Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

puppy health

How to Choose Healthy Dog Food for Your Shih Tzu Puppy

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If you’re wondering how to choose healthy dog food for your Shih Tzu puppy you’re not alone! With so many different options on the market nowadays it can be difficult deciding what your Shih Tzu puppy should eat. After all, we all want to do right by our pets. But, it can be difficult to decide exactly what is right when it comes to dog food options.

Nowadays, there are a multitude of different types of dog food on the market. There are fresh food options, frozen food options, canned food options, etc. Let’s not forget that kibble can come in freeze-dried raw, baked, dehydrated, air-dried, etc. The options can be downright confusing to the first-time pet owner. 

So where does a pet owner start? I suggest starting by looking for a natural option if possible. Chemicals have no place in dog food. There is no reason that dog food needs artificial colors and toxic preservatives in the ingredient list. We love our dogs. They deserve better! I usually ask myself if I would feed the food to myself or my child. If the answer is no, then why would I feed it to my Shih Tzu who is part of my family? 

Feeding your Shih Tzu right may cost more but I believe the benefits outweigh the cost. If you feed your dog right, he or she will most likely have fewer health issues later on in life. Additives in dog food may cause a host of health issues including cancer.

Learning what to feed your Shih Tzu is a process. I have been guilty in the past of not always feeding my pets the best food. It has been a learning curve. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Marketing schemes can make almost every dog food on the market look like the best. It’s important to educate ourselves. Our pets deserve the very best, They trust us to feed them right.

Some common additives in dog food may include:

  • TBHQ
  • BHA
  • BHT
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Food dye
  • Ethoxyquin

Let’s dive a little deeper into these common dog food chemicals to see if they pose a danger to our dogs. TBHQ is a fat preservative that is commonly put in dog food to extend the shelf life. But, did you know that Tertiary butylhydroquinone is also an ingredient in resins and varnishes? TBHQ may increase the likelihood of cancer in your furry friend. There are quite a few natural preservatives that can take the place of TBHQ to extend shelf life. There is absolutely no ethical reason that pet food manufacturers need to use TBHQ.

BHA is another problematic additive that may be lurking in your dog food. BHA also known as Butylated Hydroxyanisole may reproductive disorders in animals. California has even gone as far as to list BHA as a chemical that may cause cancer as well. Many natural, non-toxic preservative options are much safer for our dogs to consume besides BHA.

BHT which is also commonly known as Butylated Hydroxytoluene is another preservative in dog food. Unfortunately, BHT may increase the risk of cancer for your pet as well. BHT is often put into dog food to prevent spoilage. Once again, there are less toxic options available. Did you know that BHT is commonly found in embalming fluid and jet fuels as well? Furthermore, BHT has been rightfully banned in several countries.

Have you ever heard of Propylene Glycol? Propylene Glycol is a chemical that is often found in antifreeze. Propylene Glycol is useful in dog food because it helps the product retain moisture. Chronic exposure to Propylene Glycol may cause an increase in risk for blood disorders in certain animals. Small amounts of Propylene Glycol may not cause immediate harm to your dog, but chronic exposure to this harmful additive may put your pet at risk. Many pet parents feed the same food to their dogs every day. This could lead to frequent Propylene Glycol exposure.

Food dyes are also often found in dog food. Food dye may cause everything from allergies to cancer. Most of the time dog food manufacturers add food dye to make the kibble appear more pleasing to the eye. The funny thing is that your dog probably could care less what color the food is. If color is necessary for marketing, there are natural alternatives that can produce more enticing colors.

Ethoxyquin is another preservative in dog food. Manufacturers often use Ethoxyquin to make rubber. Ethoxyquin is also often used as a pesticide. Ethotoxyquin may lead to liver problems and cancer in dogs. Frequent exposure to this chemical could make your dog very ill. It is best to avoid Ethoxyquin whenever possible. 

Now back to the question about what you should feed your Shih Tzu puppy. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if you feed your Shih Tzu fresh food, dry food, frozen food, or a combination. What matters most is that you feed your Shih Tzu a diet free of toxic chemicals that may lead to health deterioration. 

With that being said, I currently feed all of my Shih Tzu puppies and adults in my responsible breeding program on a rotation diet. I rotate through fresh food options, frozen food options, raw food options, and basic kibble options. I feel a rotation diet allows my dogs to get the benefits from a variety of food options. A rotation diet allows your Shih Tzu to obtain nutrients from a variety of sources.

