Puppy Teething: What You Need to Know

A Shih Tzu puppy is usually considered to be fully grown at the age of six months. That being said, they are still puppies for a little while longer. Like all other dogs, Shih Tzus go through periods where their teeth start to break through and grow in new ones. This process can cause some pain and discomfort so it’s important for owners to know how best to help them out during this time period. This article will provide helpful tips on keeping your pup comfortable until his or her puppy teething phase has passed!

The Shih Tzu Puppy Teething Process

When a Shih Tzu puppy is teething, he or she will have very sharp little teeth coming in. This can be uncomfortable for them so it’s important to take care of them while this process goes on. The first thing an owner should do is provide their pup with plenty of toys that are safe enough to chew on. Some great options are rawhide bones, made-for-puppies toys, and washcloth/shower dummy type things that they cannot swallow but can still play with comfortably until the pain subsides.

The First Teeth

Owners should look out for lethargy, excessive drooling, difficulty eating, and changes in behavior as these are all signs that your pup may be uncomfortable. If any of these do occur, make sure you give your dog some space and time to rest.

The Second Teeth

These teeth will come in behind the first set of incisors, so as long as you pay attention to those, everything should go smoothly for several more weeks until the next set starts to break through.

Why is Your Shih Tzu Puppy Teething

Puppies start teething as a way to help ease the pain of their adult teeth breaking through. However, they can still experience some discomfort or pain even after the initial teething is done. All dogs experience this to varying degrees and it’s something that most owners simply have to put up with until it passes.

What are the Symptoms of Puppy Teething in Dogs

The symptoms of teething are as follows: drooling, tender gums, chewing on things they shouldn’t, and general restlessness. In addition to the above symptoms, a dog’s behavior may change as well. They may become clingier with their owners or even more aggressive. Dogs that normally don’t bark much may suddenly become loud and irritable. These changes can last a few days or a few weeks depending on the dog itself and the severity of the teething process.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your Shih Tzu puppy, make sure to keep an eye out for any further changes in their behavior as this is usually indicative of something else going on inside them that needs your help!

How Can You Help Your Dog with Their Puppy Teething Pain

There are a number of ways that dog owners can help their dogs deal with teething pain. The easiest and most effective solution is to simply pay them more attention during this period. When your pup feels like someone is giving him or her the time and love they need, it will make everything feel better and help them relax enough to not be so grumpy all the time. In addition to talking with your Shih Tzu puppy, try petting them more often. They will appreciate any sort of affection at this difficult time!

Tips for Easing the Pain of a Puppy Teething

If a non-traditional method of relaxation isn’t working for your pup, take them to the vet immediately so they can get immediate relief through safe treatments such as a shot or some oral medication. If your pup is going through a particularly tough time with their teeth coming in, consider shaving down one of their first upper incisors.

At this point, it’s important to make sure your Shih Tzu puppy is getting enough food and water. During the teething time, many pets are unable to eat as much as they normally would because of the pain that chewing causes them. If you notice this happening with your pup then offer them soft foods that are relatively flavorless or warm cooked chicken or rice. Since puppies also need a lot of fluids, be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh water at all times so they can stay hydrated until their next meal arrives!

Why It’s Important to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean During This Time

The teeth of your Shih Tzu are very similar to ours in that they tend to accumulate plaque and tartar over time. This can be particularly problematic during teething as these sorts of bacteria often cause the gums to become inflamed or irritated, which makes it even more difficult for them to eat their food comfortably. As a result, it becomes necessary for owners to provide their pup with extra brushing opportunities throughout the day until all incisors have broken through fully.

Which Toys are Best for Puppy Teething

An excellent toy that can help a Shih Tzu puppy teething is the Kong brand rubber chew toys. These products not only offer relief from discomfort but they also provide your pup with something to do during their time of need! In addition, rawhide chews are good treats for dogs going through a tough time with their teeth as well.

Finally, be sure to give them plenty of opportunities to play and exercise throughout the day in order to burn off some energy and distract them from their discomfort when possible.

Conclusion:

There’s no doubt that puppy teething can be a difficult time for both you and your dog. But there are plenty of ways to help them through the process, including providing lots of water and giving them chew toys they’re allowed to gnaw on. Your pup needs all their teeth in order to eat properly as an adult!

Be sure that while he or she is working through this stage, you keep his or her mouth healthy by brushing regularly with pet toothpaste like Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste Plus Dental Care Gel for Dogs (Petro-DEX). We hope these tips will make life easier for both of you during puppy teething.

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.