7 Essential Summer Safety Tips for Shih Tzus in UK 2025

The Shih Tzu puppies are among the UK's most beloved small dog breeds, treasured for their affectionate nature and charming brachycephalic features. Their dense double coat requires special attention to keep them comfortable and safe during the warm summer months in the UK. This comprehensive guide offers 7 essential summer safety tips for Shih Tzus in 2025, helping owners provide the best care adapted to this breed's unique needs.

You'll discover thorough advice on where to buy a puppy, responsible acquisition, optimal hydration, grooming practices for comfort, adjusted exercise routines, sun and paw protection, heatstroke awareness, and the pillars of lifelong responsible ownership.

1. Responsible Puppy Acquisition: How to Buy a Shih Tzu Dog in the UK

Choosing your Shih Tzu puppy responsibly is the essential first step towards a healthy and happy companion. When investigating how to buy a dog, seek reputable sources. Use the Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service that connects you with reputable breeders prioritising health screening and ethical practices.

Ask these key questions when buying a puppy:

• Have health screenings been done for common issues such as brachycephalic airway syndrome?
• Can you meet the puppy’s parents to assess temperament and health?
• Is the living environment clean, stimulating, and safe for the puppies?
• Are the breeder’s practices aligned with the Kennel Club’s welfare guidelines?

Responsible dog ownership starts with ensuring your puppy has the best genetic and social start, supporting long-term wellbeing.

2. Hydration is Crucial: Keep Your Shih Tzu Well-Watered

Shih Tzus are particularly susceptible to dehydration in warmer weather due to their thick coats and brachycephalic anatomy, which hampers efficient cooling. Maintain constant access to fresh, cool water throughout the day.

Consider these practical hydration tips:

• Place multiple water bowls in easily accessible locations within your home and garden.
• Add ice cubes to the water during hot days to encourage drinking.
• Offer small, frequent meals rather than large portions to avoid digestive issues.
• Monitor your dog to ensure they are drinking enough, especially after exercise or play.

Proper hydration helps prevent heat stress and supports your dog's overall summer health.

3. Grooming: For Comfort and Effective Cooling

Managing your Shih Tzu’s dense double coat is essential in summer. Regular grooming prevents mats that trap heat and ensures skin breathability.

Key grooming steps include:

1. Daily brushing: Use a suitable brush to remove loose fur and prevent tangling.
2. Professional trimming: Consult a groomer about a light summer trim that maintains some coat length to protect against sunburn.
3. Avoid shaving: Complete shaving can expose sensitive skin to sun damage and temperature extremes.
4. Bathing: After outdoor activities, rinse off sand or salt to prevent irritation, but avoid excessive bathing to protect natural skin oils.

Balanced grooming keeps your Shih Tzu comfortable and better able to regulate body temperature.

4. Adjusted Exercise Schedule: Staying Active Safely in Warm Weather

Summer heat can quickly exhaust a Shih Tzu due to breathing challenges related to its flat face. Adjust exercise times to cooler parts of the day and watch for signs of overexertion.

Follow these exercise safety tips:

1. Walk during early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are lower and shade is abundant.
2. Keep exercise sessions short and gentle to avoid overheating and fatigue.
3. Test pavement temperatures with your hand; if too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog’s paws.
4. Prefer shaded paths and grassy areas that remain cool underfoot.
5. Consider paw wax to protect paw pads from heat and irritation during walks on rough or hot surfaces.

Monitoring your dog’s response to exercise during summer ensures safety and enjoyment.

5. Sun Protection and Paw Care

Shih Tzus with lighter coats are vulnerable to sunburn, particularly on exposed skin such as the nose, ears, and around the eyes.

Protect your pet with these measures:

• Apply veterinarian-approved, pet-safe sunscreen 30 minutes before outdoor exposure.
• Provide shaded resting areas during outdoor activities.
• Use sunshade accessories like collars or lightweight vests designed for dogs.
• Walk during cooler parts of the day and avoid hot surfaces.
• Use paw wax to shield pads from hot pavements and rough terrain.

These precautions reduce sunburn risk and paw discomfort in summer.

6. Recognising and Preventing Heatstroke: A Critical Summer Safety Concern

Heatstroke poses a severe risk for brachycephalic breeds like Shih Tzus owing to their compromised ability to cool themselves efficiently. Immediate action can be lifesaving.

Symptoms to watch for include: rapid breathing, excessive panting, drooling, weakness, dizziness, collapse, or unresponsiveness.

Immediate steps if heatstroke is suspected:

• Move your dog to a cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned area promptly.
• Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water to drink.
• Apply cool, damp towels to the body, particularly the neck, chest, and paws.
• Seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
• Never leave your Shih Tzu alone in a car or enclosed space during warm weather, even briefly.

Being vigilant and prepared can save your dog's life in extreme heat.

7. Lifelong Responsible Ownership: Beyond Summer Safety

Summer safety ties into the broader picture of responsible Shih Tzu ownership, which includes consistent health care and ethical practices throughout the year.

Consider these ownership cornerstones:

• Regular veterinary check-ups: Early detection of brachycephalic syndrome, skin conditions, and other breed-related issues helps manage health effectively.
• Balanced nutrition: Providing high-quality food tailored to your dog’s needs supports overall vitality.
• Preventative treatments: Maintain parasite control and vaccinations to avoid seasonal and chronic diseases.
• Ethical breeder selection: Continue supporting reputable breeders who test for hereditary conditions, ensuring the breed’s health and welfare.
• Rescue alternatives: Consider rescue options that provide loving homes to Shih Tzus needing adoption.

Responsible ownership reflects a commitment to your pet’s happiness, health, and the wellbeing of the breed.

Summary: Ensuring a Safe and Happy Summer for Your Shih Tzu

Keeping your Shih Tzu safe in the UK summer of 2025 involves attentive care across hydration, grooming, exercise adjustment, sun and paw protection, and heatstroke prevention. Choosing a healthy puppy from reputable breeders through the Kennel Club’s Find a Puppy service lays the foundation for excellent health. Recognising early signs of heat-related distress and never leaving your dog in enclosed hot spaces are vital.

By embracing these seven essential summer tips, UK Shih Tzu owners can provide the best care that respects the breed’s needs and promotes responsible dog ownership. Your commitment ensures your cherished companion enjoys many summers safely and happily, reflecting the highest standards of pet welfare and love.