Whether you're the proud puppy parent of a Shih Tzu or you're considering bringing one of these furry friends into your household, you already know just how big of a responsibility it is to care for a puppy. It is up to you to train your puppy so that he becomes a loving member of your household - instead of just a hassle. Your pet will be around you and other members of your household all the time, and you want to foster a loving relationship. You do this by providing your pet with the care and love it needs to thrive. While the puppy stage can be quite demanding, it is a very interesting and fulfilling experience for you and your entire home. Read on to find out how you can nurture your puppy to create a friend that you'll have for years to come.

Bath time and hair brushing

Shih Tzu grooming experts recommend bathing your dog at least once every two weeks. While some people would prefer to have their dog’s bathe every day, this often leads to skin irritations because the natural oils that protect both the skin and the hair is stripped off. A separate bathtub and special soap helps you to avoid cross contamination with the rest of the family. It is definitely easier to dry hair with a hair dryer after washing, but a towel is better for retaining the natural oils. When brushing your dog's fur, the brush needs to comb through the hair shaft from the root and in the direction of growth. Any tangles should be removed with the hands to avoid hurting the animal.

Grooming

It is not easy to get a wiggly puppy to sit still but once they get used to the cleaning routine, the level of resistance will gradually fade. Ears should be cleaned with cotton swabs, eyes should be protected from infection by regularly trimming the hair around them, teeth should be brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs only, and toe nails should be clipped and trimmed often.

Feeding

You should feed your pet a healthy, well-balanced diet. You will want to invest in a high-quality dog food that contains meat as the main ingredient to provide your pet with the nourishment he or she needs to grow and thrive. You should never simply choose the cheapest pet foods, as these contain byproducts and fillers that could leave your dog still hungry, could aggravate allergies, or could cause obesity or other health issues. Create a feeding schedule that's right for your dog. You'll also want to invest in healthy treats to reward your pup. And from time to time, you can even give your Shih Tzu approved human foods.

Conclusion

The nurturing of your Shih Tzu will be as difficult or as hard as you make it. These simple steps are just a few ways that you can make sure your Shih Tzu puppy grows into a happy, healthy adult dog. These tips, combined with exercise, playtime, and lots of love, will help you groom your pup to become a loved member of the family.

(Featured image credits: wikia)

Nurturing Your Shih Tzu from Puppyhood to Adulthood

Grooming