We create the correct diet for your Shih Tzu, taking into account the age of the dog

A beautiful dog is a healthy dog. This law is inviolable and cannot be circumvented. The key to a pet’s physical health lies in heredity and quality of care. The future owner must clearly understand how to feed the Shih Tzu depending on its age and individual needs.

Important! Shih Tzus are not prone to food allergies to natural foods, but store-bought milk, processed meats and exotic fruits may well provoke a strong reaction from the body.

Nutrition rules

The following rules are provided:

• Food is given according to a schedule and only in a specially designated place.
• The food is not placed on the floor so that the habit of taking it from the ground does not form.
• After receiving the puppy, the diet is first provided with the same diet that was offered to him before.
• New items are added to the diet at the rate of up to one unit per day.
• Portion volume is carefully controlled. Everything that remains is superfluous and will not be offered again. On average, a serving is approximately 5% of the weight of an adult, up to 10% of the weight of a Shih Tzu puppy.
• It is monitored so that after eating the Shih Tzu's stomach does not bulge or become sunken.

If you do not break these rules, your Shih Tzu will be healthy and cheerful.

A few words about education

Raising a Shih Tzu is a pleasure. They are obedient and quickly understand what is wanted from them. Although this is not a working breed, the dogs easily remember basic commands. With due diligence, they can perform small tricks: bring slippers, newspapers, ask, overcome obstacles.

Additionally, you can do agility or freestyle.

Chrysanthemum dogs are sensitive. Harsh upbringing is not acceptable. A reprimand in a menacing voice will be sufficient as punishment.

Meal frequency

If you feed your Shih Tzu natural food, then from birth to 2 months it is preferable to feed it 6 times a day. At 2-3 months, the portion size is made a little larger, but the number of meals is reduced - 4-5 times per day. At 4-5 months they feed up to 4 times a day, and at 6-11 months - no more than 3 times. A 12 month old pet is transferred to two feedings a day (morning and evening). Aging dogs (from 7-8 years old) are offered a reduced portion size and an increased number of repetitions of food intake up to 3-4 times.

• Dry food should be given after consultation with the veterinarian and in accordance with the instructions on the packaging material.

At least once a quarter, and also before mating, carry out preventive cleansing of the Shih Tzu's body from helminths. To do this, purchase medications against these parasites from a veterinary pharmacy.

What, how, when?

These three questions are the most basic. What to feed your Shih Tzu? How to feed? When to feed: morning and evening? Or three times a day? The diet is determined by the owner. This can be natural food or dry food. Feed from a bowl, no “hand feeding” or other perversions. This is pampering. When to give food?

For an adult, feeding twice a day is enough, morning and evening. Puppies are fed more frequently depending on their age.

Benefits of dry food

When purchasing a pack of dry food, you need to know that it can be completely different, both in taste and composition. There is dry food for Shih Tzu dogs that is softer and more gentle, then on the packaging they write that it is for puppies or pregnant bitches.

Dry and balanced food is available for different breeds, as well as with dietary supplements for allergies and other diseases. If you have decided, then you no longer need to buy additional vitamins for your Shih Tzu, everything you need is in the package and the manufacturers have tried to ensure that all components in the food are balanced.

When giving dry food, you need to accurately calculate the amount, especially for a puppy. After all, at this age the foundations of a healthy diet are just being laid, but all dogs eat differently. Make sure your puppy is fed but not overeated. To do this, check the norm according to the state of the bowl after the next feeding so that there is no excess left, and if the portion is not enough, add a little more.

The fact is that each individual dog has its own appetite and what is indicated on the package by age and weight does not always exactly match. Don’t forget to ask if the food is fresh and check its expiration date.

The advantages of food are that you don’t have to stand at the stove for a long time and perform manipulations to feed the puppy; you just need to pour the amount into a bowl and that’s it. The rest of your free time can be devoted to the Shih Tzu and caring for her, affection and coat care. Such nutrition also frees you from constantly heating food, and your head from fantasies about preparing such a dish to please your pet.

If you keep your Shih Tzu on a natural diet, it takes time to “jump” from it and switch to dry feeding. To do this, gradually introduce dry food into the diet, mixing it with regular dishes. By gradually eliminating the amount of food (natural), you will be introduced to other foods in about a week or two. Do not try to suddenly switch to another feeding. This threatens to cause problems with the digestive system of the delicate dog.

