Deanna

Safety Proofing Your Home For Your New Puppy

December 27, 2022 By Deanna

A liver Shih Tzu puppy posing next to a toy cookie. — Shih Tzu Puppy Love

Are you thinking of bringing home a new Shih Tzu puppy?

It is a good idea to safety-proof the inside and outside of your home before your new Shih Tzu puppy arrives! Puppies like to get into everything. The puppy may damage belongings or even worse, your puppy may accidentally eat something toxic. As a Shih Tzu breeder, I send all my new puppy owners a puppy-proofing checklist before they bring their new Shih Tzu puppy home.

Feel free to read through the list below to help you prepare for the big day!

Secure all doors and windows that you don’t want the puppy to have access to. (Baby gates, playpens, and crates are useful when you’re not able to supervise.)
Lock up all cleaning supplies or move them out of reach.
Unplug electrical cords or keep them out of your puppy’s reach.
Make sure to keep floors clear of food.
Install the PupTox app or a similar app to educate yourself on food items that are toxic to dogs such as xylitol and chocolate and grapes.
Keep floors free of small items that could become a choking hazard.
Store away all valuables, sharp objects, and small objects that may become a choking hazard.
Make sure all toxic plants both indoors and outdoors are out of reach or better yet, removed from the premises.
Secure all unsteady furniture.
Move shoes out of reach.
Make sure fireplaces are properly screened.
Designate a safe place outdoors for your puppy to potty and play.
Come up with a plan to keep your puppy away from the pool if you have one.
Avoid letting your puppy have contact with fertilizers or insecticides.
Safely store all medications out of reach.
Come up with a fire safety action plan for pets.
Check the yard for scorpions, snakes, spiders, etc. It is a good idea to always check the yard before letting the puppy go outdoors.
Secure yard fencing and patch up any low areas that the puppy could squeeze under or through and escape.
Invest in a puppy first aid kit. Some common items to keep in the kit should include hydrogen peroxide, activated charcoal, Benadryl, Nutrical, Puppylyte, antibacterial ointment, styptic powder, gauze, and a medicine syringe.
Clean floors and vacuum to pick up any leftover debris.
Consider not wearing shoes in the home until puppy shots are complete. Parvovirus is very resistant and can be brought into the home on the bottom of your shoes.
Place books and magazines out of reach.

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How to Clean Your Shih Tzu Puppy’s Ears

December 23, 2022 By Deanna

A black and white Shih Tzu puppy laying on a purple and pink teddybear blanket. — A Newborn Delicate Shih Tzu Puppy

Your Shih Tzu puppy’s ears must stay clean. As a Shih Tzu breeder, I recommend cleaning your dog’s ears once a month unless your veterinarian suggests a different ear-cleaning schedule. Ear infections are avoidable if the ears are kept clean.

Some of the more common ear issues your Shih Tzu may face if the ears aren’t kept clean include the following:

Bacterial infection
Yeast Infection
Excessive wax build-up
Ear mites

Cleaning your Shih Tzu’s ears for the first time doesn’t need to be intimidating. If you’re properly prepared ahead of time things should go fairly smoothly. Just be patient and go slow!

Gather the supplies listed below before you start the ear-cleaning procedure.

Cotton balls for wiping out the dirt after applying the ear cleaner.
Ear cleaning solution (I like Zymox cortisone-free ear cleaner.)
A towel (for wrapping up your puppy like a burrito if he or she gets too squirmy.)
Treats and praise for a job well done!
You may need a human assistant to help out if your puppy is nervous.

Below I will go over instructions for how I use Zymox ear cleaner. If you use a different type of ear cleaner please follow the specific instructions on the bottle. Always consult with your veterinarian as well. Your Veterinarian may want you to use a certain product with specific instructions. Also, if your Shih Tzu puppy’s ears become infected you may need a different ear cleaner that is efficient at removing the specific bacterial or yeast strain. Also, I don’t go over ear hair removal in this post. That is a whole other topic. Talk with your groomer and Veterinarian if you want to find out more about whether or not to remove ear hair.

