Shih Tzu

Small Dog Dental Care – Things You Need to Be Aware Of

Monday, August 1st, 2011

Regular dental care is important for all dogs, but small sized dogs or toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Bichons, Chihuahuas, and other similar breeds have special dental requirements that must be considered.

Most veterinarians report that progressive levels of dental disease is the most common issue seen in the clinic. Unfortunately, plaque buildup and gingivitis can lead to not only tooth loss but can also allow hazardous levels of bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially causing damage to other organs like the heart and kidney.

Small breeds add additional problems into the mix. First, their mouths are considerably smaller than larger breeds. Secondly, small breeds commonly eat soft canned food or people food which sticks to the teeth and gums. Finally, small dogs usually live longer, giving periodontal disease more time to cause problems. When puppies begin the process of losing their puppy teeth and making way for the adult teeth, some toy breeds have a harder than normal time ‘pushing’ out these baby teeth. These stubborn baby teeth will have to be removed by a veterinarian. In addition, breeds like the Japanese Chin and Chihuahua have extremely tiny muzzles; therefore, toy breeds could experience overcrowding of teeth. In order to maintain a normal bite and correct alignment, veterinarian removal of some teeth may also be necessary.

Toy breeds also seem to acquire tartar and plague buildup faster and sooner than many of the larger breeds. A good dental health routine needs to be established while the dog is still young. Here are a few suggestions for maintaining proper dental health in toy breeds:

1. Begin exposing your puppy as soon as you bring him home to the idea of touching his mouth and teeth. Put doggie dental paste on your finger for him to lick off. The more accustomed he is to the sensations, the easier to properly clean his teeth.

2. Clean the daily debris from his teeth. There are several options for keeping his teeth nice and clean. Daily cleanings are ideal, but try to clean at least a few times a week. You can use either a small baby washcloth moistened with warm water, a pet finger tooth brush, or a small extra-soft bristled child’s toothbrush (the heads on these toothbrushes are very small). Apply just a small amount of pet toothpaste and gently apply to the teeth. You can clean just a few teeth at a time until he becomes more comfortable with the process.

3. There are several liquid products that can be applied to the teeth on a regular basis to help discourage bacterial growth. Veterinarians can also apply OraVet (a plaque control gel) as well as a proper dental cleaning.

4. Toys and treats can be an essential part of dental care, but you must be careful what your toy breed is chewing on. Many small dogs have cracked or broken teeth on inappropriate chew toys. Make sure to only purchase chew treats that are specifically made for toy breeds. Other products will have warning labels stating not for use by breeds under 15 pounds. Never provide your dog with an inappropriate product. Many products have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (BVOHC.org) for toy breeds.

5. During your yearly veterinarian exam, be sure to heed the advice of your veterinarian. If he or she feels a thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia would be best, schedule an appointment for the procedure. By establishing a good dental care program early on and consistently doing it, your toy breed will have excellent oral health. Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly, avoid chew treats that are inappropriate for it, and schedule professional cleanings when warranted. Remember to routinely inspect your dog’s mouth as well to insure there is no overcrowding of teeth or diseased teeth that might need to be removed. Lastly, note any observations of changes in teeth or gums like swelling, discharge, or growths, and be sure to point these out to your vet during a visit.

Visit the veterinarian and dentist who treats your pets at All Pets Dental Clinic and Hometown Animal Hospital, Jan Bellows DVM. Dr. Jan Bellows specializes in the treatment of small animals, and is a Diplomate to both the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and the American Veterinary Dental College. His practices, All Pets Dental Clinic and Hometown Animal Hospital, have been caring for your pets since 1977. They can be reached at 954-349-5800.

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Shih Tzu Care – Senior Dogs

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

shih tzu care

Shih Tzu care for puppies requires strict consistent following of a number of rules. That applies to training as well as other aspects of care. As your dog grows older you’ll find that sometimes you must make your own rules. You’ll have to follow a schedule that fits you and your dog. That applies to many care tasks including the all important diet…

Some older dogs just lose their appetite. Sometimes the cause is health related. For example, kidney problems sometimes cause eating changes. But so do several other health problems. That’s why appetite loss should be checked by a professional.

