of which you can explore below.

• How often you should be bathing your Shih Tzu
• The best dog foods to feed a Shih Tzu

Image in header licensed from Storyblocks.com. 

The post How to Stop a Shih Tzu Biting: 12 Ways to Stop Puppy Nipping appeared first on DoggySaurus.

As a breed, Shih Tzus are prone to various health problems, with their skin being just one regular complaint. It’s not unusual for Shih Tzu skin allergies, rashes, and bumps to develop over their lifetime.

But, it’s not all bad news. You can help your Shih Tzu’s skin problems with a range of preventative measures and also look out for some signs of an allergy, such as bumps. Of course, if the skin issue doesn’t quickly clear, you should always consult with a vet.

They will typically prescribe an antibiotic and recommend special medicated dog shampoos to help remedy Shih Tzu skin bumps and rashes.

Shih Tzu skin problems & conditions

Below you can see a list of the most frequent Shih Tzu skin issues. I’ve also added notes on how you might be able to help remedy them from home (based on my online research), or when it’s best to seek professional advice and treatment.

1. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is one of the more common Shih Tzu skin issues and can arise for various reasons including a food allergy or something in the home.

It can appear to look like a patch of red and irritable skin, eventually scabbing up, or even leading to pus. Vets prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication for more serious cases, with some milder dermatitis being treated at home.

For example, Shih Tzu owners can clean the skin with antifungal cleansers or shampoos with cool water, or cleansing wipes.

There are different types of dermatitis that can affect Shih Tzus, all detailed below.

Nasal fold and tail fold dermatitis

Your Shih Tzu’s tail is often the place where dermatitis will occur most, as moisture and dirt can become trapped under the tail, leading to inflammation. Signs to look for include redness of the skin under the tail, and a nasty smelling discharge.

To help prevent this type of skin issue, keep the area under your Shih Tzu’s tail as clean as possible with wiping. Use a clean and damp cloth, or a dog friendly wipe to help prevent infection.

Handy Hint: Read my guide explaining what type of wet wipes you should use on your dog, and how to clean their face, eyes, and ears properly.

With skin infections like this, vets tend to prescribe medication and will show you how to use an antifungal wipe on your Shih Tzu. The two things combined will help you to get rid of any bacteria or a yeast infection in that area.

I have never heard from a Shih Tzu owner who hasn’t had to go to the vets with this particular Shih Tzu skin rash. It’s a very common canine skin complaint.

Acute moist dermatitis – aka a “hot spot”

Also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis (see definition, hot spots are where your Shih Tzu has created a self-inflicted wound, through excessive itching or rubbing.

What might start off as a skin rash on your Shih Tzu, and possibly nothing that problematic, can soon become a hot spot if your Shih Tzu starts to give it attention. Hot spots will become angry, with thick scaly skin and occasional discharge on the fur.

Of all the possible Shih Tzu skin problems, it’s certainly one of the nastiest looking ones.

In terms of a home treatment, you can help this Shih Tzu skin issue by trimming back the hair around the wound. That will let more air get to the area, letting it dry out. You can also help speed things along by using an antibacterial solution, like chlorhexidine or betadine.

If the problem gets more serious and struggles to heal, vets tend to give the Shih Tzu an antibiotic. Some dogs will continue to chew at the wound, so might need to wear a cone (also known as an Elizabethan collar).

Handy Hint: If your dog does end up wearing a cone, please read these tips on how to make sure they heal quickly.

2. Shih Tzu dry skin due to a food allergy

Some Shih Tzus will develop skin irritations and dermatitis due to an allergic reaction to certain foods. Food allergies are a common cause of problematic Shih Tzu skin conditions.

Food allergies can manifest themselves anywhere on your Shih Tzu’s body, and you might not realize it until your Shih Tzu starts to paw at the affected area. For example, you might see your dog chewing a paw, or find some itchy bumps on their belly… it could even become an inner ear infection.

Allergic reactions to food can show in a different number of skin conditions with your Shih Tzu, and treatment will mean figuring out what food is causing it. This isn’t always that simple.

As part of the process, your vet might recommend that you switch your Shih Tzu to a hypoallergenic food, as well as the process of elimination in their diet.

3. Shih Tzu skin allergies from environmental conditions

Shih Tzus can also develop skin problems due to things in their environment. That could be their home, yard, garden, or anywhere they frequently visit.

Like many of the skin problems already referenced, you might see some red patches on your dog’s stomach, or again, they could start chewing at their own paws and skin.

This is particularly true when it’s a contact allergy. In other words, something touches them which produces an allergic reaction in the form of a bump or rash.

It can be something as simple as a plastic bowl they drink from, to grass touching them, or to something in the air such as smoke.

Vets will often prescribe antihistamine for environmental Shih Tzu skin allergies. It’s not unheard of for dogs to be given a human antihistamine such as Piriton, but there can be side effects as with any medicine.

Your vet will also explain how you can help to reduce the allergic skin reaction by cleaning your dog’s belly and paw down when they come into contact with an allergen.

If this doesn’t work, vets might then prescribe a stronger medication such as Apoquel and Cytopoint, which help to interrupt the allergen cycle in dogs.

Handy Hint: Read this guide to find out what dog food is best for a dog with an allergy.

4. Shih Tzu skin bumps due to fleas

It’s almost impossible for your Shih Tzu to not get fleas at some point; they tend to jump on when you’re out taking them for walks! You might also find that the first thing you notice will be your Shih Tzu scratching intensely, before you even see a flea.

The majority of the itching will take place on the skin around your Shih Tzu’s tail and neck. You might also see some skin bumps on your Shih Tzu. Other than those signs, you could see one on your furniture – time to get the flea treatment out!

