Did you know that the chemicals that we use to melt ice during the winter can be toxic to your Shih Tzu? Make sure to purchase pet-friendly ice-removing products. Also, remember to rinse off your Shih Tzus paws after walking outdoors in the winter. Check out my blog often for more educational tips for your Shih Tzu.
Did You Know?
Did you know that a female dog can experience a false pregnancy?
A female dog creates the same hormones whether she becomes pregnant or not. That’s why many reproductive vets suggest that a female dog either uses it or loses it. The same hormones can lead to an inflammatory effect over the years and even cause a dangerous uterine infection called Pyometra.
Pyometria increases with age as well. The above risks are why many responsible breeders choose to breed their females on back-to-back cycles and spay/retire their females early as long as they are recovering nicely between litters.
As you know, Ruby is due to have puppies any day now. We’re so excited! Izzy on the other hand, didn’t conceive for the second time around. She is experiencing a false pregnancy. She’s even carrying her favorite stuffed animal around like a baby. As a result, Izzy will most likely be spayed before her next heat cycle. She will spend the rest of her life in our home with lots of love. Maggie and Daisy will most likely join the program when they have had a chance to mature.
Toy Breeds and Growth
Did you know that small breed dogs like Shih Tzus are almost completely done growing by the time they reach 8 to 9 months?
Giant breeds take a while longer. They aren’t fully grown until closer to the 12-18 month mark according to the AKC. Some large breeds may take up to 24 months to reach full growth maturity. In general the larger the breed the longer it takes to be fully grown.
It is important to make sure you’re feeding your Shih Tzu the right amount of food to avoid an overweight or underweight dog. Your Shih Tzu puppy should be eating puppy food or food for all life stages until full maturity is reached. Talk with your veterinarian about the best time to switch to adult dog food. Most Shih Tzus weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. Click here to learn more about how to tell if your Shih Tzu puppy is the correct weight.
Pet Drinking Fountain
All of my adult dogs drink from a pet drinking fountain.
All of the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program will be trained to use both the water fountain and a water bowl. This method helps to make it easier for new puppy owners when puppies go home. But, I do find the water fountain to be more hygienic, less messy, and better at preventing facial staining.
A water fountain keeps water cleaner because your Shih Tzu’s face never enters the bowl. Harmful bacteria that may be lurking on the beard and face never come in contact with water in a fountain. A bonus is that water doesn’t end up everywhere which is common when using a standard water bowl. Shih Tzu puppies are especially notorious for playing in the water bowl.
In my experience as a Shih Tzu breeder, the water fountain also does an excellent job of preventing facial staining. If your Shih Tzu’s face is constantly in direct contact with water the minerals in the water may cause tear stains to develop. Another option is to use water that has been filtered if you suspect the water in your area has high levels of minerals. We have a reverse osmosis system in our home which helps a great deal.
Furthermore, I haven’t had a Shih Tzu puppy yet in my breeding program that hasn’t preferred the drinking fountain over the water bowl. You can find one on Amazon, Chewy.com, or your local pet store. I have posted the water fountain I used with the Shih Tzu puppies in my breeding program under my Instagram highlight “Favorite Things.” Simply click on the Instagram Icon located on the header and footer of my website.
Whether you decide to use the water fountain or the water bowl with your new Shih Tzu puppy is a personal choice. My goal as a responsible Shih Tzu breeder is to set my puppy families up for success by providing as much puppy-rearing information as possible.
Regardless of what method you decide to use, please remember to wash out the water fountain with soap and a baby bottle brush every couple of days. The fountain may collect bacteria over time if not cleaned properly. I also recommend cleaning water bowls and food bowls often as well.
Head over to my Amazon wishlist if you would like to see the drinking fountain I use with my Shih Tzu puppies and adult dogs: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31T4PG3CU0ND3/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_4.
