Is It Important For Your Beloved Shih Tzu To Have Long Flowing Hair Like A Show Dog? Are You Worried Or Disappointed With Your Dog’s Hair Care?
The climate where you live, the grooming routines you establish, and the overall health of your pup will play an important role in the quality of your Shih Tzu’s coat. Along with diet and nutrition, you must also ensure that your pup is free from infection and illness which can hinder hair growth.
Contents
- 1 Why Is My Shih Tzu’s Hair Not Growing?
- 2 Why Doesn’t My (1, 2, 3, …6) Month Old Shih Tzu Puppy’s Hair Grow On Its Face Like Other Puppies?
- 3 How Long It Takes For A Shih Tzu Puppy’s Fur To Grow?
- 4 How Quickly Should An Adult Shih Tzu’s Hair Grow?
- 5 Hair Not Growing In Old Shih Tzu?
- 6 Does Shih Tzu Hair Stop Grow?
- 7 What Are The Shih Tzu Hair Growth Stages?
- 8 Do All Shih Tzus Have Long Hair?
- 9 Compared To Other Dog Breeds, Is Hair Growth More Difficult Among Shih Tzus?
- 10 #Grow
- 11 How Do I Get My Shih Tzu’s Hair To Grow Long, Like A Show Dog?
- 12 What Is The Quickest Way To Grow Long Hair On A Shih Tzu?
- 13 Will The Fur On My Shih Tzu’s Neck Grow Back?
- 14 I Shaved My Shih Tzu, Will The Hair Grow Back?
- 15 How Long Does It Take For A Shih Tzu’s Hair To Grow After (Shaving, Bad Hair Cut)?
- 16 Is My Shih Tzu Shedding Or Experiencing Hair Loss?
- 17 My Shih Tzu Shed A Lot Of Hair Will It Grow Back?
- 18 My Shih Tzu Is Experiencing (Hair Thinning, Missing A Patch, Balding, Alopecia) Will Its Hair Ever Grow Back?
- 19 What Helps A Shih Tzu’s Coat Grow?
- 20 What Kind Of Oil Is Good For A Shih Tzu’s Hair?
- 21 Will Home Remedies Make My Dog’s Hair Grow Back?
- 22 Why My Shih Tzu Hair Is Not Fluffy?
- 23 How To Make My Shih Tzu’s Hair Fluffy?
- 24 Why Is My Shih Tzu’s Hair Not Growing – Summary
Many Shih Tzu owners and breeders go to great lengths to perfect and enhance the condition of their pups’ hair. You can do several things to encourage the growth and health of your Shih Tzu’s beautiful locks.
The climate where you live, the grooming routines you establish, and the overall health of your pup will play an important role in the quality of your Shih Tzu’s coat.
Why Doesn’t My (1, 2, 3, …6) Month Old Shih Tzu Puppy’s Hair Grow On Its Face Like Other Puppies?
If your Shih Tzu puppy is not growing facial hair, it could be experiencing a hormone deficiency or loss. If your dog suffers from a genetic condition or auto-immune disease, there may not be a clear answer as to why he or she is suffering from minimal hair growth.
How Long It Takes For A Shih Tzu Puppy’s Fur To Grow?
It may seem like your puppy’s fur is not growing, but remember that Shih Tzu puppies are born with only their soft undercoat of hair. Their thicker adult hair will begin to grow once they mature, around 4 months of age.
It is also important to realize that your pup is predisposed to the genetic traits passed down from its mother and father. The quality and type of hair largely depend upon inherited characteristics.
Keep in mind if your dog is a cross-breed, its hair may not grow as long as that of a purebred Shih Tzu.
How Quickly Should An Adult Shih Tzu’s Hair Grow?
An adult Shih Tzu’s fur typically grows about a half-inch every month. Caring for your dog’s hair will help it to encourage continued growth and keep it healthy and strong.
Hair Not Growing In Old Shih Tzu?
Many factors can influence or hinder the growth and quality of your pet’s fur. Your mature pup may lose fur due to health problems or poor nutrition. Health conditions including skin allergies or parasites, such as fleas, could cause your dog to scratch and irritate his or her skin.
