Raising a Happy and Healthy 8 Week Old Shih Tzu

At 8 weeks old, your Shih Tzu is still completely dependent on you for everything. They need to be fed every 2-3 hours around the clock.

Their tiny stomachs can only hold a small amount of food at a time, so be prepared for frequent feedings. This can be tiring, but it's essential to meet their nutritional needs.

Your Shih Tzu's teeth are starting to come in, and they'll need to be brushed regularly to prevent dental problems. You can start with a soft-bristled brush and a dog-specific toothpaste.

As they grow and develop, your Shih Tzu will need plenty of socialization to become confident and calm in new situations.

At 8 weeks old, a Shih Tzu typically weighs around 1.5 to 2 pounds. This is just the beginning of their growth journey.

As they grow, you can expect your Shih Tzu to reach an estimated healthy adult weight of 6-7 pounds. However, this can vary depending on their individual characteristics and genetics.

Shih Tzus come in a range of weights, and their adult weight can be anywhere from 9 to 16 pounds. This is a significant range, and it's essential to monitor their growth and adjust their diet accordingly.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated healthy adult weights for Shih Tzus based on their birth weight:

By monitoring their growth and adjusting their diet accordingly, you can help your Shih Tzu reach a healthy adult weight and live a long, happy life.

First and foremost, puppy-proof your home by placing all shoes and chewable items out of reach. This is crucial to prevent any accidents or damage to your belongings.

Your Shih Tzu will be a curious little canine with no sense of boundaries, so it's essential to install locks on cabinets containing harmful household chemicals and bundle up and remove any exposed cords that could look like tempting chew toys.

To create a safe and welcoming environment, purchase a crate and bedding for your puppy. A crate will provide your puppy with a warm, safe "den" where they can retreat when feeling tired, overwhelmed, or anxious.

A comfortable bed, chew toys, and a few treats inside the crate will make it an appealing place for your puppy to relax and feel secure.

You should also have food and water available to your puppy the minute it enters the home, so make sure to purchase a set of dog bowls ahead of time. Stainless steel is the best option as it's dishwasher-safe, durable, and untainted with any lead-based paints or glazes.

To alleviate the pain of swollen gums during teething, provide plenty of hard rubber toys and purchase special freezable toys.

Lastly, make sure you have an appropriately sized collar and leash for your puppy. Measure your puppy's neck and get a collar that can be adjusted as the dog grows.

Here's a quick checklist to ensure you're prepared for your new furry friend:

First things first, take your puppy to the vet for a wellness exam and vaccinations. This is non-negotiable, and you should ask your vet if they recommend any additional vaccines.

Your Shih Tzu will need to start potty-training immediately, which can be challenging. Start teaching proper potty procedures by covering specific areas in a newspaper or disposable "piddle-pads" and praising the puppy when it pees or poops in these prescribed areas.

Stay active with plenty of play time, as Shih Tzus don't need much outdoor exercise a day. Play fetch, tug-of-war, and other fun games with your puppy to keep them engaged and healthy.

Here's a list of essential steps to establish a healthy routine for your 8 week old Shih Tzu:

Take your puppy out when they first wake up and every hour or two, as they will need to go potty soon after meals, right after waking from sleep, and throughout the day. Remember to take advantage of these times and get your puppy to ring their bell before letting them outside.

At 8 weeks old, your Shih Tzu's diet is crucial for their growth and development. Proper nutrition is vital for young puppies to grow to their ideal weight and fight disease.

Malnourished puppies tend to be smaller and possibly sickly into adulthood, so it's essential to feed them a balanced diet. Your veterinarian can help determine your Shih Tzu's body condition score and how many calories should be fed daily.

This breed is prone to obesity since they don't require as much exercise, so it's easy to overfeed them.

As you welcome your 8-week-old Shih Tzu into your home, it's essential to get started with potty training right away. To do this, you'll need to decide exactly where you need your puppy to go.

You'll need proper leash and harness or collar to keep your puppy safe and secure while you're taking him for a walk outside to go potty. A pair of shoes for your cold feet is also a good idea if you plan to take him out in the middle of the night.

If you're planning to train your Shih Tzu puppy to go potty indoors on a pee-pee pad or indoor grass, have all of this set up and ready to go before you start your training sessions.

Crate training is a great way to help your 8-week-old Shih Tzu feel safe and secure. Out of crate, keep an eye on your puppy for signs he may need to go potty, like sniffing or circling.

Your Shih Tzu will likely need to go outside to potty every hour or two, so be sure to take him out regularly. If your puppy is older than three months, he might be able to wait up to three hours, but this is not recommended for an 8-week-old puppy.

Keep an eye on your puppy when he's out of the crate, as he may try to incorporate potty breaks into playtime. This means you'll need to monitor his behavior closely to ensure he's not holding it in too long.

Your Shih Tzu will need to be taken out to potty when he's in the crate for extended periods, such as when you're working or out of the house. This is especially important at night, so be sure to take him out before bedtime.

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At 8 weeks old, your Shih Tzu will be a curious little canine with no sense of boundaries, so you'll have to make sure your home is an appropriate and safe place for such a playful and inquisitive new inhabitant.

To start, puppy-proof your home by placing all shoes and chewable items out of reach, installing locks on cabinets containing harmful household chemicals, and bundling up and removing any exposed cords which could look like tempting chew toys.

Ask that everyone in the house keep closet and outer doors closed when your new dog arrives so that it can't get into any mischief or accidentally escape your home.

A crate is essential for your new puppy, providing a warm, safe "den" for them to retreat to when feeling tired, overwhelmed, or anxious.

To make the crate an appealing place, install a comfortable bed, chew toys, and a few treats inside.

Here's an interesting read: What Size Dog Crate for Shih Tzu

Here are some additional items you'll want to have on hand:

You'll also want to stock up on supplies like a crate, bedding, and toys, and make sure you have an appropriately sized collar and leash.

To ensure you're prepared for your new puppy's arrival, contact your breeder or shelter about your new puppy's background, obtaining the proper records verifying your dog's health, history, and any other relevant documentation.

At 8 weeks old, your shih tzu is still a puppy and will require plenty of socialization to become a confident adult dog.

They're also still learning about boundaries and may test them with their owners.

It's essential to establish a routine and stick to it, as shih tzus thrive on predictability.

Their small bladder means they'll need to go out frequently, especially after meals.

Consistency is key when training a shih tzu, as they can become easily distracted.

Positive reinforcement training methods work best for this breed, as they respond well to rewards and praise.

Shih tzus are intelligent dogs and can learn quickly, but may require patience and repetition.

Housebreaking is a top priority at this age, and establishing a designated potty area can help with the process.

With regular training and socialization, your 8-week-old shih tzu will grow into a well-behaved and loving companion.