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.

OMG How Cute!!!!!

Common Allergies Part 2

Here is another article that I found very interesting - what do you think?

Shih Tzu allergies are as common as other diseases that effect both dogs and humans. In fact, both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners may suffer from some common diseases such as diabetes, cardiac problems, obesity and many others. And Shih Tzu allergies may occur more or less in the same way as with human. Although diseases like diabetes, cardiac problems or obesity may stem from unhealthy dietary and physical activity management, allergies may occur from many different types of allergens.

As asserted by veterinarians, Shih Tzu allergies may show the most common symptom of itching sensation all over the skin area. Shih Tzu allergies may occur in the respiratory system as well. When the allergies occur in the respiratory system most commonly the symptoms like coughing, sneezing and wheezing become apparent. In fact, there is a great similarity between the symptoms occurring in both humans and Shih Tzu dogs. Nose and eyes discharge frequently just like with a cold or the flu. Allergies may affect the digestive system also. If so, Shih Tzu may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, watery stools or diarrhoea.

There are different forms of Shih Tzu allergies. In other words, Shih Tzu may suffer from various forms of allergies. For example, Shih Tzu may have allergies from flea's saliva. In order to conclude whether a particular Shih Tzu is susceptible to flea saliva, it is essential to take the dog in for a skin allergy examination. If it is discovered that the Shih Tzu is allergic to the flea saliva it is best to implement a flea control program, however the owner should take care about using the safest products possible.

Some individuals are allergic to certain types of foods. The same is true for few Shih Tzu dogs. There are certain food products such as beef, soy products, fish, eggs, chemical preservatives, milk, wheat and artificial sweeteners that may cause allergic reactions in Shih Tzu dogs. Additionally, food allergies may also occur due to the consumption of non-verified foods. Providing only commercially manufactured dog foods to the Shih Tzu can minimize the possibility of developing food allergies.

Atopic dermatitis is another significant type of Shih Tzu allergies. This occurs mainly because of the hypersensitivity towards the immune system caused by different environmental substances such as molds or dust mites. The common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are excessively licking and chewing of the paws, abdomen and rear feet. This allergic reaction affects the armpit region, in-between the toes of the paws, and in the groin.

Shih Tzus may become allergic due to a bacterial infection. This can seriously affect the health of a Shih Tzu. Typically, the Shih Tzu has certain types of bacteria over their skin, while most of them are harmless to them. These bacteria belong to Staphylococcus family. However, there are certain other types that cause allergies to them. The most common symptoms of bacterial allergy are hair loss and the formation of marks resembling ringworm in the affected skin area. Statistically, it is estimated that over twenty percent of the dog population in the United States are affected by allergic reactions.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Common-Causes-of-Shih-Tzu-Allergies&id=

Common Allergies Part 1

I have been reading some interesting articles about Shih Tzu common allergies that I thought I would share with you.  What do you think?  Do you have your own story you would like to share?

Allergies

The Shih Tzu is a dog that is known to suffer from allergies more than other breeds. The causes of these allergies can be varied. While food is one potential cause of allergic reactions in Shih Tzu, many other types of allergic reactions are due to external causes. If your dog suddenly starts displaying signs of allergies, it is important to identify the cause as soon as possible.
 
Signs of Allergies
 
I have just been reading some interesting articles on Shih Tzu common allergies which I thought I would share with you - what do you think?  Do you have any allergy tales of your own you would like to share?

Allergic reactions can come in many forms. If you see your Shih Tzu scratching much more than usual, sneezing constantly, or displaying a runny nose and eyes, then he may have allergies. The same goes for coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, excessive head shaking, and difficulty breathing. I always advise a healthy dose of common sense when observing your Shih Tzu; all dogs display these symptoms at some point or another. One sneeze or cough doesn't mean your dog has allergies. On the other hand, if these signs persist for a day or two, and you're not sure what you're dealing with, you can always consult your vet for an opinion or diagnosis.

Causes of Allergies
 
Pollens are a common cause of allergies in Shih Tzu. If your dog is suffering in spring or summer, and if your dog sneezes or continuously rubs his face with his paws, pollen could be the reason since concentrations are highest during the spring and summer months. Washing your dog's bed often, cleaning his eyes, and using HEPA filters when cleaning the house can all help reduce pollen allergies. Your vet can prescribe antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. If this doesn't work, steroids may be prescribed, but be very careful with the use of steroids, since these can cause many other health issues.
 
Like pollens, house dust can also cause a Shih Tzu to suffer. All houses have some dust, but moving your Shih Tzu's bed into a room with bare floors and without carpets or heavy drapes (all dust collectors) can make a huge difference.
 
Flea bites can cause reactions in every breed of dog, so you must check your Shih Tzu for fleas regularly. Fleas are more than just a nuisance; flea bites can lead to serious, even life-threatening health problems. Look for rashes or irritated skin, and ask your vet about the best treatments.
 
Contact allergies result from something that is applied to a Shih Tzu's body from the outside. Some examples are shampoos, ointments, and flea medicine, but can also include things like furniture polish and deodorant powders if your Shih Tzu comes into contact with areas that contain them. I recommend you use the same strategies as with food allergies; start eliminating potential culprits until the allergy goes away. Then you will know what the cause really was.
 
Some dogs are even known to have allergic reactions to vaccinations, and since your Shih Tzu will receive yearly shots, it's important to pay attention to when allergies start. Did they happen immediately after the last set of shots? If so, I recommend informing the vet so he can take action. Remember: just because your dog had the same shot last year and was fine doesn't mean he will be fine this time around.
 
If the allergy persists
 
If there is no obvious pattern to your Shih Tzu's allergies, and if you've looked high and low to try and isolate the cause and can't find anything in the house or immediate area that could be causing the problem, it is possible that your dog's allergies are being caused by something else, such as their diet. When in doubt, check with your vet for advice, but above all, be mindful of your pet's behaviour so that you can act as quickly as possible to help them feel better.

http://ezinearticles.com/?External-Factors-That-Cause-Shih-Tzu-Allergies&id=25

Back to Work

After almost three weeks off celebrating the holidays today is the day I go back to work however someone is not very happy about the idea and keeps running off with my socks!!!!!!

Hugo and his Daddy

Hugo just waking up after a very long cuddle with his Daddy xxxx

It has officially been 6 months today since we brought Hugo home.  Cannot quite believe how quickly the time has past or how small he was.  We love you Hugo xxxx