What Shih Tzus Really Need: 5 Upgrades for Healthier Choices
Overview
Finding the right dog care products can be challenging, especially with so many options available. It's easy to be influenced by marketing that might not always have your Shih Tzu's best interests at heart. In addressing the crucial question of what do Shih Tzus really need, this article zeroes in on 5 pet care products that, despite their compelling marketing claims, often fail to deliver the promised benefits. Additionally, we offer healthier and safer alternatives to ensure the optimal care and health of your Shih Tzu, helping you make informed choices amidst the marketing noise.
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#1 Swap Brightly Colored Dog Snacks for Natural Treat Alternatives
Don't be swayed by the vibrant colors of dog treats. These brightly colored snacks often contain artificial dyes like Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and/or Yellow 6, designed to attract pet parents rather than fulfill dogs' nutritional needs. Despite their appealing appearance, these additives lack health benefits and could even pose risks. Studies have indicated that certain food dyes might be linked to behavioral issues, hypersensitivity reactions, and allergies in some dogs.
What Shih Tzu puppies and adult dogs truly need for optimal health are treats free from artificial additives. Good snacks don't need artificial coloring to be appealing or nutritious. Natural ingredients like meats, bananas, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes and other foods not only ensure treats are wholesome but also enhance their taste and smell, which is what really matters to dogs. The color of their food, whether brown, beige, or any other, is of little concern to them; it's the flavor and aroma that capture their interest and satisfy their appetites. For example, Fruitables Crunchy Baked Dog Treats are a 100% all-natural goodie with zero additives that’s packed with flavor; options include pumpkin & blueberry and crispy bacon & apple.
#2 Multivitamins: Unneeded with Premium Food, Select Supplements for Specific Needs
While multivitamins are marketed to fill nutritional gaps in a dog's diet, a Shih Tzu on a balanced diet typically doesn't need them, and with too much dosing, they may even cause nutrient imbalances.
In the US, "complete and balanced" dog food must meet AAFCO nutritional standards, providing all essential vitamins and minerals for daily maintenance, such as Vitamin A, D, E, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. This makes many multivitamin supplements redundant for dogs on a comprehensive diet.
In addition, extra multivitamins could upset the nutrient balance in your Shih Tzu, especially with fat-soluble vitamins like A and D that can build up to unsafe levels, or excessive minerals that may inhibit each other's absorption, for example, too much calcium can affect phosphorus uptake, crucial for bone health. For these reasons, if you’re considering a multivitamin, discuss this with the vet first.
This all said, certain dietary supplements may be needed, like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, and cognitive function, and probiotics for digestive health can be beneficial, especially when addressing specific needs not met by standard dog food. For more details, see our article on Shih Tzu Supplements.
#3 Custom Dog Food Services: Navigating the Promise of Tailored Nutrition
Customized dog food services offer to create individualized meal plans tailored to the specific dietary needs and preferences of a canine family member. Usually via online questionnaires, these companies gather information about a dog’s breed, age, weight, activity level, and any
health issues or dietary restrictions. Based on this, they propose a custom-formulated diet, claiming to optimize a pet’s health and wellness. While this may seem appealing at first, it's important to take into account the actual depth of customization and the overall value of these services. In many cases, this sort of customized diet is not needed for Shih Tzu dogs and can be an unnecessary expense.
The personalization offered by online questionnaires often lacks depth, with formulas reflecting limited variations not much different from high-quality commercial diets. For Shih Tzus with specific dietary needs due to health issues, professional veterinary advice is the better route. Veterinarians can provide tailored nutritional guidance grounded in comprehensive health evaluations and an understanding of your dog's medical history, a level of insight an automated service can't match.
Finally, comes the aspect of cost. Customized food for dogs often has a steep price, attributed to the personalization process. While for some pet parents, the cost is justifiable for the perceived benefits, it’s crucial to compare it to off-the-shelf dog food brands that prioritize high-quality ingredients and nutritional science, like Wellness and our other top recommended foods for Shih Tzu dogs. There are some great brands that offer specialized formulas for a wide range of dietary needs, including grain-free, high-protein, limited ingredient diets, and more, at a fraction of the cost of personalized services.
#4 Dental Care Items: Choosing Effective Products Over Big Promises
Dental care is an important part of maintaining the overall health of Shih Tzu dogs of all ages, leading many pet parents to explore various products promising to be the only method needed for full and complete dental care. But for most Shih Tzu dogs, there is not just one product that will clean their teeth effectively enough to prevent dental issues; rather, it requires a multifaceted approach to fend off plaque that can result in infections, bone degeneration, and tooth loss.
To meet a Shih Tzu's dental health needs, a multifaceted approach is essential. This includes regular brushing with a canine-specific toothbrush or fingertip brush and using safe canine toothpaste, like the options provided in the Arm and Hammer Complete Care Dental Kit.
There will be instances where brushing may not be tolerated; in such situations, dental wipes or sprays can serve as substitutes to maintain oral hygiene. Then, in addition to this, dental chews can play an important role by helping to scrape off plaque and keep gums strong. In addition to these at-home methods, vet check-ups are invaluable, enabling early detection and treatment of potential dental issues before they escalate. For more details, see our Shih Tzu Dental Care article.
#5 Shifting Away from Chemical Flea Prevention to Natural Solutions
Flea collars and spot-on chemical products, often advertised as a convenient method for flea and tick prevention, can pose significant risks. These products often rely on a range of chemicals to repel or kill pests, including propoxur, fipronil, tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) and amitraz, among others. These substances can have various side effects on canines, particularly smaller breeds like the Shih Tzu, that may be more sensitive to even lower doses.
Skin irritation is a common reaction, manifesting as redness, itching, or even hair loss around the neck where the collar sits. More concerning, however, are the potential systemic effects some of these chemicals can have if absorbed through the skin, ingested, or if too much is used by accident. Gastrointestinal problems like
vomiting and diarrhea, along with neurological issues such as tremors or lethargy, have been reported.
There are safer and more natural alternatives for managing flea and tick prevention without exposing your Shih Tzu to harsh chemicals. For instance, products containing cedarwood oil, such as Natural Cedar Oil Insect Repellent by Cedercide, offer a natural method for repelling fleas.
Additionally, for protection against mosquitoes (which are vectors heartworm disease) and ticks, products like 3 Moms Organics Tick Wise All-Natural Spray present a viable option. This particular spray leverages a blend of essential oils including cedarwood, geranium, citronella, peppermint, rosemary, and lemongrass to deter pests.
Please note that although these types of natural oils are healthier options than chemicals, do follow instructions and do not over-apply them.
A Final Thought
In navigating the extensive array of pet care products to discover what truly benefits our Shih Tzus and meets their needs, it's essential to look beyond persuasive advertising. Often, selecting natural over artificial products ensures you're on the correct path. When considering higher-priced items, it's important to determine whether their touted benefits justify the cost and are realistically achievable. Remember that simple, straightforward care often provides the most substantial health benefits for our Shih Tzu puppies and dogs.
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