Shih Tzu Accessories -- Preparing for Your Friend

When the decision is made to welcome a Shih Tzu into your home, whether it is a grown dog or a wee little pup, certain steps must be taken to provide for its welfare. Shih Tzu accessories, things that will make your doggie welcome, are many and shopping for them is one of the first steps in creating a paradise for your Shih Tzu. A list of Shih Tzu accessories follows:

1. A Crate - a metal crate may look very uncomfortable to you, but with the right bedding and a few fun toys, this will be one of the most important Shih Tzu accessories. It is important, even if you adopt a pup to get a crate that will be big enough for an adult Shih Tzu. The right size will be somewhere around 24" high, 20" wide, and 22" high.



2. Bedding - a fleecy type veterinary bedding is a good choice. It is soft, warm, and machine washable. Pine shavings are another choice. Just be sure that it is comfy and cozy for your Shih Tzu.



3. Baby Gate - another handy item. This way you can keep your dog in or out of certain places without too much trouble.



4. Toys - we all know this is a must when shopping for Shih Tzu accessories! Shih Tzu pups love to play! Squeaky toys, rope toys, stuffed animals…even an old sock; Shih Tzu toys are not hard to come by. Just be sure that the toys don't pose any hazards - some plastic can break and be swallowed, squeakers can come loose and be swallowed. Care should be taken and broken toys replaced.



5. Food - many different brands and kinds of food are out there. When getting a puppy it's best to ask the breeder what kind the pup has been on the avoid making him sick from suddenly changing his food.



6. Bowls - again, many to choose from. Try to get a shallow bowl, as Shih Tzu's don't like deep dishes.



7. Collar and Lead - Don't just choose the prettiest you come across when choosing your dog's collar and leash. Comfort should also be considered or else your dog may come to resent wearing a collar and lead. Soft, webbed, nylon collars with a plastic snap are often chosen by Shih Tzu owners.



8. Grooming Equipment - this should include a baby hair brush for a pup's first brush. As the dog grows older a bristle brush, pin brush, soft slicker brush, a comb that has both wide and small teeth, and a moustache comb are all required if you intend to let your Shih Tzu's hair grow out. If you want to have your dog puppy clipped, then grooming will be much less of a worry.

These are just a few ideas as you stockpile Shih Tzu accessories -- have fun preparing for your companion!

Get more details at our article about Shih Tzu Training -- Grooming ...