Watch your drinking - the bowl of water should always be filled to the top. Change the water so it doesn't stagnate and make sure your dog drinks plenty of water. If this does not happen, you need to consult a veterinarian.

“Drying” or “natural”: all the pros and cons

The first thing that owners of a new four-legged friend face is choosing the type of feeding. Many follow the simple path - they follow the breeder’s recommendations and feed him the same. In this case, experienced dog breeders help create the right menu or suggest which brand of dry food is most suitable for representatives of a given breed.

Both types of feeding - “natural” or “drying” - have both advantages and disadvantages, and they should be taken into account when choosing the best for your furry pet.

Features of natural feeding

Advantages:

• products are cheaper when compared with the cost of high-quality dry food;
• the owner always knows what his dog is eating;
• food is always fresh and has undergone proper heat treatment;
• With the right menu, the dog’s digestive system works perfectly.

Flaws:

• cooking takes time;
• Not all foods are suitable for feeding a Shih Tzu - some are initially prohibited, others can cause an allergic reaction;
• balancing your diet is not so easy;
• Natural feeding requires additional vitamin and mineral supplements.

Features of feeding with industrial rations

Advantages:

• dry granules are a ready-made product that does not need to be cooked;
• You can store the “drying” for a long time and buy it for future use;
• the food contains everything necessary and in the right proportions - the dog does not need vitamins or supplements;
• easy to dose;
• If your dog suffers from food allergies, then hypoallergenic industrial food is the best option.

Flaws:

• It is not always possible to immediately select a suitable menu;
• Cheap brands are not suitable for Shih Tzu, they will worsen the pet’s health;
• high-quality food is not cheap.

Choosing the type of feeding is only the first step, after which you will have to find out how many times a Shih Tzu dog should receive food.

For a puppy

At 2-3 months of age, the owner of a Shih Tzu puppy decides how to feed the pet further. When feeding changes from what was previously offered, a gradual transition to the new option is required. Over the course of 7-10 days, smooth changes are made - the food is partially replaced with a new one. At the same time, the reaction of the Shih Tzu's body to such changes is monitored. If problems arise, they abandon the new product.

The natural menu includes:

• fermented milk products (for example, kefir, yogurt), if the baby’s body accepts them well
• milk porridges (for example, rolled oats)
• lightly cooked meat (for example, beef, chicken, rabbit)
• vegetable purees with oil or fish oil (contains vitamins, promotes development)
• cooked sea fish (2-3 times a week)
• boiled eggs (up to 2 pieces per week).

If you plan to give ready-made food, then super-premium is preferable.

A significant amount of micronutrients are also provided for the growing Shih Tzu through multivitamin supplements selected on the advice of a veterinarian.

At 3-7 months, when the Shih Tzu puppy changes teeth, calcium gluconate tablets (or an analogue) will be required every day until the process is completed. During this time, very solid foods are avoided in order to maintain the correct taste.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

• Does not cause allergies;
• Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
• Available at many pet stores;
• High-quality packaging;
• Moderate size granules;
• Restoring the condition of the coat;
• Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
• The composition includes many useful microelements;
• Improved digestion.

• With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
• Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
• Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

Industrial feed

Starting from the age of one month, a Shih Tzu puppy must be accustomed to “adult” food. At this age, industrial food begins to be introduced. The Shih Tzu puppy should be fed dairy food for a month. Pet stores have special mixtures with dog milk. From two months onwards, you can offer your dog several small pieces of high-quality commercial food. It must be soaked in water or milk.

Further feeding with industrial products should be carried out according to the diagrams on the packages. Factory food should be premium or super premium. All industrial products are divided into dry food and canned food. Experts recommend alternating these two ready-made foods. Feeding your pet only dry food can lead to problems with tooth enamel. And a large number of industrial canned food affects the formation of tartar.

The transition from natural products to ready-made food is carried out gradually. The reasons for the transfer may be allergies, dull coat, individual intolerance or weight fluctuations. During the week, a small amount of dry and canned food is added to the Shih Tzu's diet. It is recommended to gradually increase the portion and change brands. This may help identify adverse reactions to specific foods.

