Shih Tzu dogs

 

Shih Tzu dog information

The name Shih Tzu is pronounced shee-tzoo and means Lion Dog in Chinese. The name is believed to originate from the dog's vague resemblance to the Asian Snowlion, and this breed is also known as Chrysanthemum Dog since its face looks somewhat like the flower. The Shih Tzu was developed in Tibet and is one of the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs. It is actually one of the oldest breeds of dog in the entire world. The Shih Tzu was bred as a pet dog, not a working dog, and it is believed to hail, at least in part, from the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and Chinese Pekingnese, but no one knows for sure. Over the centuries, a tradition developed where the Dalai Lama of Tibet would send dogs to the Emperor of China and receive dogs or other gifts in return. This is probably how the Lhasa Apso came to breed with the Pekingese.
In ancient China, the Shih Tzu could be found next to the Emperor where it would keep him company and bark if people or animals approached.
The Shih Tzu was a much guarded national treasure in China and exporting Shih Tzu dogs was prohibited until China became a republic in 1912. The first official record of a Shih Tzu being imported to the United Kingdom dates back to 1931, and the breed was recognized by The Kennel Club in 1934.

Shih Tzu dog care

Since the Shih Tzu originates from the Imperial Palace of China, it comes as no surprise that this breed requires more care than any ordinary peasant would have time to lavish on it. If you are looking for a low maintenance dog, the Shih Tzu is not a good choice.  
One essential part of Shih Tzu dog care is naturally to brush its long coat on a daily basis to avoid tangles. Some owners cut the coat short to save some time, but if you live in a cold climate you should ideally allow your Shih Tzu to keep its long coat at least during the winter. In addition to this, the Shih Tzu is adapted to cool Chinese and Tibetan conditions and is very sensitive to high temperatures. Being a snub-nosed dog (brachycephalic), it can suffer from breathing problems and heat stroke if exposed to high temperatures. Many airlines refuse to ship Shih Tzu dogs if they suspect that the temperature will exceed 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) at any point during the journey.
Another important part of good Shih Tzu dog care is to clean the area around the eyes each day. You can use cotton and some warm water, no soap is necessary. Some owners claim that giving their dogs chlorine-free water to drink reduces the amount of eye mucus, but this has not been scientifically proven.
Just like most other dog breeds, the Shih Tzu dog needs to have its claws cared for on a regular basis.
Unless the weather is too warm, the Shih Tzu is an energetic dog that will enjoy regular walks to burn off energy and explore the neighbourhood.

Shih Tzu dog puppy

All puppies are adorable, but do not settle for the first breed you happen to come across. A lot of animals end up in shelters every year simply because their owners did not choose a suitable breed. A Shih Tzu dog puppy is a great choice if you want to dog that stays comparatively small and does not need excessive amounts of exercise. (This doesn’t mean that you can put it in a dog crate and never exercise it at all, it simply means that it needs less exercise than huge working dogs.) Like any other small breed, the Shih Tzu does not require large amounts of food and you will be able to easily fit it into a carrying crate when you travel. A Shih Tzu dog puppy is however only a good choice if you are willing to spend time on coat maintenance throughout its entire life.

Shih Tzu dog training

As mentioned above, the Shih Tzu was bred to be a house pet and a close companion, and this becomes very clear when you start training it. It loves human company and will often love training sessions since it means it gets to spend time with its owner. Never yell at your Shih Tzu during training, since this will only serve to frighten it. Despite being a little stubborn at times, this breed responds extremely well to praise and if you spend enough time with your dog it will become very devoted to you. Use praise, affection and perhaps some treats during Shih Tzu dog training and you will notice much faster improvements than were you to yell and scare the dog.
Shih Tzu housetraining can start early, but keep in mind that the puppy can not be expected to control its bladder for an extended period until 12 weeks of age. Even at this age, it is still a very young baby and accidents will happen. This does not indicate that your dog is stupid or disobedient; it is simply a matter of physical bladder control. If you catch your dog in the act of urinating or defecating in an improper place, simply say NO in a firm voice and bring the dog outside where you want it to go. By saying NO in a firm voice you can startle your dog into stop what it’s doing. Remember, there is no need to yell or become upset. One firm NO is enough. Give your Shih Tzu puppy a lot of praise when it finishes its business outdoors.

