The Pros And Cons To Natural Pet Health Supplements

Another very interesting article - we would love to hear about your opinions / advice / experiences 😀

As is the case with most things in this world, natural pet health supplements have an upside and a downside to them.

The natural pet health supplements in question, if we may give a brief introduction to them, are formulations meant to provide pets with nutrients they need (and which they may not be getting from their food).

Most of the pets we have are 'higher animals,' with a vast majority of them being mammals like us. On that account, we find that their bodies need pretty much the same nutrients as those that we, as humans, need. The problem, however, is in the fact that unlike us, the pets' diets tend to be much more limited in terms of variety. The implication is that the pets stand to miss out completely on some of the nutrients they really need - and that would be detrimental to their health. That is where the pet supplements make their entry into the discussion: as formulations meant to provide the pets wit the said nutrients, whose deficiency they are at great risk of.

The natural pet health supplements exist vis a vis the synthetic pet supplements; the latter being those that are prepared in laboratories by mixing various chemicals. The natural pet health supplements are, on the other hand, harnessed from plant and (in a few cases) animal parts.
Starting with the upside, we see the natural pet health supplements having a better safety profile (at least in most people's eyes) than the synthetic health supplements.

As such, they are highly preferred when it comes to long term supplementation -as most people are more comfortable integrating them as parts of their pets' ongoing/day to day nutrition plans. Still on the upside, we see natural pet supplements being in most cases, more affordable than the synthetic pet health supplements. But this is fast changing - as people get more and more attracted to all things labelled 'natural.'

The subsequent growth in demand has led to a situation where the vendors of the natural pet health supplements can sell them at higher prices than the synthetic pet supplements, and still get willing buyers for them. And still on the upside, we also have to come to terms with the fact that most of these supplements are 'complex natural products.' As such, they provide the pets with many things they need at the same time (so that in the process of supplementing one nutrient, you end up providing your animal with many other things it may need as well).

Turning to the downside, we need to take cognizance of the fact that most of these natural pet health supplements have not been subjected to any formal studies or analysis, and as such, their efficacy and safety are still matters of conjecture. There tends to be no guidelines with regard to dosages, possible side effects and possible toxicity of the natural pet health supplements. Some unscrupulous folks have also been known to come up with all manner of concoctions, which they sell to unsuspecting people in the name of natural pet supplements.

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Why Pet Owners Opt To Buy Pet Health Supplements

Just read this very interesting article regarding pet health supplements which I thought I would share with you all - please feel free to comment.

There are several reasons as to why pet owners opt to buy pet health supplements for their animals.

This is against a background where, in most cases, they actually don't have to buy such supplements. But they do it out of their own volition.

One of the reasons as to why people opt to buy pet health supplements for their animals is in a bid to protect the pets from various illnesses that are caused by malnutrition.

Most of these pet health supplements, as it turns out, are designed to provide the pets with adequate levels of various nutrients that they are at huge risk of experiencing deficiencies in and bridging those nutritional gaps turns out to be very important, especially keeping in mind the fact that most pet illnesses are usually (directly or indirect) as a result of deficiencies in certain nutrients.

It therefore follows that the thing to do, about such illnesses, is to provide the pets with the nutrients they need - rather than waiting and having to deal with the effects of the nutrient deficiencies.

In all this, we have to recall that we are coming from a background where most pet foods lack in variety. Most of us feed our pets on the same foods (and specifically the same pet food brands), day in, day out. If it happens that those pet foods we commonly use are lacking in certain nutrients, then the pets would have no alternative way of ever getting the nutrients, because their diets lack in variety. That is where the pet health supplements would come in handy.