First, start by lifting your puppy’s ear flap so you can see the ear canal. Pour several drops of the ear cleaner into the ear canal. Massage the base of the ear to distribute the ear cleaner and break down any dirt trapped inside the ear canal. (If your puppy isn’t cooperating you can wrap the puppy up like a burrito in the towel. Have your assistant hold the puppy while you administer the ear drops.)

Next, saturate a cotton ball with a little more ear cleaner. Use the saturated cotton ball to gently clean the outer ear canal. You may need more than one cotton ball if the ears are really dirty. I typically keep gently wiping down the outer canal until the cotton ball isn’t visibly dirty. This may take several cotton balls depending on how dirty your puppy’s ears are.

Finally, I take a dry cotton ball and dry as much of the outer ear canal as possible. Your puppy will probably shake which will help remove any excess solution from the inner ear. Make sure to repeat the process on the other ear when done. Don’t forget to give your Shih Tzu Puppy plenty of praise and a treat when the task is complete.

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How to Give Your Shih Tzu Puppy a Bath

December 21, 2022 By Deanna

Bath time has finally arrived for your new Shih Tzu puppy! If you already have had dogs in the past you probably already know how to bathe your dog. But, for the first-time puppy owner, the task may be daunting! Hopefully, this blog post will ease your fears.

You will need to gather the following supplies before you start bathing your Shih Tzu puppy:

Shampoo (I like the TropicClean line.)
A towel or a baby bath mat to place in the sink.
Baby washcloths.
A comb for brushing fur.
A dog eye comb or a fine-toothed comb for the eye area.
Eye cleaner (I like Burt’s Bee’s eye wash.)
Ear cleaner if your puppy is prone to ear infections or the ears smell or look dirty. (I like Zymox cortisone free ear cleaner.)
Cotton balls for cleaning eyes and protecting ears during bath.
A cup for rinsing your puppy.
A couple of towels for drying your puppy.
A blow dryer for drying your Shih Tzu.
Treats for a job well done.

Bath-Time procedure:

Brush the coat well. Shih Tzus has a thick double coat. Make sure to get through both layers. Be extra gentle when dealing with mats. It is important to brush through the coat and remove all mats before bathing. Bathing will just mat the coat more if it isn’t brushed out before the bath.
Next, line the sink with the baby bath mat or a towel. This will prevent your puppy from slipping. Your puppy will feel safer this way.
Place cotton balls in your Shih Tzu puppy’s ears to prevent water from getting inside the ear canal.
Place your Shih Tzu puppy on the bath mat or towel. Gently pour water over your puppy with the cup. (Make sure the water is warm but not hot.) If your sink has a hose attachment you can use it if your puppy tolerates it. I typically soak the entire body and leave the head for last. When working with a young puppy I drench a washcloth in warm water. I use the washcloth to gently clean the face area. I’m extra careful when I approach the eye area.
Then I pour some shampoo into my hand and massage it into the puppy’s fur. You can purchase a squeeze bottle and fill it with shampoo and water if you prefer. I also rub a little shampoo on the top of the puppy’s head, the sides of the face, and under the chin. I am very careful to avoid the sensitive eye area. I use eye cleaner and a cotton ball to clean the eye area after the bath is finished.
Rinse the shampoo away with warm water.
Wrap your Shih Tzu puppy in a towel and rub dry.
Take your eye cleaner and saturate two cotton balls. Gently massage the eye area. Then take the dog eye comb and gently remove any debris. (Click here to read my detailed blog post on eye cleaning.)
Take the cotton balls out of your puppy’s ears if you haven’t already done so. This is a great time to clean your Shih Tzu puppy’s ears if needed. Gently squirt ear cleaner into the ear. Massage the ear. Then take a cotton ball and dry the area to the best of your ability.
Blow dry your puppy. Use the warm setting to prevent burning your puppy.
Once your puppy’s fur is completely dry comb through the fur again gently to make sure there aren’t any tangles. You can do this a little later in the day if the fur is still damp or your puppy needs a break.
Finally, give your puppy a high-value treat and lots of praise and snuggles for a job well done!

