Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

dog health

Shih Tzus and Heat Don’t Mix

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Did you know that it is against the law to leave a dog alone in a car in Arizona?

It is unsafe and against the law in Arizona to leave your pet alone in the car if physical injury or death is possible. Brachycephalic breeds such as Shih Tzus, Pugs, and bulldogs are more prone and at an even greater disadvantage and a higher risk of heat stroke. Shih Tzus have a flat face and a delicate respiratory system.

I am sure that you’re already well aware that it gets really hot in Arizona. Be sure to educate yourself on the signs of heat exhaustion to protect your dog. It is our duty as responsible pet owners to keep our animals out of harm’s way.

Some of the major signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

  • Loss of balance
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Thick saliva
  • Bright red gums
  • A dry mouth and heavy panting.

If your Shih Tzu puppy or adult dog for that matter gets too hot it is important to cool him or her down as soon as possible! Look for some shade or go indoors. Also, offer some water and use a cool washcloth to bring down your pet’s body temperature. It’s also important that you contact your veterinarian for more advice as soon as possible.

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Did You Know?

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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.

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Pet Drinking Fountain

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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.

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