There are several common reasons why your Shih Tzu may develop allergies: Food Food allergies are typically caused by certain grains and proteins within dog food which irritate their skin, breathing, or even inside their bodies. Lagophthalmos can lead to dry eyes or corneal scratching. Your dogs retina can become detached due to severe trauma, glaucoma, or high blood pressure, but it is most common caused by age. Usually, this is all a dog needs to do to correct displaced kneecaps. Prevention is the only option at the time of this writing. It causes excess protein to be lost from the body and may cause the kidneys to malfunction at an early age. Use dog wipes to keep any debris off of their fur and skin. Nose bleeds. Preventing the disease falls into the hands of breeders as they make educated decisions as to which dogs to breed. The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal, veterinary or other professional advice on any subject matter. Fully grown, their fur runs flush along the ground. Some of the most common ways to cure a Shih Tzu that is scratching and itching badly is to bathe the pup with a special anti-itch shampoo, use certain medication(s), and make use of the many allergy prevention methods offered to itchy pups! Best Dog Dryers : Things to think about before purchasing! Discover which breeds are often mixed with the Shih Tzu. If you notice your dog exhibiting these symptoms, and he is six years or older, have his vet perform an examination and determine a proper course of treatment. Supplements that may support the health of this breed include omega fatty acids, which are heart-, brain-, skin-, and joint-healthy. This can cause them to tire quickly after heavy activity, or can even be a problem when they are not active. In particular, inbreeding can cause your shih tzu to be born as a runt, as well as other problems. If your dogs condition is severe, he may need to rest during treatment, which may mean prolonged kennel time. There are some who list dogs weighing less than 5 lbs as micro tiny teacup.. Learn this and more in our ultimate guide to dog nutrition. The most inbred dog breeds on record are Norwegian Lundehunds, pugs, English bulldogs, basset hounds, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and boxers. The Brachycephalic airway syndrome is not unique to Shih Tzu dogs but does take its toll. He loves them! Food allergies can oftentimes result in worse symptoms than itching such as vomiting or diarrhea. Their heads are round with bulbous, expressive eyes. Your veterinarian will assess for ear infections with a thorough examination and by obtaining a sample to assess for bacteria or fungus. Allergies can be caused by many factors and can result in your pup becoming very uncomfortable and even sometimes in pain. Imperial rulers bred this type of dog to alert people of visitors with their sharp bark. If your Shih Tzu is suffering from any of the issues above and has developed a habit of constantly scratching and itching, several solutions can help! The retina is one of the innermost sections of the eyeball and is largely responsible for clear vision. But, sadly for him, his body does not tolerate foods high in fructose. 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. Here is a good way to use this natural remedy to keep your dog flea free, Lyme disease in dogs is a common infection carried by ticks. This dwarfing down to produce tiny dogs well below the standards of the main kennel clubs of the world has led to breeders coining new names for these mini versions of the standard Shih Tzu such as teacup, miniature, and Imperials to command higher prices. If you love them, they will love you unconditionally and try to please you in any way that they can. 23 Notaroadbiker 6 yr. ago 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. Our bestselling ebook helps you start and manage your dog breeding adventure from day one. Shih Tzu dogs are as cute as can be physically and socially. 09740325). All serious health issues can typically be treated by your dogs vet. (And dont forget about mutts! These allergies are caused by exposure to dust, mold, grass, etc. Hip Dysplasia causes pain and can lead to arthritis. Because of this, breeds like the Shih Tzu cannot handle hot weather as well as humans or other dog breeds. The inability to take in the proper amount of oxygen can lead to heart problems as the bloodstream is oxygen-deficient. The dogs dont shed much, but their coat is prone to tangling and matting. 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? Antibiotics are also usually administered to prevent infection. Quick Response Time! 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. Allergies are a very common reason why Shih Tzu itch and scratch. With inbred dogs, a damaged or broken genetic sequence is passed down by both parents. Go through this checklist. According to the Institute of Canine Choose The Safest And Most Effective Shampoo For Your Pup. Fortunately the vet discovered this condition and was quick to clean it up, but Rufus continued to have problems. A number of causes can lead to skin irritation, most noticeably allergies and diet. Several other methods to use are special lotions, supplements, dietary changes, or even using a humidifier in your home! Dry eye, known technically as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (say that five times fast! When the Communists invaded Beijing in 1949, all dog breeding came to a halt and the Cultural Revolution led to the extinction of many dog breeds in China. I know thats is true for me. For example, smaller dog breeds like Shih Tzus and pugs are bred to have extremely short snoutsoften, to the point where they appear flat-faced. Also, be sure to prep with necessary accouterments, such as water, treats, possibly a dog carrier, and mushers wax if it's winter. They should be confident, friendly, outgoing, trusting and most importantly affectionate. This is oftentimes a problem with Shih Tzu who have to be left alone for long periods; they will begin scratching, biting,licking, etc. These issues can have a heavy impact on your dogs quality of life, so knowing which signs and symptoms to look for can help your furry best friend be a happy doggy! 