They will begin developing dry, itchy skin due to hormone imbalance. They can be curious and dig if left unattended, so its important to monitor them closely in new or outdoor environments. Already a naturally small breed, Teacup Shih Tzus are half the size or less of their regular counterparts. For pet owners, this bad behavior is the most annoying. This may be the worst issue you will have to deal with when owning a Shih Tzu. Take your pup there to find friends of a similar size. With less oxygen, this rate increases putting more strain on the heart and leading to heart problems. Your email address will not be published. Privacy Statement Together, the data shows dog breeds with high levels of inbreeding were more likely to visit the vet than dogs that were not inbred,Gizmodoreports. Janice Jones is a long-time breeder, dog lover, and writer. Because of the popularity of this breed, many dogs have been produced with less than perfect health. In all likelihood, the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, and Tibetan Spaniel added their genes to the pool. Seasonal allergies are worse for dogs in the spring and summer months when there is increased pollen, mold, etc. to entertain themselves. Also known as cherry eye, this is the term for a large red lump in a dogs eye. They may require a trip to the vet. With inbred dogs, a damaged or broken genetic sequence is passed down by both parents. Allergies are a very common reason why Shih Tzu itch and scratch. When he's not writing, he's probably wondering how Frank Dux got 52 consecutive knockouts in a single tournament. Shih Tzus can be pretty stubborn and difficult to house train. Where Shih Tzu go, giggles and mischief follow. Additionally, supplements may need to be introduced into your dogs diet, as well as the restriction of sodium. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. Shih Tzu Behavior Problems Top 10 Shih Tzu Island 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. Still, its important to go in with eyes wide open. WebYes, it is possible for 2 dogs from the same litter to mate and have puppies. Obesity in dogs can lead to other issues such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and difficulty breathing. Your vet will sedate him and perform a minor procedure to reposition the eye and eyelids. These breeds are technically brachycephalic, which means they are predisposed to respiratory issues, perGizmodo. Any damage to the liver can lead to problems in all of these areas. If you notice your dogs eyelids are behind his eyes, you need to seek medical attention immediately! 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. Proptosis occurs when the eyelids close or fold behind the eyeballs. This overcrowding leads to tartar and plaque development. Despite their built-in alarms, they are not great guard dogs because of their sweet disposition and need for love and attention. He loves them! Shih Tzu Health Problems and Issues | Canna-Pet Shih Tzu According to the Institute of Canine Biology, dog breeds with greater than 5% inbreeding are at an increased risk of reduced fertility and smaller litters. Help your domestic doggy become a glad and pleasant person canine. These purebred pooches have long coats which are reminiscent of lions manes. You may notice your Shih Tzu sneezes more so than itches or scratches; this could indicate they have inhaled an allergen that is affecting them. The average size of a litter of puppies is between 1 and 6 whelps. Seeing as the Shih Tzus dry skin is one of the most common causes for their obsessive scratching and itching, many owners wonder what the best way is to help their pups skin become moisturized and overall healthier. Enter Your Email Below To Get This Valuable FREE Resource & Give Your Dog The Care They Deserve! Your dogs retina can become detached due to severe trauma, glaucoma, or high blood pressure, but it is most common caused by age. These little lion dogs, as their name means, were associated with Buddhism and, because Tibet did not have indigenous lions, the spiritual leaders bred their dogs to look like lions, according to the Shih Tzu Club. Many parks now specifically set aside sections for small breeds. Max used to get corneal ulcers frequently. But for many doggies, they prefer the flight to staying behind with a sitter. After her death, some of her dogs were obtained by wealthy individuals who later formed a kennel club in 1923. This paw washerhas been a game-changer for my dog. To understand the full effect of inbreeding in all dog breeds, the research team partnered with Wisdom Health Genetics, the largest dog DNA database in the world, to analyze genetic data from 49,378 dogsacross 227 breeds. If your dogs condition is severe, he may need to rest during treatment, which may mean prolonged kennel time. Allergies can be caused by many factors and can result in your pup becoming very uncomfortable and even sometimes in pain. This coat is often shaved short into a "puppy cut to avoid continuous grooming, because if left uncut, the fur can grow so long that it drags on the ground. WebA Shih Tzu with a long coat requires daily brushing. If your dog has an underbite that is painful, you will notice your dog recoils when you come near his face, he rubs his head on the wall or with his paws, or he has difficulty eating. Fully grown, their fur runs flush along the ground. Teacup merely