However sometimes loss of appetite is just a simple loss of interest in eating. That’s where you’ll want to use some tricks to keep your pet eating properly. Now puppies need to learn to eat what is presented to them. Older dogs may need some understanding and help.

A dog that usually eats dry food may simply lose the taste for it. Try feeding moist food and add some variety to your pet diet plan. Try different flavors, varieties and brands. Mix it up a bit to relieve what just may be boredom with the same old food day after day.

Another trick to try is offering food three or four times a day or even more. Eating a little at a time may better suit your dog.

A senior dog often requires extra care. You may need to use some creative thinking to help your pet be healthy and happy.

Would you like more tips on Shih Tzu care for your pet?

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://ShihTzuDogs.net and get more FREE resources.

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Dog Food – What’s Best For Your Shih Tzu?

Saturday, July 16th, 2011

Shih Tzus

I have had dogs all my life. As a child my family had dogs that basically belonged to no one in particular but rather, they belonged to the family in general, they were simply a part of us. I remember that little thought was given to what the dogs ate. Whether it was scraps from the table or whatever commercial dog food that happened to be on sale.

My dogs lived long and full lives without anyone worrying if they were getting the proper nutrition needed. But fast forward to nowadays and things are very different. We know much more about nutrition and the specific needs of our dogs, and even how that changes at various stages in their lives.

Are Dog Food Promotions Correct?

Most dog owners prefer to feed their pet commercial dog food. This method is convenient and most people trust that the dog food will meet the nutritional requirements of their pet. These owners are doing what they feel is the best thing they can to provide a great diet for their dog.

Dog food has been promoted as being everything your pet needs. Dog owners that choose commercial dog food over feeding their pet human food are confident that they are doing the right thing. In fact, some would argue that owners that cook for their pets are neglectful of some of the nutritional needs of the pet. After all, dog food is especially formulated for dogs, right?

Processed Food is not a great choice!

Try convincing one of these people that a dog and a human both need similar nutritional foods. It’s not that easy. However, no matter how you look at it, or what you believe a dog should eat as opposed to humans, processed food is still processed food! Commercial dog food is manufactured, which means it goes through various steps of processing, and has preservatives included, as well as other additives before it is packaged and delivered to merchants. Each step in this process reduces the food’s quality and reduces its nutritional value.

I cook for Molly and Ben (my Shih Tzu) daily. They mostly eat a mixture of vegetables, rice, beef and gravy. It is a sort of beef stew concoction. They seem to be very healthy and I do not have any plans of changing their diet to commercial dog food. However, I do supplement their diet with a vegetarian dog food by mixing a small amount of it in the stew mixture.

Feeding your pet a great food regimen is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Talk to the breeder you purchase your Shih Tzu from as well as your veterinarian. But ultimately the decision is yours – you have to decide what is best for your pet! Learn more about the nutritional requirements of your Shih Tzu and how they change over the lifespan. This knowledge will enable you to make wise choices when it comes to feeding your pet, visit: Just Shih Tzu

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Easy Steps to Get Your Obese Shih Tzu Back Into Shape

Friday, July 15th, 2011

feeding an obese shih tzu

If your Shih Tzu is obese you must correct the situation as soon as possible. Obesity in dogs is just as common and just as dangerous as it is in humans. The cause and cure are also similar and just as hard!

First of all you must remember that although Shih Tzu are resilient little fellows and one of the healthiest breeds obesity can lead to diabetes, heart and respiratory problems and weak joints. The good news, however is that an abnormal thinness in a properly fed dog is usually the sign of an underlying serious health issue which, in many cases you can do nothing about and may prove fatal.

If your Shih Tzu is overweight and you feel you have not been overfeeding him, get his thyroid checked to make sure there is no medical reason for the weight gain. It is also advisable to assess whether your dog is overweight or just bloated. Bloating may also be associated with diet, but is usually due to an allergic reaction to certain foodstuffs or an inability to digest properly. If your Shih Tzu suddenly becomes bloated he may have ingested poison and will need to be taken to a vet immediately.