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New Shih Tzu Puppy Essentials

December 19, 2022 By Deanna

A chocolate-liver Shih Tzu puppy with his tongue out resting on a white blanket with leaves. — Puppies provide unconditional love!

If you’re getting ready to bring home a new Shih Tzu puppy soon you will need a supply list to help you prepare for the arrival. Having the proper essentials before your puppy comes home will help the transition go smoothly. Before your new Shih Tzu puppy arrives you will want everything in place so you can focus on puppy kisses and making your new puppy feel at home.

Most of the supplies below can be found on my Amazon favorites list for new puppy owners: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31T4PG3CU0ND3?ref_=wl_share. Hopefully, the supply list will help ease the process. Click here for more of my personal Shih Tzu puppy recommendations.

New Puppy Supply List

A puppy playpen
A travel crate (I use the travel crate for vet visits and car trips.) I love the travel crate that attaches to the stroller option. It is a great investment and will help keep all four paws off the floor until the puppy vaccine series is complete.
Baby gates for sectioning off unsafe areas.
A Turf Potty tray system or paper potty pads and a tray: This comes in handy if you’re going to be gone for longer periods in early puppyhood. Puppies are only able to hold their bladders for so long.
Puppy wipes for cleaning dirty paws and bottoms.
A dog car seat or seat belt if you’re not going to use a travel crate.
Puppy kibble (Your Shih Tzu breeder should have recommendations for you.) Make sure the kibble is for puppies or all life stages, NOT adult dogs. Puppies need puppy food to develop properly.
Canned or fresh puppy food for the first few days just in case the puppy isn’t eating.
Filtered water (We have reverse osmosis. It helps tremendously with tear staining in my opinion.)
Treats and safe chews
A Kong, teething toys, and some interactive treat dispensers and toys to keep your puppy busy.
Food and water bowls preferably stainless steel. (I use a water fountain with all my Shih Tzu litters.) I feel it is more hygienic and helps with tear staining.
Honey, corn syrup, or Nutrical for low blood sugar.
Unflavored Pedialyte or Puppylyte for diarrhea or vomiting.
A Leash
A Harness (Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed.) A collar should never be used for walking. The collar can put pressure on your Shih Tzu’s sensitive airway.
A dog collar for ID tags
Dog shampoo and conditioner
Ear cleaner
Brush or comb (I prefer a stainless steel comb for daily brushing.)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste (Ask your vet when it is best to start brushing your puppy’s teeth.)
Nail clippers
Blunt safety scissors for occasional eye trims.
Dog grooming clippers come in handy for trimming up bottoms and pads in between grooming appointments. If the bottom area isn’t kept clean from hair your Shih Tzu could suffer from an impacted bowel which can be deadly.
A dog bed or cot
Nontoxic enzyme cleaner for cleaning up accidents.
Poo bags
Pooper scooper
Pet Insurance
A first-aid kit
A good veterinarian, trainer, and groomer! (Bella and Baxter is a good online training option if you’re not interested in private training or puppy classes. You will receive a 25% discount if you utilize Bella & Baxter and use the discount code ARIZONASUNRISE when checking out.)

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Survival Tips for Your Puppy’s First Few Days at Home

December 16, 2022 By Deanna

A gold female Shih Tzu puppy for sale dressed up in a red, white and black Minnie Mouse costume. — Puppies Bring So Much Joy to Those That Love Them

Bringing home a new puppy is super exciting! But, the first few days with your new puppy may be challenging. Your puppy will need time to acclimate to his/her new home environment. Your puppy has been taken away from everything that he or she has ever known. Your puppy may whine in the playpen and you may have some sleepless nights. The good news is it will pass. Your puppy will acclimate. Just remain patient while your puppy adapts to his/her new surroundings.

