TIP:Playing with your Shih Tzu more often, taking them outside, and giving them entertainment can be critical in ensuring that they dont develop an obsessive habit of licking, biting, etc. Do not hand over any money before youre ready to. Fully grown, their fur runs flush along the ground. For treatment of hip dysplasia, there are non-invasive and surgical treatments. Potential pet parents should spend time with the breed to see how their allergies react before bringing home a Shih Tzu puppy. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'pawsandlearn_com-box-4','ezslot_5',192,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-box-4-0');There are many different reasons why your Shih Tzu may be itching and scratching. Shih Tzu dogs do not do well in kennels. Help your domestic doggy become a glad and pleasant person canine. We use InClover Connectin Hip an Joint Glucosamine tablets and have had excellent results when we noticed Max hopping around a little more than usual. Retinal detachment leads to vision loss and blindness. The easiest way to fake a Teacup pup is still shots. Plan a breeding program, master canine genetics, and use the right strategies. If severe, your veterinarian may discuss surgery to help correct some of these issues when your Shih Tzu is a puppy. Shih Tzu and some other dog breeds have large eyes set in shallow sockets. Inbreeding, or the act of deliberately breeding two related animals together, is a controversial topic. There is also a growing trend in creating smaller and smaller dogs. If he gets bit by a flea or a tick, he suffers from severe itchiness. If your Shih Tzu is itching and scratching even after all minor and serious issues have been ruled out, they may just be bored, anxious, or depressed. One of the first steps to raising a sociable dog is obedience training TIP:Running a damp, light-colored towel across your pups coat can also help you see any spots that indicate fleas! WebA female Shih Tzu can go into heat as young as four months old, which for most dogs is quite early. Travel together One of the biggest benefits of having a little dog is they can go on planes and trains. New breeders should be aware of the various types of eye diseases and make efforts to get dogs tested on a yearly basis. Routine cleaning with an ear cleaner that contains a drying agent is helpful to avoid moisture buildup. As with narrow airways, this is hard to identify by sight, but you will hear your dog making snorting and grunting sounds when breathing. If you are a Shih Tzu parent or have any brachycephalic dog breed then you should be aware of the following symptoms of breathing problems: Undeveloped airways can be seen on the surface level if the nostrils are narrow or tight. Senior dog incontinence can be stressful for you, but there are things you can do to manage this problem. Both of these are life-threatening and devastating to dog owners because there is no cure. These breeds are technically brachycephalic, which means they are predisposed to respiratory issues, perGizmodo. Sadly, inbreeding is all too common in the world of our canine companions. If you notice your dogs eyelids are behind his eyes, you need to seek medical attention immediately! They are designed to keep the skin calm and eliminate pain and inflammation from allergies. With all due respect to breeders, though, much of this trend has been encouraged and demanded by consumers wanting smaller and smaller dogs. For our dogs, the furniture is arranged in a way where they can hop down without impacting their joints too much. Most often, your dogs vet will perform surgery to remove the cataract, but there is a non-invasive procedure known as phacoemulsification. Excessive tear production or blocked tear ducts lead to a buildup of a reddish-brown pigment at the inner corners of the eyes, often extending toward the muzzle. Some breeders will cross them with other breeds to ensure their teacup size, if eligible Shih Tzu mates are not available. Shih Tzu are usually pretty chill but can occasionally be known to bestressed and anxious. Whether these small versions of the standard Shih Tzu become a new breed, as some would like, or remain as part of the Shih Tzu breed, remain to be seen. Use a good-quality wire brush with flexible pins, and layer the hair to be sure you reach to the skin. While the information contained within this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this site is accurate, complete, and/ or up to date. They often carry themselves with their heads held high and tails curled over their backs. Many breeds with large founding populations were originally bred fortheir function and intelligencenot for their looks. Here are the