Saturday, July 22, 2006

Shih Tzu Postpartum Care

Shih Tzu Postpartum Care

Whelping a litter of Shih Tzu puppies can sometimes be physically and emotionally exhausting for both you and the Shih Tzu matron. Before you take your well deserved rest, be certain the Shih Tzu matron and Shih Tzu puppies are comfortable, each Shih Tzu puppy has nursed well, the heat lamp is not too close, and the heating pad is not turned up too high. At this time it is crucial to maintain proper environmental temperatures. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are incapable of controlling their own body temperatures. Chilling to any degree leaves newborn Shih Tzu puppies susceptible to infectious disease. Room temperature should be maintained at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit for at least their first few days.

Initially offer your Shih Tzu dam only soft, messy-type foods and supplements of a high quality milk replacement added to her food. I like using Pedigree Lamb and Rice canned formula with Just Born milk replacement powder sprinkled on top or mixed within.

Most Shih Tzu dams are ready for a good meal once whelping is over and the puppies are all settled in nursing well. However, do not worry if she refuses one or two feedings during her first 24 hours of motherhood. Do not expect her to leave her newborn Shih Tzu puppies. If she is too exhausted to eat right after whelping, she will be ready by the next day most usually.

To prevent serious cleanup problems, place four interlocking layers of open newspaper on the floor over heavy plastic film such as that used by painters. Plastic sheeting covered by newspaper saves all flooring, is nonporous, makes any cleanup easy and is inexpensive to purchase.

Use Clorox bleach, ¾ cup to a gallon of water to disinfect the Shih Tzu whelping box and immediate area. You will need to disinfect daily.

Two days following whelping, offer your Shih Tzu matron soft food mixed with a high quality dog food. I use HealthyPetNet Life’s Abundance and have found it to be the absolute best food for my Shih Tzu.

Your Shih Tzu dam should be seen by a veterinarian for a postpartum examination within 24 hours of whelping. It is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu dam to retain one or more placentas, large amounts of blood and other body fluids in the uterus. It is also possible that she retained one or two Shih Tzu puppies as well. All of these need to be expelled immediately. Retention will predispose the Shih Tzu dam to infection. Many veterinarians will give the oxytocin shot within the first 24 hours of whelping to help her expel any retained fluids, placental material and/or puppies.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Pet clothing is offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Cookies

PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA DOG COOKIES

2 cups whole-wheat flour
¼ cup wheat germ
1 cup water
¼ cup all-natural peanut butter (no sugar or salt added)
1 egg
1 banana, mashed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.
On a floured surface, knead the dough until it is firm.
Roll the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Cut with the cookie cutter of your choice. Transfer dog cookies to a baking sheet.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the dog cookies are dry and firm to touch. Turn off the heat; let the dog cookies stand in the oven until hard, 1 to 2 hours.

Purchase the e-book of homemade dog treats and meals at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Barking is probably one of the most negative qualities attributed to dogs and/or Shih Tzu. Incessant barking is always irritating to owners and anyone surrounding the incessant barking dog or Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu barks for a variety of reasons. Owners need to find out what is causing the barking before the problem can be successfully addressed.

Some twelve thousand years ago primitive man and the domestic dog’s ancestors coexisted rather than shared intimate relationships we enjoy today with their descendants. As dogs begin to show friendliness, playfulness and alarm barking humans began to domesticate them. As humans began to appreciate the dog’s presence a bond was woven between humans and dog companions over time.

Barking due to territoriality most likely served as an alarm function in days when it was even more important that it is today to know when someone or something was encroaching upon human territory.

Another characteristic “some” dogs, and definitely includes our Shih Tzu is its appearance to the human eye. Dogs that are cute with infantile facial features which stimulate human parenting instincts provide additional bonding.

All domestic dogs bark, including the Shih Tzu. Once a chorus starts every dog within hearing distance will join in. Soon you have a “barking” orchestra, and if you are lucky enough to be hard of hearing at that time wearing your hearing aids, just simply pull them out until the concert is over……..

Barking is one way dogs and Shih Tzu communicates with each other and with their human companions. I have heard some of my Shih Tzu actually say words during their barking sessions. Duke will say: “I’m Mad.” “I’m Mad,” and at that time I am certain his barking is most definitely because he is mad about something. His word was toward one of his buddies. When Duke wants to be where I am and he is in a spot in which he feels “trapped,” cannot get to me, his bark is much different. It is more like a “scream.” He has not put words together yet, but I feel fairly certain he probably is saying to me: “let me come in there, I can’t wait any longer, I want in there now!” Once I allow him his wishes, his barking stops.

Owners need to find out the cause of their Shih Tzu’s barking and then proceed with steps to solve the problem. There is no way around it. All dogs, including Shih Tzu, bark from time to time. Some are more vocal than others, just as humans, some humans talk more than others. I have Shih Tzu that rarely if ever bark for any reason.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Teaching Bite Inhibition to Shih Tzu Puppies

Teaching Bite Inhibition to Shih Tzu Puppies

Shih Tzu puppies, like children, will never be perfect in behaviors. A certain amount of tolerance is expected, but it is well to understand a Shih Tzu puppy’s messages so you can react to reshape unwanted behaviors when limits are exceeded.

All puppies are “mouthy” during the teething process, however, there are exceptions in that you will encounter Shih Tzu puppies that just won’t take no for an answer and keeps chomping on people’s hands instead of those objects given him to chew on.