The formula by which the translation is carried out: daily food intake / 7 days. On the first day, they give 1/7 new food and 6/7 old food. On the second day 2/7 and 5/7. And so on until homemade food is completely replaced with ready-made food.

It is worth choosing professional products of the highest class. The most famous and specialized line is Royal Canin for Shih Tzu. Breeders also prefer the brands Innova, Eagle Pack, Pro Pac, Pro Plan, Bosch, Eukanuba, Hill's. This ready-made food will provide your pet with excellent condition and a healthy appearance. The lines of these brands include food designed specifically for small breed dogs.

The energy value of the food and its variety should correspond as closely as possible to the age, constitution, weight and condition of the Shih Tzu. The feeding schedule and the amount of factory feed are always indicated on the packages.

Feeding a baby Shih Tzu depending on the age of the pet

When a baby gets to a new home, he experiences a lot of stress. Experts recommend that owners take their time changing the diet of a new family member in order to speed up adaptation. It is advisable to feed the puppy for 2 weeks the same food that he received in his previous family.

Stress can cause digestive disorders, but in this case they are not a pathological reaction. However, a deficiency of useful components in puppies worsens the condition much faster than in adults.

The less the dog is stressed, the better his health. It is important at this stage to give him a lot of attention and demand less. And setting a schedule and changing your diet should be postponed for at least a couple of weeks. Puppies grow quickly, so their feeding goes through a number of changes every month.

2 months

Until this age, the baby’s main food is breast milk, and from 4-6 weeks the breeder begins to introduce the first complementary foods to the menu. This can be wet food or calcined cottage cheese, milk and liquid cereals, it all depends on the type of feeding chosen. From 8 weeks, the offspring are introduced to real food, and the puppies practically do not feed on their mother’s milk.

3 months

Responsible breeders do not transfer Shih Tzu puppies to new owners before 10-12 weeks of age. By this point, the babies are already able to eat on their own, and even with natural feeding, their diet is quite varied.

But owners still have to introduce new products to the pet’s menu - gradually, in small quantities. After the dog has eaten food that is unusual for him, he should observe for 2-3 days to see if a negative reaction appears.

A 3-month-old baby is fed 5 times a day, the daily norm is divided into several equal portions. If the pet has not finished eating food, it must be removed from the bowl, even if it is dry granules - this will teach the pet to adhere to the schedule.

Thanks to a clearly established regime, it is easier for the owner to plan walking time. In addition, constant eating of food leads to stretching of the stomach, and in the future the four-legged friend becomes a real glutton.

4 months

The pet can be transferred to 4 feedings a day. During this period, teeth change, so the baby needs microelements and vitamins more than usual. The norm of calcified foods is increased, reducing the amount of carbohydrate foods. But the dog should receive the usual portion of protein food - meat, minced meat, offal, constituting at least 50% of the total diet.

5 months

A Shih Tzu puppy receives food three times a day. If the pet is underweight, then 4 meals a day are maintained until 6 months of age. New products continue to be added to the menu.

10-11 months

A puppy of this breed is transferred to an adult diet of 2 meals a day. When feeding natural products, the menu becomes much more varied. The puppy is allowed to give almost all the permitted food, but do it slowly and carefully monitoring the body’s reaction.

The younger and healthier the dog, the easier it is to tolerate an allergic reaction, and it is easier for the owner to stop its manifestations. In addition, at this stage it is advisable to formulate the pet’s diet by excluding all allergenic foods from it. Some representatives of the canine world are recommended to be fed only once a day, but this regime is not suitable for the Shih Tzu - an adult dog must receive food twice.

For an adult dog

If you plan to feed your Shih Tzu natural food, then the following dishes are provided:

• from meat (raw and boiled) – 0.25 kg per day;
• from boiled offal - twice a week;
• in the form of fermented milk products - three times a week or more often;
• from eggs (boiled, fried);
• in the form of porridge (with vegetable or butter, without oil), cooked in whey or milk - from 25% of the daily requirement;
• with herbs and chopped vegetables;
• with a small amount of dried fruits and berries.

To prevent the appearance of roundworms, once every 7 days you are given a piece of bread with butter and a sprinkle of squeezed garlic. It is allowed to salt the food, but occasionally, not daily. Select dry food that has a large amount of Omega acids, vitamins A and E.