Shih Tzu dog breeding

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC), Shih Tzu dog breeding should strive to develop specimens weighing from 9 to 16 pounds as adults. According to this Shih Tzu dog breeding standard, the dog should have a short snout, big eyes and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. All coat colours are allowed, the important thing is a long and flowing double coat. In addition to this, the Shih Tzu should be sturdy built.

Since the original purpose of the Shih Tzu was to serve as a companion for the Emperor, it was bred to be an intelligent, friendly and lively pet dog that loved to spend time with both its owner and other people. Today, all reputable Shih Tzu breeding programs strive to keep these temperamental characteristics and create dogs that are happy, friendly, affectionate, trusting and well socialized.

Shih Tzu dog breeders

Several health problems are known to plague Shih Tzu dogs and it is therefore important to purchase only from Shih Tzu dog breeders that strive to breed out genetic problems. Reputable Shih Tzu breeders will also make sure that your dog undergoes a comprehensive veterinary exam prior to purchase. Common health issues in the Shih Tzu dog breed is portosystemic liver shunt, hip dysplasia, renal dysplasia and various eye problems. They can also be allergic to red dye #40, which is present in many types of commercial dog foods. The most common sign of red dye allergy is excessive scratching.

Shih Tzu dog price

The Shih Tzu dog price varies a lot from breeder to breeder. When you compare the Shih Tzu dog price always check what you actually get for your money. Has the dog been vet checked, vaccinated and de-wormed? Are the puppies well socialised? Is this a reputable breeder that strives to breed out genetic disease and temperamental problems? The life span of a well cared for Shih Tzu dog is 9-15 years and spending some extra money on getting a healthy, well socialized specimen is definitely

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2:15 PM

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Dogs Walking in Circles

Normal dogs don't typically walk in circles, except when they are either preparing to urinate or defecate, or their attention is drawn by a smell or another animal to the extent that they are forced to do so to avoid losing the scent or direct contact. If you discover your dog walking in circles without any such reason for it, be immediately suspicious and try to figure out what the cause is.

What to Look For

Dogs with neurological reasons for circling typically find it difficult to turn in the direction opposite the one they are circling in. Start your investigation by attempting to get your dog to turn away from the direction in which she is circling. Next, conduct a neurological exam. This should include an evaluation of her eyes, ears, spine, and limbs.
What to Do

Now ask yourself these few questions:

•  Did your exam reveal evidence of an ear infection? If so, the circling might be due, in part, to the imbalance that sometimes results from an acute middle ear infection. See your vet for the appropriate course of action and that should help resolve the circling behavior.

• Did your exam uncover any eye asymmetry? Different pupil sizes often indicate neurological problems that are best handled by a veterinary neurologist. The sooner your dog sees one the better.

•  Was every aspect of your physical exam completely normal? If it was, there is a strong possibility that the circling behavior is just that; a behavioral issue only. If it persists for more than a few days, it might be worthwhile to consult an animal behaviorist.

When to Get the Vet

A recent head trauma can easily be the cause of a dog's circling behavior. Because these effects may be the beginning of something significantly worse, it is always wise to seek the immediate attention of a veterinary neurologist any time your dog exhibits even the slightest behavioral abnormality following head trauma.

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2:03 PM

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Why Your Pets Are Suffering Common Deficiencies?