I also work hard to educate myself in regards to which dog foods are going to promote good health and longevity in my Shih Tzus. I currently stay away from dog food options that contain harmful chemicals whenever possible. I’m not going to lie, it has been trial and error. As I mentioned above, at one point I did feed my dogs less than ideal options on occasion. It has been a learning process. I never thought that harmful ingredients could be lurking in my dogs’ food. But, then I realized that dog food can and does contain toxic ingredients just like human food.

Some of my favorite dog food brands to rotate through with my adult dogs and Shih Tzu Puppies include:

  • Primal Kibble in the Raw for Puppies
  • The Simple Food Project
  • Sunday’s for Dogs
  • Carna 4
  • Portland Pet Food Company

To sum things up, it is up to the consumer to weed through products and find the very best for their dog. Not all companies invest equally in your dog’s health. There are unfortunately pet food companies out there that just want your money. Please carefully consider your Shih Tzu’s health when choosing dog food. Purchasing high-quality food for your dog will be worth it in the end. Furthermore, your dog will hopefully be less likely to succumb to illness. This alone will save you on veterinarian bills down the road. Our dogs aren’t with us for nearly long enough. Let’s try to make each day count by providing them with the healthiest lifestyle possible.

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What Puppy Vaccines Does Your Shih Tzu Need?

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A Shih Tzu puppy that is up to date on vaccines posing in a yellow dress with a pink bow.
A Shih Tzu Puppy that receives appropriate vaccinations

The Importance of Puppy Vaccines

Shih Tzu puppies need a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect them from harmful canine viruses. Shih Tzu puppies typically receive vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re approximately 16 to 18 weeks old. A year later booster shots are given.

After the first year, dogs typically receive a booster either yearly or every three years depending on what vaccine was given. Booster vaccines are given every 3 to 4 weeks because nobody knows for certain when viral immunity takes place. Often antibodies from nursing prevent immunity. This is why shots are given in a series spaced apart.

Most veterinarians recommend that Shih Tzu puppy vaccinations begin somewhere between 6 to 8 weeks. As a Shih Tzu Breeder, I typically take my puppies in for their first set of shots somewhere between weeks 8 and 9. I like to wait until they’re a bit older for two reasons.

First, by waiting the puppies have time to put on some weight. Shih Tzu puppies don’t weigh very much. I like a little weight on them to hopefully help lessen vaccine reactions. Second, the longer I wait to administer the vaccine, the more likely that Mom’s antibodies from nursing have left and immunity will take place.

The first vaccine that puppies receive is usually the DHPP vaccine. The DHPP vaccine protects puppies from Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. This is a core vaccine that is critical in preventing illness in puppies. If you’ve read through my website you know my thoughts on Parvovirus.

Unfortunately, Parvovirus outbreaks are common in Arizona and may cause fatalities in young puppies. Parvovirus is a very hearty virus that survives for a long time in the environment. Distemper outbreaks happen from time to time as well. There was recently a distemper outbreak at a shelter in Arizona. All of these viruses are heartbreaking but are avoidable if pet owners keep their dogs on a vaccination schedule.

The Rabies vaccine is also given to puppies around 16 to 18 weeks of age. All dogs in Arizona must receive the Rabies vaccine to meet law requirements. A dog typically contracts Rabies by being bitten by another animal that has the virus. Animals that contract Rabies often suffer from mental confusion, aggression, and foaming at the mouth in later stages of the illness. Most of the time Rabies is fatal. There is currently no cure for Rabies in dogs. Vaccination is key to preventing this terrible illness.

Bordatella is an optional vaccine that is essential in preventing Kennel Cough. Kennel Cough is often seen in outbreaks in places where there are a lot of dogs. Most boarding facilities require that dogs receive a vaccine to prevent Kennel Cough before staying at their facility to avoid outbreaks. The Bordatella vaccine can be given through the nose, mouth, or injection. One dose is typically given per year. Most dogs recover from Kennel Cough but it can be lethal in rare cases.

Leptospirosis is another non-core vaccination. Leptospirosis can lead to serious diseases such as kidney and liver failure. Your dog’s lifestyle is a key factor when deciding whether or not to get the Leptospirosis vaccine. If your dog will be hiking, swimming, chasing rodents, or spending time near a pond or farm then the vaccine may be a good idea.

