Shih-Tzu Care Kit

  Shih-Tzu Care Kit 

Leashes & Harnesses

Features

These energetic little dogs love a good walk, but sometimes they can get a little too worked up! While walking your Shih-Tzu, you need:

• To use a harness rather than a collar, to avoid choking.
• Close, comfortable fit.
• A 14 – 20″ chest fit (measure first).
• Avoid dangerous retractable leashes.

Expert Picks

• Freedom No-Pull Harness – Attach leash to front or back of harness.
• Vivaglory Dog Leash – Just because you have a small breed doesn’t mean you need a small leash! Standard six-foot leash.

Basic Toys

Features

This breed loves to play. Get your Shih-Tzu plenty of toys that are:

• Durable.
• Varied.
• Let you play too!

Expert Picks

• Gnawsome Spiky Squeaker – You Shih-Tzu can play a squeaky game of fetch, and clean their teeth at the same time!
• Otterly Pets Rope Toys – Set of four rope toys. Plenty of variety!

Mentally Stimulating Toys

Features

When your Shih-Tzu isn’t playing with you, make sure they have plenty of mentally stimulating activities that:

• Entertain them.
• Take a long time to finish.
• Encourage thinking.

Expert Picks

• AWOOF Snuffle Mat – “Snuffle” around to find the hidden treats!
• OurPets IQ Treat Ball – Treat dispensing puzzle ball.

Chews

Features

If you need a little free time, but want to keep your Shih-Tzu entertained, give them chews that are:

• Safe for dogs.
• Long-Lasting.
• High-value.

Expert Picks

• Bully Sticks – Dogs give these five stars, and pet owners agree!
• Deer Antlers – Chewable, but not edible. Tip: Purchase the ones split in half.

Dog Beds

Features

Humans originally bred this dog as a lapdog for royalty. Treat your pup like royalty with a bed that’s:

• Stylish.
• Comfortable.
• Machine-Washable.

Expert Picks

• Joyelf Orthopedic Pet Bed – Features: Memory foam, machine washable cover, and a squeaky toy!
• Pet Craft Supply Co. Round Bed – Features: Ultra soft, affordable, self-warming, machine washable cover.

Dog Crates

Features

If your Shih-Tzu gets into mischief while you’re away, keep them safe and secure with a crate that’s:

• Durable
• Includes a divider.
• Appropriately sized.

Expert Picks

• MidWest Homes Crate – Features: Double doors, divider panel, rolling feet.
• AmazonBasics Crate – Features: Single door, divider panel.

Dog Treats

Features

Your little Shih-Tzu loves to please. Teach them new things using treats that are:

• Chewy or moist.
• Made with protein.
• Varied.

Expert Picks

• ACANA Singles – Features: Freeze-dried ingredients, various flavors.
• Zuke’s Training Treats – Features: Bite-sized, multiple flavors, easy to break into smaller pieces.

Travel Supplies

Features

When you’re on the go with your Shih-Tzu, make sure you have:

• A travel crate to keep your dog safe.
• Dog care necessities.
• A way to clean up after your pet.

Expert Picks

• 2PET Foldable Dog Crate – This soft-sided crate won’t rip your seats. Folds for storage.
• Earth Rated Poop Bags – Clean up with bags made with recycled materials!
• Deyace Dog Water Bottle – Water bottle with a drinking bowl.

Anxiety Reduction

Features

If your dog shows signs of anxious behavior, try:

• Adding mentally stimulating activities.
• Providing high-value chews.
• Compression.

Expert Picks

• Monster Braided Bully Stick – High-value and takes a long time to chew!
• ThunderShirt – A small should fit, but measure first. Compressing material to reduce anxiety.

Housebreaking

Features

Small breeds can be difficult to housetrain because they have small bladders. Some key rules:

• Use your crate.
• Prevention is key.
• Use gates and playpens to keep your dog in sight.

Expert Picks

• MidWest Homes Crate – Give just enough space to lie comfortably. Dogs don’t like to potty where they sleep.
• Glad for Pets Charcoal Puppy Pads – DO NOT keep pads down at all times. Only when you will be gone longer than they can hold it.
• Wooden Pet Gate – Freestanding, no pressure mount needed. Easy to move from room to room.

Dog Foods

Features

A good dog food is the basis of a healthy pup! Pick a food with:

• High protein percentage.
• First two ingredients protein.
• Unique protein sources.

Expert Picks

• Amazon Brand Wag – Features: Turkey, 35% protein, first two ingredients are turkey.
• Nutro Wholesome Essentials – Features: First two ingredients lamb and chicken, 22% protein.

Hair Clippers

Features

Lots of owners trim their Shih-Tzus instead of making expensive groomers visits. Choose clippers that are:

• Quiet to reduce stress.
• Cordless
• Efficient.

Expert Picks

• OneisAll Dog Shaver Clippers– Features: Low sound, cordless, affordable, multiple trimming guards.
• WAHL Lithium Ion Pro Series Clippers – Features: Quiet, cordless, clipper oil included, professional’s choice.

Shampoos

Features

Unless your Shih-Tzu hops in a mud puddle, you should bathe them about once every three weeks. Pick a shampoo that’s:

• Non-irritating.
• Soothing for itchy skin.
• Pleasant smell.

Expert Picks

• Snow White Shampoo – For lighter colored Shih-Tzus, naturally brighten the coat and reduce stains.
• Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo – Features: Affordable, natural ingredients, non-irritating and soothing.

Brushes

Features

You should brush your Shih-Tzu’s face every day, and its coat at least once every three or four days to prevent tangles. You need the following brushes:

• Fine comb for the face.
• Bristle brush for the head and body.
• Standard comb for various tangles.

Expert Picks

• Dog Comb – Features: Fine tooth end and regular end. Rubber handle for easy grip.
• Burt’s Bees Bristle Brush – Features: Soft bristles for easy grooming.

Hair Dryers

Features

After bathing, you should fully dry your Shih-Tzu and brush out their coat. Choose a dryer that is:

• Powerful.
• Quiet.
• Adjustable temperature.

Expert Picks

• CHAOLUN High Velocity Pet Dryer – Quiet but powerful, with several nozzles.
• XPOWER Pet Dryer – Budget-friendly powerful dryer, but somewhat loud.