Shih Tzu Bathroom Time

Question
Hello Marie!
We have a 1.5 y/0 shih tzu, and currently take him for 20 minute walks 4x everyday. We've had him for 6 mos, and have been doing this since we've had him. He was abandoned, so we don't have a background regarding his care, but he is an overall healthy shih tzu, (besides a little dermatitis every now and again), declared by our vet. My question is, how long can these little guys wait to use the bathroom? I wanted to cut out going home for lunch, and that would have him wait 8 hours until his next walk (about how long he waits after bedtime), but we didn't want to make the little guy suffer. Please let me know your thoughts: would it be cruel of us to cut out his lunch time walks, downgrading to 3x a day? I refer to "walks" because he won't go to a designated area outside, he loves walking and marking his territory and won't do #2 until he "smells" the right place! Thanks for any advice!

Regards,

Jammy

Answer
Hi Jammy:  At 1.5 years old your little shih tzu can hold it until you get home.  I would make this transition slowly.  Start with every other day lunch walks, and then cut to every third day walk/visits.  After a few weeks go to NO walks or visits at lunch time. Take it slow and it will work!

Have fun!




Marie Of A-Plus Pet
NuVET Plus - the BEST shih Tzu Vitamin in the USA
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