By Karol King | Last Updated 02-18-2020
Your Shih Tzu may look like a playful, healthy and content healthy dog, but are they super healthy? Their coat may feel soft, but does it truly shine?
Good health shows and a healthy and happy Shih Tzu on the inside will sparkle on the outside. When the vitamins, minerals and fresh food in your dog’s diet all combine to help them grow strong new cells and a good immune system, this is when you can be sure your dog is a super healthy Shih Tzu.
But how can you be sure that your Shih Tzu is always getting everything they need to help them maintain excellent health?
Regular exercise is extremely important for a healthy Shih Tzu, alongside regularly grooming and lots of love and affection.
But it’s also crucial that you ensure your Shih Tzu is eating a well-balanced diet too. Some Shih Tzu owners believe in giving their dog a strict raw food diet, while others cook special protein and vegetable meals for their Shih Tzu.
Just like for us, eating a varied diet rich in nutrients is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but many of us also turn to a daily vitamin and supplement to give us an extra boost.
Well so can your dog. There are a variety of supplements available for dogs that are a great way to complement their diet.
Standard pet food may not contain all the nutrients your Shih Tzu needs. To guarantee that your pet is getting everything they need, it’s worth investing in a good quality, all-round vitamin supplement to boost their diet.
Many Shih Tzu owners choose to give their dog a daily multivitamin. A multivitamin contains vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that may be missing from traditional dog food diets and it is particularly good if your dog is a fussy eater and their diet may lack certain key vitamins.
Vitamin C is another great place to start as it has an essential role in bone and skeletal growth. This is crucial for all stages of life, but particularly in puppies and for older dogs whose joints may begin to show wear and tear.
Vitamin E is also a great addition to the diet of older Shih Tzu’s with its heart supporting properties. If you aren't sure which vitamins are right for your Shih Tzu, then make sure you speak to your dog's veterinarian first.
Whichever vitamins and supplements you choose to give your Shih Tzu, it won’t do them any good if your dog refuses to eat it.
Vitamins and supplements come in liquid, tablet chews, and soft chew form. Soft chews and liquids seem to taste nicer to many dogs.
A soft chew is also popular with many dogs (and their owners) as it is easy for the dogs to chew down and swallow. It might take a bit of trial and error to find a format that your dog likes, but preserve. It’s for the good of their health after all.
Combining a healthy diet with a regular supplement will ensure your beloved Shih Tzu is getting everything they need to be super healthy both inside and out.
Supplements for a Super Healthy Shih Tzu by Karol King
Karol is animal lover who has dedicated her life to helping dogs to find a safe and happy home. She now works as a freelance writer, which is her passion, and has the freedom to spend more time at home with her wonderful family.
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I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.
I'm a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Though Shih Tzu is my favorite breed, I've also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel. Little critters that shared my space included guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, mice, tropical fish, and birds. (Oh, and one crayfish and hermit crab that my daughter brought home from school)
When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, I love spending time with my 6 Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and Smart-Knit-Crocheting. Please visit my other two sites or send me a note.