Why Did No One Tell You About These Simple Solutions?

You’ve been struggling with tear stains for months. Spending a fortune on collars that hurt their trachea. Fighting destructive separation anxiety. Then you discover simple $5 solutions that solve everything—and wonder why your breeder, vet, or groomer never mentioned them.

Watch the complete video above for visual demonstrations of these game-changing hacks.

📌 Quick Takeaway (60 seconds)

What you’ll learn:

  • ✓ 6 simple hacks that solve common Shih Tzu problems instantly
  • ✓ Why harnesses prevent tracheal collapse (and collars cause it)
  • ✓ The frozen Kong trick that stops destructive separation anxiety
  • ✓ Natural remedies for tear stains that actually work

Bottom line: Most Shih Tzu problems have embarrassingly simple solutions. These 6 hacks—costing less than $50 total—solve tear staining, anxiety, trachea damage, and grooming nightmares.

Quick Navigation

  1. Frozen Kong Toys
  2. Pee Pad Training
  3. Baby Wipes for Tear Stains
  4. Harness Over Collar
  5. Dog Stroller Benefits
  6. Coconut Oil for Skin

1. Frozen Kong Toys with Peanut Butter

Quick Answer: Stuff a Kong toy with xylitol-free peanut butter and freeze it for 4+ hours. This keeps a bored Shih Tzu engaged for 20-30 minutes, prevents destructive chewing, and provides mental stimulation. It’s the single best hack for separation anxiety and alone time. Always verify peanut butter does not contain xylitol (toxic to dogs).

The Challenge: Boredom and Destructive Behavior

Dogs experiencing boredom or lacking adequate mental stimulation often develop problematic behaviors including destructive chewing, excessive barking, or attention-seeking actions. Shih Tzus, despite their moderate energy levels, require mental engagement to remain content and well-behaved.

The Solution: Frozen Stuffed Kong Toys

Kong toys—durable rubber toys with hollow centers—have become staples in dog care for good reason. Taking this concept further by stuffing and freezing these toys creates an extended engagement activity that provides multiple benefits.

How to Prepare Frozen Kong Toys

Basic Preparation:

  1. Select appropriately sized Kong (small or medium for Shih Tzus)
  2. Fill the hollow center with dog-safe peanut butter
  3. Freeze for several hours or overnight
  4. Provide to dog for supervised enjoyment

Advanced Variations:

  • Layer peanut butter with dog-safe fruits (banana slices, blueberries)
  • Mix peanut butter with plain yogurt or mashed sweet potato
  • Combine with kibble or small training treats
  • Use different Kong sizes for variety

Benefits of Frozen Kong Toys

Extended Entertainment: Freezing increases the time required to access the filling, transforming a 5-minute activity into a 20-30 minute engagement session.

Mental Stimulation: Problem-solving how to extract frozen contents provides cognitive challenge and mental exercise comparable to physical activity in terms of tiring dogs.

Anxiety Reduction: Licking and focused activity promotes calming effects. Many dogs find repetitive licking behaviors soothing during stressful situations.

Appropriate Chewing Outlet: Provides acceptable chewing target, redirecting natural chewing instincts away from furniture or inappropriate items.

Temperature Relief: On hot days, frozen toys provide cooling relief while entertaining.

Important Safety Considerations

Xylitol Warning: Always check peanut butter ingredient labels. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener appearing in some peanut butter brands, is extremely toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts. Choose xylitol-free products only.

Quantity Control: Peanut butter contains significant calories and fat. Use small amounts (1-2 tablespoons maximum) and account for these calories in daily food intake to prevent weight gain.

Supervision Required: While Kong toys are durable, supervise dogs during use, especially initially. Remove and replace toys showing significant wear or damage.

Dental Considerations: Dogs with dental problems may struggle with frozen items. Adjust freezing time or skip freezing for dogs with sensitive teeth.

2. Pee Pad Training for Small Bladders

Understanding the Small Bladder Challenge

Shih Tzus’ small size means proportionally small bladders requiring more frequent elimination than larger breeds. Adult Shih Tzus may need to urinate every 4-6 hours, while puppies require even more frequent opportunities.

This reality creates challenges for:

  • Apartment dwellers without immediate outdoor access
  • Owners working full-time unable to provide midday outdoor breaks
  • Senior or mobility-limited Shih Tzus struggling with stairs or outdoor access
  • Inclement weather situations
  • Nighttime elimination needs

The Pee Pad Solution

Indoor pee pad training provides designated elimination areas accessible when outdoor access isn’t practical or possible. This approach doesn’t replace outdoor potty training but supplements it for specific situations.

