Shih Tzu Care for Senior Dogs

When your Shih Tzu pup is young you'll need to be strict and consistent in training and Shih Tzu care in order to properly raise him. But as your dog grows older you'll find that in some cases the rule book should be thrown out. You'll have to settle on a schedule that suits you and your dog in regard to many different things, including that all important Shih Tzu diet.

Some Shih Tzus lose their appetite as they grow older. Sometimes a health problem, such as kidney disease, could be the cause for this you'll need to have your dog checked over at the vet occasionally. In other cases, it's just that - lose of appetite. Here's where you'll have to pamper your pet and use a few tricks to tantalize his taste buds. Before we begin with a few pointers, I'd like to remind you that a pup needs to learn to eat whatever is set in front of him. But since we are talking about older Shih Tzus, we'll have to throw that out and try every trick in the book to get them to eat.

• If your dog is used to eating dry food but doesn't have the taste for it anymore, try feeding a wet food. Many dogs love this type of food and can add some variety to your Shih Tzu diet plan. There are many brands and flavors to choose from.
• Tempt your Shih Tzu by adding some fresh cooked meat into his meals. Try fish, chicken, turkey, or ham. Remember to take the bones out before giving any meat to your dog. Even big bones can be swallowed, which can be harmful or fatal.
• Warm your Shih Tzu's food slightly in the oven or microwave to release the aroma.
• You may find that switching to three or four small meals a day so that your senior doggie can eat a little and often throughout the day would help with appetite loss.

Your senior dog may require a little extra Shih Tzu care and a few extra tricks to keep him good and healthy, but it's definitely worth it!