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. Some breeders will cross them with other breeds to ensure their teacup size, if eligible Shih Tzu mates are not available. WebStop elevating your Shih Tzu on the vehicle's mobile pilot. WebMaltese Cross Shih Tzu Maltese are known to have eye, tooth, and knee problems. The best way to be sure of this is by seeing your future puppy. WebStop elevating your Shih Tzu on the vehicle's mobile pilot. WebShih Tzu actually means "little lion". Allergies and ear problems are ubiquitous, and even umbilical hernias and severe dental problems are not uncommon. Discover how it affects your dog and what you can do, Do Shih Tzu Get Cold in the Winter? Those big dark eyes looking up at you with that sweet expression! Seasonal allergies Can affect the skin or cause a reaction from an inhaled allergy such as pollen. My boy, Rufus, is allergic to all things bugs! It is best to consult with your vet first to see how much of the medication your pup, in particular, should be taking! Going Potty in the House. There is no doubt about it: Teacup Shihs Tzus are terribly adorable. The vet was able to treat this condition, and now Rufus lets us rub and clean his ears without raising much of a fuss. She is the editor, publisher, and main contributor to 3 different dog blogs including Miracle Shih Tzu. The average size of a litter of puppies is between 1 and 6 whelps. Since the mating pool for these little ones is limited and not always guaranteed healthy results, anyone wanting to adopt a Teacup will need to be ready to pay for it. Researchers then took this data Despite their built-in alarms, they are not great guard dogs because of their sweet disposition and need for love and attention. Hearing problems can be the result of infection or mites and parasites. Small mouth. Vets know the likelihood of inbreeding is high when they encounter these breeds, but genetic testing, such as this genetic COI kit, is the only way to know conclusively just how inbred your dog is. If your dog goes outdoors they are at risk. Dogs with PRA appear to have glowing pupils and tend to suffer night blindness before further vision loss. Severe separation anxiety, impulsive behaviors (compulsively chasing vehicles or running out into the street), fearfulness, and even a complete lack of affection for their human family are all more common in inbred dogs. They are quite adaptable and can range from a sedentary lifestyle cuddling indoors to a more adventurous walk in the park. 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. 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. You may also notice the development and spreading of dark spots on the skin. If you want to foray into the big dog section (or there isn't an area available for your pup), you can always ask the group if the dogs in there are friendly to their little cousins. If the vet diagnoses your dog with dry eye, he or she can recommend or prescribe eye drops to be given daily. The whites of his eyes become red from irritation. Where Shih Tzu go, giggles and mischief follow. 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. 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. Some of his favorite subjects include sci-fi, history, and obscure facts about 90's television. Very informative but please put more faith in the American Shih Tzu Club veteran breeders (and I am one), repro vets, etc. Over just 100 years, the English bulldog has undergone an unfortunate transformation. Still, its important to go in with eyes wide open. Unsustainable generations of selective inbreeding have exaggerated the breed's features to an unhealthy, extreme degree. Shih Tzu make wonderful emotional support dogs due to their small stature, loyalty, and calm spirit. Shih Tzu may also begin scratching when they have nothing better to do. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. WebHere are the more serious issues that may be causing your Shih Tzu to scratch and itch: Ear infection you may notice your Shih Tzu scratching their ears a lot in particular, this may Shih Tzu are prone to obesity, so its important to feed them a well-balanced diet and to avoid too many treats throughout the day. Spinal disk ruptures may occur when your dog jumps from a very high place or experiences traumatic injury. If you have a Shih Tzu, they are probably the center of your world. The two smaller poodle varietiestoy and miniature poodlesare used to cross with the shih tzu, which is also a small breed. If you notice your dog refuses to jump, has pain in his back legs, cries out in pain, and is hunched and tense, he may have a ruptured disk. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. There are plenty of Shih Tzu breeders in the country, youll find another! There are several ways you can calm your dog such as calming treats and sprays. If you think your dog has an underbite that is painful or causing problems, have his vet take a look. However, there is no reason why your Shih Tzu should be itching and scratching all the time. Shih Tzus are best breed during the female dogs second heat cycle; before but not after the age of 7 years to minimize heath issues. Our team provides quality posts, in-depth articles, interviews, product reviews, and more. 