On a side note, the vaccine doesn’t come without risks. There are sometimes moderate to severe vaccine reactions when dogs receive the Leptospirosis vaccine. Furthermore, the vaccine doesn’t protect against every strain of Leptospirosis. As a result, the vaccine doesn’t always prevent infection. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about whether or not the Leptospirosis vaccine is right for your Shih Tzu puppy.

Lyme Disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Humans and dogs are both susceptible to Lyme Disease. Dogs often come in contact with the bacteria through tick bites. The vaccine is optional. If your dog will be spending a great deal of time in an area where deer are common this vaccine may be appropriate. Lyme disease can lead to serious health implications for your dog. The vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective but will hopefully lessen symptoms. 

As a responsible Shih Tzu Breeder, I suggest that your Shih Tzu puppy receives all core vaccinations promptly. Core vaccinations are truly lifesaving for your Shih Tzu puppy. Viral outbreaks are common among dogs in Arizona. Your Shih Tzu puppy must receive adequate protection.

Noncore vaccinations are also something to consider. I suggest educating yourself on the pros and cons of non-core vaccines. Your dog’s lifestyle should play a part in decision-making. Your veterinarian is a great resource for discussing which noncore vaccinations may be right for your Shih Tzu puppy.

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Kong Stuffer Ideas for your Shih Tzu Puppy

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A chocolate Shih Tzu puppy keeping busy with a snuffle mat and an interactive ramen noodle toy.
Shih Tzu Puppy Playtime

Are you looking for ways to keep your puppy busy?

Stuffing a Kong is a great interactive activity for your Shih Tzu puppy. I love stuffing Kongs for the Shih Tzu puppies that I raise in my responsible breeding program. A Kong is awesome at keeping your Shih Tzu puppy busy and forcing your puppy to eat slowly. Although a Kong is a great form of mental stimulation it is important to make sure that the ingredients you’re stuffing into the Kong are safe for dogs. Fruit should be washed, peeled, and chopped into pieces.

Furthermore, all ingredients used for Kong stuffing should be free of harmful seasonings, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. Plain is best when it comes to choosing what to put into the Kong. Also, Avoid fatty items. Watch out for overindulgence as well. Too much of a good thing may backfire. 

I hope your Shih Tzu puppy benefits from the Kong stuffer suggestions below:

  • Shredded boiled chicken without skin, bones, or seasonings
  • Low-fat plain yogurt with chopped-up peeled apple chunks
  • Scrambled egg without seasonings
  • Banana and peanut butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Canned plain pumpkin
  • Plain mashed potato
  • Rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Cottage cheese
  • Kong stuffers
  • Canned wet dog food
  • Frozen applesauce
  • Berries
  • String cheese
  • Canned tuna or sardines
  • Dehydrated dog food
  • Frozen chicken or beef broth for dogs
  • Baby food that isn’t toxic for dogs
  • Sweet potato
  • Squash
  • Cantelope
  • Seedless watermelon

For more Kong Stuffer ideas check out the link below:

https://www.kongcompany.com/cuisine/

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Can Shih Tzus Get Valley Fever?

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a brown Shih Tzu puppy next to a large green and yellow ball.
Shih Tzus are Susceptible to Valley Fever

Valley Fever and Your Shih Tzu

If you live in Arizona you probably have heard of Valley Fever. Valley Fever is spread through inhalation of a certain type of fungus called coccidioides. The fungus responsible for Valley Fever lives in the soil. Dogs typically come in contact with Valley Fever by digging in the dirt or inhaling fungal spores during dust storms. 

Not every dog that breathes in the fungal spores responsible for Valley Fever will become ill. Just like humans, some dogs are immune from the ill effects of the fungal spores. Now I will tell you a true story to make my point. My teenage son and my husband both went through a dust storm a few years ago. A couple of days later both my husband and my son came down with a fever. We thought it was a virus.

Fortunately, my husband’s fever went away within a day and he had no other symptoms. My teenage son was not so lucky. His fever didn’t go away, he came down with a cough, body aches, headaches, fatigue, etc. His symptoms were not getting any better so we took him to the doctor. The doctor thought it was just a virus as well. 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a virus. The symptoms were sticking around long term. My son was miserable. We went from doctor to doctor without answers. His chest and joints hurt so bad at this point he didn’t want to leave his bed. Finally, I took him to Mayo Clinic Emergency in the hope of answers. The doctor did a chest X-ray. Nodules consistent with a Valley Fever infection were present in his lungs. Blood work came back and he did have Valley Fever. We made an appointment with an Infectious Disease specialist. The specialist said my son would need to take fluconazole, an anti-fungal for about a year to fight off the infection. 

As you can see from my story above, Valley Fever can be serious! Most cases go away on their own but other cases can range from fever to full-blown fungal meningitis. Our dogs are susceptible as well. As a responsible Shih Tzu breeder this is especially concerning to me. Puppies have weak immune systems and may get sick. It is important to know what symptoms to look for in your dog.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Dry cough
  • Runny Nose
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Limping
  • Seizures

Diagnosis of Valley Fever in your pet is usually done through a blood test. If the Valley Fever blood test comes back positive anti-fungal medication is typically given to kill the fungus that is making your pet sick. Medication may need to be taken for a year or more depending on the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian will monitor the healing process by taking routine blood samples that look for the specific fungus. Once clear of the fungus your dog is usually able to come off of the anti-fungal medication.

There’s currently no vaccine to protect dogs from Valley Fever. Fortunately, most dogs are immune or fight off the infection before we ever even notice something is wrong. There are treatment options available to help with recovery if your dog becomes ill. Just make sure to look out for the symptoms that suggest a coccidioides infection. Remember to seek veterinary care right away if you suspect Valley Fever. Cases that are caught early usually respond quicker to treatment.

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Are Prebiotics and Probiotics Good for Puppies?

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Some probiotic rich foods that are good for Shih Tzu puppies.
Prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods

The Benefits of Using Prebiotics & Probiotics with Young Puppies

Good gut colonization is essential in young puppies. Prebiotics and probiotics are great at increasing good gut bacteria. Probiotics are of significant importance during puppyhood. Exposing puppies to a variety of foods that are rich in good bacteria helps to create good gut colonization in puppies according to studies. Studies have shown that good gut colonization in puppyhood follows the puppy into adulthood even if foods rich in probiotics aren’t offered anymore!

I recently took a class, “From Newborn to New Home” by the famous dog breeder and professional dog trainer, Jane Messineo Lindquist. Jane is also the author of the popular Puppy Culture videos and the book, “When Pigs Fly: Training Success with Impossible Dogs.” Jane is a powerhouse full of knowledge. She is one of the pioneers when it comes to puppy training, socialization, and proper puppy-raising protocols. After taking her class, I am very passionate about optimal gut health in puppies. All of the Shih Tzu puppies in my breeding program will receive prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods from this day forward.

Puppies should be introduced to prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods while they’re still young and under breeder care. The gut colonization window closes sometime during puppyhood. Nobody knows when the window closes so it is great for breeders to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

I have given prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods with my past litters. After taking this class I am going to offer a lot more foods that enhance the gut microflora. Dogs with good gut colonization have more robust immune systems and better behavioral health according to studies. Why wouldn’t I want to incorporate good gut colonization in the Shih Tzu puppies I raise in my breeding program?

Let me just tell you how grateful I am that I took Jane’s class. Otherwise, I would never have stumbled upon the importance of gut colonization in puppies. This is exactly why I feel it is important to continue my breeder education. I am always learning new things that I can incorporate into my responsible breeding program.

By introducing the puppies to prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods, I’m not only enhancing good gut colonization in the puppies, I’m also introducing them to novelty. Novelty doesn’t have to just be exposing puppies to a new item each day. It can also include exposing the puppies to different food items as well. By introducing different foods puppies get to use their senses to discover. They are introduced to new textures, new flavors, new scents, etc.

Some of the prebiotic and probiotic foods the puppies will taste while under my care include:

  • Raw goats milk
  • Pureed Pumpkin
  • Oatmeal
  • Cooked rice
  • Potato
  • Plain Greek Yogurt
  • Kefir

Prebiotics are a type of fiber that helps increase good gut bacteria to prevent harmful bacteria from hijacking the immune system. A weak immune system is prone to illness. Prebiotics are essentially food for the probiotics. Prebiotics supercharge the probiotics which in return leads to better health outcomes.