Fleas are simple enough to treat, with oral and topical medicines available as well as anti-flea collars from companies such as Seresto. You should always make sure your Shih Tzu is up to date with worm and flea treatment, and always make the wear a collar – click the image below to buy one on Amazon.

If your dog is has really itchy skin due to fleas, your vet may need to put them on anti-itch medications such as steroids. Canine antibiotics are also an option if they have a bad skin infection from the fleas.

5. Shih Tzu skin issues from autoimmune diseases

Another possible reason for a skin issue could be due to an autoimmune disease. This is where the dog’s body will attack itself; this can be triggered by genetic traits, existing medication, or often for no obvious reason at all.

Your dog can develop skin lesions, such as ulceration of its nose, or its body can even attack its red blood cells or platelets, leading to life-threatening anemia.

Unfortunately, there aren’t really any remedies you can do at home to treat autoimmune diseases. Instead, your vet will need to diagnose the disease, often with a skin biopsy, followed by starting immunosuppressive medications.

These may include prednisone or cyclosporine, and some pets need to be on a combination of medications to be effective treated.

6. Shih Tzu skin rash from ringworm

Ringworm can also create a skin rash in Shih Tzus. The rash is the first sign of the fungal infection developing, which will then develop into hair loss, looking circular in pattern with scabs and scales.

Vets will treat ringworm with a topical antifungal medication, especially if the problem rash is in one spot on your Shih Tzu’s skin.

With more serious cases of ringworm, vets will recommend treatments such as oral medications and medicated shampoos.

What other Shih Tzu owners say

I am a member in various Shih Tzu Facebook groups, and they can be a great resource for tips and advice. I found a few questions on there that people has asked concerning skin infections and rashes, so have replicated those below with some of the best responses.

“I’ve been asked to share my Shih Tzu’s skin problems with you fellow Shih Tzu lovers, in the hope it may help some of you. I am not offering any medical advice, or sure-fire cures, just sharing my experiences in the hope it may help some of you. I’ve tried a few different things which help such as avoiding a raw food diet but poultry and wheat free. For medication I use small amounts of Piriton. I bathe them in either tea-tree oil shampoo or coal tar. Needless to say regular walking and stimulation helps with the scratching of skin.”

“Our Shih Tzu gets skin bumps and rashes due to food allergies. We’ve tried all sorts of lotions and potions and the things that have worked best are grain and poultry-free food, hydrocortisone spray for when there is an attack of the itchies, and a water pistol to discourage for foot licking.”

“My Shih Tzu has terrible skin problems. After a lot of trial and error, I put him on salmon and sweet potato dried food, and it worked wonders. My Shih Tzu’s skin is lovely now with no more scabs or redness.”

“We use coconut oil on our Shih Tzus, rubbing it into their skin and fur and also a spoonful into food once a week depending on the severity of the skin rash. We also had to put them on a salmon and rice-based food which has helped skin and stomach problems no end.”

“I’ve tried everything including steroids from the vets and honestly, the best thing that still works for our Shih Tzu is Piriton twice a day and Sudocrem. Sudocrem is an absolute life saver and when his skin flares up, he gets covered in it for every night for 3 to 4 evenings and his skin calms right down. I have also used an antibacterial shampoo.”

Conclusion

Shih Tzu skin conditions can be varied, and most will probably get one at some point in their lifetime. To help minimize the risk, try to feed your Shih Tzu good quality food, keep their skin clean and dry, and keep an eye on them with daily checks.

Make sure to regularly clean out their ears. Shih Tzu skin allergies can quickly start in darker and wetter areas like ears, so be careful not to get water in them, and if you do, dry it out.

It goes without saying really, but if your Shih Tzu’s skin doesn’t get better in a day or two, get professional advice form a vet. They will be able to diagnose and treat your dog effectively, reducing their discomfort from dry skin conditions, allergies, bumps, rashes, and infections.

You might also like…

I regularly write about taking care of Shih Tzus, and here are some other topics that might interest you.

• How you can tell if your Shih Tzu really loves you
• How often and how to bathe or shower a Shih Tzu
• Why your Shih Tzu is throwing up so much

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/puppy-mama-and-puppy-cute-sweet-4682515/

The post Shih Tzu Skin Problems, Issues, Allergies & Bumps + How to Treat appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Firstly, I am sure your Shih Tzu loves you a lot, so please don’t worry. Secondly, I wanted to put together a list of signs to look out for so you can tell if your Shih Tzu is happy or not. Firstly, a quick explainer though on Shih Tzu love and happiness…

How do I know if my Shih Tzu is happy? There are lots of ways you can tell a Shih Tzu is happy and loves you including wiggly bottoms, a relaxed body, being playful, a good appetite and no destructive behavior. These and more are how you know your Shih Tzu loves you and is happy.

How can I tell if my Shih Tzu is happy and loves me?

If you’ve been out for a while and come through the door to an excitable Shih Tzu jumping up at you, that’s a sign your Shih Tzu loves you. But aside from the obvious, what else should you be looking out for?

Here’s my top list of signs on how to know your Shih Tzu loves you.

1. Your Shih Tzu has what appears to be a smile

Shih Tzu will often relax their mouth, lips, and tongues to give you what looks like a happy grin. It’s a smile where their lips curl up, their eyes soften, and their tongue pops out.

2. Your Shih Tzu does bottom wiggles and tail wags

Shih Tzus will wag their tails when they are in the mood. What you will also notice how they love to wiggle their bum when happy.

If you come home through your door to be greeted by a shuffling, butt-wiggling pooch, you can be sure your Shih Tzu loves you and is happy as Larry.

