The Complete Guide to Shih Tzu Puppies Care

Shih Tzu puppies are leading the list of top astonishing puppies to own. They are gaining millions of hearts with their darling features. But their cuteness and awesomeness are not enough to know as a pet parent. There is a lot more to understand, to take care of these cute cuddly puppies. They have some special requirements for their bedding, food, etc to grow better.^{4} 

This whole guide will help you to increase your knowledge and become better at caring for Shih Tzu puppies. But before that, we will get aware of some essential facts about them. So, let’s begin.

General Facts About Shih Tzu Puppies

1. It is believed that Shih Tzu puppies originated from Tibet, 2000 years ago.
2. The Chinese meaning of Shih Tzu is “little lion”.
3. They come in varied colours and combinations such as grey-white, red-white, brindle, liver-white, solid liver, solid black, white-black, and black mask gold.^{1}
4. The body structure of Shih Tzu puppies is:
   1. Cute furry beard and moustaches
   2. Two-layered hair: topcoat and undercoat 
   3. Ears covered with long furs
   4. A tiny muzzle
   5. Fur filled curly tail
   6. Big round eyes
   7. Lifespan: 10 to 16 years
   8. Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
   9. Height: 8 to 11 inches^{1}

Every Relevant Information for Shih Tzu Puppies Care

Here, we are going to dig up all the necessary information related to Shih Tzu puppies’ care. Whether you are an aspiring, new, or existing puppy parent, this care information may help to clear all your second thoughts. We are sharing the care-related essential facts right from the day you are planning to bring them home till their last day in your home.

Pre-adoption Care

Shih Tzu puppies have a curious and fun-loving personality. They like to play and roam around the surroundings. Their care procedure starts even before they arrive at their new home. Therefore, before you plan to adopt these cute furry puppies, make sure to convert your home into a pet-friendly environment. For this,^{2}{5}{4}

• Put any of the chewable and harmful substances such as chemicals etc, out of reach of the pups. 
• Make sure to bundle up or remove any exposed wire or cord to avoid any future accidents.
• Make sure that all the windows, closets, etc must have a door and which should be closed when they are finally at home, to avoid any space for escape by the puppies. 
• Some of the kitchen as well as food items such as garlic, onions, chocolates, dry fruits, etc are harmful to these little lions. So, keep them away from the Shih Tzu’s reach.^{5}

There is more to the required preparations…

There is a requirement to purchase a big enough crate with comfortable bedding. It should be filled with a few treats and enough chew toys inside. A crate serves as the safe den for the Shih Tzu puppies and makes them feel relaxed when overwhelmed or tired. Make sure to keep the size of the crate comfortable to help them move around easily.^{5}

There is a need to provide them food and water right from the time they enter your home. Stainless steel is the best option when it comes to serving food and water to puppies. The properties which make stainless steel better over other stoneware or ceramic bowls are: 

• Untainted with any lead-based paints or glazes
• Durable
• Dishwasher-safe

So, bring such utensils home in advance.^{5}

Shih Tzu puppies enjoy walking with the owner and need at least a short walk daily. Ensure to bring safe and tenacious walking supplies in advance. Bring the leash with an adjustable collar. but not the collars with rings and choke chains.^{3}{5}{2}

Whatever is the source you are using to adopt or purchase the dog, ask them to provide a record of history related to the puppy’s health, behaviours, etc. This will help you to take care of the puppies better. The record will also provide a good understanding of any possible issues in future. Also, you will be able to tackle or handle the issues more effectively.^{5}

Shih Tzu Health Care

The very first thing you should do after bringing this pet home is to take them to a professional veterinarian for wellness exams and vaccinations. This is the highly recommended step to get the surety about puppies’ health. Also, ask the veterinarian about the recommended vaccination doses for your Shih Tzu puppy.^{5}

Health insurance is not only recommended for humans, but it is also beneficial to ensure your little pup. Shih Tzu puppies may develop some health issues which cost a lot to get treated. The veterinary costs may even increase more day by day as the puppies grow. You can choose the health insurance cover for the puppies according to own requirement.^{5}

Post-adoption Care

The puppy needs more potty time than adult dogs. It is recommended to start the potty training of these puppies as soon as you bring them home. Decide some specific area as their potty place and take them there at frequent intervals of time and praise as well. They show some signs such as sniffing, squatting, or circling to show that they need to go. Analyse them and take to the potty area when you see such signs in them.^{4}{5}

Due to their tiny size, they require very little outdoor exercise. But to keep them active and engaged, be ready with a lot of fun activities and games for them. A short walk every day is good to make them happy.^{5} 

Start their socialisation and other training between 10 to 12 weeks of their age. Waiting too long to train them may convert them into slow learners and may also make them stubborn. You may also take them to some doggy kindergarten classes between this period. But, before that, make sure that they get vaccinated.^{5}

Feeding and Grooming Care

To feed your Shih Tzu pup, select a premium branded dog kibble. Avoid giving them human food, as this may lead them to reject the kibble food. A good kibble contains rice, oats, pea flour, egg, duck, and fresh chicken. Avoid giving them food with animal kibble, corn, propylene glycol, and cereals.^{5}

To keep them healthy, feed them 3 times a day. Occasional small puppy treats may encourage them for good behaviour. Remember, this should be in limited amounts.^{5}

Shih Tzu puppies’ hairs are too long to take care of. It is a must to clean and brush their hair daily without skipping. Comb their coats with a combination of bristle and nylon brush and use a scissor to trim the overgrowth. Make sure to take them for professional grooming sessions at least once a month.^{5}{1}{2}

Usually, their teething process begins between 3 and 4 months of their age. So, fill your home with lots of chewing toys during this period to help them their teething painless.^{5}{4}

Caring for Shih Tzu puppies is a matter of dedication and responsibility. The properly cared pups grow very healthy and better. As a Shih Tzu puppy parent, make sure to keep track of each of the essential factors required for their care. 

The record feature of DuePet app is very helpful in looking after a Shih Tzu puppy. You may make records of their meals, exercise, etc for better analysis of their lifestyle and figuring out possible improvements.

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