• There are varieties for puppies, adolescents, adult Shih Tzus, as well as for dogs expecting offspring and wet nurses. Information about the intended use is on the packaging.

Super premium dry food for Shih Tzu is preferred. It is allowed to soak it if the pet does not always agree to eat it in its original form. Canned food for dogs is useful when feeding.

It is possible to use a mixed type of feeding, when in addition to natural food, the diet includes dry food. This approach is optimal if you need to go somewhere and take your Shih Tzu with you, because... on the road it is more convenient to use ready-made food.

If you choose to feed natural food or canned meat, then after eating the decorative hair on the Shih Tzu’s face is washed in warm water, then dried or wiped.

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

• High content of lycopenes;
• Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
• Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
• All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
• Small granules that are easy to digest;
• Distributed in pet stores;
• Hermetically sealed packaging.

• Pronounced smell.

Making up a diet

Natural food for Shih Tzu, the menu and its detailed consideration are presented in the table. The diet is designed for adult representatives of this breed.

And a few more tips regarding the menu that will be useful to the owner of a chrysanthemum dog:

• Meat is given only boiled or scalded with boiling water. To avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is better to boil it.
• Be careful with chicken meat. May cause severe allergies in your pet.
• Low-fat fish is boiled, the bones are carefully selected and only then given to the dog.
• Vegetables are cooked until tender. They should be soft. You can offer your Shih Tzu zucchini, potatoes, carrots, squash, and bell peppers.
• Eggs are given only raw. Chicken - 2 pieces per week, quail - 4 pieces per week.
• You cannot offer your pet pork, seafood, citrus fruits, sausages, cheeses, sweets and chocolate. In general, all junk food for humans. Pork and seafood are not included in this list, but pork meat is very fatty for dogs. Seafood has too much protein.
• The dog should always have water available.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
• The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
• No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
• Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
• After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
• The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

• Not found in all pet stores.

For an aging pet

After the Shih Tzu reaches 7-8 years of age, further feeding is replaced with low-fat food to avoid obesity. Associated with a decrease in physical activity and a decrease in calorie needs.

If there are no problems with dry food, then natural feeding is chosen without fatty foods and anything that leads to problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. A single meal becomes smaller in volume, and the amount of protein food is slightly increased.

To correctly create a diet, contact a veterinarian and select vitamin supplements and diet.

Photo gallery

By following all of the above rules for pet nutrition, you will ensure your pet a long and happy life, and he, in turn, will give you a lot of positive emotions.

Reviews

Anatoly, Lipetsk

“Nowhere does it say that this breed also suffers from coprography. They eat their own and other people's feces. They say that in order to wean them from this bad habit, they need vitamins. We gave it to ours as a preventive measure, although we haven’t noticed this in her since childhood. Perhaps this is due to the fact that she is completely on dry food and feces after this type of feeding do not attract her. )) I had indigestion a couple of times - we decided to introduce a different brand of food. But we realized that it was better to stay with Royal Canina.”

Elena, Zelenograd

"Hello. Our baby only eats rice from cereals. That is, we usually give her rice + beef or rice + chicken legs. I also add carrots or chopped green apple. We don’t like cottage cheese, but once a week I mix a teaspoon into the milk.”

Water and fertilizing

The volume of clean, fresh water consumed should not be limited. It is made available to the dog regardless of the time of day. Make sure it doesn't end. Clean the bowl (automatic drinker) daily and change the liquid in it.

• Seaweed, bone and meat-and-bone meal, ground eggshells, and salmon fish oil are used as fertilizers. Vitamins in tablet form are beneficial - they are eaten like treats. Vitamins and minerals are added to thermally processed dishes, and oil is added to fresh vegetables and meat.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.

If the disease does occur

It happens that an allergic reaction manifests itself over time. The pet has already been living in the house for a couple of months, and family members have just started showing allergy symptoms.

In this case, there are two options for solving the problem: look for a new home for the pet or use medications to eliminate allergic manifestations. And if in the first option everything is clear, then in the second case there may be difficulties.

An allergy to a dog can be either mild or severe. If the reaction to animals is pronounced, continued presence in the same room with a dog can be dangerous for humans and lead to the development of chronic diseases.

