You must be thinking of whether Shih Tzus like snow. No, Shih Tzus don’t like the cold weather and getting cold on dark winter nights. These dog breeds get sensitive to cold. These can poorly get ill when the temperature starts to go down. Shih Tzus get cold just like humans.
This guide has all the elements you must know about Shih Tzu and cold weather. Here I have mentioned a few tips that will guide you on how to keep your Shih Tzu warm in cold weather. And advice on how to keep your Shih Tzu comfortable and healthy in cold weather.
Although Shih Tzu doesn’t like cold weather, that doesn’t mean the Shih Tzu can never go outside and walk on winter days with temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit when the weather is dry and the sun is out. Your puppy can go out in such weather.
Let’s move towards the guide about Shih Tzus like snow.
Table of Contents
Before we begin, we recommend this jacket to keep your Shih Tzu warm from the snow
Does Shih Tzu Get Cold Easily?
Shih Tzus get cold if they spend excessive time in the cold. Shih Tzu has double fur, a little dense, a soft undercoat, and a long and coarser outer coat.
This coat provides insulation against cold temperatures. If your Shih Tzu is going out for an extended period of time, it’s essential to provide them with warmth and protect the dog’s coat from harmful elements.
If you reside in an area where the temperature is extremely cold, it’s very important to take care of your Shih Tzu at this time. Here are some tips to keep your Shih Tzu warm in this cold weather:
- Make them wear warm clothes like coats and jackets when going outside.
- Make sure to avoid taking them for long walks in harsh weather conditions.
- Their bedding must stay warm.
- Buy them a dog bed with warm elements to keep your Shih Tzu warm.
- Give your Shih Tzu some cuddles. They love it, and it keeps your Shih Tzu warm.
While Shih Tzus fur doesn’t have some protection against cold temperatures, it’s essential to take precautionary measures if your dog is spending much time outdoors in this cold weather. Ensure that he has a warm shelter and a cozy jacket when going out for a long time.
Why Does Shih Tzu Don’t Do Well In Winters?
Shih Tzu has sensitive coats, so they get prone to various issues in cold weather. These small dogs get featured by their cute, small coats, but this feature boosts fragility in the cold.
Many dog breeds can easily endure very cold weather, such as Siberian huskies as well as Saint Bernards.
However, when we talk about small Shih Tzus, these puppies love to stay on your lap and cuddle.
Shih Tzu are unable to hold heat very well. Also, their long coats are ambitious. Their fur is like hair of humans , and is very thick.
So keeping your Shih Tzu inside is best, and if you plan to take them out, make sure to follow certain steps.
Temperature That Is Too Cold For Shih Tzu
Though Shih Tzu hates cold weather. It doesn’t say they can never go out in cold weather. Your dog can stay outside for a few minutes when the weather is dry, and the sun is out at 45 degrees.
However, if the temperature falls, keep your Shih Tzu inside to avoid any hassle. It’s essential that you keep an eye on it when they are in cold temperatures.
If you have signs that your puppy is feeling cold, get them inside immediately. Moreover, if your Shih Tzu gets too cold in some situations, you must take them to a vet as they may face hypothermia.
Shih Tzu Staying Outside In Cold Weather: How Long Can It Stay?
Shih Tzu refers to indoor pets. They can’t live outside. However, they can still go out. They can even play in the snow or for walks. But you must watch any cold indications if they are showing.
In cold weather, when the temperature falls, make sure to see the following signs in your Shih Tzu to know your dog is getting cold:
- Shih Tzu is not going outside.
- Shih Tzu is hiding in the blanket.
- Your dog is shivering.
- Shih Tzu lifts his paws when standing outside.
- Your puppy is barking.
- If he seems down from face.
If your Shih Tzu shows the following signs, keep them inside or in a warm place.
But if your Shih Tzu faces these problems, they may suffer from hypothermia and need a vet immediately. Hypothermia leads to kidney failure, death, or stiff muscles.
- Your dog slows down and doesn’t move.
- It is trembling.
- Your dog’s fur and skin feel cold.
- Has a low heart rate.
- Trouble breathing.
This problem with hypothermia can scare your Shih Tzu. But if you take proper precautions, you and your puppy can stay safe and warm and have great winters, even in low temperatures.
Keeping Your Shih Tzu Warm In Cold Weather
Shih Tzu mostly doesn’t get harmed from going out in cold weather, especially old dogs, who are more sensitive to high temperatures.
Here I’m dropping some ways to implement Shih Tzu when going out in the cold.
Keep Your Dog Inside:
It’s essential for a Shih Tzu, whether the temperature is high or low outside. A Shih Tzu is not an outdoor dog. If you have kept your Shih Tzu inside your home, make sure their bed is comfy and warm.