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.). While many dog breeds have high degrees of inbreeding, some are worse than others. 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 means that they have shorter snouts and flatter faces than other breeds of dogs. (note: Check your local pet store first, but if they don't have it you can usually find it on Amazon). Shih Tzu should be socialized at a young age to avoid any anxiety, otherwise they might bark or dig. If you're finding it difficult to afford your pets supplies and care, the HumaneSociety has some great advice. | READ MORE. Shih Tzu are people pleasers and are usually easy to train. The Shih Tzus origin is in China, where its name means lion dog. Looking at one, its easy to see where the name comes from. But it is necessary for this breed to find a home where their pet parents are willing to perform routine grooming. Even more surprising is the number of color changes that a puppy may undergo before they reach maturity. 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. If you notice your dog is experiencing difficulty with his vision, he may have a detached retina and you should seek medical attention immediately. Benadryl is oftentimes used to treat allergies in Shih Tzu. Spay-neuter the veterinary surgical practice of removing a dogs ovaries or testes is the norm for most U.S. dogs. Create, run and manage your breeder website using reliable tools. Heres how a powerful breed of guard dogs turned into humanitys cruelest genetics experiment. Thankfully, a lot of these issues can be cured with the right treatment. However, if you are sick with COVID-19, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people", Read more about pets health on the CDC's healthy pet website. If the condition is too severe to be reversed, then your vet will teach you how to help your pet cope with his handicap. But, with the knowledge of these common dog health problems, you may be able to help your dog live a happy and healthy life! The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Animals Happy & Healthy.PawTracks brings inspiration, tips, the best products on earth to ensure our readers and their pets are happy and healthy. Not all Shih Tzu experience this condition, but it is noted as common in this breed. Your vet can help you identify the cause of a skin condition and how to treat it. 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. See Shannon Elizabeth Now at 49. For pet owners, this bad behavior is the most annoying. Eye discharge ( sometimes becoming red) Itchiness. Allergies. These issues cannot be treated at home and generally require surgery. When they suddenly begin itching and scratching, you are probably going to worry until you figure out what the problem is. It is worth understanding, though, because questions will arise. Your dogs resting pulse should be between 70 to 130 beats per minute. Privacy Statement Enter Your Email Below To Get This Valuable FREE Resource & Give Your Dog The Care They Deserve! Shih Tzu dogs do not do well in kennels. Some serious health problems Teacup Shih Tzus face are: Blindness Heart defects Arthritis Seizures Liver shunts Patella luxation Hydrocephalus Dental problems Also, dental chews and supplements may be recommended by your vet to lessen the risk of periodontal disease. Potential pet parents should spend time with the breed to see how their allergies react before bringing home a Shih Tzu puppy. If your dog is allergic to a specific food, make sure you check ingredient labels to avoid foods with the allergen in them. Prolonged stress can lead to health issues, so important for you to know when your pup is feeling uncomfortable. Your dogs vet will perform an examination and determine whether your dogs condition is severe enough to require surgery. 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. If he gets bit by a flea or a tick, he suffers from severe itchiness. Shih Tzu love to be spoiled with attention and treats; they love to please their pet parents and are usually quick to learn new tricks to get the treats and praise they crave. 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 you are giving your Shih Tzu different foods other than dog food, you should be careful, and pay close attention to if they are developing any allergies! Sadly, inbreeding is all too common in the world of our canine companions. In humans, inbreeding levels between 3 percent and 6 percent result in higher chances of cancer or hereditary disorders, per Gizmodo. of all ages and prefer to not spend their time alone. Its amazing how inbreeding seems to matter to health, says Bannasch. She has written for Science magazine as their 2018 AAAS Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Intern. Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing discomfort, limping, and eventually arthritis. As long as the parent pups, the runts, are purebred, the offspring will be, too. 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. Having puppies over the age of 7 Your vet may prescribe a medication, special shampoo, etc. Depending on the severity of your dogs condition, he may need surgery to reattach the retina. Routine cleaning with an ear cleaner that contains a drying agent is helpful to avoid moisture buildup. That said, Shih Tzu can be a good fit for some people with dog allergies. No waiting! Max used to get corneal ulcers frequently. After her death, some of her dogs were obtained by wealthy individuals who later formed a kennel club in 1923. Socialization is the key to a well-behaved dog, The Shih Tzu diet is made up of foods rich in nutrients, but how do you know which ones are best? They seem to share the same life expectancy of a Shih Tzu. In some cases, you may notice a foul smell or dark discharge when cleaning the ears. Many breeders ask for non-refundable deposits, which is normal, but only do so once youre happy with your choice. Today, every Shih Tzu in existence can trace their origins to just 7 females and 7 males, plus the addition of one Pekingese through the efforts of devoted fanciers in England, Ireland, Norway, and the U.S. The reason for their discomfort could range from common skin issues such as allergies to more serious problems like ringworm or parasites. to keep fleas from invading your pups fur! 