If your dog is obese then do not be tempted to drag him out for a vigorous five mile ‘route march’. If you have not been exercising your pet sudden bouts of activity can put a strain on even the youngest doggie heart and lungs. As with humans exercise should be built up gradually. Slowly, as you regulate his eating, begin to exercise your pet more and more until you have built up a regular sustained routine. Once it is established, stick to it!

Here are eight tips for feeding your obese Shih Tzu.

1) Your Shih Tzu is not a Doberman. He does not need pounds of food to keep him alive. Small dogs slip in to the obese category with a relatively small increase in food. Keep the portions small.

2) Get the entire family on board and tell them not to feed your pet treats or snacks.

3) Keep your Shih Tzu out of the room during meal times especially when your children are eating.

4) Set regular meal times and stick to them.

5) The amount you feed your dog will depend on the type of food and the age of your pet. As a rough guide, puppies up to four months old should be fed three small meals a day. From four to twelve months switch to two meals, but keep to a formula designed for ‘adolescent’ dogs.
Adult Shih Tzu should be fed twice a day with adult dog food.

6) As your pet gets older reduce the amount especially if your dog is more than eleven years old. Nothing will put more strain on old organs and joints like excess weight.

7) Do not leave food out continuously.

8) Shih Tzu have very expressive faces and it will seem that your dog is begging for more food. Be strong!

Once the excess weight has come off and your dog is up to a full exercise regime you can re-introduce treats and rewards, but never be tempted to feed him second helpings and you must resist sharing your food with him. You are not being cruel to your pet; you are ensuring he lives a long and healthy life.

Chris Boshoff is a Shih Tzu lover and enthusiast. To learn more about feeding a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu in general check out his website here

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Free Shih Tzu Puppies – 3 Ideas for Adopting a Shih Tzu Puppy

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

free shih tzu puppies

Shih Tzu puppies are arguably the cutest and most lovable pets one could dream of owning. Their friendly and lively personality makes them the perfect pet. Many hope to have a one as a pet, but where does one start to look to own one? How do you avoid those breeders who are asking outrageous amounts of money for a “special” breed? Better yet, where do you find free Shih Tzu puppies?! I have some ideas.

1.) Check out your local newspaper’s classifieds

Sometimes you can get lucky and find free Shih Tzu puppies by browsing the pets section of the classifieds in your local newspaper. This can be rare, but even if you can’t find some, you might still be able to find puppies that are fairer priced. Also, don’t be afraid to give the breeder a call to see if you can arrange for a lower price!

2.) Call your local or surrounding animal shelters or humane societies

Go ahead and pull out the phone book and call your local animal shelter or animal shelters in surrounding cities. They might be trying to find a home for any puppies they’ve recently rescued or picked up. Not only is this a chance to find free Shih Tzu puppies but make a difference in one’s life!

3.) Visit adoption and rescue websites online

Similar to calling animal shelters, a lot of websites online are focused to finding people to adopt or rescue a Shih Tzu. Again, this would not only be a great way to find free Shih Tzu puppies, but to provide companionship for a lost or abandoned dog. With adoption, you might only have to option to adopt an adult rather than a puppy.

However, there are many advantages to adopting an adult. You can read more about these advantages here.

While it isn’t easy to find free Shih Tzu puppies, you aren’t obligated to paying outrageous prices to buy what breeders might advertise as a “special” breed of Shih Tzu. Check out all your options available before you settle on buying one from any single place.

If you have more questions about Shih Tzus, or owning a Shih Tzu, then check out Shih-Tzu-Information.com for more helpful articles like this one!

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Shih Tzu Training – 3 Ways

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

shih tzu dogs

Shih Tzu training is necessary if you and your new puppy are to have a great long-term relationship. Your puppy will be a part of your family and as such must fit in with your lifestyle. You have chosen this critter to enter your society and you owe your pet direction about how they should behave. With just a few basic training steps your puppy can be a pleasant and valuable companion. If you don’t get the training right, your dog probably won’t stay at your house! Training is just part of puppy care.

There are three basic types of training.

