How to Care for a Shitzu Dog

Adding a Shitzu dog to your family can be a great way to bring excitement and fun to your home. You must know how to properly care for this particular breed, though, since some aspects of its care differs from other dog breeds. Ideally you should learn this in advance before your dog comes to your home as this makes the adjustment period for both you and the dog much easier. If you do plan to get this particular breed of dog, here's what you need to know about how to care for a Shitzu dog.

Things You'll Need

• Shih Tzu

Instructions

1. Comb her hair daily. Shitzu dogs have long hair that can easily tangle and become matted. To prevent this from happening you need to spend time each day combing her hair. You can use a detangling spray if it's too hard to get a comb through.

2. Clean his face. Mucus can build up around his eyes while food can attach to the hair around his mouth. You can clean it off by taking a damp wet cloth and wiping the hair until the mucus and food are removed.

3. Provide attention and exercise. Shitzu dogs can be great companions, but they do need time and attention each day from their owners in order to thrive. Without adequate attention they are a breed that can easily become depressed. You need to spend time ensuring they get a chance to be outdoors whether in a fenced area or on a walk through the neighborhood.

4. Trim the hair around her eyes. Regardless of how you choose to style your Shitzu's hair, you need to keep the hair on her face short to prevent it from getting in her eyes and causing an irritation or infection.

5. Care for him as you would other dogs. While specific steps to care for Shitzu dogs has been outlined here, it's important to remember that he needs much of the same care and treatment other dogs get. Shitzus should receive regular trips to the vet, bathing and grooming as needed, and quality dog food if you can afford it.

Tips & Warnings

• To determine if a Shitzu is the right dog breed for you visit the website of the American Shih Tzu Club. Although its website is geared towards trainers, handlers and breeders, it provides information to help individuals and families know about the Shitzu breed before they adopt or purchase this specific breed.

References

• American Shih Tzu Club

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish