Here is a list of 5 reasons why your Shih Tzu is itching and scratching: Allergies are a very common reason why Shih Tzu itch and scratch. A healthy liver plays an important role in your dogs well-being. There is no doubt about it: Teacup Shihs Tzus are terribly adorable. Inbred dogs tend to have fertility problems. Top picks for best dog food for allergies. Here's are some signs you need to watch for to know when your Shih Tzu is getting too cold. These irritations are the result of abnormally grown eyelashes, injury, and trauma, such as abrasion, scratches, or punctures. Also known as Liver Shunt Disease, this is a condition that results in the inadequate processing of ammonia. So if anyone in your household becomes sick, it is best not only to isolate that member from everyone in your home, but also your pets. Hormones are a very common reason that Shih Tzu will begin itching and scratching. 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. Since the brachycephalic dogs do not have as much room in their face as dogs with large snouts, they can develop deformed and under-developed airways. The popularity of these small dogs soared when the Empress of China Tzu Hsi became enamored after receiving her first little dogs from the 13th Dalai Lama in 1908. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Occasionally they will hop around with a leg up until the knee pops back into place. TIP: If you're thinking about health insurance for your Shih Tzu you may want to get it sooner rather than later. Advertising Notice Shih Tzu are playful, intelligent, and want to please their pet parents. But, with the knowledge of these common dog health problems, you may be able to help your dog live a happy and healthy life! Dogs are prone to health issues just like humans, so pet parents need to know what to look out for and how to respond. Shih Tzu are pleasant, energetic companions. Your email address will not be published. Your veterinarian will assess for ear infections with a thorough examination and by obtaining a sample to assess for bacteria or fungus. Thyroid hormones can also affect Shih Tzu, if they develop hypothyroidism, a Shih Tzu will oftentimes begin scratching and itching. Because breeders watch gene pools to prevent repetitive inbreeding and mixing of unhealthy genes and need the smallest candidates to continue the Teacup line, theyre arguably the rarest of Shih Tzus. PRA is not common in Shih Tzu, but it can be inherited. This is characterized by upper airway abnormalities such as: All of these aspects can cause trouble breathing and make Shih Tzu more prone to overheating. More from Nick, Star Trek Actor Reveals His Humiliating Experience Working With The Seinfeld Actors. Because Shih Tzu and other brachycephalic dogs have small mouths, their teeth tend to be crowded. In a perfect world, they would never become ill! Unsustainable generations of selective inbreeding have exaggerated the breed's features to an unhealthy, extreme degree. This is common in Shih Tzu and all dog breeds as they age. Shih Tzus can be pretty stubborn and difficult to house train. There are many reasons why a Shih Tzu may scratch and itch. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. In the U.S., the popularity of the breed has been declining slightly in recent years, according to AKC breed statistics, but the breed is still the first choice among those that love the looks and personality of these little dogs. These deformed and underdeveloped airways are a problem for the following reasons: Brachycephalic dogs may have trouble taking in the proper amounts of oxygen. With less oxygen, this rate increases putting more strain on the heart and leading to heart problems. If you notice your dogs eyelids are behind his eyes, you need to seek medical attention immediately! If you notice your Shih Tzu itching and scratching consistently but have ruled out the less serious issues above, your pup may have a more serious problem such as an ear infection, parasites, or an underlying health condition. These purebred pooches have long coats which are reminiscent of lions manes. Shih Tzu do not require a great deal of exercise and are happy to just be with you. Together, the data shows dog breeds with high levels of inbreeding were more likely to visit the vet than dogs that were not inbred,Gizmodoreports. Help your domestic doggy become a glad and pleasant person canine. A Shih Tzu entering a conformation show may be one of the most coiffured dogs in caninedom, but ask any Shih Tzu owner and the temperament wins over looks, hands down. They have long, smooth haircoats, a squished muzzle, a pronounced underbite, and short, floppy ears. Shih Tzu may also begin scratching when they have nothing better to do. Take your pup there to find friends of a similar size. Cookie Settings, Lua Bittencourt via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0, Five Places Where You Can Still Find Gold in the United States, Scientists Taught Pet Parrots to Video Call Each Otherand the Birds Loved It, The True