Some Common Vitamin Deficiencies in Pets
Here are some common deficiencies can lead to serious issues on your pet. These are as follows.
Iodine deficiency:
Most important chemicals required for the existence of living things is Iodine. It stimulates the thyroid which will lead to numerous critical issues. In most of the dogs hypothyroidism has been recognized due to the deficiency of iodine. This deficiency can cause due to lack of Iodine in food. Thyroxin is the best supplement to prevent your dog from Iodine deficiency.
Zinc deficiency:
In your pets; Zinc deficiencies can cause due to inflammation; also called bowel sickness. Zinc does not get properly absorbed in the body of your pets which can cause Zinc deficiencies. This may happen due to some genetic problem. Consumption of excessive amount of calcium can lead to zinc deficiencies. Meat and bone have a greater percentage of zinc so by giving it to your pets zinc deficiencies may reduce.
Thiamine Deficiency:
It is easy to treat thiamine deficiency as there are different kinds of cheap pet meds available in the market. Consumption of excessive amount of over processed food can lead to thiamine deficiencies. Raw fish eaters are prone to this deficiency. It is frequently found in cats.
Taurine:
Taurine or amino acid deficiency is caused due to eating over processed vegetarian diet. This deficiency may affect the eyes and heart in your pets. You can overcome with this deficiency by consulting veterinarian for appropriate Pet Meds.
Pet Vaccinations for pet meds
Pet Vaccinations are really very important for your pets to stay away from various diseases or deficiencies and health related issues as they can badly affect people who are enclosed by them. Consult your veterinary to get more information on suitable vaccination available for your pets’ health. The government has pushed a compulsory law for vaccination in countries where rabies occurs naturally.
A few vaccinations for pets are as follows…
Rabies vaccination: It is an essential vaccination for a dog as per the law.
Vaccination like Canine distemper and canine hepatitis virus are important.
Tips to improve immune system of your pet
You can improve the immune system of your pet by giving them proper food. Some tips are as follows.
Protein and wheat in the diet will definitely improve your pet’s health. Provide steamed or boiled wheat to your pet. Beef is also a good source to get protein. For dogs 50% wheat and 20% protein are important.
Oatmeal, millet also as brown rice can be the best source of energy for pets.
To improve energy level brown rice and Oatmeal is essential.
Eggs can be added occasionally to the diet.
60% of protein and 20% wheat are necessary to keep cats healthy.
Vegetarian diet is recommended for cats for healthy routine.
Avoid the deficiency symptoms of your pet by providing a good diet to them.
Cheap Pet Meds
Medication is important for pets to stay away from deficiencies. The best quality product gives fast effect to improve your pet’s health and also keeps them happy and stronger. Now a days online marketing provides different and better quality medication for fleas and ticks control and vitamin deficiency.

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11:51 AM

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Controlling an Aggressive Dog

Even the calmest of dogs has the propensity of being really aggressive and unruly if it (or its nose) is rubbed the wrong way. Owners and handlers should ensure these steps are taken to develop emotionally stable dog behavior.
Prevention is always better than cure, and an obvious step to take in handling an aggressive dog is to watch for signs of hostility. If your dog is emitting low growls, tensing up or not wagging its tail, it is sending up a red flag and its behavior needs dealing with. In addition, its ears may flatten and its hairs may stand. Further, it may tilt its head in the direction of the source of the aggression. Recognizing the warning signs it displays is a first step in controlling canine aggression.
Safety always comes first when controlling an aggressive canine. If you own a dog with a propensity for aggression, make sure that it is taken out only when it has a muzzle on. If you wish to give your dog a little freedom from the muzzle, ensure that it is not reacting aggressively to its surroundings. When it shows that it can react properly to stimuli, the muzzle can be removed accordingly.
Let your dog interact as much as it can with other dogs, especially when it is a puppy. Familiarity, in the case of dogs, does not breed contempt. With other dogs which are exhibiting calm behavior, an aggressive dog will be more likely to tone down. Keep your dog on a short leash; this allows you to pull back when it lunges at another dog. Say “no” firmly and calmly when aggressive behavior is observed.
Train your dog to be in the “sit” or “stay” position when seeing another person approaching. Reinforcing the “stay” command with your dog helps it remember that it must behave in a pleasant way to people whenever they approach. Use praise liberally when your dog shows that it knows how to sit or stay. This provides positive association towards both the command and people the dog may come in contact with.
Always watch your own reaction when a dog is hostile. If you show that you are in a frenzy when your dog is aggressive, it picks up vibes from you and will tend to be even more excited than it already is. Maintaining calm assertiveness is the key in combating dog aggression.
Get a gentle but firm lead for your dog. The dog will not have any negative association with it and love its walks. If it likes the leash, it heightens the enjoyment of going out for walks. A happy dog is a calm dog.
Dog aggression may be a problem, but it certainly can be controlled. With the right steps in place, you and your canine can have longer, more pleasant walks