Don’t keep their bed on a window; give them an extra blanket.
Moreover, you can also place their bed on a warm place rather than a cold floor, or you can also let them sleep with you for sure they’ll love that.
Limit Their Outdoor Walks and Activities:
Try to adjust your walk times to the warmer times and measure your walk time. In some cases where your walk time is long, ensure you have a potty pad for your puppy to avoid any hassle.
Furthermore, keep an eye on how much you feed your Shih Tzu as it may make them overweight because of no workout or physical activities.
Also, studies explored the impact of weather on dog walking, but the dog’s previous activities still need to be considered.
Dress Them According To The Weather and Keep Them Dry:
It’s obvious that your Shih Tzu sometimes has to go outside in winter with you.
So try buying a high-quality dog jacket and a pair of boots to help them protect themselves from high temperatures. It will help them stay warm. This jacket keeps your dog heated.
Moreover, ensure not to get them wet. In some cases, if they get wet, dry them up quickly.
Wearing boots protects your Shih Tzu’s paws and pads from dry and snowy particles. So make boots an essential for them. Snow has chemicals like de-icers; boots can also protect your Shih Tzus feet.
Also, you can apply paw wax to your dog’s paws to help them stay protected from cracked and chapped heels.
Bathe Your Shih Tzu At Room Temperature:
Ensure the water you provide your Shih Tzu is warm enough. When it’s too cold outside, the water pipes cause water to become overly cold because of high temperatures outside.
The most essential thing is don’t ever allow your Shih Tzu to eat snow or ice. It drives down their body, and snow and ice contain chemicals like antifreeze and de-icers, which is highly dangerous for them.
Don’t Leave Your Shih Tzu In The Car:
Try not to leave your dog in the car alone. However, people think it’s the safest place for a Shih Tzu in high temperatures. But no, it’s not like that.
The temperature of the car gets below compared outside temperatures which are extremely dangerous for a Shih Tzu.
Don’t Go Out For Much Longer Walks:
Your Shih Tzu may insist on going out but never take them out for long walks. You can use their energy indoors rather than going out when it’s too cold.
If you choose to play with a pen with your Shih Tzu, he loves chasing it, so this is a workout for your dog. It keeps weight and fitness levels in check.
Get Your Shih Tzu A Winter Jacket:
In the last few years, Shih Tzus accessories got exploited. But getting your Shih Tzu, their essentials are important. Their paw must stay protected in winter walking. Here are some of the options for buying Shih Tzu jackets:
Gooby Padded Winter Jacket:
It’s not something fashionable and classy. This jacket is very warm, and the world knows it through the Shih Tzu owners. By attaching a leash, it’s waterproof, has a simple zipper, as well as offers an excellent fit for your Shih Tzu.
Before you purchase the jacket, ensure you measure your puppy properly.
Dog Reflective Winter Jacket:
Another recommendation for a Shih Tzu jacket is a Didog reflective winter jacket. The best thing about it is the reflective material. It helps you see the dog in the dark and ensures cars and other vehicles see them.
It’s warm like Gooby, depending on your preferences regarding what you buy. It keeps your Shih Tzu warm in cold winters, just like others have done.
Should You Get Worried About Slight Sniffles?
Every Shih Tzu has cold symptoms once, as winter is the prime season for that.
Sniffles or a wet nose is not something to worry much about.
If your Shih Tzu coughs, then you must get worried about it. Here you must contact your vet immediately as it could cause chest infection in the cold weather.
But if you are not feasible going to the vet, you can do your own check.
Put your ear on the chest of your Shih Tzu. If the sound is clear, nothing happens, but if they sound gurgling or rattling, you must know they have possible signs of cold and mucus on the chest area of your Shih Tzu.
Some dog owners prefer doing Shih Tzu checkups independently without a veterinarian’s help. You can use a dog nebulizer to check them.
Final Thoughts
Shih Tzus only works well in winter, especially. These little dogs need warmth in the winter. So you must get aware of this time of the year when snow, ice, and cold weather become normal.
In all dog breeds, these Shih Tzu are one of the riskiest dogs in this cold weather. They can’t tolerate cold temperatures. Your Shih Tzu can only bear cold temperatures to some extent, as mentioned in this guide.
I have mentioned why Shih Tzu doesn’t like snow and cold weather in this guide. Shih Tzus are little creations and don’t have warming elements in their coats, so they cannot go out for a long time and bear the cold.
This guide helped you figure out if Shih Tzu likes snow. Have I answered all your questions? Are there any queries? Please Leave a comment below. Happy reading!
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