3. Your Shih Tzu gives you the big puppy dog eyes

Shih Tzu have some of the most expressive eyes of any dog, and not just because of the unique appearance. Like all dogs, they can give you the classic puppy dog eyes, which is a sign of a happy Shih Tzu.

But why do dogs do this?

There’s actually some science behind it; apparently dogs have developed the ability to make your heart melt with a simple gaze as part of their domestic evolution. It’s a response behavior as dogs know it triggers a positive response in humans.

Happy dogs will relax their eyes, angry and scared dogs will narrow their eyes. So, if you see those soft Shih Tzu eyes, you know yours is happy and loves you.

5. Your Shih Tzu shows no aggression

Unhappy Shih Tzus will be aggressive and will show their teeth. Whilst they might be small, they can still snarl, put their ears back slightly, and act defensively.

6. Your Shih Tzu has a relaxed body

Loving and happy Shih Tzus will be relaxed, and you will visibly see this in their body. A Shih Tzu that loves you will show happiness with a relaxed body including those bum wiggles I mentioned earlier.

If you have ever seen one of those Shih Tzu happy dances where their whole body starts wiggling, you will know what I mean. On the other hand, a rigid body is a sign of stress.

7. Your Shih Tzu has plenty of reasons to play

Playful Shih Tzus are happy Shih Tzus. If you have a Shih Tzu who doesn’t want to play, then get him checked out by a vet.

It’s also one of the best signs to look for to see if your Shih Tzu loves you. They will come up to you and try to initiate a game of play; that could be fetch, ball, tug of war, tickles, you name it.

For recommendations on what your Shih Tzu should play with, take a look at these Shih Tzu toy suggestions on Amazon.

8. Your Shih Tzu does not exhibit destructive behavior

Unhappy Shih Tzus can be destructive. When stressed and sad they will chew, bite and destroy anything in sight. This should not be confused with your puppy’s teething stage though when it’s completely natural or them to want to chew things.

One of the more common reasons for destructive behavior is separation anxiety. Dogs thrive on human company – being left home alone can have a huge impact on the way they behave.

If you are out at work, or even away from home for a couple of hours, you might come back to a scene of destruction. This can include barking, digging holes, chewing, tearing, ripping and other bad behavior.

To mitigate this, and to make your Shih Tzu love you more, make sure you keep your Shih Tzu active and exercised, play with them, and consider how long you might be leaving them home alone.

We bought a Furbo dog camera for when we go out. You can buy a Furbo on Amazon; they are great for dog separation anxiety… and will make your Shih Tzu happy.

10. Your Shih Tzu has a healthy appetite

You can tell your Shih Tzu is happy if he’s eating well.

Dogs who lose their appetite, act lethargic, and are reluctant to play and more often than not, sick. Your Shih Tzu puppy should be eating 3 small meals a day, whereas an adult should eat twice daily.

11. Your Shih Tzu sticks their tongue out

Whilst there is a condition called hanging tongue which can result from neurological and structural defects, a little tongue poking out can signal happiness.

You might notice it when your Shih Tzu is asleep. The tongue poking out means that are completely relaxed and in a happy state.

The next time your Shih Tzu’s tongue stick out, it could be a sign they are totally relaxed, content and happy with life.

12. Your Shih Tzu has a healthy coat

A healthy coat means a happy dog… well, in most cases. But in all seriousness, a heathy looking coat is usually a sign that most is alright with your Shih Tzu. When your Shih Tzu’s in great shape, he or she will definitely love you for it.

On the flip side, a stressed-out Shih Tzu can lose their hair. Signs to look out for include flaky skin, obvious signs of hair loss, and excessive scratching. If you do see this, it’s unlikely that you Shih Tzu is happy.

13. Your Shih Tzu wants to be close to you

When a Shih Tzu leans into you, it’s a sign that they love you and are happy with everything you are doing as their owner. You please them so they want to get up close and personal!

14. Your Shih Tzu follows you like a shadow

When you have earned the trust of your Shih Tzu, you will soon notice that they follow everywhere, from room to room, and even if you shift on the couch.

As I mentioned earlier, Shih Tzus can suffer with separation anxiety, so keeping close and following you around makes them feel secure. Shih Tzus love to follow their owners; it’s one way for a Shih Tzu to show it loves you.

New Shih Tzus soon become very attached to their owners and will fall in love with you quickly providing you give them security they need.

15. Your Shih Tzu will give you Shih Tzu kisses

How do I know if my Shih Tzu loves me? Could it be any clearer than with a big sloppy a kiss?

Shih Tzus show affection to their owners by getting their nose and mouth up close to yours and administering their version of a kiss. It’s not a lip thing, instead getting their face right into yours and doing some rapid-fire sniffing or a lick.

But, play safe with this one. You don’t really want to encourage your Shih Tzu to lick your mouth, despite how much it shows they love you and are happy for you to be their master.

16. Your Shih Tzu will bring you their toys

If your Shih Tzu keeps bringing toys to you, it’s a dog way of showing you love and affection. If it’s your Shih Tzu’s favorite toy, you can’t get a higher recommendation than this!

Why? It’s their way of wanting to play with you, but also showing that you are the leader of the pack. By offering you their well-loved toys, it means they trust you to be responsible for their favorite possessions.

If your Shih Tzu gives you a toy, it means your Shih Tzu is happy and loves you. After all, if they share that toy, it means they want you to like and enjoy it just as much as they do.

Sharing is caring, and it’s one way of telling your Shih Tzu is happy for you to be in their life.

17. Your Shih Tzu will yawn back at you

You must have seen a friend or family member yawning back at you when you do one. This is a biological response triggered by empathy, leading to contagious yawns.

