Having a Shih Tzu comes with great responsibility for their health. Here are 11 ways you might be unintentionally shortening your Shih Tzu’s life:
- Neglecting dental care: Over 80% of Shih Tzus suffer from oral health issues. Bad breath indicates a problem.
- Allowing overweight: Many Shih Tzus in America are overweight, leading to health problems.
- Lack of socialization: Shih Tzus need social interaction for mental health and longevity.
- Skipping annual vet visits: Regular check-ups help identify health issues early.
- Ignoring flea and tick prevention: These parasites can harm your Shih Tzu’s health.
- Secondhand smoke exposure: Smoking near your Shih Tzu can be harmful.
- Insufficient exercise: Regular but not excessive exercise is vital for your Shih Tzu’s health.
- Lack of mental stimulation: Mental exercise is as important as physical exercise for Shih Tzus.
- Overindulging in treats: Excessive treats can lead to health problems, including cancer.
- Allowing unsupervised walks: Walking alone exposes your Shih Tzu to various dangers.
- Neutering without consideration: Neutering may prevent running away but can impact overall health negatively.
Taking care of these aspects can contribute to a longer, healthier life for your Shih Tzu.