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THE   REASON  A  DOG  HAS  SO  MANY  FRIENDS   IS  THAT  HE 

  WAGS  HIS  TAIL  INSTEAD  OF  HIS  TONGUE

                                                                                                                                                                        -ANONYMOUS

From  The American Shih Tzu Club by JoAnn White

   1.)Shih Tzu puppies often have slightly pinched nostrils that generally open with time. The bubbly discharge from a Shih Tzu puppies nose is NOT serious if the discharge is clear   and watery and the puppy is otherwise thriving. This problem is most acute during the teething stage. Even the nostrils of a dog that has difficulty simultaneously eating and breathing 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. I myself have had a couple of the puppies born here with pinched nostrils, operated on and the nostrils surgically opened,

  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 spayed or neutered. Unlike inguinal (groin area) hernias, they are NOT a reason to avoid breeding your dog.

  3.)Shih Tzu quite often cut their teeth relatively late and lose 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 dogs 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 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 dogs eye is red or if it is squinting or pawing at one eye, take it to the vet at once.

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KENNEL COUGH

Info is forth coming

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Shih Tzu, like many of the toy breeds, are susceptible to hypoglycemia and coccidia caused by stress associated with separation and travel.

     The importance of making sure a puppy eats (especially during the first 24 hours after bringing it home) cannot be emphasized enough. I usually like to give a puppy some Dyne for the first couple days after I bring them home. These little puppies love to be loved.

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