Housebreaking.

If your puppy is going to stay inside, you must house break your pup. Make sure your puppy is old enough for training before your start to avoid a lot of frustration. Check with your breeder on the best age. House breaking your dog is very important. If you don’t get this right fairly early in your pup’s life, your Shih Tzu will probably leave your home. Most people cannot deal with a dog that constantly makes messes in the house.

The old method of crate training works well. You confine your pup in a small area and closely supervise the pup. Take the pup out frequently for elimination breaks. The puppy will try no to soil it’s area since it’s in close quarters. Along with this method there are now many products to help with house training. There are litter boxes for dogs, doggie diapers and potty pads. Also consider the Wizdog potty training mat. So there are many aids to help with potty training. But the point is you must get this done.

Obedience Training.

Obedience training dogs isn’t absolutely necessary like house training, but it is helpful and makes for a more pleasant life with your pet. Why not train your dog to obey commands instead of endless repetition of the same commands with little or no response from your pet? Basic commands like stay, sit, down and others that you choose can help you and your pet enjoy a better relationship. The keys for teaching these basic commands are consistent, gentle discipline. Be firm but lavish in praise for good performance. You may need some help with training but you can train your dog yourself with maybe just a little help. Be sure to get the Shih Tzu information you need to accomplish your training goals.

Tricks.

Dogs vary in their ability to learn tricks. But if you have the basic obedience under control, you and your pet might enjoy learning some tricks. And remember this is just for fun. The same principles that will help you teach the basic obedience commands will help you teach tricks too.

If your Shih Tzu training just accomplishes the house training part you can enjoy your dog. Adding obedience and trick training just makes your relationship with your pet even better.

Al Bullington has experience with all kinds of pets including an independent (Know what I mean?) little Shih Tzu named Annie. Would you like more tips on Shih Tzu training?

Please visit http://www.shihtzudogs.net and get more free resources.

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Shih Tzu Care – Five Tips to Take Care of the Senior Dog

Monday, July 4th, 2011

senior shih tzu care

If you have had your Shih Tzu from the very beginning you will notice him getting older and as he slows down you must adjust his food and normal routine to suit his needs. You do not need to be a veterinarian to know that older pets need different nutrition and cannot bound along for hours on end. The advantage that Shih Tzu’s have is that smaller dogs tend to live longer than large breeds so signs of aging will not manifest themselves until your pet is at least ten years old, assuming that he has been properly cared for.

It is hard to set exact stages for ages and just like human beings the activity level and health of an older Shih Tzu will vary from dog to dog. Some may still be bounding around at thirteen while others can only walk a few yards at eleven.

1. Exercise

Let your Shih Tzu tell you what pace he wants to set. If you know your pet you will know when he gets tired. As dogs get older they develop joint problems and other age issues just like humans. You would not expect a seventy year old man to jog up the road every day, so do not expect it from your pet. It is however vital to keep up some form of exercise but keep this to a gentle walk. Perhaps two or three short strolls to replace the single long run of his youth.

When your faithful companion gets too weak to walk for more than a couple of minutes, carry him or get some sort of carry cot. He might not be getting exercise but just like a human, old dogs need a change of scenery and stimulation for their minds as well as their bodies.

2. Nutrition

There are so many excellent food products available that are specially balanced to take care of an older dog’s needs. Normal adult dog foods are no longer suitable. Your older pet needs different vitamins and minerals from his diet. Remember that he is using less energy so you must resist the temptation to over feed. Shih Tzu’s are so small that even the smallest lapses in this rule can lead to obesity and that will make your old friend prone to a whole host of problems. Look at supplements especially glucosamine for stiff joints. Either reduce his feeding to once a day or give him very small amounts regularly. If he does not finish his food try a little gentle coaxing, but do not bully him.

Make sure older dogs have access to plenty of clean drinking water and avoid any rich foods. Old digestions cannot cope with rich food and the weaker a dog is the more distressful an upset tummy will be. If you have trained your dog properly he will not beg for scraps and you will already know the dangers of feeding him from your table.