Irritation from environmental factors, such as chemicals or detergents can also cause the hair to shed and become damaged.
Does Shih Tzu Hair Stop Grow?
Shih Tzus belong to a breed of dogs that are known for their continually growing hair, unlike other canines whose fur never grows beyond a shorter length.
Aside from natural shedding or a medical condition, you can expect your Shih Tzu’s hair to continually grow.
What Are The Shih Tzu Hair Growth Stages?
Most dog breeds experience phases when it comes to the growth and texture of their fur. Shih Tzu puppies tend to grow their adult coat around ten to twelve weeks of age.
The process of shedding and regrowing their adult coat takes around three weeks. Be patient while your Shih Tzu is experiencing this phase.
In some pups, the growth period can last between one month to one year.
Do All Shih Tzus Have Long Hair?
One of the most attractive qualities of the Shih Tzu is their long, silky mane. However, for some owners, it is easier to have their dog’s hair cut regularly. This is a low-maintenance option for busy pet owners who do not have time for their pup’s ongoing hair care routine.
Compared To Other Dog Breeds, Is Hair Growth More Difficult Among Shih Tzus?
Shih Tzus have hair instead of fur like other dog breeds. When properly cared for, their hair can grow continually to the floor. Because Shih Tzus have two layers of hair, oftentimes their shed hair will remain embedded in the rest of their hair and must be removed through brushing.
Shih Tzu’s require more maintenance than shorter-haired canines, however, their owners may not mind the extra work because they typically experience less noticeable shedding.
#Grow
How Do I Get My Shih Tzu’s Hair To Grow Long, Like A Show Dog?
You can do many things to help promote a healthy coat of fur for your canine companion.
In addition to maintaining a nutritious diet, there are natural supplements that can support the growth of your pup’s hair. These supplements are high in omega-3 fatty acids and work to improve the quality of your dog’s skin and fur.
What Is The Quickest Way To Grow Long Hair On A Shih Tzu?
- Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle matted hair.
- Brush your dog’s hair at least 2-3 times a week, if not daily.
- Use a puppy-safe shampoo when bathing.
- Bathing more than once or twice a month can deprive the hair of natural oils needed to grow.
- Treat your Shih Tzu regularly for parasites, allergies, or skin infections such as mange.
Will The Fur On My Shih Tzu’s Neck Grow Back?
Hair loss on the neck is fairly common. If your dog has developed a form of alopecia, a variety of hair loss conditions, regrowth of hair will depend on the underlying cause and treatment.
Your veterinarian can prescribe medications and other remedies to help your pet’s hair loss.
Regularly brushing and combing your Shih Tzu’s hair can promote hair growth.
Detangling your dog’s hair, especially on its legs and neck, will help to prevent matting and damaged hair. Routine brushing should occur at least several times per week.
I Shaved My Shih Tzu, Will The Hair Grow Back?
After being shaved, Shih Tzu’s hair will grow back, but it is likely the coat will not be the same as it was before.
Shih Tzu’s hair type is unlike that of humans. They have a soft undercoat of hair, which is a short layer of hair that grows underneath their fur.
If you shaved your Shih Tzu’s hair, your pup’s new hair may grow differently than before. It can be patchy and the texture may change.
How Long Does It Take For A Shih Tzu’s Hair To Grow After (Shaving, Bad Hair Cut)?
After shaving your Shih Tzu, expect regrowth to take at least 3 months, but possibly more. A bad haircut does not necessarily mean the fur will not grow back completely. Shaving, especially the underlayer of hair, is usually the cause of poor regrowth when it comes to bad haircuts.
Is My Shih Tzu Shedding Or Experiencing Hair Loss?
Shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, however, if you notice your dog has been losing more hair than usual, or sections of hair seem to be thinning or falling out in chunks, your dog could be experiencing a medical problem or nutritional deficiency.
My Shih Tzu Shed A Lot Of Hair Will It Grow Back?
