I write more about obesity in the Shih Tzu than I do about a Shih Tzu that could be “too thin.” In general, the Shih Tzu breed is a hearty breed. My Shih Tzus have been hearty and healthy. This is true even for my Teacup and Imperial sizes. They tend more toward wanting to eat too much. Yet there is always another side to every story or an opposite position. A Shih Tzu too thin is quite apparently the opposite of a Shih Tzu being obese. This type of Shih Tzu might also be nicknamed “a poor doer.” It is often, however, that a concerned Shih Tzu owner will think their Shih Tzu is one of these “poor doers,” when in fact the vet may tell you the dog is in excellent condition. A healthy Shih Tzu is not a plump Shih Tzu, although some in the show dog world continues to confuse “well-bodied” with “fat.” The standard for the Shih Tzu calls for it to be “compact,” which I suppose can also mean “well-bodied.” A compact Shih Tzu is one that is just that – Compact – not fat and flabby.

One of the first things to check when dealing with a Shih Tzu that is actually underweight despite eating normally is that has the Shih Tzu been wormed regularly? There is nothing worse than the presence of worms for keeping a Shih Tzu or any dog “thin.” So of very much importance is keeping your Shih Tzu wormed properly. If this has been done regularly and your Shih Tzu is still thin, you really need to consult with your vet. There could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes. When all health problems have been ruled out by your vet oftentimes just the increase of quality food intake is sufficient to put some meat on the bones of a Shih Tzu and help to accomplish that neat compact look called for in the standard. You will probably want to go with a diet that is high in calories. Offer nutritional and high calorie treats as well. You might even treat your underweight Shih Tzu to some homemade deserts, treats and food in addition to his high quality commercially prepared food.

It is very difficult to deal with the reluctant eater. Sometimes this could be a behavior issue. For that, one must consult with a dog psychiatrist I suppose. And to be perfectly honest with you, I am not sure these actually exist. That is only my first thought. My next thought would be to surf the internet and my new website in particular About Toy Dogs. At About Toy Dogs I am searching and surfing the internet for you. I have a collection of dog training books from Dogwise you might be interested in looking at on the site. On the site you will also find a collection of other internet dog trainers programs. At any rate, regardless of the problem, and because of the human’s keen interest in dogs these days I know for certain someone has come up with a solution to your problem if it is determined “behavior.”

Shih Tzu is extremely intelligent and clever. They will challenge you in intelligence. I continue to believe they understand much more of what is really going on in their environment than people realize. If they get a hint you are going to “pamper” them about eating, they may hold it over on you and try to see just exactly what you will offer them in the way of “different foods” for them to try.

I suppose how I would like to conclude this article is if you think your Shih Tzu is too thin, first rule out worms and health problems. Then proceed slowly at finding ways to add extra calories to your Shih Tzu’s diet. Don’t panic about the situation and don’t ever let your Shih Tzu know you are “worried” about its thin condition. I do not breed Shih Tzu specifically for the show ring or even specifically to sell puppies to others. I live with the Shih Tzu as a keen interest in exactly who the Shih Tzu truly is. I am fascinated by their personalities and behaviors, and I am learning firsthand just how clever the Shih Tzu can be about all situations in a household. If I did not know it impossible, I would say for sure the Shih Tzu is actually another form of a highly intelligent perhaps genius “human being.”

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Connie Limon
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