Shih Tzu Mouth Care from Puppyhood to Adulthood

As a responsible Shih Tzu owner, you want to ensure your furry friend's mouth stays healthy and happy from puppyhood to adulthood.

Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues due to their small jaw size and crowded teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss if not properly cared for.

Start cleaning your Shih Tzu's teeth as soon as possible, ideally from 8 weeks old, to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral hygiene.

Additional reading: Shih Tzus Teeth

Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems, so regular dental care is essential to keep their teeth healthy. Regular dental care should be part of your grooming routine.

Getting your Shih Tzu puppy used to having its mouth handled at a young age will make the process easier as your dog grows. Gently lift your puppy's lips and touch its teeth and gums, keeping the situation playful and positive.

Plaque and tarter can build up on Shih Tzu teeth, leading to painful conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Plaque starts as a gummy film on teeth after a meal, hardening into tarter that sticks to teeth and wears down tissue around the tooth.

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Signs of oral disease in Shih Tzus include bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, and loose teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

Daily brushing is the best thing you can do to increase your dog's dental health. Chew toys, like Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew, can also help control bad breath by removing sticky tartar and plaque.

Puppy Dental Care is crucial for Shih Tzus, as they're prone to dental problems. Regular dental care should be part of your grooming routine to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

Getting your Shih Tzu puppy used to having its mouth handled at a young age will make the process easier as your dog grows. Gently lift your puppy's lips and touch its teeth and gums, don't let your puppy bite you, but keep the situation playful and positive.

You can use a soft finger brush to start cleaning your puppy's teeth, or water additives recommended by your vet. Daily brushing is the best thing you can do to increase your dog's dental health.

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To help control bad breath, offer your dog chew toys, such as Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew, that massage their teeth and gums, removing sticky tartar and plaque. Many dental toys are made of natural rope fibers that act as floss, or offer a variety of interesting textures for the dogs to work on.

Here are some signs that your dog may have a problem in his mouth or gastrointestinal system:

If you notice any of these problems, it's very important to call and schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.

Any Shih Tzu can develop persistent puppy teeth, but small dogs and those with flatter faces are more at risk.

This condition occurs when a puppy tooth doesn't fall out and the adult tooth emerges, causing overcrowding in the mouth.

Canine teeth are most commonly impacted, and your puppy's adult tooth will look like it has a smaller twin right next to it.

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Dogs with persistent puppy teeth may experience pain and infection, and an increased risk of dental disease.

Food is more easily trapped in a crowded mouth, causing tartar and plaque to form faster.

Persistent baby teeth should be removed as soon as possible to avoid these complications and prevent adult teeth from growing out of place.

You can make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the removal process and keep your Shih Tzu's dental health on track.

Dental care is a crucial aspect of Shih Tzu mouth health. Regular brushing is essential to prevent bad breath and dental problems.

You can use chew toys, such as the Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew, to help control tartar and plaque. These toys come in various textures and can be especially enjoyable for puppies who love a gentle game of tug-of-war.

Puppies should be introduced to dental care at a young age to make the process easier as they grow. You can start by gently lifting their lips and touching their teeth and gums.

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To brush your Shih Tzu's teeth, use a canine toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs. Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs and should be avoided. You can also use a rubber finger brush or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger.

Here is a list of dental care products for Shih Tzus:

Maintaining your Shih Tzu's dental health is vital to their overall health. Regular dental care can prevent the need for dental treatment in the future and keep their teeth and mouth clean and free from decay.

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Daily brushing is the best thing you can do to increase your dog's dental health, so make it a habit to brush your Shih Tzu's teeth every day.

You can also offer your dog chew toys, such as the Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew, which massage their teeth and gums, removing sticky tartar and plaque. Many dental toys are made of natural rope fibers that act as floss, while others offer interesting textures with ridges and grooves for your dog to work on.

Puppies enjoy these toys, especially those that enjoy a gentle game of tug of war, so let them win and never jerk on the toy as this could cause some dental problems.

Edible dental chews can also reduce tartar and freshen breath, and they generally come with no preservatives and are gluten-free to help with digestion. Greenies are a favorite among many dog owners, but there are other good options available as well.

Here are some home care tips to keep your Shih Tzu's teeth healthy:

Some Shih Tzus, like other small breeds, enjoy playing with soft toys that they enjoy carrying in their mouth. This behavior is also the way you want them to respond to your hands.

Consistency is key when teaching your Shih Tzu to mouth gently. All members of the family should be on the same page to avoid confusing your puppy.

Most puppies "just get" the lesson within a few months and are reliable as far as not nipping or biting. This usually happens when they're around 4 months old.

However, if your Shih Tzu continues to mouth people past their four-month-old birthday, it's essential to revisit the training process with your family.

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At six months, Shih Tzus may still be teething, so be prepared for some nipping and biting.

Stop the play immediately if your Shih Tzu starts nipping or biting, and cry out with a yelp or "ouch" to get their attention.

Removing your hand and placing it behind your back can help break the habit, but if that doesn't work, try turning 45 to 90 degrees to face away from your puppy.

This simple trick can help your Shih Tzu learn that nipping and biting will cause the play to end.

Offering a chew toy or soft dog toy as a substitute for your hand can redirect their behavior and teach them what's acceptable to mouth and chew on.

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