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. 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. The levels of inbreeding found in the data are higher than what would be considered safe for wild animal populations and humans. If your Shih Tzu is constantly licking its paws, consider using socks or booties on its feet. Shih Tzu do not require a great deal of exercise and are happy to just be with you. 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. With less oxygen, this rate increases putting more strain on the heart and leading to heart problems. Your vet will surgically replace the gland or remove it entirely depending on the severity of the condition. Underbite. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, spirited, small breed with a long, silky double coat, a short, upturned nose, and short legs. Here are some tips to help eliminate your pups allergy discomforts: TIP:It is important to determine what the cause of your Shih Tzus itching is so that your pup wont cause more damage to their skin byobsessively licking, biting, and scratching. Struggling to breathe. One breeder prices these miniscule Shih Tzus at $12,000 and up! She lives in the U.S. with her 15 Shih Tzu dogs and sells puppies from her Ohio home. Over time, flat faces have become even more pronounced, making breathing more difficult, contributing to snoring and causing respiratory problems that limited the amount of exercise that some of these dogs can tolerate. When a pup can respond to commands like "down" or "wait," you'll be able to avoid many unexpected encounters. A Shih Tzu needs the hair around his eye trimmed or pulled up with a hair tie to avoid any eye irritation. Breeders will mate the runts of a litter, relying on their extremely small stature to produce equally small pups. Be sure to know what your getting when searching for an insurance provider for your precious pup. A typical Shih Tzu price ranges from $1,000-$3,000, depending on breeding lines. Sadly, this condition is not curable, but some veterinary ophthalmologists are studying the effects of antioxidants on prevention of PRA. This may be the worst issue you will have to deal with when owning a Shih Tzu. No dog breed is free of all genetic health problems, and the Shih Tzu is no exception. They prefer high-reward treats and positive reinforcement when training. At the behest of genetics, these inbred animalsespecially large dogsdevelop chronic health issues, which contribute to costly vet bills over their lifespan. Nick is a Senior Staff Writer for Ned Hardy. These purebred pooches have long coats which are reminiscent of lions manes. to entertain themselves. 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. 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. 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! Plan a breeding program, master canine genetics, and use the right strategies. Try your local animal shelter. TIP: If you're thinking about health insurance for your Shih Tzu you may want to get it sooner rather than later. We want to highlight the most common Shih Tzu breed health problems you need to know about. 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. 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. At the very least, you'll be able to show them how to be polite! 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. When this happens, you will notice your dog losing weight and energy, and his skin takes on a yellowish-hue (jaundice). Newcomers who are interested in breeding Shih Tzus should familiarize themselves with their breeds standard, the health concerns of the breed and find a mentor if possible. Severely affected dogs have more pronounced airway noise, appear to tire easily with exercise, and may collapse or faint after exercise. Also a glucosamine supplement works well in keeping their joints flexible. Beyond eyes, many Shih Tzu dogs suffer from breathing problems because they are considered a brachycephalic breed. When a disk slips or ruptures, it can cause pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Females are most fertile between 1 and 6 years of life. This means that they have shorter snouts and flatter faces than other breeds of dogs. Pain medications can also be prescribed in cases where detachment is caused by glaucoma. WebShih Tzu Behavior Problems. PRA is not common in Shih Tzu, but it can be inherited. 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 Tzu dont shed much and are sometimes referred to as a hypoallergenic dog. The first breeding pair of Shih Tzu was exported to England around 1930, and the breed made its way to the U.S. in the following decades. But you can have all sorts of good times with your little guy. 7 Reasons Why Your Poodle Whines & Cries (Quick Solutions Guide), Bathing Your Border Collie (Frequency, & Puppy Tips). Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair [Pet Safe], 7 Best Dog Clippers for Professional Use [Ultimate Guide], Best Dog Clippers for Poodles [Safe & Easy to Use]. When looking to add a canine companion to the family, somepeople already have a specific breed in mind. Cookie Policy We'll give you a hint: Any dog can use a training refresher!