Shih Tzus are considered high maintenance due to the constant grooming their coat requires. Their long, silky hair requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting. In addition, regular bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are necessary. However, the time and effort put into grooming a Shih Tzu are outweighed by the joy and companionship they provide.
Are you looking for a cute, loyal companion who will demand your attention? If so, then the Shih Tzu might be the perfect pet for you!
These little dogs are considered high maintenance due to their need for constant grooming – but don’t let that put you off. With a little bit of effort and dedication, you can easily keep your Shih Tzu in top condition.
In this article, we’ll explore why Shih Tzus are considered high maintenance and provide some tips on how to keep them healthy and happy.
So if you’re ready to learn more about these adorable furry friends, then read on!
Why are Shih Tzus Considered High Maintenance?
You’ll need to commit yourself to regularly grooming your pup if you want to keep their beautiful coat! The Shih Tzu breed is known for its long, flowing mane and distinctive appearance that requires a significant amount of maintenance in order to keep the coat healthy and looking its best.
Here are three key reasons why Shih Tzus are considered high maintenance:
- Grooming: A regular grooming routine is essential for keeping the coat of a Shih Tzu in tip-top shape. This includes brushing at least twice a week, bathing every two weeks, and trimming or clipping the hair as needed. All of these activities can be time-consuming and require patience and skill on the part of the pet parent.
- Eye Care: Shih Tzus have large eyes that are vulnerable to irritation from dust, dirt, and other debris in their environment, which can cause redness or infection if not properly cared for. This means that extra care must be taken when it comes to cleaning around their eyes with an appropriate eye solution or wipes regularly.
- Coat Care: The thick double-coat of a Shih Tzu requires extra attention when it comes to shedding season as they tend to shed more than most breeds year-round due to their dense fur coats. Regular brushing will help reduce shedding but may also require additional products such as undercoat rakes or de-shedding tools depending on how much shedding your pup has during seasonal changes in temperature or humidity levels.
Overall, owning a Shih Tzu involves giving them plenty of love but also being willing to invest time into caring for their unique needs when it comes to maintaining their beautiful coats and preventing any potential health concerns related to eye care or excessive shedding issues. With proper care, you can enjoy many years together with your furry friend!
Grooming Tips
Grooming your Shih Tzu can be a bit of a chore, but with some practice and patience, you can keep your pup looking beautiful.
Brushing is the most important part of grooming; it should be done several times per week to prevent mats and tangles.
Additionally, bathing your pet every 4-6 weeks will keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Don’t forget to trim their nails regularly as well – if you hear them click on the floor when they walk, it’s time for a trim!
Brushing
Brushing your Shih Tzu’s coat regularly is essential for keeping it healthy and beautiful – an absolute must for any pet owner!
There are two basic types of brushes that can be used to maintain the coat: a slicker brush and a bristle brush. The slicker brush has fine wire bristles that help to remove any stubborn tangles or mats, while the bristle brush is great for removing dirt, debris, loose hair, and spreading natural oils throughout the coat.
It’s important to make sure you use both brushes when caring for your pet’s coat as each serves its own purpose. When brushing your pup, always work in the direction of their fur growth and take care not to pull on their skin or cause them discomfort.
After brushing, give them a good rub down with a clean towel, which will further help spread those natural oils throughout their fur. Taking proper care of your Shih Tzu’s coat requires dedication but is worth all the effort!
Bathing
Bathing your Shih Tzu is essential for keeping their coat healthy and looking its best – it’s an absolute must!
Depending on the type of coat they have, frequency can range from every two weeks to every three months.
When bathing your pup, make sure you use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs as human shampoos can be too harsh for their sensitive skin.
Avoid using flea shampoos unless absolutely necessary as they may strip natural oils from the fur.
You should also select a shampoo based upon your Shih Tzu’s coat type; there are specially formulated products available depending on whether your pup has a long or short-haired coat.
If you use the wrong shampoo, it could cause irritation and even damage to their delicate fur.