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11:44 AM

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5 Ways to Rid Your Pet of Fleas or Ticks

As a pet owner you are aware of how detrimental it can be for your pet to have fleas or ticks on their body or within your home. With the implementation of the following tips you will undoubtedly be provided with the opportunity to understand how to get rid of fleas or ticks both naturally and with the use of a variety of different chemical-based treatments.
Tip #1: Flea/Tick Shampoo
The most popular form of getting rid of ticks and fleas is to purchase the appropriate flea and/or tick shampoo from your local pet supply store. There are an ample amount of different brands that can be utilized to your advantage which can be quite beneficial. Whether you are looking for a formula specified for your pet or if you are looking to gather a formula that you can use for your furniture as well, the options are relatively endless.
Tip #2: Dish Soap and Hot Water
For a more cost effective solution, many different pet owners utilize dish soap and hot water to rid their pets of fleas and ticks. Rather than having to venture to the store to purchase a new formula, bathing your pet in an abundance of dish soap will help to kill all of the fleas that are on their bodies. It is also preferred that you comb through your pets hair after treatment to ensure that all of the bugs have been killed.
Tip #3: Consistent Bathing
As more of a flea preventative and a tick preventative, ensuring that your pet is cleaned on a daily basis can be quite advantageous. Whether you are interested in purchasing specialized shampoos or if you prefer to use generic soap brands, the option is up to your personal preferences. With a weekly bath your pet will have clean and luxurious hair that will be less likely to become a home for ticks and fleas.
Tip #4: Treat your Surrounding Area
Although becoming aware of the ways that you can rid your pet of fleas and ticks can be beneficial, treating the environment can also prove to be a great flea preventative and tick preventative. You will be provided with the opportunity to purchase specific chemical-based or organic grass sprays and tree sprays that will deter all different types of ticks and fleas from your property. This will help to ensure that your pet does not contract these bugs while it is playing outside.
Tip #5: Oral Medicine
As a more drastic measure, treating your pet with oral medicine can be an advantageous way to prevent ticks and fleas from affecting your home. Essentially you will provide your pet with an oral dose of medication that will enter their blood stream to help deter ticks and fleas from attaching onto their bodies.

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11:14 AM

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Grieving for Pets

The loss of a pet is an often underestimated source of trauma and sadness. People are often stunned to find out how empty their house can feel after the passing of a pet. Pet’s play a unique role in our lives. Pet’s can be companions and friends. They cheer us up when we are down and they make us feel like the most important person in the world the second we walk through the door. Petting pets has shown to reduce stress in humans. Studies by the University of Hawaii’s animal science department showed grief over the loss of a pet lasting over six months for 30-percent of test subjects.
History is filled with humans mourning the passing of their animal companions. The ancient Egyptians mummified their cats to acknowledge their importance. Contemporary methods of pet memorialization include small grave-stones, and porcelain memorial plaques.
Everyone grieves for pets in their own way. Some cope by expressing themselves through poetry, music, or writing letters to their deceased pets. Talk to family and friends about what the pet meant to you and how they dealt with the loss of a pet. Grieving for a pet is a process. During this process you may experience guilt, denial, anger, and depression. These are perfectly normal emotions to got through. Blaming yourself is not the answer. Coming to terms with your feelings is the only way to deal with the loss of a pet and move on.
How one experiences grief is unique. Scientific time-tables for grief do not necessarily dictate how long one’s personal journey through grief will last. Ignoring pain will only make it worse in the long run. Reaching out to others and keeping a normal routine can help in dealing with grief. Remember that there are no right or wrong feelings. One should reflect on his/her feelings to really understand what is bothering him/her.
Animals are very sensitive to any change in the household. One may notice a change in behavior among pets in the household. This is because animals grieve as well.
There are those who feel guilty for wanting to get a new pet. A new pet is not a replacement for an old pet. One way to look at getting a new pet is as a tribute. You loved your first pet so much, that you though a new pet could be a comfort as well.

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11:06 AM

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