| If your Shih Tzu is obese you must correct the | | | | Here are eight tips for feeding your obese Shih Tzu. |
| situation as soon as possible. Obesity in dogs is just | | | | 1) Your Shih Tzu is not a Doberman. He does not |
| as common and just as dangerous as it is in humans. | | | | need pounds of food to keep him alive. Small dogs |
| The cause and cure are also similar and just as hard! | | | | slip in to the obese category with a relatively small |
| First of all you must remember that although Shih | | | | increase in food. Keep the portions small. |
| Tzu are resilient little fellows and one of the | | | | 2) Get the entire family on board and tell them not |
| healthiest breeds obesity can lead to diabetes, heart | | | | to feed your pet treats or snacks. |
| and respiratory problems and weak joints. The good | | | | 3) Keep your Shih Tzu out of the room during meal |
| news, however is that an abnormal thinness in a | | | | times especially when your children are eating. |
| properly fed dog is usually the sign of an underlying | | | | 4) Set regular meal times and stick to them. |
| serious health issue which, in many cases you can do | | | | 5) The amount you feed your dog will depend on the |
| nothing about and may prove fatal. | | | | type of food and the age of your pet. As a rough |
| If your Shih Tzu is overweight and you feel you | | | | guide, puppies up to four months old should be fed |
| have not been overfeeding him, get his thyroid | | | | three small meals a day. From four to twelve months |
| checked to make sure there is no medical reason for | | | | switch to two meals, but keep to a formula designed |
| the weight gain. It is also advisable to assess | | | | for 'adolescent' dogs. |
| whether your dog is overweight or just bloated. | | | | Adult Shih Tzu should be fed twice a day with adult |
| Bloating may also be associated with diet, but is | | | | dog food. |
| usually due to an allergic reaction to certain | | | | 6) As your pet gets older reduce the amount |
| foodstuffs or an inability to digest properly. If your | | | | especially if your dog is more than eleven years old. |
| Shih Tzu suddenly becomes bloated he may have | | | | Nothing will put more strain on old organs and joints |
| ingested poison and will need to be taken to a vet | | | | like excess weight. |
| immediately. | | | | 7) Do not leave food out continuously. |
| If your dog is obese then do not be tempted to | | | | 8) Shih Tzu have very expressive faces and it will |
| drag him out for a vigorous five mile 'route march'. If | | | | seem that your dog is begging for more food. Be |
| you have not been exercising your pet sudden bouts | | | | strong! |
| of activity can put a strain on even the youngest | | | | Once the excess weight has come off and your dog |
| doggie heart and lungs. As with humans exercise | | | | is up to a full exercise regime you can re-introduce |
| should be built up gradually. Slowly, as you regulate | | | | treats and rewards, but never be tempted to feed |
| his eating, begin to exercise your pet more and more | | | | him second helpings and you must resist sharing your |
| until you have built up a regular sustained routine. | | | | food with him. You are not being cruel to your pet; |
| Once it is established, stick to it! | | | | you are ensuring he lives a long and healthy life. |