Prebiotics and probiotics have been shown in studies to decrease the following:

  • Odorous breath
  • Dry skin
  • Loose stools
  • Ear infections
  • Allergies
  • Parasitic infections
  • Vomiting

One may ask what they should do if their dog has already reached adulthood and the gut colonization window has closed. In this case, it is still a good idea to offer prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods. Make sure to go slow if it is the first time your dog has been introduced to the food to prevent stomach upset.

The difference is that you will need to offer prebiotic and probiotic-rich food sources or a probiotic supplement daily. To reap similar benefits after puppyhood good bacteria need daily replenishment. Puppies that already have robust gut colonization due to early prebiotic and probiotic implementation may not need to supplement daily to reap the same benefits. 

Please don’t panic if your dog doesn’t receive prebiotics and probiotics as a puppy. Most of my adult dogs didn’t either and they’re very healthy. My goal as a Shih Tzu breeder is to do everything in my power to give the puppies the very best start in life. Good gut colonization is simply another novel way for me to give the puppies a head start.

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Why is my Puppy Vomiting?

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The time will most likely come when your beloved puppy will vomit. It happens to almost all dog owners at some point in time. Vomiting can be alarming for the first-time pet owner. Vomiting is an even bigger concern if you’re dealing with a young puppy. Puppies are much more vulnerable compared to adult dogs due to their small size and immature immune system. 

Below, I will go over some of the common reasons that puppies vomit. Please remember to contact your veterinarian right away if your puppy is vomiting frequently, displaying lethargy, and not taking in enough food and water. These are symptoms that need to be addressed by a veterinarian right away!

Common reasons for puppy vomiting:

  • The puppy ate something that didn’t agree with his or her stomach. Puppies are notorious for getting into everything! If your puppy ate something rotten or toxic he or she will likely vomit. There are a great deal of human foods that are toxic to dogs. Food items such as chocolate, xylitol, avocado, onions, and grapes are poisonous to dogs and may lead to sickness and even death. It is essential that puppy owners safety-proof the home and always watch over their puppy. If you’re not able to supervise the puppy then he or she is safer in a playpen or gated-off area. Also, take time to educate yourself on items that may be toxic to your puppy before you bring him or her home. Check out my post on safety-proofing the home before you bring your puppy home.
  • Puppies may vomit if they have an empty stomach. Small-breed puppies should never go too long between meals. Make sure your puppy is eating enough at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If the puppy isn’t eating enough you may consider offering an extra meal or free feeding until the puppy is well acclimated to his or her new home. Also, offer a small snack before bedtime to prevent an empty tummy. Puppies may vomit yellow bile if they are suffering from an empty belly for too long. This is a common occurrence in the morning when the stomach has been empty for some time overnight.
  • The puppy has contracted a viral infection. Viral infections like Parvovirus are very serious in puppies. This is why I recommend that all clients who purchase a Shih Tzu puppy from my breeding program avoid taking their puppy to places where there may be unvaccinated animals until the puppy vaccine series is complete at 16-18 weeks. 
  • The puppy has contracted intestinal parasites. Puppies should be dewormed along with puppy vaccines to prevent parasites. A parasitic infection may lead to vomiting in a young puppy.
  • The puppy is suffering from heatstroke. I am a Shih Tzu breeder. Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed. Brachycephalic breeds and heat don’t mix. Puppies in general must have plenty of shade and water on hot days. Heat stroke can cause vomiting and may prove deadly in dogs.
  • The puppy swallowed a foreign object. If your puppy swallows a toy or a rock this could cause vomiting. This is considered a medical emergency. The object could cause a serious intestinal blockage. It is important to always supervise your puppy to prevent this type of emergency.

Puppy owners must try and figure out the cause of vomiting when possible. Minor, single-episode cases of vomiting can usually be treated at home. Make sure to offer your puppy plenty of water or an electrolyte solution that is safe for dogs to prevent dehydration. I use Puppylyte as my go-to electrolyte replacement solution whenever I’m faced with dog vomiting or diarrhea. You can purchase Puppylyte on Amazon. 

Please remember, if your puppy has thrown up several times or is lethargic and refusing fluids to contact your veterinarian right away. Your puppy may need intravenous fluids, antibiotics, or surgery in the case of an intestinal blockage. As I mentioned before, puppies can fade fast due to their small size and underdeveloped immune system.

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