more serious issues that may be causing your Shih Tzu to scratch and itch: Pro Tip: If you are not able to get a hold of a vet near you, or you want to avoid an unnecessary ER trip, there are online resources that you can turn to. Hang at the dog park The best way to reassure yourself about a reputable breeder is research. Because teacup breeding relies on the littlest ones or abnormally small dogs born with birth defects, being a purebred Teacup Shih Tzu isnt necessarily a good thing. What to Feed Nursing Dogs to Produce More Milk? These allergies are caused by exposure to dust, mold, grass, etc. Dogs ideal body temperature is between 100 and 102 degrees and they regulate this through panting. Even more surprising is the number of color changes that a puppy may undergo before they reach maturity. The following may contain Chewy links. Teacup Shih Tzus can be purebred or they can be mixed. These little lion dogs, as their name means, were associated with Buddhism and, because Tibet did not have indigenous lions, the spiritual leaders bred their dogs to look like lions, according to the Shih Tzu Club. By the 1930s, some were being imported to the UK. When looking to add a canine companion to the family, somepeople already have a specific breed in mind. But, being a dog parent comes with great responsibility! It is not intended to constitute professional guidance or veterinary advice. A healthy liver plays an important role in your dogs well-being. An average Shih Tzu can set you back between $1,500 and $6,500 for a new puppy. It is actually more common that a cross-bred Shih Tzu will have less health issues, and your dog will get the best of both breeds DNA. This shouldnt stop you from doing your research though. The two smaller poodle varietiestoy and miniature poodlesare used to cross with the shih tzu, which is also a small breed. That face! These small pups have a knack for charming nearly everyone in the room, but theyre not the best breed for every home. 7 Reasons Why Your Poodle Whines & Cries (Quick Solutions Guide), Bathing Your Border Collie (Frequency, & Puppy Tips). It is normally very easy to see if your Shih Tzu has fleas on its body. But, with the knowledge of these common dog health problems, you may be able to help your dog live a happy and healthy life! Product availability and prices for Amazon Products displayed on this page are updated every half an hour and are subject to change. The dogs breathing will become difficult and can become a relevant health risk. Shih Tzu dont shed much and are sometimes referred to as a hypoallergenic dog. Unsustainable generations of selective inbreeding have exaggerated the breed's features to an unhealthy, extreme degree. Spay-neuter the veterinary surgical practice of removing a dogs ovaries or testes is the norm for most U.S. dogs. Eye discharge ( sometimes becoming red) Itchiness. Your vet may prescribe a medication, special shampoo, etc. Spinal disk ruptures may occur when your dog jumps from a very high place or experiences traumatic injury. The Teacup Shih Tzu is a prime example of compact cuteness made even smaller. to help ease any discomfort they may be feeling. Breeders can reduce the incidence of both Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation by the help of their veterinarian. TIP:If your Shih Tzu is experiencing a food allergy, you may consider switching the current food they are eating. Price and availability information shown on Amazon at the moment of purchase will apply. Treatment If your vet suspects your Shih Tzu has an allergy, they will perform an allergy test in order to confirm it. If your dog has an underbite that is painful, you will notice your dog recoils when you come near his face, he rubs his head on the wall or with his paws, or he has difficulty eating. Happiness tips, behavior issues prevention, exact care steerage, and over a hundred thirty COLOUR pics of lovable Shih Tzus multi-functional book!BONUS: This book is funny & academic dog Videos on her Amazon writer page! On average, brachycephalic dogs were less healthy than non-brachycephalic dogs. While it might take a little preparation (and possibly a dog sling), your tiny Fido can enjoy hiking, too. No matter what you do, they just want to be with their people. WebYes, it is possible for 2 dogs from the same litter to mate and have puppies. WebStop elevating your Shih Tzu on the vehicle's mobile pilot. Not only does inbreeding cause health issues, but inbred dogs are also more likely to display behavioral problems than outbred dogs. What you should know about this dangerous habit, How should you choose the perfect pup out of all the dog breeds? If you don't you'll end up with a litter