Shih Tzu 4 Months: What to Expect in Health and Development

At 4 months old, your Shih Tzu is likely to be curious and playful, with a strong desire to explore their surroundings. They may still be getting used to their new environment and family members.

Their teeth are starting to erupt, and by now, they should have a full set of baby teeth. This is a normal process, and it's essential to provide them with plenty of chew toys to help them learn how to deal with the discomfort and pain.

As they grow and develop, their ears will also start to stand up, and their eyes will begin to change color. This is a normal part of their development, and it's essential to keep an eye on their eye health to ensure everything is developing correctly.

Their energy levels are likely to be high, and they'll need regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Discover more: Shih Tzu Dog Teeth

At four months old, your Shih Tzu is likely to be quite solid underneath their plush coat, weighing more than they might first appear.

Shih Tzus are a toy dog breed, characterized by their small, compact size, with little discernible difference between the two genders in terms of weight and height.

Your pup's adult weight can be estimated, but don't fret if they're slightly behind or ahead of these numbers - every dog grows at their own pace.

If you're concerned about your Shih Tzu's weight, consult with your veterinarian for guidance and advice.

A different take: Shih Tzu Dog Characteristics

At 4 months old, your Shih Tzu is still a puppy and needs regular veterinary care to stay healthy. Regular grooming is also vital for your Shih Tzu's health and comfort, as they are prone to stray lashes or hairs in their eyes and need regular ear cleaning due to poor air circulation.

To prevent health problems, consult with your veterinarian about the best diet and exercise for your Shih Tzu puppy. They will help you choose a premium brand of dog food with multiple sources of protein for their daily diet.

Take a look at this: What to Feed a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are prone to overheating due to their short muzzles and heavy coats, so it's essential to keep them indoors when it's hot out. Regular veterinary care is also crucial to prevent health problems, and preventive veterinary care is the best thing you can do for your Shih Tzu throughout their lifetime.

Here are some tips for feeding and grooming your 4-month-old Shih Tzu:

Pet insurance can also give you peace of mind and provide a safety net in case of unexpected veterinary expenses. With pet insurance, you can get reimbursed for up to 90% of all out-of-pocket veterinary costs, which can be a huge relief.

At 4 months old, your Shih Tzu is likely to weigh around 2-3 pounds.

By this age, your puppy has already started to develop its adult weight, with some Shih Tzus reaching their estimated healthy adult weight of 6-7 pounds.

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect your Shih Tzu to weigh as it grows:

As your furry friend grows, it's exciting to track their progress. A Shih Tzu's growth is a gradual process, and their weight can fluctuate at different stages.

You can expect your Shih Tzu to weigh around 1.5 pounds at 8 weeks old. This is just the beginning of their growth journey.

Their adult weight can range from 6-7 pounds, making them a compact and adorable companion. Some Shih Tzus may grow slightly larger, reaching up to 7.5 pounds.

To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of your Shih Tzu's estimated adult weight:

Keep in mind that every Shih Tzu is unique, and their growth can vary slightly.

Your growth and development are unique to you, shaped by your individual experiences and circumstances.

You have a unique genetic makeup that influences your physical and mental abilities, as well as your susceptibility to certain health conditions.

Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your growth and development, from the air you breathe to the food you eat.

You are constantly adapting to your surroundings, and your brain is wired to learn and absorb new information throughout your life.

Your brain's neural connections are shaped by your experiences, and the more you challenge yourself, the more connections you make.

You have a natural ability to learn and grow, but it's also influenced by your motivation and engagement in the learning process.

Your growth and development are not limited to childhood and adolescence, but rather continue throughout your life, with each stage building upon the last.

At four months old, your Shih Tzu is still learning to navigate their surroundings, and establishing a consistent routine is key to their development.

Shih Tzus respond well to ritual, so put your puppy on a schedule for eating, sleeping, and playing. This will help them feel more secure and develop good habits.

It's essential to take your puppy out when they first wake up to prevent accidents. This is a crucial part of housetraining.

Additional reading: Images Shih Tzu Puppies

Puppies under six pounds, like your Shih Tzu, have less control over their bodies and may need extra care when navigating stairs. Install gates or playpens to prevent accidents until they can safely climb stairs.

Some puppies are more fearless than others, so be patient and adjust your approach accordingly.

At 4 months old, your Shih Tzu puppy is ready to start learning and socializing. You don't need much to train your Shih Tzu, but investing in some essential equipment will make a big difference.

A treat pouch is a must-have, as Shih Tzus are highly food motivated. This will allow you to reward your puppy with tasty treats during training sessions.

A soft collar and harness are also crucial for your puppy's comfort and safety. Look for a harness that doesn't pull or tighten when your puppy is walking.

You'll also need a 2-meter training lead to give your Shih Tzu enough space to sniff and explore. And, of course, treats are a must-have for training – the smellier, the better!

For your interest: Training Shih Tzu Puppies

Here's a list of the essential equipment you'll need to get started:

Puppy classes can start as early as 8 weeks, but make sure to find a class with dogs of the same size and age. This will help your puppy feel more comfortable and confident.

Remember, every dog is different, and breed differences can affect how we train them. Understanding your Shih Tzu's unique needs and characteristics will help you tailor your training approach.