FEEDING:

 

Should you decided to switch your Shih Tzu puppy’s food from one kind to another, do it gradually over several feedings, gradually working in the new food. I switch my puppies to adult food after about 12 weeks old. You may want to feed one bag of puppy food and then switch to a good premium dog food. Purina Pro Plan, Purina One, Bil Jac, Nature's Choice are liked and used by many, and considered good choices. A Shih Tzu won’t eat a whole lot so getting a premium quality food won’t be very much of an expense. Make sure you feed your Shih Tzu puppy at least 2-3 times a day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar.) I prefer to free feed and most other Shih Tzu breeders/owners I know do too. Although during housebreaking you may find you need a feeding schedule. Should your Shih Tzu puppy ever appear lethargic, you may want to try putting a dab of white karo syrup on their tongue 3-4 times over a hour or two period. If low blood sugar is the problem, they should be up and going within a few minutes, else you will want to take them to the Vet. (This is usually only an issue with a small infant puppy, but just as a precaution I am sharing this information with you. I have never had this happen, but I have talked to others that have, and should the blood sugar drop it is very important to be aware of the symptoms and be prepared to take appropriate action.)  A weaned Shih Tzu puppy can eat hard food, and it won’t be necessary to wet it, and for sure never wet its food with cow’s milk.  Never feed a dog, cat’s food or a cat, dog’s food. Should your shih tzu puppy develop a loose stool, you may try giving it a teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin (not with spices) 2-3 times a day. This remedy usually does the trick to firm up a loose stool. I also like to have  Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate on hand to use to remedy a loose stool.

 There are certain foods that should not ever be given to a Shih Tzu. Some are onions or anything containing them, grapes, raisins, chocolate, or anything else that contains caffeine. “Sugar-free” products containing xylitol may prove fatal. Also never give a dog Acetominophen (Tylenol).  You choose to give it small amounts of lean chicken, turkey, beef, venison, lamb or fish. Also small amounts of broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and baby carrots are good. I give mine a few cheerios occasionally. Shih Tzu like this for a treat.  I wouldn’t offer these until after it is over 4 months of age. I’m not fond of all the treat biscuits, strips and such available. If you do get these type of treats I would limit it to one kind (not several varieties), and preferably nothing containing dyes. I like to keep tabs on what they are having in case there is any issue, and if you are given multiple items that is harder to do.

Also I have learned that an occasion teaspoon (one every day or so isn’t too much) of cultured plain yogurt is beneficial to a dogs health as it contains probiotics which boost the immune system. Do not give your Shih Tzu any meat bones as they can splitter and puncture it's digestive tract. Treats shouldn’t make up more than about 5-10% percent of a dogs over all diet. Very much may also result in loose stools. A good quality dog food will contain what they need and is foremost what they should be eating. Beware that occasionally your Shih Tzu could vomit a little yellow bile. This is not uncommon, and nothing to be alarmed about. Sometimes they will get nauseous and this can be the result. It has been suggested that a small treat before bed time can help reduce this tendency if one is doing this.

 

FEEDING ~~~ GROOMING ~~~ HOUSETRAINING ~~~ CRATING ~~~ POOP EATERS 

PUPPY-PROOF ENVIRONMENT ~~~ WATER BOTTLES ~~~ CHILDREN & DOGS ~~~ FLEA CONTROL

 BACK