denotes a size difference, no breed difference. She lives in the U.S. with her 15 Shih Tzu dogs and sells puppies from her Ohio home. These small pups have a knack for charming nearly everyone in the room, but theyre not the best breed for every home. The two smaller poodle varietiestoy and miniature poodlesare used to cross with the shih tzu, which is also a small breed. Common health issues include neurological conditions, skin problems, gastrointestinal matters, and joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. If your Shih Tzu has darker fur, or longer fur and it is harder to check for fleas, try taking a comb and pulling the fur apart to look closer at their skin. Often, the patella will return back to position on its own, but sometimes surgery is recommended in severe cases. In addition to aggressive behaviors, inbred pups are more likely than other dogs to have personality disorders. The best way to assure healthy puppies is to pick healthy breeding dogs that have decent size nares (nasal openings), slightly longer noses, and those that are free of breathing problems. Your veterinarian will assess for ear infections with a thorough examination and by obtaining a sample to assess for bacteria or fungus. 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. Shockingly, its estimated that only 20 breeds in the world have less than 25% inbreeding in their genes. Shih Tzu are small in size but have big personalities. 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.). We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. If your dogs condition is right for this procedure, his vet may opt for it instead of surgery! For example, the healthiest breed studied wasDanish-Swedish farm dogs, which originated from a sizeable founding population of 200 dogs. If you notice your dog is experiencing difficulty with his vision, he may have a detached retina and you should seek medical attention immediately. 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. Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a liver disease that causes toxins the blood stream to bypass the liver, the organ that normally filters these toxins out of the body. A Shih Tzu puppy will lose their teeth and enter into their teething stage. Create, run and manage your breeder website using reliable tools. The reason for their discomfort can range from minor to more serious issues. But this pure bloodline comes at a cost. Required fields are marked *. Go for hikes Thankfully, a lot of these issues can be cured with the right treatment. Cataracts obstruct light from entering the retina of the eye, which impairs your dogs vision. Dogs with luxating patellas will be seen occasionally skipping and holding up a back leg during walking. Plan a breeding program, master canine genetics, and use the right strategies. Puppy buyers often insist on specific colors, so one of the first lessons that new Shih Tzu breeders learn is that of color genetics. Liver shunts alone can cost up to $6,000 to treat, but the treatment isnt always guaranteed to work. If your dog is experiencing a hearing issue, you may notice that he frequently shakes his head or scratches and rubs his ears. Since surgery carries its own risks, your dogs vet is likely to recommend surgery only if they believe it is the best option for improving your dogs life. At the behest of genetics, these inbred animalsespecially large dogsdevelop chronic health issues, which contribute to costly vet bills over their lifespan. While previous studies have shown that small dogs live longer than large dogs, no one had previously reported on morbidity or the presence of disease," says study author Danika Bannasch, a veterinary geneticist at the University of California, Davis,in astatement. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. A number of causes can lead to skin irritation, most noticeably allergies and diet. WebThe Shih Tzu is more likely than other breeds to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). However, as we mentioned earlier, inbreeding can leave behind physical clues. Last year, he was given a heavy dose of rabies vaccine and secondary flea and tick medication, which caused him to break out in hives. It is best to consult with your vet first to see how much of the medication your pup, in particular, should be taking! This might seem quite early as your Shih Tzu will still be a puppy but they are 18 Holiday Gifts for Shih Tzu Lovers and Pet Parents, 30+ Perfect Halloween Costumes for Small Dogs, 12 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu with Allergies, Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Dog Fleas, Lyme Disease in Dogs | Symptoms and Treatment of Lyme, Stress in Dogs: How to spot the signs and how to help, What is Energy Healing and How You Can It For Your Dogs Overall Health, Creating a Nutritious Homemade Dog Food Diet for Your Shih Tzu, How To Socialize Your Dog with Other Dogs & People With Little Stress, Ultimate Guide to Shih Tzu Diet and Nutrition, When Do Shih Tzu Puppies Lose Their Teeth? The three forms of harmful mutations (additive, dominant, and recessive) are easily bred out of dogs with greater generic variance, especially when it comes to a damaged sequence responsible for recessive genetic traits. Still, there are some misconceptions about dog obedience training and how to tell whether your pup would benefit from it.