Shih Tzu — Puppy Care
Care recommendations — Puppy stage
During the puppy stage, feed a puppy-formulated diet sized for Shih Tzus to support steady growth, and keep vaccinations and deworming on schedule as recommended by a vet. growth happens quickly for a small breed, though gentle handling and appropriately sized food and toys still matter. The long, flowing coat mats easily and needs daily brushing unless kept in a shorter trim, along with regular cleaning of the facial folds and eyes. Starting a gentle grooming and handling routine now, while a Shih Tzu puppy is small and adaptable, tends to make care far easier once it's grown, and this is also a valuable window for socializing a young Shih Tzu to people, other pets, and everyday household sounds.
⚠️ Watch for
Most of the conditions linked to Shih Tzus tend to appear later in life, so this stage is mainly about tracking normal growth: steady weight gain, bright eyes, a good appetite, and a comfortable gait. If anything looks off this early — such as noisy or labored breathing, snoring, overheating easily, or tiring quickly during activity — a prompt check-in with a vet is worthwhile rather than waiting.
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