Below are some tips that may help the first few days go more smoothly.

Take your puppy potty in the desired location as soon as you get home.
Gradually introduce your new puppy to family members. Remember, your puppy may take time to acclimate. It’s best to go slow.
Be cautious when introducing your puppy to your other house pets. Puppies are jumpy! Read the blog post I wrote on how to safely introduce two dogs to each other if you want specific tips for success. Not all pets are comfortable with a jumpy puppy. Your pets will need time to become used to one another.
You may want to attach a leash to a harness when your puppy is out of the playpen for safety and control.
Your puppy may not be very hungry the first day or two. He or she may not eat a full meal at each sitting. Until your puppy is eating well, I recommend feeding frequently and leaving dry kibble out all day.
Offer your puppy plenty of praise and treats to start building a positive bond.
If your puppy is refusing kibble the first few days offer a fresh or canned option. If you don’t have any fresh or canned food options available, soak kibble in water for a couple of hours. puppies usually find soaked kibble very palatable. Or, grind up some freeze-dried chicken hearts or liver treats and sprinkle it onto their kibble.
Book your vet appointments ahead if possible. Veterinarians often book out months in advance. Puppies need booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy vaccination series is complete.
When you take your puppy for puppy vaccinations, remember all 4 paws off the floor! I cover the exam table and scale with a throw-away potty pad after wiping everything down with a disinfectant wipe. Also, make sure staff washes their hands before handling your puppy. First thing in the morning appointments are helpful. I use a puppy stroller with a detachable base to transport my dogs to the vet. Some of the stroller options even clip to the seatbelt.
Ask your breeder to send your puppy home with a blanket or toy with Mom and the littermates’ scent to help with anxiety. Snuggle puppies are a great purchase for calming as well.
A Kong, a safe puppy chew, a puppy puzzle, a lick mat, or a snuffle mat are great tools for keeping your puppy busy while in the playpen.
I advise filtered water for your puppy. We have reverse osmosis in our home. I feel it helps prevent tear staining as well.
Puppies can sometimes get loose stools from stress. Canned PLAIN pumpkin can be helpful. Avoid feeding table scraps.
Remember, a tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Play with your puppy often! Your puppy needs exercise. Short exercise sessions will help your puppy remain calm in the playpen.
I recommend purchasing a playpen to serve as your puppy’s living space until potty training is well underway. This is a safe place for your puppy to stay when you’re not able to supervise. I prefer the playpen set up to the crate because it gives the puppies more room to play and move around. If you’re worried about your flooring. You can place a large piece of Linoleum or Garage grip flooring under the playpen. The flooring options can be found at Home Depot. They typically have inexpensive remnant linoleum rolls in the flooring section.
Your puppy is teething. Be patient and offer a chew toy as an alternative if your puppy tries to chew on your hand. Wet frozen washcloths help as well.
If you are going to use an artificial turf potty pad or paper pad in the playpen I recommend that you purchase a potty tray system that holds everything in place. Your puppy will chew up the paper pad underneath if it isn’t secure.
I recommend bathing your puppy every 4-6 weeks. Bathing too often can dry out the skin. I love the TropicClean line.
I clean the puppy living quarters with nontoxic floor products such as Method, Seventh Generation, Simple Green, etc.
Whenever you walk up to the puppy playpen to greet your puppy stand as far away from the potty and food area. Your puppy will rush over to see you and may accidentally step in the food or water bowl or step on poop.
When you walk up to the playpen remain still and avoid petting your puppy until he or she is calmly sitting. Then offer praise and or a reward. I try not to pet the puppies until they’re sitting calmly.
I do the same thing with feeding. I stand calmly with the food bowl or treat. I wait patiently until the puppies are sitting quietly. Then I offer the food.
Remember to always reward positive behavior and redirect negative behavior when possible!