Effective Pee Pad Training Methods

Setup and Location:

Choose a consistent location that:

  • Remains easily accessible to the dog
  • Offers some privacy
  • Stays far from food and water bowls
  • Can be easily cleaned if accidents occur around the pad

Training Process:

Step 1: Introduction

  • Place pee pad in designated area
  • Bring dog to pad after meals, naps, and play sessions
  • Use consistent command phrase (“go potty,” “do your business”)
  • Remain patient and calm

Step 2: Positive Reinforcement

  • Reward immediately after successful pad use with treats and praise
  • Timing is critical—reward within seconds of completion
  • Keep treats near pad area for convenient access

Step 3: Consistency

  • Maintain regular schedule bringing dog to pad
  • All household members must follow same protocol
  • Clean pad area thoroughly to maintain appeal
  • Replace soiled pads promptly

Step 4: Gradual Independence

  • As dog understands concept, reduce frequency of guided visits
  • Allow dog to access pad independently when needed
  • Continue rewarding successful use intermittently

Managing the Transition

Outdoor and Indoor Balance: Dogs can learn to use both outdoor spaces and indoor pads. Differentiate with distinct commands or cues if desired (“outside” vs. “pad”).

Preventing Confusion: Some dogs generalize pad training to all soft surfaces. Address this by:

  • Using distinctive pads (specific texture, scent)
  • Limiting access to other soft flooring during initial training
  • Immediately interrupting and redirecting accidents on inappropriate surfaces

Choosing Appropriate Pee Pads

Disposable Pads: Convenient, absorbent, contain odors effectively. Ongoing cost consideration.

Washable Reusable Pads: Environmentally friendly, economical long-term. Require regular washing.

Artificial Grass Pads: Mimic outdoor surface, potentially easier transition for dogs accustomed to outdoor elimination.

Size Selection: Choose pads providing adequate space for the dog to turn around and position comfortably.

3. Baby Wipes for Tear Stain Management

Understanding Shih Tzu Tear Staining

Shih Tzus frequently develop tear staining—reddish-brown discoloration on facial fur below the eyes. This common issue stems from several breed-specific factors.

Causes of Tear Staining

Facial Structure: Shih Tzus’ flat faces and prominent eyes mean tears don’t drain normally through nasolacrimal ducts, instead overflowing onto facial fur.

Hair Irritation: Long facial hair can irritate eyes, stimulating excessive tearing.

Blocked Tear Ducts: Some dogs have anatomically narrow or blocked tear ducts preventing proper drainage.

Dietary Factors: Food allergies or sensitivities may increase tearing in some dogs.

Health Issues: Eye infections, conjunctivitis, or eyelid abnormalities can cause excessive tearing requiring veterinary attention.

The Baby Wipe Solution

Gentle, unscented baby wipes provide convenient, effective tools for daily facial cleaning that helps manage tear staining.

Proper Tear Stain Cleaning Technique

Daily Cleaning Routine:

  1. Use Appropriate Wipes: Choose fragrance-free, alcohol-free baby wipes formulated for sensitive skin. Alternatively, use wipes specifically designed for pet facial cleaning.

  2. Gentle Approach: Gently wipe stained areas using soft, downward strokes moving away from eyes. Never wipe directly toward eyes or use harsh scrubbing motions.

  3. Thorough Drying: After cleaning, gently pat area dry with soft cloth or tissue. Moisture contributes to bacterial growth causing staining.

  4. Consistency Matters: Daily cleaning prevents stain buildup. Established stains require weeks of consistent cleaning to lighten significantly.

Additional Tear Stain Prevention Strategies

Facial Hair Trimming: Keep hair around eyes trimmed short to prevent irritation and reduce tear contact with fur. Many owners maintain this through regular professional grooming appointments.

Water Quality: Some evidence suggests that minerals in tap water contribute to staining. Filtered or bottled water may help reduce staining in some dogs.

Food Bowl Material: Plastic bowls can harbor bacteria contributing to staining. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls cleaned daily are preferable.

Veterinary Evaluation: Persistent, sudden, or worsening tearing warrants veterinary examination to rule out infections, blocked ducts, or other health issues.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult veterinarians if tear staining accompanies:

  • Eye redness or swelling
  • Squinting or pawing at eyes
  • Thick or colored eye discharge
  • Sudden increase in tearing
  • Signs of pain or discomfort

These symptoms may indicate infections or other conditions requiring medical treatment rather than simple cosmetic staining.

4. Harness Instead of Collar

The Collar Problem for Shih Tzus

Traditional collars present specific risks for Shih Tzus and other small, brachycephalic breeds:

Tracheal Vulnerability: Shih Tzus have delicate tracheas (windpipes) susceptible to collapse or damage. Pressure from collar pulling can injure these structures, causing chronic coughing, breathing difficulties, or complete tracheal collapse requiring surgery.