However, a recent study I found on ScientificAmerican.com explains that dogs also do this. But interestingly, they only tend to yawn back at their owners, and not strangers – because it’s all based on empathy.

If you do see your little dog yawning when you do, you know your Shih Tzu loves you.

18. Your Shih Tzu will raise their eyebrows

This isn’t an easy sign to see but can still be a very subtle way for your Shih Tzu to show that they love you. I’ve personally not seen this in my own dogs, but did read about a study in Japan that founds when owners walk into a room, their dog will raise their eyebrows

The research found that dogs don’t do this with strangers though, only their close humans. That means if you walk into your lounge and your Shih Tzu looks at your and raises an eyebrow, he’s bound to be happy and love you unconditionally.

19. Your Shih Tzu will want to jump up on you

I know we’re meant to train our dogs not to jump up, but it’s still one way in which your Shih Tzu shows how affectionate they are to you.

Whilst jumping up can be an adorable trait with a Shih Tzu puppy, as they get older it’s can be problem behavior you should not really encourage.

20. Your Shih Tzu will roll over

If your Shih Tzu rolls over in front of you and asks for a belly rubbing, it’s a sure sign they trust and love you – not to mention being in the throes of happiness!

When a dog rolls onto his back and exposes his belly, it means they trust you as they make themselves vulnerable. This is classic submissive behavior that only secure and happy Shih Tzus will display.

21: Your Shih Tzu will let out a little sigh

Shih Tzus can make little noises that let you tell they love you or they are in a happy mood.

For example, there’s one sound that shows your Shih Tzu is happy to be around you. It’s a little sigh of content. Some have compared it to a low moan, and it tends to happen when your Shih Tzu is settling down to relax.

If your Shih Tzu does this in your company it means they feel safe and happy around you, with no worries over threats.

Signs of a depressed Shih Tzu

I’ve already touched on a number of factors in my guide to Shih Tzu happiness, but what should you look out for if your Shih Tzu isn’t happy, but instead has depression?

Here are some signals that could point towards Shih Tzu depression:

• Growling and aggressive behavior (here’s how to stop your Shih Tzu biting you and other people)
• Narrowed eyes.
• Lack of appetite (here’s what vomiting means).
• Increasing panting.
• Howling and whining.
• Indoor urination and/or defecation.
• Fearful behavior such as cowering and hiding.
• Destructive behavior including chewing.
• Overall disobedience.
• Lack of interest in playing and their toys.
• Disturbed or irregular sleep patterns.
• Too much sleep compared to usual.
• Excessive licking of themselves.
• No longer responding to love and affection.

Conclusion

Some people will get a dog without really thinking about the commitment involved. Raising a healthy and happy Shih Tzu can be very hard work – but it can mean they might live longer.

But how do you know if your Shih Tzu is happy?

Well, I’ve detailed what I believe to be the main signs, but the bottom line is this; are they happy to see you, content, and healthy. If they are, your Shih Tzu probably loves you and will do as long as you keep your side of the bargain up.

You might might also like…

Here are more guides to help you keep a happy Shih Tzu dog.

• Keeping a Shih Tzu and cat as pets in the same home
• Keeping your Shih Tzu warm and comfortable in cold winter months

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-puppy-shih-tzu-tibetan-terrier-2746234/

The post How Do I Know My Shih Tzu Loves Me & is Happy? (21 Reasons) appeared first on DoggySaurus.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve had first-hand experience of introducing a dog into our home when we already had a cat, and it worked out brilliantly.

I wanted to share everything I learned with you today including my tips on how to introduce the two and whether Shih Tzus and cats can live together. But let’s start off with the key question:

Are Shih Tzus good with cats? Shih Tzus are good with cats and can live together. However, how they get along will depend on multiple factors such as how they are introduced and the temperament of both animals. There is no reason why you can’t get your cat and Shih Tzu to get along and live together, especially if the introduction occurs during the puppy months.

As a generalization, Shih Tzus are considered to be one of the most cat-friendly dog breeds you can get. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have problems introducing them; every single dog and cat have their own individual personality… just like we do!

Do Shih Tzus get along with cats? (and why…)

In my experience, yes, they do get along. Other people might think differently, so why do I think this is?

Well, I think it’s down the Shih Tzu’s character. An essential part of this breed’s nature involves being needy and small. They love to be part of a pack, and your cat or kitten could help with that. Many dog owners assume that this is the reason why they seem to get along so well with cats and live together with them. It’s as though the Shih Tzu is more than happy to accept a cat as part of its pack.

Another aspect that contributes to how good they are with cats is their happy-go-lucky nature. Most Shih Tzus tend to be quite laid back and are incredibly playful.

Although you may find a Shih Tzu is more than happy to chase a cat around the back garden, it tends to be out of a sense of play. Once your Shih Tzu is back inside, he’ll be just as likely to cuddle up next to your cat.

That said, you must never allow your cat to meet a new dog unsupervised.

Even if Shih Tzus are more likely to get along with cats, each dog will have its own temperament. Their personality, genetics, training, and upbringing will all make a massive difference in how they interact with cats or any other members of the household.

The temperament of Shih Tzu puppies vs Shih Tzu adults

There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to adopting either a puppy or an adult. It all depends on what you’re looking for, and what would best suit your lifestyle – and this will play heavily into how you introduce your Shih Tzu and cat to each other.

Whether you choose a puppy or an adult could be key to them getting along with your cat, and how easy the integration to your home will be.