As mentioned earlier, the best of these pet health supplements are designed to provide the pet with the whole range of nutrients that the pet is likely to miss out in the diet.
The second reason as to why people opt to buy pet health supplements is in a bid to protect themselves from having to make bigger expenditures, in the future, on their pets' health. In the first case, we were talking about the pet owners wanting to protect the pets from the pain of illnesses caused by nutritional deficiency. In this second instance, we are looking at the pet owners actually protecting themselves from possible (financial) pain, in the event of their pets coming to suffer from the illnesses caused by lack of various nutrients.

A pet is, to its owner, very much like a child. When your pet is ill, you also end up suffering the consequences. That is because, as a responsible pet owner, you will feel inclined to take him or her to a vet (or to call the vet to come over and have a look at him or her). That would tend to cost money. Then having seen the pet, the vet is likely to prescribe certain medications or procedures. Those too would cost you money. Yet, that is money you could have easily saved, by keeping the pet from suffering from the conditions in question in the first place.  In most cases, where the conditions are (directly or indirectly) as a result of nutrient deficiencies, the proactive thing to do - to keep the pet from suffering from the conditions in the first place - would be to invest in things like pet health supplements.


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Natural Remedies for Shih Tzu Skin Problems

Skin problems in your Shih Tzu can lead to irritation, discomfort and possibly, infections.  For you, all of this can lead to stress and worry as you try to help your little furry baby feel better.

The best way to tackle these issues is by using natural remedies, eliminating the potentially harmful or irritating ingredients found in many products these days. Natural remedies are effective, reliable, and best of all, safe. You can use these for nearly any concern you may have with your dog.

Before choosing a natural remedy, you should first make sure that you know the source of the skin problem. Not all skin problems are equal, and not all remedies will help all problems. Understanding the source of the problem will make it easier to find an appropriate and effective treatment.

Remove the Source

Sometimes, an external source is the cause of the skin irritation. In these cases, you will want to remove that source. Fleas, certain foods and products, the environment, and allergies all play a role in this. There are numerous potential external causes for skin irritation, and removing them from your dog’s life, or learning how to manage their presence, is essential in reducing the irritation.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is another major concern for Shih Tzu owners, as these dogs are prone to experiencing this problem. Reducing the occurrence of dry skin is primarily about proper grooming, hygiene and diet. Keeping your dog groomed, clean and healthy can have a tremendous impact on his or her skin. Make sure to clean and groom on a regular basis because their fur puts them at a high risk of dry skin.

As with the above, other problems may occur that cause dry skin and irritation, like fleas and allergies. Manage these to avoid any skin problems.

Supplements and Diet

With most skin conditions, proper supplements and a healthy diet can help. Vitamins and Omega 3 are prime examples of what your Shih Tzu may need. Of course, it depends entirely on the dog’s skin condition and you should learn what is best for the problem at hand first. Alongside a healthy and nutritious diet, however, these supplements can be an immense help.

Make sure that you speak with your veterinarian before making these choices. In some cases, your dog may require medical treatment or medications for any underlying issues that you cannot diagnose at home.

As a Shih Tzu parent, you want nothing more than to give your pet the very best. The best thing you can do for your dog is to provide your pet with everything he or she needs to live a long and healthy life. This is far easier than it sounds. With these few simple steps, you can ensure that your pet is happy, healthy, and feels loved.

Give special attention to their hair

Shih Tzu's have long hair that is different from most dogs' fur. Because it is hair, similar to humans, it requires daily combing or brushing. Matting can easily form, so you must take caution not to leave it tangled otherwise, this could cause a big problem. Matting can lead to dermatitis and skin inflammation, especially when the dog tries to scratch it off its body.

They are not made for extreme weather conditions

Shih Tzu's do not require very much special care, but one thing that all owners should know is that these dogs are not made to withstand extreme weather conditions. This is particularly true during the summer, when the dog is more prone to heatstroke because of its face shape. These dogs are made to be indoor dogs, and while you can certainly take them out for walks or play outdoors on nicer days, it is best to keep them indoors when it is too hot or cold outside.