Hair loss is often reversible. If no underlying health conditions are present, your Shih Tzu’s hair should continue to grow after proper treatment by a veterinarian.
My Shih Tzu Is Experiencing (Hair Thinning, Missing A Patch, Balding, Alopecia) Will Its Hair Ever Grow Back?
Similar to human hair growth, Shih Tzu’s fur will shed naturally and regrow over time in a repetitive cycle. If your dog seems to be losing excessive amounts of fur, your veterinarian may need to take a closer look.
Overbathing, using harsh soaps, and minimal or improper brushing can cause your Shih Tzu’s skin and coat to become dry.
Medical conditions including digestive disorders, fungal and bacterial infections, or hormonal disorders could be the culprit.
Your Shih Tzu’s hair can grow back once the problem has been eliminated.
What Helps A Shih Tzu’s Coat Grow?
Ordinary dog food brands may be lacking in essential fatty acids that help to promote healthy hair. You can ask your veterinarian about incorporating fish or other supplements, such as flaxseed into your Shih Tzu’s diet.
What Kind Of Oil Is Good For A Shih Tzu’s Hair?
Coconut oil can be used on Shih Tzus to safely add luster and shine to their hair.
Will Home Remedies Make My Dog’s Hair Grow Back?
There are several ways to care for your Shih Tzu coat. Brushing and detangling the fur regularly, at least a few times a week, will help to keep your dog’s hair healthy. Using an oatmeal bath is another home remedy that is gentle and soothing to your dog’s skin.
Why My Shih Tzu Hair Is Not Fluffy?
If you are not pleased with the quality of your Shih Tzu’s hair, try the following tips:
- Make sure your pup is treated for parasites.
- Consider the condition of your tap water.
- Incorporate beneficial supplements into your dog’s diet.
- Try to use a detangling or wire brush when grooming.
- Use a blow-dryer instead of a towel for drying the hair.
How To Make My Shih Tzu’s Hair Fluffy?
If your Shih Tzu is lacking soft, fluffy locks you can try to blow dry your dog’s hair after bathing. Be sure to bathe regularly with a mild puppy-friendly shampoo, but do not bathe more than every few weeks.
Some pet owners recommend using oatmeal-based shampoo to encourage healthy Shih Tzu hair.
Why Is My Shih Tzu’s Hair Not Growing – Summary
Shih Tzu’s are known for their long flowing hair, but maintaining beautiful locks come at a price. It takes consistent brushing and detangling to promote healthy hair growth. Along with diet and nutrition, you must also ensure that your pup is free from infection and illness which can hinder hair growth. Your Shih Tzu will look like a show dog in no time by following these recommendations.
References
Moore, A. (2020). The Complete Happy Shih Tzu Guide: The A-Z Shih Tzu Manual for New and Experienced Owners. Worldwide Information Publishing.
Warren, F. (2011). Shih Tzu Puppy Training: The Ultimate Guide on Shih Tzu Puppies, What to Do When You Bring Home Your New Shih Tzu Puppy, Shih Tzu Potty Training, How to Meet Exercise Needs, and More.
FAQs
How can I make my Shih Tzu hair fluffy?
Blow dry the dog’s hair using the slicker brush. Rather than blow drying the hair flat down, you’re going to add as much body as possible. Use the brush to lift the hair up by the roots, then point the hair dryer at the brush against the grain as you slowly brush through the hair to fluff it.
Why does my Shih Tzu have thin fur?
The Shih Tzu’s coat is hair as opposed to fur, which does reduce the amount of natural hair-fall, but also tends to make coat loss issues more common. While there is not a heavy shed that severely thins the coat, this breed does lose some hair on a continual basis as the coat re-news itself.
How can I improve my Shih Tzu coat?
A Shih Tzu puppy will often have short hair until they lose their puppy coat and only then will they be able to grow their hair long. But, long hair is often dependent on how well their coat is cared for too.
Why does my Shih Tzu puppy have short hair?
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Part of a video titled Make your Dog Fluffy – YouTube
Shih Tzus are known for their pretty, long, and straight hair, although some of them, even true purebreds, can have wavy hair.