Shih Tzu puppies and cats

Shih Tzu puppies can be good with cats. In fact, this is the best age to do an introduction and bring a dog into your cat’s existing home. The reason being? Puppies have the advantage of being extremely moldable. With training and care, you can help form them from day one so that they fit in perfectly with your lifestyle and family.

By adopting a Shih Tzu puppy, it also means that you will be giving your cat this crucial stage in your puppy’s development to establish a strong sense of hierarchy and dominance.

If your puppy tries to mess with the cat at this point, he’ll find out soon enough that it will earn him a sharp swatting.

Although one well-aimed swipe will be more than enough for most puppies, even the dimmest Shih Tzu will start to get the picture with time.

Eventually, the hierarchy will become cemented in the young Shih Tzu’s mind, and you’ll find that as he gets older, he’ll be less likely to challenge the status quo. This is exactly how things turned out in our house… the cat firmly believes she is the boss, and our dog follows suit.

However, if you don’t have the time or confidence to train your Shih Tzu, a puppy may not be the best option. Even the sweetest, most friendly Shih Tzu can be ruined in a matter of weeks with bad training.

Another factor to take into consideration would be any differences in energy levels between a Shih Tzu puppy and your cat. If you have a senior cat with low energy levels, then a bouncy Shih Tzu puppy might be a bit much for your elderly cat to handle.

If you’re determined to get a Shih Tzu puppy regardless, it will help family relations if you offer your senior cat a place in the house which is off-limits to your dog.

Even if your cat finds this new bundle of energy utterly unbearable, knowing that she has a place to run off to when it all gets too much can make all the difference in the long run.

A dog-free zone might be a garden or a room. It’s also a good idea to offer plenty of furniture throughout the house that allows your cat to escape when things get to be too much. Good options for this include sturdy cat trees and bookshelves.

Adult Shih Tzus and cats

One of the key advantages to adopting an adult Shih Tzu is that their temperament and habits are already well-formed. What you see is what you’ll get with these dogs, and as long as you make sure to ask plenty of questions, there shouldn’t be any unwelcome surprises.

If you choose to adopt a Shih Tzu from a rescue, you should be given plenty of opportunities to observe the dog and to get a feel for his personality.

You will also be able to ask the handlers plenty of questions about the Shih Tzu’s temperament and history. Most importantly, however, they should be able to tell you how the Shih Tzu is around cats. You will often see this on dog rescue ads – it will say something like: this Shih Tzu is good with cats and young children – Bingo!

By taking this route, you can be confident that you are adopting an adult Shih Tzu dog that will get on well with your cat. There are plenty of very well-trained dogs waiting for their chance to be adopted, and for those who don’t have the time or experience to train a puppy, rescuing an adult can be an excellent option.

However, it is important to note that in the rare instances where Shih Tzus become aggressive with cats, the dog was usually a rescue who came from an abusive and neglectful background. This can happen without warning (click here to find out how to cope with your dog suddenly attacking your cat).

In light of this, it’s essential to ask as many questions as you can, so that you can be sure that you know as much as possible about the Shih Tzu’s background before bringing him into a home where a cat is already established.

Even then, a new Shih Tzu must never have its first interaction with a cat unsupervised. There is always a chance that something about this particular interaction may trigger something in the dog that couldn’t have been foreseen.

After a successful introduction, it will still be necessary to supervise for any subsequent interactions. Moving slowly in this way will give you the chance to catch any behavioral issues early on, and it will provide you with the opportunity to nip it in the bud before it can form into a real problem.

Given the right introduction period, and barring any severe behavioral issues, you should soon find that even if your Shih Tzu and cat aren’t best friends, that they can at least co-exist peacefully.

How to introduce a Shih Tzu to a cat

Shih Tzus can live with cats, but the key to success is how you introduce them… it needs to be taken very slowly. By allowing your animals to have a gentle introduction, you will significantly improve the chances of your Shih Tzu and cat getting along in the future.

While in this introduction phase, the cat and Shih Tzu should never be left alone together. Doing this will be especially important if you have rescued an older dog.

Step 1: Prepare the house

Once you have decided to bring a Shih Tzu home, the first thing you will need to do is prepare a safe space for your cat. Ideally, this needs to be one room that the dog cannot access or part of a large room that has been sectioned off. You can achieve this with a baby gate, a cat gate, or a foldable dog pen.

Some cat gates even come with a little cat flap, which will be ideal for cats who are a bit older or less mobile. However, this will only be a viable option if you are bringing home an older Shih Tzu, as a puppy will have no trouble slipping in.

Once you have sectioned out an area for your cat, you will need to move all of your cat’s essentials there. This should include their bed, food, and water, as well as their litter tray, and scratching post.

Aside from giving your cat a place to escape, it will also keep your dog from getting to the cat’s litter and food, which can both be very tempting. In our house, we placed our cat’s food up high to reduce the chances of any flashpoints at feeding time.

Although doing this will be important for your dog, who will find little benefit in consuming cat litter or food, it’s also important for your cat. It won’t help your cat’s opinion of the situation if she keeps getting pestered every time she tries to eat or go to the toilet.

Additionally, it will be necessary to create a safe space for your cat in every other room in the house. This escape could be a sturdy cat tree or even a bookshelf. Whatever you choose, it should always give your cat a place to escape that will be well out of reach of your Shih Tzu.

If you have an especially nervous cat, it may also help to use a cat pheromone diffuser. This will reduce the chance of your cat peeing in the house due to the nerves associated with a dog coming into her territory.

There are some excellent options available on Amazon, here’s the one we used. If you install this a few days before introducing your Shih Tzu, it will help immensely with keeping your cat calm.