of little walls, and they can be tough to give away to a good home. Shih Tzu are known for their sensitive skin. Many parks now specifically set aside sections for small breeds. Treating a ruptured disk depends on the severity of the condition. Some cases of overheating have even lead to death. Also known as cherry eye, this is the term for a large red lump in a dogs eye. You should work up to this by doing a little bit more each day or each week until they're ready to strike out for a longer adventure. We want to highlight the most common Shih Tzu breed health problems you need to know about. But it is necessary for this breed to find a home where their pet parents are willing to perform routine grooming. Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. If the condition of your dogs teeth is severe, his vet may perform professional cleaning or remove problematic teeth. Eye conditions can be quite painful, and signs include: Contact a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dogs eyes. This combination can trap moisture in the ears, leading to red, painful, or itchy ears. WebHere is a list of 5 reasons why your Shih Tzu is itching and scratching: 1. The Shih Tzu Poodle mix is a small, loving companion. Our bestselling ebook helps you start and manage your dog breeding adventure from day one. Last year, he was given a heavy dose of rabies vaccine and secondary flea and tick medication, which caused him to break out in hives. While they dont strictly outline why on their website, we can assume its because a lot of backlash teacup breeders face from accredited veterinarians. If your dog goes outdoors they are at risk. Discover the benefits and ingredients for creating a nutritious homemade dog food diet for your Shih Tzu. This can cause them to tire quickly after heavy activity, or can even be a problem when they are not active. This may be the worst issue you will have to deal with when owning a Shih Tzu. While, of course, you'll need to work within your beastie's physical constraints, there are lots of things you can do while accommodating their diminutive size. Some serious health problems Teacup Shih Tzus face are: Blindness Heart defects Arthritis Seizures Liver shunts Patella luxation Hydrocephalus Dental problems Depending on the type of distichiasis and ectopic cilia, your dogs vet may freeze out the offending hair follicles or may have to surgically remove eyelashes or hair follicles. Teacup merely denotes a size difference, no breed difference. Your vet will sedate him and perform a minor procedure to reposition the eye and eyelids. (note: Check your local pet store first, but if they don't have it you can usually find it on Amazon). The average Shih Tzu lifespan is 10-18 years, and they are considered a healthy breed overall, though they can be prone to certain medical conditions. Whether you're bringing home a new puppy, adopting from the shelter, or giving your old friend a refresher, you'll almost always end up with a more polite dog after their obedience training. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. 18 Holiday Gifts for Shih Tzu Lovers and Pet Parents, 30+ Perfect Halloween Costumes for Small Dogs, 12 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu with Allergies, Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Dog Fleas, Lyme Disease in Dogs | Symptoms and Treatment of Lyme, Stress in Dogs: How to spot the signs and how to help, What is Energy Healing and How You Can It For Your Dogs Overall Health, Creating a Nutritious Homemade Dog Food Diet for Your Shih Tzu, How To Socialize Your Dog with Other Dogs & People With Little Stress, Ultimate Guide to Shih Tzu Diet and Nutrition, When Do Shih Tzu Puppies Lose Their Teeth? Many dog breeders intentionally choose to inbreed dogs to strengthen certain physical and behavioral traits, as well as to keep the breeds bloodline pure. One of the most amazing things about this breed is the number of colors that show up in puppies. WebStop elevating your Shih Tzu on the vehicle's mobile pilot. Shih Tzu dogs are as cute as can be physically and socially. These deformed and underdeveloped airways are a problem for the following reasons: Brachycephalic dogs may have trouble taking in the proper amounts of oxygen. In humans, inbreeding levels between 3 percent and 6 percent result in higher chances of cancer or hereditary disorders, per Gizmodo. The older your dog is, the higher the premiums. Anti-itch lotions, creams, and paw balms these can all help keep your pups skin and paw pads moisturized so that the itching is lessened! The levels of inbreeding found in the data are higher than what would be considered safe for wild animal populations and humans.