How to treat an allergy to a Shih Tzu if you still develop it? Doctors prescribe allergy sufferers to take a course of medications, which include Claritin, Benadryl, Cirtek and others. The course must be repeated every couple of months. Without the use of medications, allergy sufferers will not be able to live normally in the same house with a dog.

Interesting! Animals can also be allergic to their owner. Approximately 5% of pet dogs developed a rash caused by a reaction to human contact.

Traditional medicine offers other treatments for allergies, including to Shih Tzu.

• Freshly squeezed celery root juice. You need to take it a few teaspoons half an hour before meals, before each meal. This will help minimize the manifestation of allergies.
• A mixture of juices will also work. You need to mix the juice of carrots, apples, parsley and cauliflower inflorescences in equal proportions. It should be drunk three times a day 25 minutes before meals.
• Dill compress for itching. Dill juice should be mixed with water in equal proportions and applied to the area where redness occurs for 10 minutes. After a couple of hours, the compress can be repeated.
• Shilajit treatment course. One gram of mumiyo is dissolved in a liter of boiled water at room temperature and drunk in the morning. Children under 7 years old should be given 50 ml per day. The course of treatment must last at least 20 days.

If you are going to visit friends who have a pet, the allergy sufferer needs to start preparing for the meeting with their four-legged friend a week in advance. In this case, you need to take antihistamines. They will negate the possibility of allergies.

Origin and character of the breed

First, let's briefly talk about what a Shih Tzu is. This miniature dog was bred in China. Its initial task was to decorate its royal owners. The small, extremely cute and sociable pet soon became so beloved by the Chinese emperors that they forbade ordinary people from keeping her.

For thousands of years, the Shih Tzu lived with royalty. First in China, then outside of it. Nowadays, anyone can buy this “lion” dog. What to feed your Shih Tzu? The choice is up to the owner. The pros and cons of natural nutrition and feed are discussed in the following subsections.

Despite his touching appearance, the representative of the breed is very brave. It is no coincidence that he is called the “lion” dog. A brave heart beats in the chest of a Shih Tzu. She will attack without hesitation if she sees that her master is in danger.

At home, this is an affectionate and gentle animal, surprisingly sensitive. The dog does not like an indifferent attitude towards his person. But he won’t impose himself if he sees that the owner is busy. As soon as the owner is free and sits down on the sofa or lounge chair, his trusty chrysanthemum is right there. He caresses, wags his tail, looks devotedly into your eyes. Shih Tzus are very affectionate.

Relationships with other family members, including children, are friendly. She is happy with everyone, she is ready to lick everyone. The only thing the animal doesn’t like is the child’s excessive intrusiveness. He can put it in place by lightly squeezing his hand with his teeth. Ready to be friends with other animals. And she absolutely sincerely does not understand why this cat refuses to become the best friend of a lady from the royal palaces.

This is a brief description of the Shih Tzu breed. Now let's get back to the conversation about food for these representatives of the canine elite.

List of prohibited foods

You should not feed your Shih Tzu meat with high fat content, smoked meats, river fish, raw liver and bones (which can cause damage to the digestive tract), and sweets (which cause problems with teeth and excess weight).

Do not feed the Shih Tzu legumes - due to increased gas formation, bloating appears in the stomach; do not give milk to drink - due to the risk of digestive problems.

There is no place in feeding for salty and spicy foods, processed foods, potatoes, white flour products, spices, pearl barley, soybeans, pasta and corn grits. Do not give very hot or very cold, rotten or sour food.

• If an upset stomach occurs, the Shih Tzu is given rice water or herbal infusions (chamomile, St. John's wort), which normalizes stool.

An alternative is to take bifitrilak for 1-2 days. It is also recommended for recovery after poisoning. The main thing is not to let the problem get worse and start treatment on time.

Conclusion

The owner of a Shih Tzu does not have any difficulties in choosing a feeding method. The best choice is to feed with natural food. If this is not possible, then super-premium granulated food is suitable.

