Welcoming Your Shih-Tzu Puppy: A Comprehensive Guide and Checklist
- Elizabeth
- Oct 26, 2023
- 4 min read
Title: Welcoming Your Shih-Tzu Puppy: A Comprehensive Guide and Checklist
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Introduction:
Bringing home a Shih-Tzu puppy is an exciting and joyful experience. These adorable little bundles of fur require some preparation to ensure they have a smooth transition into their new home. This article will guide you through the essential steps to welcome your Shih-Tzu puppy and provide a checklist of items you'll need to create a safe and comfortable environment for your new furry family member.
Step 1: Preparing the Home:
Before bringing your Shih-Tzu puppy home, it's essential to create a safe and welcoming environment. Here are some key considerations:
1. Puppy-Proofing: Remove any potential hazards, such as toxic plants, small objects, electrical cords, or chemicals, from areas accessible to your puppy. See: Creating a Safe Haven: How to puppy proof your home.
2. Designating a Space: Set up a designated area in your home where your puppy will spend most of their time. This could be a puppy-proofed room or a crate for night time.
3. An outdoor space: The great outdoors is good for Shih Tzu puppies and adults! This being said, puppies should be confined to your yard and away from areas where other dogs (that you don’t know the vaccination status of) are or have been, until they have finished their puppy shots at about 16 weeks. You can set up an outdoor playpen in your yard to keep your puppy safe from outdoor hazards and you can keep the area clear of sticks and grasses that will tangle your Shih Tzu’s coat.
Step 2: Checklist for Essential Items:
To ensure your Shih-Tzu puppy's comfort and well-being, it is important to have the following items ready:
1. Food and Water Bowls: Opt for shallow bowls to accommodate your Shih-Tzu's flat face and prevent discomfort while eating or drinking.
2. High-Quality Puppy Food: Your puppy has been weaned to Diamond Puppy Food and canned Pedigree Puppy Food. If you want to change foods, choose a well-balanced, age-appropriate puppy food recommended by your veterinarian.
Make the change in food gradually so your puppy will not get diarrhea.
3. Collar and Identification Tag: Purchase a collar that fits your puppy's size and attach an identification tag with your contact information.
An adjustable collar is best because your puppy will grow! Choose a lightweight collar add the id tag after your puppy is used to wearing his collar.
4. Leash: Get a lightweight leash suitable for small breeds to start leash training your Shih-Tzu.
Leash training can be started in your own backyard or even indoors if your puppy has not completed his puppy shots (16 weeks).
Don’t take your puppy on walks until he has completed his puppy series of shots!
5. Comfortable Bed: Provide a cozy and appropriately sized bed or crate for your puppy to rest. A 29-30" crate is perfect for most Shih Tzu, from puppyhood to adult.
6. Chew Toys: Shih-Tzus are known to be avid chewers. Provide a variety of safe and durable chew toys to prevent them from chewing on inappropriate items. These toys are great for tiny teething puppies!
7. Puppy Pads or Litter Box: For potty training, consider using puppy pads or a litter box specifically designed for small breeds.
If you use puppy pads, make sure to use a pad holder or your puppy will have lots of fun playing with the pad and dragging poop and pee all over the house!
Litter box training your Shih Tzu puppy is easy! For full instructions how to teach your puppy to use a litter box, see How to Potty Train your Shih Tzu puppy. Make sure to use litter box pellets for dogs, not kitty litter, since kitty litter dust can cause breathing problems in a short-nosed dog if inhaled.
8. Grooming Supplies: Shih-Tzus require regular grooming. Invest in a brush, comb, nail clippers, and gentle pet shampoo. A whitening shampoo can brighten your puppies white areas and will make her dark areas more vibrant. On Gold or Gold and White Shih Tzu, use a regular (non whitening shampoo), the whitening shampoo can make their color appear less vibrant.
9. Training Treats: Reward-based training is crucial for your puppy's development. Stock up on small, soft, and nutritious treats. I use Bil-Jac Training Treats for training and Milk Bones for a bedtime snack!
10. Pet Insurance: Consider getting pet insurance to help with unexpected veterinary expenses. Many companies offer pet insurance. Some companies offer a flat fee payment based on the diagnosis. Some pay a percentage of the total bill. Do your shopping a decide what’s best for you and your puppy
Step 3: Schedule a Veterinary Visit:
Within the first few days of bringing your Shih-Tzu puppy home, schedule a visit with a veterinarian. The vet will conduct a thorough examination, administer vaccinations if needed, and provide guidance on healthcare, nutrition, and parasite prevention.
Conclusion:
Bringing home a Shih-Tzu puppy is an exciting adventure. By preparing your home, gathering essential items, and scheduling a veterinary visit, you can ensure a smooth transition for your new furry friend. Remember to shower them with love, patience, and positive reinforcement as they settle into their new environment. Enjoy the journey of raising a happy and healthy Shih-Tzu companion!