Whether you’re looking to get a new pet or want to add a puppy to your existing pack, it’s important to learn more about how to care for shih tzu puppies. From how to bathe them to what types of coats they should wear, this article is full of information about everything you need to know.
Weight and size
Obtaining a weight and size of a Shih Tzu puppy is a great way to keep track of their development. The good news is that a variety of factors can influence the growth of a puppy.
In fact, the shortest period for a Shih Tzu to reach its adult height and weight is between nine and twelve months. If you’re curious about what your Shih Tzu should weigh, consult your veterinarian. If you’re not sure, a bathroom scale should provide a decent estimate.
The weight of a dog is a great indicator of their health. If your dog is over weight, you may be putting them at risk for diseases like arthritis. Depending on the breed, a Shih Tzu should be between nine and sixteen pounds. This is an ideal weight for a healthy, normal dog.
In addition to being a good guide to how much you should feed your dog, the weight of a Shih Tzu puppy is also a good indication of whether they are growing normally or not. If they’re scrawny, this may be a sign of malnourishment.
A Shih Tzu puppy’s growth can be measured by the growth charts that are available. The chart shows the average amount of weight gained month-by-month. It is a good idea to start tracking your Shih Tzu’s growth at eight weeks. Depending on how active your puppy is, you may find that the height and weight of your Shih Tzu will fluctuate.
Temperament
Generally speaking, Shih Tzu puppies have a lot of energy. Their exuberance wanes as they get older. This is good news for owners with smaller living spaces.
The Shih Tzu is an enthusiastic and loving dog. They get along with kids and other animals. However, it is also important to remember that they aren’t big enough to guard a house. They are also susceptible to health problems.
The FCI lists the Shih Tzu as having a friendly, intelligent, and alert temperament. It is a small, sturdy dog. It is also an excellent watchdog.
Shih Tzus are highly adaptable dogs. They are happy, well-mannered, and loving. They are a great companion for people of all ages. They have a contagious desire to please. They can be clingy and territorial, but they are not aggressive.
Their small size makes them an ideal companion for apartment dwellers. They are also a good choice for families with small children. They are tolerant of strangers, and will greet them with a smile. The Shih Tzu is a good family pet, and its positive qualities have been developed over hundreds of years.
Shih Tzus are also known for having an impressive number of teeth. They snort and snuff during teething. The Shih Tzu has a long, straight coat, which can be groomed regularly. The hair should be brushed on a daily basis, and the coat should be trimmed regularly. A matted coat can cause painful skin issues.
Health conditions
Keeping Shih Tzu puppies healthy is a task that requires a lot of patience and attention. It is essential to detect any health problem early so that it can be treated effectively. This will help prevent complications. There are several health conditions that can affect the shih tzu breed.
The brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome is a common condition that can affect the shih tzu. It is caused by narrow air passages in the nose and throat. This causes stress on the respiratory system and puts additional pressure on the body.
Another health issue that can affect the shih tzu is glaucoma. This is a condition that can lead to blindness. The condition can be triggered by trauma or inflammation of the eye. It can also be triggered by orbital tumors or pseudotumors. It can cause symptoms such as red eyes, excessive discharge from the eyes, and watery eyes.
Some breeds are prone to ear infections. If the ear is infected, the dog may experience itching, odor, and ear discharge. Medicated ear drops can treat the ear infection. It can also be treated by surgery.
There are some breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia. This can be a painful disease and should be monitored before breeding. It is especially common in toy dog breeds.
Juvenile renal dysplasia is a genetically inherited disease. It causes the kidneys to become immature, making them insufficient for adult life. It can also lead to weakness.
Grooming tools
Choosing the right dog grooming tools can help make grooming your Shih Tzu easier. Some of the most common grooming tools for your dog are slicker brushes, combs, and clippers. These tools are used in conjunction with other products to keep your dog’s coat clean and healthy.
Slicker brushes are ideal for removing loose hair and tangles from your pet’s coat. These brushes also distribute natural oils to give your dog a shiny coat. Slicker brushes are also great for cleaning out mats. However, they should never be used on the face or around the eyes.
Bristle brushes are also good for removing loose hair and debris. Bristle brushes are more gentle on your dog’s skin and don’t irritate it. The advantage of these brushes is that they can reach the undercoat, which helps in reducing shedding.
During the shedding cycle, you should brush your dog with a wire brush every other day to help remove loose fur and dander. You should also use a detangling spray to make the process easier.
If you want to groom your Shih Tzu at home, it’s best to purchase quality clippers. A high-quality set will last for a long time and will match other accessories.
Clippers can be expensive, but they will be a good investment in the long run. You should be careful about the density of the pins. You should look for stainless steel pins with rounded tips.
Coats
Whether you choose to groom your Shih Tzu yourself or have a professional do it for you, there are several steps you can take to ensure your dog’s coat is healthy and shiny.
First, your pet will need to be bathed periodically. This should be done with warm water and a dog shampoo. A good brush should be used to remove any mats. Then, check your dog’s ears and tail to ensure they are clean.
Next, you can use a blow drier to keep the hair smooth and silky. This is especially useful if you are trying to avoid tangles.
Lastly, be sure to check your dog’s eyes and ears for any signs of tangles. This can be done by using a comb and bristle brush.
Finally, if you are not a great comber, you can get a professional to trim the hair daily. This will save you time and energy, and help you keep your pet’s coat looking nice.
In addition to the usual brushing, you will need to bathe your pet once a week. You can also apply a coat conditioner to the hair to prevent tangles.
It’s important to learn how to care for your Shih Tzu’s coat. If you aren’t, you could end up with a very unhappy, dirty pet. The right hair will make your life easier and will save you money on expensive products.
Shedding
Depending on your climate, Shih Tzus shed different amounts of hair. During the spring and fall, they shed more than during the summer. In the winter, their coats are thick to help them keep warm.
A lot of Shih Tzu owners don’t realize that they’re shedding. Usually, the only time you’ll see matted fur is when you’re bathing your pet. The best way to combat this is to brush your pet daily. This will remove dead skin cells and stimulate natural oils to help keep your pet’s skin healthy and dander-free.
The amount of shedding you’ll find in your dog will vary, but a healthy Shih Tzu will only molt about 10 to 15% of its coat. Excessive shedding can be caused by a variety of factors, including skin irritation, an endocrine disorder, or a vitamin deficiency in your dog’s diet. If you’re concerned about your pet’s shedding, talk to your veterinarian.
Besides regular grooming, you can also keep your pet’s coat healthy by feeding it a balanced diet with a high-quality dog food. You can even add supplements that contain vitamins to strengthen your dog’s fur.
One thing to be careful of is flea infestations. They can irritate the skin and cause it to become dry and flaky. If your dog is suffering from a flea problem, be sure to bring him to a veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis.