What you should absolutely not give

There is a list of foods that should not be included in a Shih Tzu's diet under any circumstances. First of all, there is no place for smoked meats in a dog’s bowl. Fatty meats and poultry bones should also not appear on the dog menu. Sweets, legumes, pasta, barley and soy should not be in your pet's diet. Sugar-containing foods negatively affect tooth enamel and can lead to obesity. Peas or beans can cause bloating. Also, be careful not to get any spicy food into your Shih Tzu's bowl.

In order for your dog to grow up healthy and cheerful, you need to know what and how to feed your pet, and strictly adhere to the rules described above.

Grooming

The difficulty of keeping a Shih Tzu lies in the need for careful care of its long hair. The appearance of an exhibition animal requires special attention.

Victoria:

Contrary to popular belief that Shih Tzus do not shed, I have to disappoint everyone who is planning to get this dog: they also shed! Our Justin, if he is not brushed daily, is capable of cleaning all the furniture and floors. Only a slicker can save you.

If a Shih Tzu participates in exhibitions, caring for a long coat is quite troublesome. You need to buy a lot of all kinds of dog cosmetics for grooming, tie a ponytail on your head - a topknot, curl curlers.

We don't go to exhibitions, so we keep Justin's hair short. Sometimes in extreme heat we may shave our heads. But the hair on the face still gets dirty when eating. Therefore, after each feeding we wash our handsome little one.

Nikolay:

I would like to warn everyone who has decided to get a Shih Tzu: combing, cutting, and knitting ponytails will take a lot of time. But for those who love their dog, it will be a pleasure. How nice it is to then walk around the city with a well-groomed pet that everyone pays attention to!

Yana:

Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time for grooming - this can be seen even in the photo, although she is a puppy. In general, I cut Bonya's hair. In my opinion, she feels quite comfortable with this. And there is no dog smell from the Shih Tzu, even if they get wet in the rain. I have been convinced of this more than once.

Hope:

I brush my pet every day. Two or three times a year we go to the groomer and get a haircut. When walking in wet weather, we wear overalls so that the wool doesn’t get so dirty. Of course, when she sheds, you need to brush longer and preferably more often. I bathe her every two weeks and there is no smell.

Lyalina hygienic haircut for the summer (photo taken in the spring of 2015).

Features when preparing a diet

To create a feeding plan for your Shih Tzu, you should consider:

• predisposition to diseases: among the most common diseases are defects of the kidneys, cardiovascular system, eyes and trachea;
• prone to allergies: representatives of the breed are at risk of food allergies several times more often than other dogs;
• features of the structure of the jaw: at 3-7 months, puppies change their teeth, during this problematic period it is necessary to give up solid food and add calcium gluconate to the food;
• growth rate: up to three months, it is recommended to saturate the diet of puppies with calcium to strengthen the body;
• characteristics of the coat: the dog’s coat requires high-quality nutrition from the inside and the consumption of calcium, phosphorus and vegetable fats;
• assimilation of various products: individual characteristics are observed at an early age, but there is a list of products prohibited for all representatives of the breed.

Content Features

The Shih Tzu's eyes, due to their large size and protuberance, require special care and attention. It is also necessary to pluck hair from the ears to improve their ventilation and avoid otitis media.

Hope:

Sometimes her eyes water. It happens because she is allergic to certain foods. Shih Tzu eyes are generally prone to inflammation. Long hairs that get into the eyes can also cause them to fester. Sometimes conjunctivitis occurs in the summer if dust gets into the eyes. That's why I keep them clean. I wash it with a special lotion and trim the hair around the eyes.

Yana:

You have to take very careful care of your eyes. This is a feature of the breed. Our friend's dog, also a Shih Tzu, has eyes that fall out when he is very frightened. Bonnie has never had anything like this. I don't know what I would do in this case. But we take care of the eyes: we wash them, clean the corners, and trim around them.

Victoria:

Shih Tzu ears are something... When our dog was still a puppy, we forgot that we needed to pluck the hair out of them, and gave the poor thing otitis media. His ears turned red inside, and he constantly shook his head. Now we are carefully monitoring the condition of our ears so that this does not happen again.

Nutrition is the basis of a pet’s health and activity

An important aspect of proper care is proper feeding. Natural nutrition is considered ideal.

A natural food diet should include:

• raw meat and offal;
• vegetables and fruits;
• dairy products;
• additional ingredients - eggs, nuts, vegetable oils.