Story of the Koh-i-Noor Diamondand Why the British Won't Give It Back, Balto's DNA Provides a New Look at the Intrepid Sled Dog. TIP:Wiping down your Shih Tzus paws and face after being outside may help eliminate any itching of the paws, inhaling allergens, and spreading allergens to other parts of the body. Product availability and prices for Amazon Products displayed on this page are updated every half an hour and are subject to change. If the dog has developed a habit oflicking, biting, scratching, etc. Series of unbiased buying guides and reviews for dog breeders. Discover the benefits and ingredients for creating a nutritious homemade dog food diet for your Shih Tzu. A small founding population of abreed was also linked to high levels of inbreeding, while breeds with large founding populations had more genetic variation. Keep in mind that when we say common we do not mean that every Shih Tzu will experience these issues, but that if your Shih Tzu does have an issue, it will likely be one of the following: Shih Tzu are a brachycephalic dog breed. "This study revealed that if dogs are smaller and not inbred, they are much healthier than larger dogs with high inbreeding.. For pet owners, this bad behavior is the most annoying. The best thing to do if your dog is itching and scratching a lot is to visit the vet to find out what may be causing this problem. 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. If you discover a large red lump in the corner of your dogs eye, you should take him to his vet. As mentioned in our article on how to bathe your dog, your dog has sensitive skin! Should you continue to practice dog obedience training? Dry eye, known technically as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (say that five times fast! Make sure you check out a breeders entire website, their social media, and other reviews posted about the company elsewhere. Supplements that may support the health of this breed include omega fatty acids, which are heart-, brain-, skin-, and joint-healthy. Privacy Statement If arranging furniture isn't an option, there are pet steps or a ramp, which could help. Your dogs vet will perform an examination and determine whether your dogs condition is severe enough to require surgery. If your Shih Tzu has darker fur, or longer fur and it is harder to check for fleas, try taking a comb and pulling the fur apart to look closer at their skin. Youre likely to notice this when your dog is sleeping, but his eyes are still partially open. While less common, some Shih Tzus are allergic to airborne allergens like pollen or dust. These miniature toy dogs are a great companion for people used to small living or who want to take their little one out and about. European Shih Tzu dogs tend to be slightly larger than their American counterparts, but even in Europe, the demand for smaller versions of the breed is growing and thriving as a result of American imports. Here is aComplete List of Fruit Shih Tzu can & Cant Eat! Sadly, inbreeding is all too common in the world of our canine companions. Shih Tzu are also known foreating all sorts of things they shouldnt, this can play a huge part in them developing allergies or reactions to the certain things they eat or inhale when outside! Still, there are some misconceptions about dog obedience training and how to tell whether your pup would benefit from it. Can you breed granddaughter and grandfather dogs? Your Privacy Rights Benadryl is oftentimes used to treat allergies in Shih Tzu. Important Disclaimer This site does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Pain medications can also be prescribed in cases where detachment is caused by glaucoma. As a small dog owner, you might gaze longingly at the humans who can play endless games of fetch with their shepherds and go for 5-hour walks accompanied by their collies. A narrow airway is hard to identify visually, but you may detect it by auditory cues. Later, Marco Polo makes mention that Emperor Kublai Kahn had small dogs similar to the Shih Tzu. When they suddenly begin itching and scratching, you are probably going to worry until you figure out what the problem is. Thankfully a veterinarian can check to see if your Shih Tzus hormones are out of balance and find a fix that will provide your pup more comfort. Nose bleeds. Your little fur-buddy will be grateful for your effort! Youd be surprised by how many purebred dogs you can find right around the corner. There are plenty of Shih Tzu breeders in the country, youll find another! Spay-neuter the veterinary surgical practice of removing a dogs ovaries or testes is the norm for most U.S. dogs. If you need a little more convincing, though these are five important reasons why you should continue obedience training with your dog. 7 Reasons Why Your Poodle Whines & Cries (Quick Solutions Guide), Bathing Your Border Collie (Frequency, & Puppy Tips). 