3. Keep older dogs snug and warm

If you notice him shivering or the temperature drops, invest in a coat or even boots. Make sure his mattress or under pad is soft and fluffy. Not only will this help to keep your Shih Tzu warm but it will help ease his old joints. Make sure his bed is in an area that is quiet and peaceful, but has plenty of human activity.

4. Check old dogs regularly for ticks and fleas

A Shih Tzu’s long hair makes these parasites harder to spot and older dogs are more susceptible to infestation.

5. Above all shower love on your old pal

Make sure your pet knows that they are highly thought of and how much their companionship means to you even though they no longer have the energy to bound to the door in greeting every time you enter the room.

Chris Boshoff is a Shih Tzu lover and enthusiast. For more information about Shih Tzu Care visit his website http://www.shihtzuparadise.com

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Five Easy Tips to Follow When You Introduce Your Shih Tzu Puppy to Your Other Pets

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

bring puppy home

Remember the time you had to change schools and felt all alone?  Well, this is a bit like your Shih Tzu puppy feels when you introduce him to your home.  Fortunately, your Shih Tzu has advantages over most other dog breeds, as he has been bred for companionship and most Shih Tzu have very social characters by nature.

You can however help him to integrate as soon as possible by following some of the following tips.

1. Pay the same amount of attention to your other dogs as you usually do.

Your old friend may have been with you for a few years, and there is no reason why you should pay less attention to him just because there is a new dog in town. All this will accomplish is to make him jealous, and your Shih Tzu puppy may end up paying the price. Show your old dog that the new puppy is not a threat by treating him the same as always.

2. Introduce the Shih Tzu puppy to the other dogs in a neutral area  

If you allow your Shih Tzu puppy to sit on Rover’s favorite couch while you introduce them, Rover will immediately see the new dog as a threat. It is best to use an area that the resident dog does not see as his area.

3. Look for signs of aggression

If either of the dogs shows any signs of aggression separate them immediately. Do not allow them to come close to one another until they have calmed down. Make sure you let the naughty dog know that his behavior is unacceptable.

4. Make sure both dogs are on a leash

I admit. This can be very difficult with the puppy as he may not have been trained to tolerate a leash, but the bigger dog should always be on a leash. Ask your husband or some of the bigger children to help with the introduction. The purpose of the leash is to control a dog if he shows any signs of aggression. A dog will normally show well in advance when he has bad intentions: the tail will be upright; he may growl, the hair on his back will stand erect and he will show some teeth.

5. One at a time

If you have more than one other pet, introduce them to the new puppy one at a time. The puppy may quickly feel overwhelmed if he must face a lot of different strange animals all at once.

You may also own cats and the same principals apply. The only thing to be careful of is the cat’s claws. Shih Tzu have protruding eyes and a swipe from a cat’s paw can do some serious damage to a Shih Tzu.

The next step to take is house training House training shih tzu dogs are not that difficult, but you need to know a few things. To find out how and for some great free advice visit http://www.shihtzuparadise.com

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How to Train a Shih Tzu Dog

Monday, June 13th, 2011

shih tzu training

If you just got a Shih Tzu puppy, there are a few common characteristics that they display. They are a small, yet sturdy, long body and legged dog, that will grow a long flowing coat in different colors. They don’t need much exercise, and typically are proud, dignified, yet happy and playful. They are friendlier with strangers than most smaller breeds and less yappy.

The downside to owning this breed of dog is that they also suffer separation anxiety and can become destructive and barky if left alone too much, and they are also stubborn. Of course, high coat maintenance is required such as brushing and trimming, and they can be difficult to housebreak. You might hear them snorting, snoring and sniffling and some can have serious health problems.

The main thing to consider with training puppies is that they are quick to think of themselves as humans, and on equal ground with their owners, so it is important to be consistent in training, and they are intuitive with intonation of your voice, so you may have to be strict when training the playful and stubborn Shih Tzu.

They love cuddling and snuggling and like being pampered. These are positive rewards that can be used when training a Shih Tzu puppy.