They can do with minimal exercise

Shih Tzu's are the perfect choice for owners who do not have a lot of time or energy for exercise. This breed requires very little exercise to stay healthy and to let out all of its pent up energy. A half mile walk is sufficient exercise, or you can play with your pet outdoors or inside with toys.

They have sensitive eyes

Because Shih Tzu's have bulging eyes, they are more prone to eye irritations, dryness and infections. Their long hair can also contribute to these issues, so it is important that you always keep their facial hair around their eyes neatly trimmed. Tear stains may also be an issue due to the size of the breed's tear ducts. For eye irritations and issues, talk to your vet about pet safe products you can use to keep your dog healthy and comfortable.

They are emotionally needy

These dogs are clingy to the maximum level. If you plan to have a Shih Tzu, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time with your pet. Do not underestimate this personality trait, as neglect can easily cause your Shih Tzu to get depressed. So make sure that you always provide your beloved dog with plenty of love, affection and attention.

Giving This To Your Shih Tzu Daily Could Help Alleviate Painful Skin Allergies

If like Hugo, your Shih Tzu has allergies, you will know just how painful it can be not just for your furry baby, but for you as a loving parent as well.  It is very difficult often heart breaking to watch your beloved companion suffering through the pain, discomfort, testing and treatment of potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.

Determining what your Shih Tzu is allergic to can be a long and difficult process, and some allergies may be mild and / or go undiagnosed. However, if your Shih Tzu has severe or even moderate allergies, then there are a number of challenges to face in trying to keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy.

Listed below are some common allergens that can cause reactions for your Shih Tzu: -

Pollen

Grass

Food (such as wheat, chicken or soy)

Medication (such as penicillin, opiates, etc.)

Perfume

Shampoo

Household cleaning products (air freshener, carpet deodoriser, etc.)

Latex

Allergies are a hypersensitive and damaging response of the immune system to external allergens, such as pollen and food - just in the same way for humans. However, with dogs the signs and symptoms may go unnoticed because our furry friends cannot tell us when or what is wrong. So as the leader of the pack, we need to be aware of what to look out for.

Listed below are some common allergy signs & symptoms in Shih Tzu puppies and dogs: -

·  Dry, itchy skin (possible scabs or sores)

Excessive scratching, biting or licking on skin
Watery eyes
Paw chewing
Nasal discharge
Chronic ear infections
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Sneezing
Breathing issues (very serious sign!)

Fortunately, there are ways to help boost your dog’s immune system and decrease the effects of allergies.

Omega fatty acids are a major benefit in the fight against allergies and degenerative disorders that can cause inflammation and arthritis.

Some research has even shown that Omega fatty acids can prevent allergies from developing in puppies. Whilst every dog is different, there is no argument that your puppy could benefit from Omega fatty acids however dogs cannot produce Omega fatty acids on their own, so they must get them somewhere else.

There are many sources of essential Omega fatty acids. Some people mistakenly believe that dog food delivers all your dog needs but because Omega fatty acids are susceptible to heat, most of the benefits become biologically unavailable to your dog due to the cooking / treatment temperatures of dog food.

That is why after weeks of watching my little furry baby suffering and countless visits to our veterinarian I decided to personally give my dog a daily Omega fatty acid supplement.  It may takes weeks or even several months for your Shih Tzu to feel the benefits of an Omega fatty acid supplement but from my own experience I have never looked back. Talk to your veterinarian to find out if an Omega fatty acid supplement might be a part of an holistic plan to support your Shih Tzu’s immune system and fight allergies.

What You Should Know About Your Black and White Shih Tzu

All Shih Tzu puppies and dogs are adorable however, black and white ones stand out because of their striking colours that contrast sharply with each other. If you are planning to get a black and white Shih Tzu, you will want to know the following interesting facts:-

1.  Shih Tzu puppies and dogs with this colouring are black dogs with white markings and NOT white dogs with black markings.