How do I make my dog more fluffy?
In regard to how fast the coat of a Shih Tzu grows, with the dog being in good health and the coat being taken care of (more ahead), expect the coat to grow 1/2 inch every 1 month.
How quickly does Shih Tzu fur grow?
Coat transition: Shih Tzu puppies go through a particular stage of life ? around 10 months to one year of age ? when their coat changes from the puppy coat to the adult coat.
How long does it take for a Shih Tzu to grow a full coat?
Coconut Oil For Shih Tzu Dogs’ Dry and Irritated Skin
It can be used to improve your cuticles by massaging in a small amount for a few moments. But don’t forget to share with your dog. It turns out that it has the same properties on dog’s rough skin.
Can I put coconut oil on my Shih Tzu?
Brushing a Shih Tzu: Frequency
Ideally brushing a Shih Tzu coat should be done on a daily basis, but a once over every other day is fine too. If you only have time to brush on a weekly basis, it is important to keep the coat short and spend extra time assuring that the entire coat is thoroughly de-matted.
Should I brush my Shih Tzu everyday?
Many Shih Tzus get their hair clipped short in what is known as a “puppy cut.” A puppy cut needs to be trimmed about every 4 to 6 weeks but otherwise requires less maintenance than longer styles. Shih Tzus who have long locks, like those seen at dog shows, need to be brushed more frequently.
Shih Tzu Hair Not Fluffy: 5 Reasons + 3 Tips – DogsAndClogs
Shih Tzu Hair Not Fluffy: 5 Reasons + 3 Tips You know Shih Tzus are supposed to have silky and fluffy hair… Yet when you look at your pooch, they don’t seem to meet that standard. What’s gone wrong? And how can you make their hair fluffy again? Keep reading to discover: 3 tips to make your Shih Tzu’s hair fluffy.3 medical issues that cause thinning of hair in dogs.5 reasons why your Shih Tzu’s hair isn’t fluffy (take note of #3).And much, much more… Why is my Shih Tzu hair not fluffy? Your Shih Tzu’s hair isn’t fluffy because they’re sick. They could have a hormone-related medical problem. If not, they might lack proper nutrition. Sometimes, it’s because they have parasites like fleas or ticks. Other times they’re stressed or lack regular grooming. #1: They need regular grooming Your Shih Tzu’s hair might not be fluffy because it lacks proper care… You see, these dogs don’t smell and are only low shedders. But there’s a price to pay for that amazing quality… And that’s your Shih Tzu’s proper grooming needs. Oh, let me tell you… With a hair standard as lovely as Shih Tzu’s… They’re definitely gonna need the best grooming care available. If not, their hair won’t be as fluffy. With that, it’ll appear to be more dry and dull. And when you touch such lifeless hair, the texture will be rough. You might also want to know: Do Shih Tzus have hair or fur? #2: They lack nutrition Did you know? You can tell if your dog is nourished by looking at their hair or fur… Now, you say that your Shih Tzu’s coat isn’t fluffy… Uh-oh… Unfortunately, that’s a bad sign. Of what? That your pooch isn’t receiving enough nutrients. According to VCA Hospitals, nutrition impacts the appearance of your dog’s coat. And if your Shih Tzu’s hair appears lifeless, that means that they’re experiencing… Nutritional deficiency Humans are familiar with a lot of rules when it comes to eating. A great example is eating a balanced diet. Now, some rules apply to dogs, too. However, your pooch isn’t as mindful as you… You see, they’d eat just about anything that you give them. Or if they’re a food-obsessed dog, they’ll munch on anything they see or reach… It can be something that they reach from the counter. Or a piece of food that they see lying around. And that’s why it’s a great responsibility to look after your dog’s eating habits. Moreover, it’s not just about what they eat… That responsibility also involves the following: How much they consume per day.What type of food do they eat daily.How many times do they eat per day.What the contents of their daily meals are. Those are things to consider to ensure your dog’s nutrition. And when you look after those, great things will start flowing… That includes the flow of beautiful hair in your Shih Tzu. #3: They’re stressed You know how they say stress can make your hair thin? Well, the same goes for your pooch… Yep, stress can badly influence their coat. When your dog…
