Your Shih Tzu & Your Veterinarian

First  visit is very important it will start you and your puppy off in the right direction.

You have been given a health record. It will tell you what PREVENTIVE care has been given to your puppy. Being a breeder it is defiantly harder for me to get ride of some common parasites than you. I have parents and puppies, it is sad, but they can constantly reinfect each other.

      No Routine Care Is needed

I have tried very hard to see you get the best. This is what I have done for the puppy already.

Galaxy 5 way shot ….with out . Leptospirosis (Deer Urian).

Pyrantel…… every 2 weeks--Roundworm and Hookworm

Albon…… 10 days  Treatment -Sulfadimethoxine is an antibiotic and also used to treat coccidial infections in many species and for stress.

Three days of Panacure…….Guardia- Water parasite 75% of all dogs have

In the health record it will tell you more about these common parasites.

  You should bring a stool sample to the vet…….If it shows any current parasites, then please Treat the puppy to get eliminate current parasites.. Otherwise you do not need any routine treatment, because I have already given routine treatment.

                      Always use liquid when possible or crush the tablet.

      Below is copies of  American Shih Tzu Club Website and is written By Jo Ann White Up to #5   | ASTC

No individual can possibly be totally familiar with the quirks of every breed, here are some Shih Tzu peculiarities you might like to share with your veterinarian.

1.      Shih Tzu puppies often have slightly pinched nostrils that generally open with time. The bubbly discharge from a Shih Tzu puppy’s nose is NOT serious if the discharge is clear and watery and the dog is otherwise thriving. This problem is most acute during the teething stage. Even the nostrils of a dog that has difficulty simultaneously eating and breath-ing or is lethargic at this time may open satisfactorily as the dog matures, but a few dogs this severely affected may require surgery later on.

2. Small umbilical hernias (a bubble-like protrusion of fat at the navel through an opening no larger than the tip of your little finger) are common in Shih Tzu and are often due to excess stress on the umbilical cord during delivery. Such hernias often close naturally over time, although you may want to have them surgically closed while your pet is being neutered. Unlike inguinal (groin-area) hernias, they are not a reason to avoid breeding a dog.

3. Shih Tzu quite often cut their teeth relatively late and loses them relatively early. Undershot bites (lower jaw protruding beyond the upper one) are characteristic of this breed, and crowded, poorly aligned, and missing incisors are common.

4. Reverse sneezing describes a condition in which the dog seems to be unable to get its breath and begins to honk or snort. It is most often caused by a slightly elongated soft palate that “sticks” until the dog takes a deep breath through its mouth. The most effective way to stop this is to put a finger over the dog’s nostrils, thereby forcing it to breathe through its mouth. Sometimes just a hug and some reassurance will do the trick! Unlike more serious problems found in brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs, reverse sneezing in Shih Tzu is quite common and is not life-threatening.

5. Eye injuries are common in short-faced, large-eyed breeds, and require immediate veterinary attention. If your dog’s eye is red, if it is squinting, pawing at one eye: then take it to the vet at once.

6. Never give a pill to a Shih Tzu Puppy under 4 months old. Worming should always be liquid and most other medicine comes in liquid form. Only worm when stool shows it necessary for specific worms. Routine worming was already done on your puppy.

7. Shots should be 5 way with out the Leptospirosis. -Lepo. Can damage Kidneys and/or liver. Makes my guarantee VOID for Kidneys.

 Rabies after 4months of age

8. Puppy needs to be kept warm with a heating pad, threw out winter months.

 Heating pad should be used 24-7 the first 9 months of age at least. Low is fine if you can feel it. A puppy’s tempter is normally 102 o. Humans is 97. Your puppy will get a cold if chilled or not warm enough. Especially watch out for colder whether. Check your heater often to make sure it is working properly.

9. Never agree to any surgery unless you talk to me first.

Guardia Infection (giardiasis)

         Giardia infection (giardiasis) is one of the most common waterborne diseases in the United States. The parasites are found in backcountry streams and lakes, but also in municipal water supplies, swimming pools and spas. Giardia infection can also be transmitted through food and person-to-person contact.

       Infections usually clear up within six weeks. But you may have recurrent episodes or have intestinal problems long after the parasites are gone. Several drugs are generally effective against Guardia parasites, but not everyone responds to them. Prevention is your best defense. As adults the dog is immune to Guardia parasite.

You will need at least the foods and a water bottle for your new puppy.

This is what your puppy is currently eating and food instructions and directions will be given at pick up.

Call me with any questions. (315) 761-4091