2.  The white markings on black Shih Tzu puppies and dogs are determined by the S-locus, which is also called the “spotting gene”. However, this does not mean that your dog will have literal spots like a Dalmatian.

3.  The development of white markings actually begin in the womb. The markings usually start at the muzzle, chest, paws and tail and then spread outwards from these points.

4.  Shih Tzu puppies and dogs with white bodies and black paws/chest are extremely rare.

5.  Black and white Shih Tzu puppies and dogs can be classified according to the amount of white markings they contain. Those that are 50% black and 50% white are called parti piebald, while those who have more black colouring than white are called Irish mark piebald. Shih Tzu puppies and dogs with mostly white colouring and just a little bit of black are called extreme piebald.


Changing Colours

It is important to note that Shih Tzu puppies and dogs continue to change their colours even when they are out of the womb. Their white markings can spread to a wider area (only the white markings spread, not the black) and these changes only stop when they reach adulthood. This means that the lovely pattern that your puppy has may no longer be the same when he grows up.

Taking care of your Black and White Shih Tzu

Black and white Shih Tzu puppies and dogs do not need special care. As long as they are healthy, you can groom them the way you groom other Shih Tzu puppies and dogs with different colouring.

However, you do need to be careful with tear stains. Most Shih Tzu puppies and dogs produce tears, which run down their fur and cause tear stains. These not only look unsightly but can also create the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow.

Tear stains are not that noticeable in black and white Shih Tzu puppies and dogs, especially those that have a black mask on their face, but this is what can make tear stains problematic. Since you cannot easily notice tear stains on your dog’s face, you will not be able to clean his face properly and provide him with the right treatment. So, instead of just relying on sight, it is vitally important to touch the fur below your dog’s eyes and check if they feel crusty and / or flaky. If they do, it’ is a sign that your Shih Tzu is developing (somewhat invisible) tear stains.

7 Signs Your Shih Tzu Needs Medical Attention

There will be times when you will notice that your beloved Shih Tzu has loose or watery stools.  When this occurs, there can be a number of contributory factors such as exposure to too much heat or a gastrointestinal upset. Whilst not all episodes of diarrhoea require going to the vets, it is important to know when it is best to seek out immediate treatment.

Here are some of the signs that your Shih Tzu needs medical attention:-

1. Black Stools

If your Shih Tzu’ diarrhoea is black and not the usual color, it might be that he has internal bleeding that has led to the black stools.  It is best to immediately consult with your veterinarian so that he can have a stool examination and any other tests done to ensure that he is given the proper medical attention as quickly as possible.

2. Diarrhoea with Lethargy and Loss of Appetite

Although diarrhoea can often simply be a reaction to a sudden change in diet, loose stools accompanied with lethargy and a loss of appetite is not a good sign and requires treatment. If your Shih Tzu is presenting with diarrhoea, refuses to eat and is lethargic it is important to have him checked over by your veterinarian.

3. Diarrhoea Exceeding 48 Hours

If your Shih Tzu has been having loose stools for two days and is refusing to drink water, this is an indication that he needs to be taken to your veterinarian and treated as soon as possible. Diarrhoea that is ongoing for more than 48 hours will dehydrate him and the immediate treatment for this is rehydration which only a veterinarian can provide. Dehydration can put your Shih Tzu in danger and not treating it can worsen his condition drastically.

4. Vomiting and Diarrhoea

Vomiting, along with diarrhoea and a fever can be a sign of a parvovirus infection. This happens especially in young puppies that have not been immunised yet.  Your Shih Tzu can be suffering from this potentially fatal condition if you have recently acquired him from a puppy farm or if you are not sure if the right vaccinations have already been given. This is why it is not advisable to buy dogs from puppy farms and breeders that you are not familiar with.