Why My Shih Tzu Hair Is Not Fluffy? (Tips to Make It Fluffy)
Why My Shih Tzu Hair Is Not Fluffy? (Tips to Make It Fluffy) – AnimalFateA Shih Tzu’s hair is naturally fluffy, so if your pet’s coat isn’t, there are a few reasons why. Your Shih Tzu may not be a pure breed. Or, it may have some hormonal problems during its birth. It can also happen that it lacks proper attention and care.Shih Tzus’ hair has that fine fluffy texture at an early age. As they mature, the coat becomes rougher and thicker but still fluffy.If you’re confident that your pet is a purebred, it may just need proper care and attention.I’ve taken further notes on why your pet’s hair may not be fluffy and some other things you can do about it.Let’s get into it more!The best way to make your Shih Tzu’s hair fluff is to fluff dry it. Such a skill takes practice to master. Further, it may seem achievable only in pet groomers. However, you can do it at home.Fluff drying requires the use of a blow dryer to straighten and volumize your dog’s hair.Most pet groomers do this to ease up the cutting of the hair. Nevertheless, such a method gives your dog an adorable and fluffy appearance.For starters, you need a set of specific tools to do it at home. These are:HairdryerLeash to tie your dog in placeSpray bottleSlicker brushHere’s a step-by-step process to fluff up your dog’s hair:Wash and shampoo your dog’s coat, then rinse thoroughly afterward.Rather than rubbing the fur to dry, pat it instead with the towel.Blow-dry your dog’s hair while using the slicker brush. Use the brush to lift the hair. As you blow-dry while brushing, it will fluff eventually.Continue doing the same method one part at a time, until you cover the entire coat.If you have ever seen blow-drying human hair, it almost has similar principles. Blow-drying helps increase the volume of your pet’s coat while keeping it clean and fresh.Of course, the first attempts are usually pretty tricky. Also, you may find some parts hard to fluff. Don’t worry about those things. A little more practice and it will make fluff drying an easier task to pull off.If you’re doing this for the first time, here are some few things to remember:Don’t:let the dryer blow into your pet’s eyes.blow hot air. Opt for warm instead.let the dryer blow close or directly into your pet’s ears.Do:make sure to give your dog breaks and offer treats while you’re at it.make sure to wash the shampoo off thoroughly, as it can weigh down your pet’s hair.A few more times of doing it should make you improve your work on fluffing your pet’s hair.You May Also Read – Where do shih tzus like to be petted?Do Shih Tzu have soft fur?One thing to notice about Shih Tzu is that they have a soft and long double coat or fur. Most of the time, Shih Tzus have a long coat. However, it will not always be too lengthy hair.Since Shih Tzus have soft fur, it should easily get fluffed. Or, if it’s still relatively short, it should be fluffy even with little effort.For Shih Tzus, the fur is one of the characteristics…
Why Is My Shih Tzu's Hair Not Growing? [Explained For …
Why Is My Shih Tzu’s Hair Not Growing? [Explained For Beginners]Is It Important For Your Beloved Shih Tzu To Have Long Flowing Hair Like A Show Dog? Are You Worried Or Disappointed With Your Dog’s Hair Care? The climate where you live, the grooming routines you establish, and the overall health of your pup will play an important role in the quality of your Shih Tzu’s coat. Along with diet and nutrition, you must also ensure that your pup is free from infection and illness which can hinder hair growth. Contents1 Why Is My Shih Tzu’s Hair Not Growing?2 Why Doesn’t My (1, 2, 3, …6) Month Old Shih Tzu Puppy’s Hair Grow On Its Face Like Other Puppies? 