To ensure that their bath time is stress-free, make sure you offer plenty of praise throughout the process so that they associate it with something positive.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming is an important part of your Shih Tzu’s grooming routine, so don’t forget to give them regular trims. It’s essential to keep their nails short and clean in order to protect the paws from injury and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Regularly trimming your Shih Tzu’s nails can help reduce the pain associated with long claws growing into the paw pads. To do this, you should use a nail clipper designed for dogs or pet scissors that are specifically made for cutting fur and nails.
When clipping the nails, be sure to avoid cutting too close to the quick as this can cause bleeding and pain.
Additionally, it is important to check between their toes when cleaning paws for any dirt or debris that may have gotten stuck there; you may need to trim some of their fur around these areas in order to access it properly.
Health Concerns
Health concerns related to shih tzus are like a snowball rolling downhill; they can quickly become overwhelming if not properly maintained.
Since these dogs have long and dense fur, eye care is of utmost importance as their eyes can get easily irritated by the hair around them.
Additionally, their ears should be inspected regularly for dirt or debris and cleaned with a damp cloth to prevent any infections.
Shih tzus are also prone to developing respiratory issues due to their short muzzles, which means that owners must take extra care in controlling humidity levels and keeping them away from dusty environments.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that your dog gets regular checkups with your veterinarian so any potential health issues can be caught early before they become worse.
With proper maintenance and care, shih tzus will stay healthy and happy for many years!
Diet and Exercise
To keep your shih tzu happy and healthy, it’s important to provide them with the right diet and exercise regimen.
As a small breed, the shih tzu has relatively high energy needs for its size, so regular exercise is very important. Your shih tzu should get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day, such as walking, running or playing in the yard. You can also give your pup an extra workout by taking him to the park or signing up for agility classes.
Along with exercise, you’ll need to make sure that your pet is getting all of his dietary needs met. A good quality dog food designed for small breeds is essential for providing balanced nutrition. Look for a formula that includes protein from animal sources like chicken or fish, as well as carbohydrates and fiber from grains like rice and oats. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet can also help boost nutrient levels and help keep their coat shiny and healthy.
It’s also important to remember that treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake—and they should be given sparingly throughout the day rather than all at once!
By sticking to a balanced diet and making sure that your pup gets enough exercise each day, you’ll ensure that he stays fit both physically and mentally.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Shih Tzu Healthy
Now that you understand the importance of diet and exercise for your shih tzu, it’s also important to consider other aspects of keeping your pup healthy. From obedience training to socialization skills, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when caring for your furry companion.
To begin with, obedience training is essential in order to ensure that your pet knows how to behave properly around people and other animals. This type of training will help him learn basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Additionally, it can help teach him not to bark excessively or beg for food at the table. Here are some tips for successful obedience training:
- Ensure consistency: It’s important that you use the same commands each time you train your dog so he can better comprehend what’s expected of him.
- Use positive reinforcement: When teaching commands or correcting behavior, be sure to reward good behavior with treats or words of praise instead of punishing bad behavior.
- Make it fun: Try incorporating games into the training process so that it becomes more enjoyable for both you and your pup!
Hide-and-seek: Have him search for a treat hidden around the house or yard while intermittently calling his name until he finds it!
Fetch: Throw objects like tennis balls in different directions and have him run after them while practicing specific commands like ‘come’ or ‘sit’.
It’s also essential that you provide ample socialization opportunities for your shih tzu in order to prevent behavioral issues from arising due to lack of interaction with other animals or unfamiliar people. Here are some things you can do*:
- Take walks on busy streets: Allowing him exposure to new sights and sounds will help build his confidence as well as improve his social skills!
- Visit family/friends’ houses regularly: Invite family/friends over often so he can become accustomed to their presence and develop trust towards them.
- Attend puppy classes/training sessions at local pet stores: Puppy classes provide an environment where they can interact safely with other puppies under professional supervision, which helps build their overall confidence level!
Always remember safety first when introducing new environments or allowing contact with unfamiliar animals/people!
With proper dieting & exercise combined with effective obedience & socialization techniques, you’ll be able to provide all the necessary care needed by your beloved Shih Tzu to maintain its healthiness throughout its lifetime!