Respiratory Compromise: Brachycephalic breeds already experience breathing challenges. Additional pressure on the throat exacerbates these issues.

Neck Injury Risk: Sudden pulls or jerking on leash can cause neck injuries, particularly in small dogs with fragile structures.

Escape Potential: Small dogs can often back out of collars, especially when frightened or determined to chase something.

The Harness Advantage

Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders rather than concentrating it on the neck and throat, providing multiple benefits:

Safety: Eliminates choking risk and tracheal pressure, making walking safer for dogs and reducing owner worry about causing injury.

Better Control: Harnesses provide more control over the dog’s movement without causing discomfort or injury. This proves particularly valuable for dogs that pull or lunge.

Training Support: Many trainers recommend harnesses for leash training as they don’t create negative associations with pain or discomfort.

Security: Properly fitted harnesses are much more difficult for dogs to escape than collars.

Comfort: Most dogs find harnesses more comfortable than collars, especially during extended walks.

Choosing the Right Harness

Sizing: Measure chest girth according to manufacturer instructions. Proper fit is snug but allows two fingers to slip underneath straps.

Styles:

Step-In Harness: Dog steps into openings with straps buckling on back. Easy to put on but requires dog cooperation.

Overhead Harness: Slips over head with straps buckling under chest. Quick to put on once dogs are accustomed.

Vest Harness: Covers more of torso, distributing pressure even more broadly. Comfortable for extended wear.

Front-Clip vs. Back-Clip: Front-clip (attachment point on chest) provides more control and discourages pulling. Back-clip (attachment on back) allows more freedom of movement.

Proper Harness Fitting

A properly fitted harness:

  • Doesn’t slide around on the dog’s body
  • Allows free leg movement without chafing
  • Doesn’t restrict breathing or press on throat
  • Cannot be backed out of or escaped
  • Accommodates two fingers underneath all straps

Collar and Harness Use

Identification: Even when using harnesses for walks, dogs should wear collars with identification tags when unsupervised. If dogs escape, collars with tags facilitate return.

Best Practice: Collar with ID tags for general wear; harness for all leash walking and outdoor activities.

5. Dog Stroller for Extended Outings

Overcoming the “Silly” Stereotype

Dog strollers often face skepticism or ridicule from those unfamiliar with their practical benefits. However, these accessories provide legitimate advantages, particularly for small breeds like Shih Tzus.

Practical Benefits of Dog Strollers

Exercise Limitation Management: Shih Tzus have moderate exercise needs and can tire quickly, especially in heat or during extended outings. Strollers allow dogs to participate in longer excursions without overexertion.

Age-Related Mobility: Senior dogs or those with arthritis, joint problems, or mobility limitations can still enjoy outdoor experiences and socialization through stroller use.

Recovery from Injury or Surgery: During recovery periods when exercise must be limited, strollers enable dogs to experience outdoor stimulation without physical activity.

Urban Environment Navigation: In crowded urban areas, hot pavement, or locations with broken glass and debris, strollers protect small dogs while allowing participation in activities.

Multi-Dog Households: Strollers enable owners to walk multiple dogs when some have different energy levels or mobility limitations.

Weather Protection: Strollers with covers protect dogs from extreme heat, cold, rain, or sun exposure during necessary outings.

When Strollers Prove Valuable

Shopping and Errands: Pet-friendly stores and outdoor shopping areas become accessible when dogs need rest options.

Events and Gatherings: Outdoor events, festivals, or crowded gatherings are safer and more manageable with stroller containment options.

Extended Walks: Owners wanting longer walks than their Shih Tzu’s stamina allows can bring strollers for rest periods.

Travel: Strollers simplify navigation through airports, train stations, or tourist areas during travel.

Choosing Appropriate Dog Strollers

Size and Weight Capacity: Ensure stroller accommodates the dog’s size with room to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Maneuverability: Test wheel quality, steering, and folding mechanisms. Smooth operation makes use more practical.

Ventilation and Visibility: Adequate mesh panels provide airflow and allow dogs to see surroundings, reducing anxiety.

Safety Features: Look for secure leash attachments inside stroller, reliable brakes, and sturdy construction.

Storage: Compartments for water, treats, waste bags, and personal items increase convenience.

Introducing Dogs to Strollers

Most dogs accept strollers readily with proper introduction:

  1. Allow investigation and exploration of stationary stroller
  2. Place treats inside to create positive associations
  3. Practice short sessions in familiar areas
  4. Gradually increase duration and environmental stimulation
  5. Never force or rush the acclimation process

6. Coconut Oil for Dry Skin Relief

Understanding Canine Dry Skin

Shih Tzus can develop dry, itchy skin from various causes including environmental factors, allergies, excessive bathing, harsh grooming products, or underlying health conditions.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil offers multiple properties beneficial for canine skin:

Moisturizing: Contains fatty acids that hydrate skin and improve moisture retention.

Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation associated with itching and irritation.

Antimicrobial: Possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties helping prevent secondary infections in irritated skin.

Coat Health: Improves coat shine and texture when applied topically or added to diet.

Topical Application Method

Product Selection: Use unrefined, virgin coconut oil without added ingredients, chemicals, or fragrances. Organic options are preferable.

Application Process:

  1. Warm small amount between hands to soften (coconut oil solidifies below 76°F)
  2. Gently massage into dry or irritated areas
  3. Focus on particularly problematic spots (elbows, paw pads, dry patches)
  4. Apply thin layer—excess can make fur greasy
  5. Allow absorption before allowing dog on furniture

Frequency: Apply 2-3 times weekly or as needed. Daily application is generally safe for problem areas.

Dietary Addition

Some owners add coconut oil to dog food for skin and coat benefits from inside out:

  • Start with 1/4 teaspoon daily for small dogs
  • Gradually increase to 1 teaspoon daily maximum
  • Monitor for digestive upset; reduce if diarrhea occurs
  • Account for added calories (coconut oil is calorie-dense)

Important Considerations

Veterinary Consultation: Persistent skin problems warrant veterinary examination. Underlying allergies, infections, parasites, or systemic conditions require appropriate medical treatment rather than topical remedies alone.

Not a Cure-All: Coconut oil addresses symptoms of dry skin but doesn’t treat underlying causes. Identify and address root problems for lasting improvement.

Ingestion: Dogs may lick applied oil. This is generally safe in small amounts but excessive consumption can cause digestive upset.

Allergies: While rare, some dogs may be sensitive to coconut oil. Test small amount on limited area before widespread application.

Complementary Skin Care Strategies

Humidifier Use: Indoor humidity helps prevent skin drying, especially during winter heating season.

Bathing Frequency: Limit bathing to every 3-4 weeks using moisturizing, gentle shampoos formulated for dogs.

Diet Quality: High-quality dog food with appropriate omega fatty acids supports skin health from within.

Parasite Prevention: Fleas and mites cause intense itching and skin damage. Consistent preventive treatment is essential.

Implementing These Hacks Successfully

Start with Most Relevant Needs

Not every Shih Tzu requires all six hacks. Assess individual needs and circumstances to prioritize which strategies offer greatest benefit. Apartment dwellers may prioritize pee pad training, while dogs with mobility issues benefit most from strollers.

Consistency and Patience

Most hacks require consistent implementation over time to yield full benefits. Pee pad training doesn’t succeed overnight, and tear stain improvement takes weeks. Maintain patient, consistent approaches for best results.

Individual Variation

Every Shih Tzu is unique. Some readily accept strollers while others resist. Some respond beautifully to coconut oil while others show minimal improvement. Adapt approaches based on individual responses.

Professional Guidance

While these hacks address common situations, persistent problems or concerns warrant professional consultation. Veterinarians can diagnose underlying health issues, while certified trainers provide guidance for behavioral challenges.

Watch the full video above for visual demonstrations of these helpful Shih Tzu hacks.

Beyond the Basics: Comprehensive Care

These six hacks represent practical solutions to common challenges, but comprehensive Shih Tzu care encompasses much more:

  • Regular veterinary care and preventive health measures
  • Appropriate nutrition and weight management
  • Consistent grooming and coat maintenance
  • Mental stimulation and appropriate exercise
  • Positive training and socialization
  • Safe, comfortable living environments

Understanding breed-specific needs and implementing practical solutions creates optimal environments where Shih Tzus thrive physically and emotionally.

Conclusion

The six hacks presented—frozen Kong toys, pee pad training, baby wipes for tear stains, harnesses over collars, dog strollers, and coconut oil for dry skin—address common Shih Tzu ownership challenges with practical, effective solutions.

Many owners discover these strategies through trial and error, often wishing they had learned them earlier. Implementing these approaches from the beginning of ownership, or adding them to current routines, simplifies daily care, prevents problems, and enhances quality of life for both dogs and owners.

The most valuable hack of all may be the willingness to try new approaches, learn from experienced owners, and remain open to solutions that initially seem unusual but prove genuinely helpful. Every Shih Tzu is different, and the best strategies are those that work for the specific dog and owner partnership.

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This guide is for educational purposes only. Every dog is different, with individual health needs and circumstances. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for health concerns, particularly regarding skin conditions, dietary changes, or mobility issues. Product recommendations should be evaluated based on individual dog needs and veterinary guidance.