14. Hang at the dog park Your dogs retina can become detached due to severe trauma, glaucoma, or high blood pressure, but it is most common caused by age. Theres been so much literature available about puppy mills that theyre a pretty easy scam to notice and avoid. That said, Shih Tzu can be a good fit for some people with dog allergies. Sadly, there is an extensive list of eye disorders that have been identified in this breed including the below among others: All Shih Tzu breeding stock should be screened yearly by board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologists, and breeding decisions should be based on the results. The Shih Tzu Poodle mix is a small, loving companion. 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. This is the pastime of many dogs, both large and small. If you see that your dogs eyes are cloudy, you should take him to his vet immediately because cataracts can grow worse and lead to blindness. Proptosis occurs when the eyelids close or fold behind the eyeballs. Log in. If your dog regularly makes snoring noises or coughs a lot when breathing, then he may have a narrow airway. Not only does inbreeding cause health issues, but inbred dogs are also more likely to display behavioral problems than outbred dogs. Lagophthalmos can lead to dry eyes or corneal scratching. Here are some of the most common skin issues that Shih Tzu have: TIP:It is best to get your Shih Tzu to the vet if they have a skin issue so that they can be prescribed the necessary medications, creams, shampoos, etc. This treatment helped the reduce the ulcer, but the ulcers would keep coming back, so the vet did an integrative eye treatment (which I didn't know what it was at the time have since come to realize it was plasma therapy.). A Shih Tzu puppy will lose their teeth and enter into their teething stage. This overcrowding leads to tartar and plaque development. I know thats is true for me. This means that they have shorter snouts and flatter faces than other breeds of dogs. Here are some of the most beneficial tips and tricks for reducing itching and maintaining your Shih Tzus healthy skin: While we strive to give the most accurate and helpful information about your pets health that we can, this article is meant to be informational only and not medical advice. Preventing the disease falls into the hands of breeders as they make educated decisions as to which dogs to breed. Many problems associated with Shih Tzu stem from our desire for large eyes and short noses. Imperial rulers bred this type of dog to alert people of visitors with their sharp bark. The toxins build up, eventually causing chronic gastrointestinal issues, stunted growth, and even neurologic signs such as ataxia (a drunken sailor gait) or seizures. It is normally very easy to see if your Shih Tzu has fleas on its body. Normally, breeding Shih Tzu dogs are not difficult, but some peculiarities should be addressed. Overall, scientists found the average level of inbreeding was around 25 percent, which is the same level of genetic similarity siblings usually share, reports Ed Cara forGizmodo. An average Shih Tzu can set you back between $1,500 and $6,500 for a new puppy. The dogs breathing will become difficult and can become a relevant health risk. When looking to add a canine companion to the family, somepeople already have a specific breed in mind. WebHere is a list of 5 reasons why your Shih Tzu is itching and scratching: 1. But, sadly for him, his body does not tolerate foods high in fructose. When you notice your dog behaving this way or exhibiting foul smells or discharge from his ears, you should take him to visit his vet. This goal can be achieved by using genetic screening, educating breeders, and maintaining diversity in pups with low inbreeding levels. The retina is one of the innermost sections of the eyeball and is largely responsible for clear vision. This is a type of kidney disease thats inherited in this breed. Another great idea? They will begin developing dry, itchy skin due to hormone imbalance. Because of this, breeds like the Shih Tzu cannot handle hot weather as well as humans or other dog breeds. Routine cleaning with an ear cleaner that contains a drying agent is helpful to avoid moisture buildup. The Teacup Shih Tzu is a prime example of compact cuteness made even smaller. Breeding a dog for looks, rather than focusing on healthy genes, is bound to have a negative impact on the dogs future well-being. Periodontal disease, or dental disease, is commonly seen in Shih Tzu dogs because their teeth can easily overcrowd their small mouths. Dames and sires hips can be X-rayed and knees can be palpated. Use a good-quality wire brush with flexible pins, and layer the hair to be sure you reach to the skin. How to find the best brush for Shih Tzu its Easier than you think! WebSymptoms of breathing problems in Shih Tzu If you are a Shih Tzu parent or have any brachycephalic dog breed then you should be aware of the following symptoms of One common indicator of a food allergy is if your Shih Tzu is consistently scratching at its mouth. Treating a ruptured disk depends on the severity of the condition. Diet changes and oral medications can also be