7 Natural Ways to Focus on Your Shih tzu's Health

Shih Tzu’s are very playful and friendly dogs, but they can also be quite fragile. Over-exercising or not exercising enough can lead to Shih tzu’s Health problems. You should take them on walks daily with a leash, keep their diet healthy with the right type of food and supplements, and make sure they get plenty of rest. But what else can you give your Shih Tzu for a natural way to focus on their health?

Your Shih tzu’s Health – What you Can Give to Ensure an Optimal Life

1.Vitamin Supplements

One of the best ways to help your Shih Tzu stay in good health is by giving them vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplements could be a great way to add extra nutrients to your shih tzu’s diet.

The supplements are said to improve their coat and could provide a string of extra health benefits. Make sure to read the list of ingredients and follow the recommended dosage on the package.

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2. Calcium Chews

Shih Tzus are prone to calcium deficiencies which can lead to health problems. If your dog doesn’t eat much calcium, you could give them supplements or chews which can help make sure they get enough of this important nutrient.

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3. Probiotics

Probiotic supplements and chews are great to help make your Shih Tzu’s gut strong and healthy. If your Shih Tzu has a healthy gut, they will be able to absorb their nutrients more efficiently so they can stay healthier. On the other hand, a lack of probiotics can lead to digestive problems and bad breath.

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4. Specialist Foods

Make sure you have a good Shih Tzu food supplier that can provide your dog with the right type of food. They should eat a high-quality food with an appropriate amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

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5. Dental Chews

Shih Tzu’s often develop dental problems such as plaque and tartar. These build up over time and cause tooth decay; they can also lead to gum diseases, bad breath, and tooth loss. You should be giving your Shih Tzu chews which will help make their teeth clean and healthy. That way, you can reduce the risk of them developing dental problems in the future and keep them happy with a healthy set of chompers!

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6. Fish Oil

Fish Oil is a great supplement to give to your Shih Tzu because it will help their coat stay shiny and healthy, combatting problems such as dry skin. It can also help with preventing or fighting cancer in dogs. Fish oil supplements come from fish like salmon and sardines, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. This is what makes them so good for your dog’s health; they don’t just provide the ingredients that keep your pet’s coat nice and lively – they also include fatty acids which fight heart disease and arthritis.

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7. Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a great dietary supplement for your Shih Tzu. It can have an anti-inflammatory effect, good for skin allergies and irritations.

What you do is purchase a bottle of hemp oil. Then, simply squeeze the liquid onto your dog’s food every day. That’s it! If they don’t like the taste, mix their food with milk to help mask it out. You can use this as much as you want – but keep in mind that too much hemp might not be good for them either, so try to limit it to about half a teaspoon at a time.

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Why Do You Need to Supplement with Vitamins and Minerals for Your Dog?

You should supplement with vitamins and minerals for your Shih Tzu because if you don’t, they could develop health problems such as having a vitamin or mineral deficiency. There are many different types of specialized food, vitamins, and minerals that your dog may be missing out on; giving them supplements is the best way to help make sure that doesn’t happen.

If you’re not sure what deficiencies your dog might already have, talk to a vet and they can tell you what supplements you need to buy next.

Conclusion:

When it comes to your shih tzu’s health, you want the best for them so that they can live a long and healthy life. Many people don’t know how important vitamin supplementation is for their furry friends, but we’re here to help!Here are some tips from our team of animal experts on what supplements your dog needs in order to stay happy and healthy no matter their age or breed.

Disclaimer: All advice given on this website is general in nature. You need to do your own research and make your own decisions regarding care for your pet. We cannot be held liable.

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.