Housebreaking can be done with puppy crate training, and it is important to get them on a schedule after they are 12 weeks old, when it comes to feeding, watering and letting them outdoors. A schedule that allows feeding every few hours, watering several times a day, and letting them outside 5 or 6 times a day, works best. After 12 weeks, you can feed less frequently, but you will still need to water and let them out frequently up until they are at least six months old. Housebreaking depends on vigilance, and it is not unusual for puppy crate training to take 4 to 6 months.

Because of their small size and body shape, it is important to realize that they intake their food and water in smaller, yet more frequent sessions, and tend to need to go outdoors more frequently than larger dogs. They are prone to more serious health risks due to their long back, which is susceptible to disk problems, and also can develop joint, kidney and skin problems.

Sometimes they have breathing problems, due to their unnaturally short face and nose, so the potential for heat stroke in hot humid weather is riskier with a Shih Tzu, than other breeds. Do not leave your dog outside in hot weather for long periods of time, and make sure that their puppy training crate is large enough for them to turn their long body around, and is kept in a cool, comfortable place when you are away.

Because of their separation anxiety, it is best not to leave them in the cage for long periods of time, and also be mindful that they can become destructive and chew things up when nervous. Hard rubber chew toys are all that should be allowed with a Shih Tzu, and nothing small that could cause choking.

Training the proud and stubborn Shih Tzu demands consistency in tone, commands and schedule, but you can still expect it to take a little longer than most breeds in the majority of cases.

Janet Marie Davis has been breeding, raising, and training small breed dogs for over 25 years. During that time she has helped hundreds of Shih Tzu owners train and care for their dogs.

If you would like to learn more about how Janet Marie can help you with your Shih Tzu please go to Shih Tzu Training.

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Imperial Shih Tzu Puppy – Tips to Finding the Right Puppy From a Reputable Breeder

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

imperial shih tzu

Doing your research before taking home your new Imperial Shih Tzu puppy is an important step in making sure you find the perfect companion.

Choosing a reputable breeder is an important step in choosing your new puppy. It’s important to make sure you are working with a breeder who takes pride in raising their Imperial Shih Tzu puppies right. Puppies raised in a kennel environment usually receive less socialization and one on one care. I always recommend looking for a small, in home, hobby breeder. Here are some points to consider and questions to ask when looking for a the right puppy and a reputable breeder.

  • How many adult breeding dogs does the breeder have? Do you really think it is possible to have more than 15+ adult dogs in a home and still maintain cleanliness and proper socialization?
  • How long has the breeder been working with the Imperial Shih Tzu?
  • Does the breeder offer a health guarantee, and unlimited support throughout the puppy’s life?
  • Are the puppies raised in the home with the breeder/family? What type of socialization do they receive?
  • Are current pictures of the puppies parents available, do they look clean, well groomed, and healthy?
  • Is the breeder willing to give you references from previous customers as well as their veterinarian?
  • Is the breeder willing to take the puppy to a local veterinarian of your choice for an exam? This is very important as some breeders have veterinarians that will pass off anything as being healthy.
  • Will the breeder allow you to come to their home and see where the puppies have been raised? There really are no excuses why you should not be allowed to once the puppies are 6-8 weeks old as precautions can be taken to protect the heath of the puppies against outside “germs”, etc.
  • What Vaccines and de-wormings have been done?
  • Have the dew-claws been removed? This is really just a personal preference.
  • Will the breeder provide you with accurate weights of the puppy and updated pictures as it grows? Knowing the 4, 6, and 8 week weights can help you determine the approximate adult size of the puppy.

Always use caution when buying a puppy from a breeder online as you may find yourself dealing with a puppy mill instead of a small responsible breeder. Many puppy mills pose as small breeders online, asking the questions above should weed them out and help ensure the puppy you are considering will come from a clean, healthy, and loving environment.

Following these simple steps will help ensure that you end up with a well balanced, healthy, well socialized puppy.

To find out more about the darling Imperial Shih Tzu puppies my family and I raise, see my imperial shih tzu website [http://www.utahshihtzus.com]. To see the gorgeous puppies I have available, visit my imperial shih tzu puppy [http://www.utahshihtzus.com/puppies.html] page.

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