You can choose high-quality premium food. The most popular among owners are Royal Canin, Acana, Origine, Eukubana. Choose products from a special line for small breeds and taking into account the age of the pet.

The dog should not be overfed. She is prone to obesity. On a natural basis, vitamin-mineral complexes will not be superfluous.

We recommend reading: How to properly feed your dog natural food?

Prohibited Products

Dogs' bodies are different from humans', and what is good for humans cannot always be given to dogs. The owner of this amazing dog should definitely get acquainted with the list of foods that are strictly prohibited for feeding:

1. Bones – representatives of this breed do not have a very strong dental system, so gnawing bones will be an unnecessarily strong load for it. In addition, bones from fish or chicken can damage the organs of the digestive tract - scratching or piercing the walls.
2. Raw fish is often a source of parasites, and therefore requires mandatory heat treatment, but feeding your dog river fish in any form is not recommended, since it is excessively bony.
3. Milk is an ideal food for puppies, but the body of an adult animal practically does not digest lactose, so it is advisable to replace this drink with fermented milk products.
4. Sausages, smoked meats - even their benefits for humans can be doubted, but they are definitely harmful to dogs, as they contain artificial additives that harm the dog’s liver and disrupt the digestive processes.
5. Confectionery products – chocolates, sweets and other foods containing sugar have a negative impact on your pet’s vision, weight and metabolic processes. No matter how much your pet begs for sweets, you cannot give him such foods.
6. Salt – the use of this seasoning provokes an imbalance of water and electrolytes in the animal’s body, which can cause seizures and even heart failure.
7. Coffee – pets’ bodies are more sensitive to caffeine, so it can cause arrhythmia, hypertension, seizures, and vomiting.
8. Alcohol - consumption of even a small amount causes poisoning with all the accompanying manifestations of serious intoxication.
9. Macadamia nut – contains substances that are strong toxins for the body of animals. After eating a piece, the dog will experience symptoms of intoxication after a while.
10. Grapes – contain substances that negatively affect the functioning of the dog’s kidneys. This berry can cause fermentation in the intestines.

It is advisable for the owner to protect the dog from eating junk food, which will save the pet from negative consequences.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-shi-ttsu.html

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

Walks or diaper?

The Shih Tzu needs daily walking. This pet will not wear a diaper instead of full walks. Reusable diapers can be used as a temporary solution for up to 3-4 months. Read about toilet training here.

Victoria:

While Justin was very tiny, of course, we put a diaper on him. He hit her with varying degrees of success. When he grew up, from the age of five or six months the question of diapers disappeared. On the street he has a lot of important things to do - sniff everything, mark every corner, say hello to everyone he knows.

Yana:

I tried to accustom Bonya to a diaper, but I failed. The breeder taught her to go outside, and I was unable to change her habit. Therefore, if you left her alone for a long time, you could then find a puddle in the hallway. I solved the problem with reusable diapers. And if you take her outside on time, she will never allow herself to do this.

During their walk, Bonya and her little son get into such crazy running around that I can’t imagine how I could force her to sit locked up all day. They would destroy my whole house.

Did you like the article? Give it a like!

Larisa, Bogdanovich

March 27

Hello. I have a Shih Tzu, one year and 4 months old. An allergy has appeared, it is impossible to determine what exactly. Manifests itself in the form of redness of the chest, tummy and the inside of the paws. The dog's diet included: chicken, beef, rice, buckwheat, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, pumpkin, zucchini. First I eliminated tomatoes and peppers, then chicken and buckwheat, now I replaced pumpkin and beef with turkey. I have been trying to detect the allergen for about two months now, to no avail. After taking kefir, the tummy becomes light, but after porridge it turns red again. Give me advice on what I should do. The city is small, they won’t do a blood test for allergens. Doesn't eat dry food.

On the Ask a Doctor service, you can consult a veterinarian on any problem that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and free of charge. Ask your question and get an answer immediately!

Similar questions

Breed

August 4

Esther, Odessa

What should I do if I haven't found the answer to my question?

If you have a similar or similar question, but you haven’t found the answer, get your free online consultation with a doctor.

If you want to get a more detailed consultation with a doctor and solve the problem quickly and individually, ask a paid question in a private personal message. Be healthy!