The Shih Tzu's name means little lion which
they are most certainly not, but might be confused for because of their big fluffy mane. This breed is all about cuddles, not hunting. They are excellent house dogs who enjoy following
their humans around the house and getting them to play with them. They’ve been around for a long time since
ancient times, finding themselves on the laps of various people, including emperors. As a Shih Tzu owner, there are some things
you must never do to ensure you get the best outcome, and in this video, we will talk about
5 things you must never do to your Shih Tzu. But first, if you would like to keep getting
useful tips and guides about your dogs or cats, then don’t forget to subscribe to
our channel, because we constantly bring you useful info that will help you be a better
pet owner. Let’s get started. 1. Never Leave them Without Grooming. Shih Tzus need their coat to look great, so
you need to care for it every day. Some Shih Tzus enjoy the extra attention that
comes with this, especially when they get loads of praise for looking amazing. Some will try to run away if you approach
them with a brush. To avoid having to groom that much, try brushing
their bangs back over their eyes and giving them shorter hair to avoid shielding their
eyes. The Shih Tzu coat needs to be brushed and
combed daily to avoid tangles. Baths are recommended once a week or so. Many people indeed prefer Shih Tzu with short
fur coats. It is easier to brush them for someone who
has less time on their hands, but there are some trade-offs. Regular grooming sessions are important to
maintain the quality of their coat while trimming it will remove some of their beauty. 2. Never Pamper Your Shih Tzu. Pampering your Shih Tzu can be disastrous. You'll find that Shih Tzus are very sweet-natured,
but they can be quite stubborn for their size. Some Shih Tzus also become manipulative with
age. As the leader of the pack, it's up to you
to be absolutely consistent about what you mean. Giving in to their demands and acting inconsistently
will only result in a spoilt dog who doesn’t listen when you say no. 3. Never Leave them Without Regular Health Checks. Most owners neglect to take their Shih Tzu
to the vet for regular health checks. It is important to know that although Shih
Tzus are generally healthy, they’re prone to certain conditions and diseases. Common problems among Shih Tzus include hip
dysplasia, eye anomalies, and patellar luxation. Vision disorders can lead to serious damage
such as keratitis, a cornea inflammation that can cause a corneal ulcer and blindness; progressive
retinal atrophy, a degenerative disease that will eventually cause blindness; and dry eye,
a dryness of the cornea. Regardless of how healthy your Shih Tzu seems
to be when you bring them home, regular health checks will help you identify conditions quickly,
so the appropriate actions can be taken on time. 4. Never Leave them Without Exercise. Although the size of the Shih Tzu makes it
require less outdoor activity and exercise, occasional exercise will help keep them active
and busy. To maintain their mental stability, you'll
want to make sure they always have a toy they can play with at their disposal. These dogs like short walks, but don't stress
if that's not possible on a daily basis. They're very active and won't need to exercise
every day due to their size. On the other hand, they're great for agility
competitions. This will help maintain their joints and tone
their muscles through exercise. The exercise will also strengthen their respiratory
and circulatory system, improve digestion and help them sleep. 5. Never Feed them Low-Quality Food. As small dogs, Shih Tzus need proper nutrition
to keep their energy levels up. Food containing enough nutrients is perfect
for them. Feeding them low-quality food will not only
be detrimental to them but can even cause them severe harm. Note though that an active dog will need more
food than an inactive one. A pup's nutritional needs also depend on its
size, age, and metabolism. They don't all need the same amount of food,
but that doesn't mean you can just guess how much they should eat. The quality of the dog food you buy also matters. If you have a dog, they may need snacks to
go with their regular kibble, but if you buy expensive, nutritious food it will last longer. The bottom line is, owning a Shih Tzu can
be a tough job. They need to have some pricey needs taken
care of as well as be handled in some troublesome situations. As an owner, you must take care of those things
& ensure that the dog has been cared for if something happens. A comfortable environment and nutritious food
are also important for your Shih Tzu. Although it can be tough, it is always worth
it in the end. So, are you a Shih Tzu Owner? What is your Shih Tzu Dog like? Please leave a comment below.