3 How Long It Takes For A Shih Tzu Puppy’s Fur To Grow?4 How Quickly Should An Adult Shih Tzu’s Hair Grow?5 Hair Not Growing In Old Shih Tzu?6 Does Shih Tzu Hair Stop Grow?7 What Are The Shih Tzu Hair Growth Stages?8 Do All Shih Tzus Have Long Hair? 9 Compared To Other Dog Breeds, Is Hair Growth More Difficult Among Shih Tzus?10 #Grow11 How Do I Get My Shih Tzu’s Hair To Grow Long, Like A Show Dog?12 What Is The Quickest Way To Grow Long Hair On A Shih Tzu?13 Will The Fur On My Shih Tzu’s Neck Grow Back? 14 I Shaved My Shih Tzu, Will The Hair Grow Back?15 How Long Does It Take For A Shih Tzu’s Hair To Grow After (Shaving, Bad Hair Cut)?16 Is My Shih Tzu Shedding Or Experiencing Hair Loss?17 My Shih Tzu Shed A Lot Of Hair Will It Grow Back?18 My Shih Tzu Is Experiencing (Hair Thinning, Missing A Patch, Balding, Alopecia) Will Its Hair Ever Grow Back?19 What Helps A Shih Tzu’s Coat Grow?20 What Kind Of Oil Is Good For A Shih Tzu’s Hair?21 Will Home Remedies Make My Dog’s Hair Grow Back?22 Why My Shih Tzu Hair Is Not Fluffy?23 How To Make My Shih Tzu’s Hair Fluffy?24 Why Is My Shih Tzu’s Hair Not Growing – Summary Many Shih Tzu owners and breeders go to great lengths to perfect and enhance the condition of their pups’ hair. You can do several things to encourage the growth and health of your Shih Tzu’s beautiful locks. The climate where you live, the grooming routines you establish, and the overall health of your pup will play an important role in the quality of your Shih Tzu’s coat. Why Doesn’t My (1, 2, 3, …6) Month Old Shih Tzu Puppy’s Hair Grow On Its Face Like Other Puppies? If your Shih Tzu puppy is not growing facial hair, it could be experiencing a hormone deficiency or loss. If your dog suffers from a genetic condition or auto-immune disease, there may not be a clear answer as to why he or she is suffering from minimal hair growth. How Long It Takes For A Shih Tzu Puppy’s Fur To Grow? It may seem like your puppy’s fur is not growing, but remember that Shih Tzu puppies are born with only their soft undercoat of hair. Their thicker adult hair…
Why My Shih Tzu Hair Is Not Fluffy (5 Causes + Grooming Tips)
Why My Shih Tzu Hair Is Not Fluffy (5 Causes + Grooming Tips) Shih Tzu is a popular dog breed that is well known for its fluffy hair. But keeping fluffy hair is not an easy task. It requires a special groom and care. So, why is my Shih Tzu hair not fluffy? A lot of facts depend on having well-fluffy Shih Tzu hair. You may not bathe that frequently or do not use proper dog hair products. To know why your dog’s hair is not fluffy, read the whole article below. Common Causes of a Shih Tzu’s Coat Not Being Fluffy If you have a Shih Tzu, you know that one of the most important things to maintain is their coat. Not only does it keep them warm, but it also is one of the things that makes them so adorable. So, what do you do when your Shih Tzu coat is not as fluffy as it used to be? Here are some common causes of a Shih Tzu’s coat not being fluffy: 1. Lack of Grooming One of the most common reasons why a Shih Tzu’s coat is not as fluffy as it used to be is because they are not being properly groomed. This breed requires a lot of grooming, including brushing, combing, and trimming. 2. Poor Diet Another common cause of a Shih Tzu’s coat not being fluffy is a poor diet. This breed requires a lot of nutrients to keep its coat healthy and lustrous. If you are not feeding them a high-quality diet, it will show in their coat. 3. Shedding Shedding is a normal part of a Shih Tzu’s life, but it can cause their coat to appear thinner and less fluffy. So, make sure to brush them more often to help remove the loose hair. 4. Allergies Allergies are a common problem in Shih Tzu, and they can definitely affect their coat. In case your Shih Tzu is allergic to something in their environment or their food, it can cause their coat to become dry and brittle. 5. Illness Finally, illness can also cause a Shih Tzu’s coat to appear less fluffy. For sickness, it is important to take them to the vet so that they can get the proper treatment. So, If you are noticing that your Shih Tzu coat is not as fluffy as it used to be, don’t panic. There are a number of common causes that can be easily resolved. Just make sure to take good care of your Shih Tzu and give them the attention they need to keep their coat healthy and lustrous. Grooming Tips to Achieve a Fluffy Coat When it comes to having a beautiful coat, Shih Tzus are definitely one of the lucky breeds. But, that doesn’t mean that they don’t require a little bit of help from their owners to maintain that gorgeous coat. Here are some tips on how to groom your Shih Tzu to achieve the perfect fluffy coat. 1. Invest in a Good Brush A good brush is definitely a must-have when it comes to grooming your Shih Tzu. Their long, flowing coats can become tangled and matted easily, so a brush that can help detangle their fur is a necessity. There are a variety of different brushes available on the market, so be sure to do your research to find the one that will…