Step 2: Initial introduction

Once your new Shih Tzu is home, it will be essential to keep the two separated for the time being. If you can, restrict your dog to one room initially. As your Shih Tzu starts to settle in, you can start the process for the initial introduction: by exposing both animals to the other’s scent.

To do this, you can first swap bedding. If you can do this before bringing your Shih Tzu home, all the better.

Another way to get each of them used to the other’s scent is to pet them both without washing your hands. First, pet your cat for a little bit, then go to pet your dog, and then back to your cat again.

The aim here is to mix their scents, allowing them to become more comfortable with the idea of the other’s presence.

Once you have done this for a few days, you can start on the final stage.

Close your cat into one room, and then allow your Shih Tzu to explore the house. Aside from giving him a chance to become accustomed to his new home, it will also allow him to become comfortable with your cat’s scent.

Allow him to roam for a few hours until he’s more comfortable with his surroundings, and then take him for a walk. As you head out for your walk, allow your cat out of her room to explore while you’re gone.

Continue this process for a few days, until your Shih Tzu is comfortable with his surroundings. You need to make sure your dog is calm before introducing them face-to-face, so make sure your Shih Tzu has had plenty of time to get accustomed to his surroundings before moving him onto the next step.

Step 3: First interactions

Once your Shih Tzu has had a chance to settle in, and you’ve had a few days to get your cat and dog used to each other’s scents, you can move onto the first interaction.

This exercise aims to give your cat time to get used to the presence of your dog. It also trains your Shih Tzu dog to stay calm around the cat.

To do this, your cat will ideally need to be in her safe space, behind a cat gate. Using this, you can approach this initial interaction with a physical barrier between the two animals, and it will allow you to maintain much more control over the situation.

Additionally, it will give your cat plenty of time just to observe and to consider this new addition to your family.

For the most part, you will want to leave your cat alone during this process. Resist the urge to pick your cat up and bring her closer, as this may frighten her further. Allow her to assess the situation at her own pace.

With you Shih Tzu, you need to put him on a leash for an extra level of control and take him out for a walk to wear him out. You will also need to bring a few tasty treats or some of his food to reward good behavior.

Initially, you just need to sit with him on the other side of the gate. Allow him to sniff and explore, but if he becomes too excited or tries to bark, you will need to distract him. If he persists, take him away. Once he calms down, you can try again.

Aside from discouraging high energy, you also need to keep a close eye out for any signs of aggression. If you notice him freezing, his hair standing on end, or him staring at the cat, correct him immediately. You need to do this calmly, but firmly to avoid escalating the situation further.

If he persists with this behavior, take him away, and put in another room for a ten-minute time out. Ideally, this room needs to be dull, without any rewards or distractions. Once he’s calmed down, try again.

When your Shih Tzu does display calm behavior, make sure to give him a treat and plenty of attention.

These initial interactions should be short but relatively frequent. Five minutes should be more than enough time, and as many times during the day as you can manage.

As you notice your cat’s confidence growing, and your Shih Tzu puppy becoming less excited, you can extend these interactions.

Step 4: Closer contact

Once the novelty has worn off for your dog, and your cat is showing enough confidence, you can start thinking about moving to the next step.

Bring your cat and Shih Tzu to a neutral space and allow them to interact without the gate to separate them. Even as you move onto this next step, however, you will still need to keep your Shih Tzu on a leash just in case.

Keep this first interaction quite short, and make sure to watch them both carefully. If either your cat or dog shows signs of being frightened, separate them and go back to the last step for a bit longer before trying again.

Allow your cat to continue exploring at her own pace and keep a close eye on your dog. You will need to stay consistent with the training you’ve done up until now; distracting him when he gets excited and separating him if he persists with this behavior.

You will need to be especially watchful for any signs of aggression in your dog at this stage. If you notice any hint of aggression, correct him immediately. If he persists, put him in time out, and try again later once he’s calmed down.

During this stage, you need to show him that the cat is higher in the hierarchy than he is and that any hint of aggression will not be tolerated. Even so, it’s essential to stay calm. The last thing you want is for your new dog to feel threatened by you during this crucial period, as this may only escalate the situation further.

Eventually, with patience and persistence in your training, you should hopefully start to see them becoming more comfortable around each other.

Even if they don’t become best friends, they should at least be able to co-exist peacefully, without your Shih Tzu chasing or barking, and without your cat becoming frightened or aggressive without provocation.

As you continue to see positive signs, you can slowly increase the times of their interactions and give them more and more freedom together.

Even as their relationship continues to improve, it will be essential to supervise them until you are entirely confident that they can get along together. It’s important to take it slow, as rushing could ruin all of the hard work you’ve put in up to this point.

Stage 5: Peaceful co-existence

Only once you are entirely confident that your cat and Shih Tzu are on good terms, can you start to leave them alone together.

However, it will still be necessary to make sure your cat has her own space, which your Shih Tzu cannot access. Even if your cat and dog are getting along nicely, that could soon change if your Shih Tzu is harassing your cat every time she tries to eat or uses the toilet.

Additionally, make sure your cat continues to have places she can escape to if she needs it. Maintaining a peaceful co-existence is likely to go a lot smoother if she has a place to escape to in the event your Shih Tzu decides to chase or gets a little too energetic.

However, if at any stage during this process you notice your Shih Tzu showing persistent signs of aggression, and you begin to worry for your cat’s safety, do not hesitate to bring in a dog behaviorist. Most disputes like this can be fixed relatively quickly with the help of a professional.

Whatever the case may be, Shih Tzus are still one of the friendliest breeds you could choose as a housemate for your cat. The worst behavior they tend to exhibit is chasing, but this is typically their way of trying to play.