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What are the Best Chews for Shih Tzus?

December 14, 2022 By Deanna

A gold Shih Tzu puppy from my responsible breeding program wearing an orange and gray sweater. — Shih Tzu Puppy’s Love Chews

Chews can be an excellent form of enrichment for your Shih Tzu. I introduce a variety of chews to the Shih Tzu puppies raised in my responsible breeding program. Chews are a great way to keep your puppy or dog busy and they also have the added benefit of cleaning the teeth. But, when it comes to chews it is important to make sure that the chew in question isn’t going to cause a choking hazard or an intestinal blockage in your pet. For example, treats such as rawhide and bones are not recommended in small-breed dogs.

Below I will list some different types of chews and some pros and cons for each kind:

Deer or Elk Antlers last an awesome long time. Antlers are natural, odorless, and a nutritious chewing option. They’re very hard which makes them great for teeth cleaning. In general, split antlers are a bit softer which makes them safer and easier on your dog’s teeth. Antlers may splinter which can be a medical emergency so always supervise.
Bully sticks are another option that is easily digestible, natural, and great for giving your dog something to do. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. I haven’t met a dog to date that doesn’t love bully sticks! On the downside, some varieties have a bad odor. Furthermore, bully sticks can become a choking hazard for aggressive chewers. Supervision is essential to avoid a medical emergency. They also sell bully stick holders to prevent your dog from swallowing the end piece. But remember, bully stick holders are not a replacement for supervision.
Tendons are flexible long-lasting chews that are great for dental hygiene as well! Chewing is a great way to prevent tartar and plaque. Tendons aren’t hard like bones so losing a tooth is less likely. But like all the other options mentioned so far, they may pose a choking hazard if swallowed.
Nylon Chews are relatively durable and long-lasting. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. They are relatively inexpensive and are great for satisfying the chewing urge. Nylon chews are hard and may pose a dental risk for the avid chewer. Aggressive chewers may even find a way to split the chew which can lead to dangerous splinters.
Pig Ears are a popular, natural chew that won’t drain your wallet. Pig ears are pretty soft and not as likely to lead to dental injuries. Beware of power chewers that may chew too quickly and swallow pieces of the ear. This could lead to an intestinal obstruction or choking.
Collagen Chews are relatively safe for your dog. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re easily broken down and not as likely to cause an intestinal obstruction. As always supervise to prevent choking even if this risk is minimal. Furthermore, you may want to limit the amount of time your dog spends chewing to prevent tummy issues. Many of the chews can lead to an upset stomach if overindulgence takes place.
Kongs are another great chew option for dogs. They can be stuffed with all sorts of ingredients to keep your pup busy. Kongs are safe for the most part but an assertive chewer may find a way to break it apart which can cause dental issues and a choking hazard.

As you can probably now see, no chew is 100 percent safe. Yes, chews are an excellent form of enrichment. But, they are not a replacement for human supervision. You must monitor your dog when he or she is interacting with chews. Some of my personal favorites are bully sticks, tendons, and Kongs. I haven’t tried Antlers or Collagen chews but may in the future. Please make sure all chews are made and sourced in America for safety reasons. For further information on my favorite chews check out my Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31T4PG3CU0ND3/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_4.

I typically limit chew sessions to half an hour once or twice a day. Also, always take into consideration your dog’s chewing style. If your dog is an aggressive chewer a Kong may be a better choice than a bully stick. Splintering, dental issues, and intestinal obstructions are real concerns that you will want to prevent at all costs. If you’re uncertain about what type of chew is best for your beloved pet consult with your Veterinarian. Your Veterinarian will most likely have his or her recommendations.

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Safety Proofing Your Home For Your New Puppy

Are you thinking of bringing home a new Shih Tzu puppy?