Improve Your Shih Tzu's Skin & Coat With This One Simple Hack
Improve Your Shih Tzu’s Skin & Coat With This One Simple Hack So many dog breeds have health concerns – some minor, some major. Many shih tzu owners struggle with skin and coat issues. Coats can become dull and thin, and some shih tzus are constantly scratching or biting at their skin. What to do about dull coats and skin problems in shih tzus On a recent visit to my vet, I asked if there were something I could do to help, and the vet asked if I gave the dogs an Omega supplement. I explained that I gave the dogs a high-quality dog kibble that claimed to have a balance of nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids. This is where I learned my first mistake. My vet explained how dog food, even though it claims to contain Omega-3, rarely has any fatty acids that are biologically available to dogs. Biologically available? I had to have my vet expand on that one. Apparently, when dog food is processed, it is exposed to high heat. Omega fatty acids just so happen to be very sensitive to high heat. So by the time you pour Fido a bowl of kibble, the essential fatty acids are no longer in a state that is beneficial to your dog. In addition to dry, itchy skin and unhealthy coats, I was told that Omega-3 deficient diets also lead to: Prolonged healing of wounds Increased allergic reaction effects Decreased immune system function Painful joints Excessive inflammation Hair loss Ear infections Hot spots Excessive itching Fortunately, my vet offered a solution. She recommended that I start my dogs on an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Sounds easy? Not so much. I also learned that all supplements are not created equal. The ingredients that are used to derive the fatty acids is key. I think most people know that salmon is high in Omega-3’s, but did you know that it’s also high in toxins, such as lead and mercury? Big Fish = Big Trouble Here’s how it works: large fish are typically higher up on the food chain, so they eat small fish, which each small fish, etc. So basically, the largest fish are consuming all of the toxins that smaller fish eat. They also have a longer lifespan, so this means they accumulate even more bad stuff. So the key is to start at the lowest point on the food chain. Anchovies! Small fish with a short lifespan. There’s some solid scientific research that confirms this. Bonus: anchovies have some of the highest Omega-3 contents of any fish. Added bonus: they’re low in toxins. The Good News. There’s a Solution! I was recently turned on to an amazing product called Omega-3 Select chews. They are made from the highest quality anchovies (and krill), designed to provide your pup with the perfect balance of essential oils. Plus, they’re available in small and large chews depending on your dog’s size. Within a few weeks of having my dogs take the chews, I began noticing that they weren’t itching as much and their coats looked shiny and healthy. These were just the benefits that I could see. The Right Omega Makes All the Difference So do yourself a favor…get your dog on an Omega-3 supplement. My dogs seem to love the taste of the Omega-3 Select chews. Plus, when you purchase Omega-3 Select chews, you also be providing up to 21 meals for shelter dogs. So talk to your vet. To friends. Find what’s best for your dogs. Just make sure you make an Omega-3 supplement part of your shih tzu’s daily diet. They’re lives are short enough, we think they deserve the best we can give! Learn More about Project Paws ™ Omega-3 Select Soft Chews. Each bottle provides up to 21 meals for shelter dogs!