With consistent training and plenty of patience, you should be able to nip any potential issues in the bud, and before long, the two should be able to co-exist peacefully.

Conclusion

To conclude, there’s no reason why your cat and Shih Tzu can’t get along and can live together… but the bottom line is; all animals are different. But with the intro guide above, you should stand a good chance of success in having them both living in your home harmoniously.

You might also like…

Here are some more guides to help you with your new Shih Tzu puppy.

• How to get your Shih Tzu to stop snoring
• How to tell that your Shih Tzu truly loves you and is happy
• How to stop a Shih Tzu puppy from biting and nipping

Shih Tzu image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/animal-portrait-puppy-dog-shih-tzu-2499092/

The post Are Shih Tzus Good With Cats? + 5 Step Intro Guide to Getting Along appeared first on DoggySaurus.

If you read on you will find out what the early gestation signs are, what the Shih Tzu pregnancy stages are, and how you can make her as comfortable as possible.

The early signs of a Shih Tzu pregnancy

• Your Shih Tzu’s appetite will decrease, and she might even miss some meals altogether.
• Your Shih Tzu’s stomach could get bigger, sometimes as soon as 14 days after insemination.
• Your vet could feel her belly, possibly feeling movements as soon as 20 to 30 days.
• Your Shih Tzu may exhibit behavioral changes including lethargy.
• Your Shih Tzu’s nipples might have become enlarged in readiness for nursing.

None of the methods above are fool-proof checks to tell whether your Shih Tzu is pregnant and expecting a litter of puppies though. Instead vets and breeders rely on more scientific methods to test for pregnancy, including Shih Tzu ultrasounds, all of which you can see below.

How to tell if a Shih Tzu is pregnant

To check for certain if your Shih Tzu is pregnant, there are two methods which will offer 100% proof of pregnancy.

1. Shih Tzu ultrasound 25 days after mating

The fastest method for finding if your Shih Tzu has conceived is to get your vet to perform a Shih Tzu ultrasound. This scan can be first done 3 weeks after mating, but at this early stage it won’t always be 100% accurate – the best results come with an ultrasound at least 25 days after conception.

Ultrasounds are pain-free, but it can be a stressful occasion if your Shih Tzu doesn’t like the vets as their belly hair will be shaved off.

The costs of an ultrasound pregnancy check tend to range between the $300 to $500-dollar bracket (£230 to £380 GBP). It’s not a cheap method, and many people will simply wait until their Shih Tzu is showing more obvious signs of pregnancy rather than paying for a scan.

2. Blood sample at 5 weeks after mating

The second option for a pregnancy test is using a blood test. This can be performed after 5 weeks post mating and will help to detect a pregnancy hormone in your Shih Tzu.

It doesn’t cost as much as an ultrasound but isn’t always accurate when done too early on. For example, if your Shih Tzu has been pregnant for less than 35 days, it might flag up as being negative, even if she is pregnant.

What is the most reliable Shih Tzu pregnancy test then?

The most accurate way to know if your Shih Tzu is pregnant is the first option; the Shih Tzu ultrasound. However, it should only be done after 25 days post mating, otherwise it might throw up an inaccurate result.

One the best things about this type of pregnancy test is how you can see the developing puppies on the scan images. You might also be able to tell at this point how many puppies your Shih Tzu is expecting, although it might not always be an exact count due to their size and overlapping in the womb.

If you wait another 20 days, but day 45 you can also get an X-ray of the pregnant Shih Tzu. This will let the vet count the skulls in the womb, giving a 100% accuracy count on how many puppies are in the litter.

Handy Hint? Shih Tzus will on average have 3 puppies in a litter. See how this compares with other dog breeds in my guide to Shih Tzu litter sizes.

Shih Tzu pregnancy stages

Once you know your Shih Tzu is pregnant, the excitement can really start. But what can you expect from the Shih Tzu pregnancy stages? Here’s a quick overview of each stage.

Month 1

The first month of your Shih Tzu’s pregnancy isn’t actually that interesting, and a lot of the time you might not even notice anything at all. Some owners won’t even know their Shih Tzu is pregnant without the aid of an ultrasound.

By day 7 of the pregnancy, Shih Tzu puppy embryos will get to the uterine horns. By 14 to 16 days the Shih Tzu embryos will have attached themselves into the lining of the mother’s uterus.

The 22^nd day will typically see the Shih Tzu fetuses starting to form, and around the 29^th day, vets are able to detect heart beats using an ultrasound scan.

Your Shih Tzu will now 3 weeks pregnant and should start showing some of the pregnancy signs I spoke of earlier. At this point those signs may even change a little to be:

• Your Shih Tzu might now be eating more than usual after the loss of appetite earlier in the pregnancy.
• Your Shih Tzu’s nipples should now be larger than they were before.
• Your Shih Tzu might change behavior, looking for comfort and cuddles with her owner.
• Your Shih Tzu might have a clear discharge during the 4^th
• Your Shih Tzu will start to slow down and reduce her activity levels.
• Your Shih Tzu could even start showing signs of canine morning sickness.

Whilst these are typical signs of Shih Tzu pregnancy, not all Shih Tzus will exhibit these. It’s still very early on in the pregnancy and can be hard to detect properly.

Handy Hint: Shih Tzus can actually have false pregnancies. I wrote a guide which includes information on what to look for and how long a dog’s phantom pregnancy can last.

Month 2

The second month is where the pregnancy signs start to accelerate with the eyelids and toes appearing on the fetuses between the 32^nd and 35^th day.

The development is very rapid, as by day 40, the Shih Tzu fetuses will have grown claws, and by day 45 have a skeletal form and even a coat.