used to manage dogs with milder signs. All rights reserved. Irregular heat cycles Infertility mainly due to timing issues Cryptorchids or low sperm counts in males Whelping problems Hip dysplasia results when the hip joints dont properly fit together, eventually leading to arthritis, trouble walking, and pain. Seasonal allergies Can affect the skin or cause a reaction from an inhaled allergy such as pollen. Symptoms of Liver Shunt Disease include the following: Typically, your dog does not suffer symptoms from Liver Shunt Disease until six years or older. The other main problems that have been identified in the breed include kidney problems such as Renal Dysplasia and liver problems such as Portalsystemic Shunt. Dogs experience stress, but can't verbalize it. TIP:Running a damp, light-colored towel across your pups coat can also help you see any spots that indicate fleas! Allergies can be caused by many factors and can result in your pup becoming very uncomfortable and even sometimes in pain. 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. Since proptosis is generally caused by trauma from fighting or playing rough, Shih Tzu and other breeds with protruding eyes need to be careful when playing with other dogs. A kennel is promotion, networking, bookkeeping, online marketing, and more. | READ MORE. Cataracts are easy to spot as they are large, thick, cloudy spots on the eyeball. Needless to say, I do my best to make sure that Rufus gets no bugs on him since he cannot handle flea and tick medication very well. Birth defects Genetically inherited health problems like hip dysplasia or cataracts Deafness Heart defects Reproductive issues Puppy mortality Heres how to identify and treat them, Why do dogs eat garbage? When this happens, eyes can become scratched or damaged. Best Dog Food for Dog with Sensitive Skin issues, Dog Food Basics and Crucial Safety Tips A Guide to Safely Switching Foods, Genetically inherited health problems like hip dysplasia or cataracts, Have a veterinarian complete a thorough exam to confirm pregnancy and identify any potential complications, Have a vet attend the birth of puppies in case complications arise, Spay/neuter dogs to prevent accidental breeding in the future or remove dogs from the same home, Before choosing a dog to breed, have a vet workup done, including genetic testing, Ensure that dogs are four generations removed, which ensures puppies are unlikely to be affected by inbreeding, If you have dogs that are closely related, consider separating them or spay/neuter them to prevent accidental breeding, Try to make sure the male is smaller than the female. His vet would smooth out the ulcer with a long cotton swab. Aggressive behaviors, such as rough play, snapping at or biting people or other animals, and even serious attacks are all more common in inbred dogs. Prolonged stress can lead to health issues, so important for you to know when your pup is feeling uncomfortable. Operated by Lazhar Limited, a company registered in England & Wales (Company No. Check out this article next to find out other reasons why your Shih Tzu is obsessively licking:Shih Tzu Obsessive Licking (Quick Solutions Guide). According to a, Certain dog breeds are renowned for possessing specific traits. This paw washerhas been a game-changer for my dog. Travel together Shih Tzu and some other dog breeds have large eyes set in shallow sockets. For example, the healthiest breed studied wasDanish-Swedish farm dogs, which originated from a sizeable founding population of 200 dogs. They often carry themselves with their heads held high and tails curled over their backs. Eventually, this breed became a companion animal instead of a working dog, as people in China began breeding them with Western breeds such as Pugs and Pekingese. The fees to travel by air can be a little high and there are some rules (you need them to lie down quietly under the seat for the duration of the flight). This may have nothing to do with fewer dogs and more to do with pet owners who do not register their purebred dogs. They should not be bred during the first heat cycle, and some breeders even suggest they wait until their third cycle. This position leaves eyes more exposed and prone to injury. Inbreeding depression, known as an unspecific decrease of fitness, drastically reduces the quality of an inbred dogs life, leading to higher incidents of mortality in puppies and shortened lifespans due to a weakened immune system. Some breeders will cross them with other breeds to ensure their teacup size, if eligible Shih Tzu mates are not available. Elizabeth Gamillo WebA female Shih Tzu can go into heat as young as four months old, which for most dogs is quite early. 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? Since Shih Tzu are prone to dry eye, they should be examined regularly by their vet. Female Shih Tzus in particular have this issue. Some dog breeds are more inbred than others because breeders select for specific traits based on how it makes a dog look. WebYes, it is possible for 2 dogs from the same litter to mate and have puppies. 