5. Presence of Hookworm in the Stool

If you notice hookworms in the loose stool of your Shih Tzu or any other parasites, for that matter, it is a sign that your Shih Tzu is not well.  Parasites in dogs can lead to nasty infections or even worse if left untreated. If you notice a hookworm, roundworm or any parasite in your Shih Tzu’s stool which is also accompanied with diarrhoea, do not delay and take him to your veterinarian for tests and treatment.

6. Presence of Blood in the Stool

Some traces of blood in your Shih Tzu’s stool might not be a real cause for alarm but as a loving furry parent, getting worried is not surprising.  However, if there is a large amount of blood in your Shih Tzu’s stool, this can be caused by bleeding or worse, organ failure. This is a very serious matter and urgent medical treatment is required.

7. Accompanied with Abdominal Pain

If your Shih Tzu is having diarrhoea and there are other signs such as excessive panting, pain in his stomach and you hear him cry out in pain when you touch him, chances are, he is not in good shape and needs to be taken to the veterinarian straight away.

5 Foods That Could Kill Your Shih Tzu

5 Foods That Could Kill Your Shih Tzu

DO NOT FEED!!

What Are the Foods That You Shouldn't Give to Your Shih Tzu?

Like many pet parents (me included), you probably get tempted to give your little Shih Tzu a tasty morsel whenever you sit down to a meal or enjoy some snacks (Hugo's favourite is crisps). After all, who can resist it when your Shih Tzu turns his beautiful puppy eyes on you and begs for a taste? However, not all human foods are safe for your furry friend to eat.  In fact, a lot of your treats can be harmful to his wellbeing and cause serious health problems or even death.

Here is a list of the food and drinks that you should never give to your Shih Tzu:-

1.Chocolate

It might seem nice to give your pet a sweet treat every now and then, but it is actually a bad idea since chocolate can make dogs very sick. This comes from the fact that it contains Ignore — substances that are present in cacao beans, which are what chocolate is made of. Methylxanthines can cause a wide range of symptoms in dogs, such as panting, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme thirst, and excessive urination. In severe cases, they can lead to seizures, abnormal heart rhythm, and even death.

Take note that methylxanthines are also present in coffee and soda, so you should also avoid giving them to your Shih Tzu.

2.Grapes

Grapes are healthy for people, but they can be toxic in dogs. It’s not yet clear what substance can cause this toxicity, but it’s already been observed that eating grapes can cause dogs to develop kidney failure. So make sure to keep your Shih Tzu away from grapes as well as raisins, which have the same effect on canines.

3.Garlic and Onions

One of the reasons why you shouldn’t give table scraps to your pet is that they may contain garlic and onions. These vegetables make human food taste great, but they’re dangerous to dogs since they can irritate their gastrointestinal system and cause damage to their red blood cells. Because of these, it’s important to stick to dog food that’s approved by your vet and keep your Shih Tzu away from fresh garlic and onions.

4.Macadamia Nuts

Thinking of giving your dog macadamia nuts as a treat? Think again. These nuts have been proven to cause tremors, vomiting, muscle weakness, and even fevers in dogs that ingest them, and these symptoms can last up to two days. Fortunately, most dogs that ingest macadamia nuts don’t need any treatment and can recover on their own, although you should still avoid exposing your pet to this type of nut to keep him away from the symptoms above.

However, it’s not just macadamia that’s dangerous for your pet. Other nuts such as pecan, walnuts, and almonds contain large amounts of oils and fats, which are considered to be healthy for humans but can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and may even lead them to develop pancreatitis.

5.Bones

Over the years, dogs have been shown with bones clutched in their mouths in many movies and TV shows. But what you have to realize is that bones can actually be dangerous for dogs since they cause them to choke and can even damage their digestive tract. Again, stick to the dog food and treats that your vet recommends instead of giving your Shih Tzu a bone to gnaw on.

These are some of the foods that you should not give to your Shih Tzu.  Keep them in mind to keep your pet safe and healthy!

If anyone has any other foods to add to this list please leave a comment - thanks.