You could ask your vet to perform an X-ray on the 50^th day as it will be possible to use this to check how many puppies your Shih Tzu is expecting. It’s very exciting, as you can now plan for the litter size!

By the 58^th day, your Shih Tzu will start her nesting behavior. This is where she starts looking for a safe and comfortable place in the house to give birth. Owners can help their dogs with added bedding and creating a more secure environment for them.

It should now be outwardly obvious that your Shih Tzu is pregnant, as she will certainly now be showing a rounder belly.

More signs of Shih Tzu pregnancy at this stage include:

• Your Shih Tzu will be eating a lot more than usual.
• Your Shih Tzu will then start to eat less again around the 45^th
• Your Shih Tzu will gain significant weight.
• Your Shih Tzu will need to urinate more than usual.
• Your Shih Tzu will have a clear vaginal discharge.
• Your Shih Tzu’s belly will become firmer between the 45th and 50^th
• Your Shih Tzu’s belly might show signs of movement by day 50.

Month 3

The third month is when you can ratchet up the excitement. You will definitely now know that your Shih Tzu is pregnant, as there’s no mistaking it in this stage.

Yep, you guessed it, during this Shih Tzu pregnancy stage she will be giving birth. The puppies will start to move into position to arrive as by the 58^th day they are almost completely formed – they will move into the birth canal for the last few days of pregnancy.

The signs during this stage you will start to see include:

• Her waist will get slimmer as the puppies move into position.
• She will not want to eat much around days 61 and 62.
• Her temperature will drop around 1 and 2 days before birth.
• She will start to get agitated and restless.
• She could even increase the nesting actions such as digging, pacing, panting, and shivers.

Shih Tzu pregnancy tips

Your Shih Tzu will be pregnant for between 58 and 68 days. The average length of a Shih Tzu pregnancy is about 63 days from the mating date to delivery – you can read more about that here.

There will be plenty of behavioral changes in your Shih Tzu too, not just physical ones. For example, as she enters the last 14 days of pregnancy you might see the following signs:

• Your Shih Tzu will want to cuddle you more.
• Your Shih Tzu won’t want to socialize with other dogs.
• Your Shih Tzu will be calmer and less excitable.
• Your Shih Tzu might appear to be uncomfortable.
• Your Shih Tzu might want to sleep more and even in different places.

How to prepare for a Shih Tzu pregnancy

As a breeder or owner, there are things you can also do to make sure your Shih Tzu is ready to have a comfortable pregnancy and then give birth safely. These preparation tips include:

• Change her diet after month 1 by adding puppy kibble. This is smaller and more nutritious for growing puppies.
• Don’t over-exert her and she will be more tired and have a lot less energy. Her breathing might also become strained.
• Help her with the nesting process, making up her crate as comfortable as possible and not at the last minute. She needs to feel safe and secure, and know that she has a place to give birth safely and securely.

Handy Hint: Here are 21 signs that you have a happy Shih Tzu who loves and wants to be with you.

How Shih Tzus give birth

The most common way that a Shih Tzu will give birth is by a c-section. It’s rare for them to give birth naturally, but here’s an overview of both aspects.

1. C-section

This technique is used in about 20% of Shih Tzu pregnancies.

Your vet can help you to decide if this is the best option by using an X-ray to check how large the skulls are, and how many puppies are expected.

Shih Tzu c-sections can cost between $640 and $1,300 dollars (£500 and £1,000 GBP). There are some risks to this surgery as it will be performed under an anaesthetic.

2. Natural birth

If you decide to let things happen naturally after consultation with your vet, look out for the warning signs that your Shih Tzu is ready to give birth to her litter.

If it’s time for your Shih Tzu to give birth, then make sure her nest is completely ready. You will notice that she will start to visit her nest several times, returning back and forth to the area, scraping the towels several times, and then finally settling down and panting like she’s just had a lot of exercise.

This is not a calm time for her at all, and you will notice heavy breathing and an increased heart rate. It can take up to 12 hours for the first of the puppies to appear.

After a puppy has been delivered, the Shih Tzu mother will bite at the sack and lick the excess away from the puppy. This lets the newborn start to breath in oxygen. Some owners might have to help with this if the mother struggles to do so.

You might even see the Shih Tzu mother eating the sack and umbilical cords. Don’t be alarmed, as they actually contain nutritional elements and it’s entirely instinctive.

Once the Shih Tzu puppy is out and moving, you can help my placing it onto the mother’s nipples to let them start feeding.

When to worry

Whilst most births should go without a hitch (if recommended by a vet), there are warning signs that the delivery isn’t going to plan.

For example, if 10 hours have passed since she nested and sat down and you still haven’t seen a puppy, it could mean a blockage in the birth canal. This will then require an emergency c-section.

Handy Hint: If you do opt for a natural birth and encounter complications you will have to pay for an emergency c-section which will be far more expensive than if you had just booked one in to start with.

Conclusion

Knowing when your Shih Tzu is pregnant is absolutely essential. If you don’t know she’s expecting, you can’t prepare her for the birth, and could put her and the litter at risk of miscarriage.

When it comes to the birth itself, most breeders I have spoken recommend c-sections versus natural births, as the delivery tends to be a lot safer.

If you do have a pregnant Shih Tzu, then I wish you and her all the best and would love to see some photos of the pups!

You might also like…

Here are some more guides for owners of this breed.

• How your Shih Tzu and a cat might end up getting along
• How to take care of your Shih Tzu in colder weather months
• What foods you should always avoid feeding a Shih Tzu

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/shih-tzu-animals-petit-dog-furry-990986/

The post How Do I Know If My Shih Tzu is Pregnant? + Signs & Stages appeared first on DoggySaurus.