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! At what age should your dog be spayed or neutered. The inability to take in the proper amount of oxygen can lead to heart problems as the bloodstream is oxygen-deficient. Sadly, this condition is not curable, but some veterinary ophthalmologists are studying the effects of antioxidants on prevention of PRA. If excessive hair is noted inside the ear canals, your veterinarian or groomer may recommend removing it to avoid irritation. Besides discomfort, this is a problem because it blocks blood flow to the eyes. Janice Jones is a long-time breeder, dog lover, and writer. While they dont strictly outline why on their website, we can assume its because a lot of backlash teacup breeders face from accredited veterinarians. Web1. Now what. A common kidney problem that Shih Tzu can experience is renal dysplasia. When they cannot breathe properly, they cannot regulate temperature efficiently. Her work has been published in PawTracks and Wikimotive. Don't stay away from the park just because your bud can't race around for hours on end. The team emphasizes that careful management of breeding populations is needed to preserve genetic diversity in canines. One of the first steps to raising a sociable dog is obedience training Keeping this area clean and dry is the best way to avoid staining. With so many who love the breed, the future of breeding Shih Tzus, barring any unforeseen disasters, remains excellent. The CDC has reported they are aware of a small number of pets to be infected with COVID-19, after contact with people infected with the virus. Puppy buyers often insist on specific colors, so one of the first lessons that new Shih Tzu breeders learn is that of color genetics. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Inbred dogs tend to be less intelligent than other members of their breed, and while its not always the case, inbreeding can lead to higher rates of behavioral issues. This lump develops when a tear gland becomes loose and bulges out from the eyelid. When Max and Rufus first came to live with us, both of them had mites in their ears. Certain dog breeds are renowned for possessing specific traits. Here is our best recommendation: Pawp: a 24/7 digital clinic for pets that connects you to an experienced vet Why we love it: Answers 24/7! Shih Tzus and other breeds are prone to some joint and back problems. At the very least, you'll be able to show them how to be polite! Talking with your vet is always a good idea to see if switching their food should be the first step, or if there is another step that should be taken first to ensure your dogs allergies are taken care of. When it comes to determining the degree of inbreeding in a given pup, the experts use a method of calculation called the coefficient of inbreeding, or COI, developed by Sewall Wright in 1922. Prevention is the only option at the time of this writing. 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. You may also notice the development and spreading of dark spots on the skin. Breeders will mate the runts of a litter, relying on their extremely small stature to produce equally small pups. Complete List of Fruit Shih Tzu can & Cant Eat! Liver shunts alone can cost up to $6,000 to treat, but the treatment isnt always guaranteed to work. Infant mortality is rare, but when it happens, it can often be traced back to poor environmental conditions. For severe cases, there is a corrective surgery available. It is not a disease per se but rather a combination of anatomical abnormalities that reduce optimal airflow. See Shannon Elizabeth Now at 49. Shih Tzu are a breed that can be prone to tear staining because of their flat face. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. Shih Tzu are small dogs, weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing about 10 inches tall. Eye problems are among the most common issues facing breeders and pet owners alike. Their heads are round with bulbous, expressive eyes. These small pups have a knack for charming nearly everyone in the room, but theyre not the best breed for every home. One of the greatest joys in life is being a dog parent. Try your local animal shelter. If your vet determines that renal dysplasia is the cause of the symptoms, he or she may recommend a change in diet, prescription medication, or, in severe cases, dialysis and kidney transplantation. They are generally happy and sociable with people (and other animals!) eating all sorts of things they shouldnt, Pawp: a 24/7 digital clinic for pets that connects you to an experienced vet, Shih Tzu Obsessive Licking (Quick Solutions Guide), 7 Causes of Smelly Odors in Your Samoyed and How to Fix Them, Solving Your Samoyeds Licking Habits: 5 Common Causes and Solutions, 10 Reasons your Samoyed Howls (Dog or part Wolf? WebIf a Shih Tzu is suffering from allergies, they may display some of the following symptoms: Lots of clear nasal discharge.
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