First try to understand what nipping means to a Shih Tzu puppy. Put yourself in the shoes of a Shih Tzu puppy. A six to eight week old Shih Tzu puppy finds itself a reasonably confident navigator of its environment. The Shih Tzu puppy may try to explore everything it can and uses one tool with which to investigate its environment – its mouth, not much unlike a small human toddler. To a Shih Tzu puppy, its mouth is like a hand used for exploration of its environment. Generally speaking at this time, the Shih Tzu puppy is not at all vicious or mentally disturbed because they display mouthing behaviors. In fact, this is a very normal behavior in which Shih Tzu puppies use to discover and explore their surroundings.

Shih Tzu puppies direct their first oral attentions to their mother’s soft underbelly where they find nourishment. If a Shih Tzu puppy bites its mom too hard during nursing she will rebuke the puppy. This is the Shih Tzu puppy’s first lessons in inappropriate “nipping or biting.” He learns to listen to mommy. As the Shih Tzu puppy matures mouthing behaviors are directed toward littermates during play. When one puppy becomes too rough during this type of play the others usually complain loudly and withdraw. The biting Shih Tzu puppy learns to be a little easier on littermate if the fun and games are to continue. The puppy begins to learn bite inhibition. The puppies that are bitten learn to avoid the circumstances that lead to the painful consequence and that withdrawing are a good defense strategy.

Almost every Shih Tzu puppy finds itself in a new home without a disciplinary “mom,” and former littermates. Instead the Shih Tzu puppy has doting human owners who must serve as parents and siblings rolled into one unit. What happens when the Shih Tzu puppy wants to play, can’t find its littermates and nips a human?

A person knowledgeable about puppy matters might react like the mother dog or a littermate with a sharp rebuke, maybe with words like “Stop it” or “Ouch” or a light tap on the nose with a finger, and/or immediate withdrawal of attention. You might even respond by closing the Shih Tzu puppy’s mouth tightly and saying sharply “NO BITE” then place an object that is acceptable for biting into the Shih Tzu puppy’s mouth.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Designer Dog Clothes are offered on the website.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Shih Tzu Difficult Wet Delivery

Shih Tzu Difficult Wet Delivery

While your Shih Tzu is doing her part with the delivery, you can gently but firmly grip the Shih Tzu puppy’s sac with the aid of a towel or diaper. Hold the Shih Tzu puppy in a position of presentation to prevent it from being withdrawn back into the birth canal. Each time your Shih Tzu matron has a contraction the Shih Tzu puppy is closer to birth. You, as a Shih Tzu mid-wife need only to the hold the Shih Tzu puppy to prevent withdrawal and allow Nature to work.

Sometimes it may be difficult to grip the Shih Tzu puppy’s sac. If the head is definitely presented first, break open the sac from around the Shih Tzu puppy’s head. Immediately use a pediatric bulb syringe to suction amniotic fluid from the Shih Tzu puppy’s mouth.

A difficult or large Shih Tzu puppy may require more than two or three contractions. In general, there should be no more than four contractions. If more than four contractures there may be a problem if the Shih Tzu puppy has not been whelped. You may need a professional vet’s assistance at this point.

A breech delivery Shih Tzu puppy is presented rear-foremost. The hind legs are tucked against the Shih Tzu puppy’s abdomen in the direction of the head. This presentation normally does not present a problem for the Shih Tzu puppy or the Shih Tzu matron because the head of a Shih Tzu puppy is larger in circumference than the body. Shih Tzu are generally whelp freely and do not require professional assistance.

A breech delivery can be difficult to assist when a Shih Tzu puppy is confined in the slippery sac. Surgical gloves are helpful for securely holding the slippery sac. Gauze pads make a second good choice. A thin towel is adequate as a third choice. If none of these items are available and you must work with your bare hands, use your fingers. Gently secure a grip on each side of the Shih Tzu puppy without applying undue pressures. As each contraction occurs, apply a steady, firm pressure, preventing the Shih Tzu puppy from slipping back inside the birth canal. Never pull!

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Shih Tzu e-books are available. Designer pet clothing is available. Sign up at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Shih Tzu Postpartum Care

Shih Tzu Postpartum Care

Whelping a litter of Shih Tzu puppies can sometimes be physically and emotionally exhausting for both you and the Shih Tzu matron. Before you take your well deserved rest, be certain the Shih Tzu matron and Shih Tzu puppies are comfortable, each Shih Tzu puppy has nursed well, the heat lamp is not too close, and the heating pad is not turned up too high. At this time it is crucial to maintain proper environmental temperatures. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are incapable of controlling their own body temperatures. Chilling to any degree leaves newborn Shih Tzu puppies susceptible to infectious disease. Room temperature should be maintained at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit for at least their first few days.

Initially offer your Shih Tzu dam only soft, messy-type foods and supplements of a high quality milk replacement added to her food. I like using Pedigree Lamb and Rice canned formula with Just Born milk replacement powder sprinkled on top or mixed within.

Most Shih Tzu dams are ready for a good meal once whelping is over and the puppies are all settled in nursing well. However, do not worry if she refuses one or two feedings during her first 24 hours of motherhood. Do not expect her to leave her newborn Shih Tzu puppies. If she is too exhausted to eat right after whelping, she will be ready by the next day most usually.

To prevent serious cleanup problems, place four interlocking layers of open newspaper on the floor over heavy plastic film such as that used by painters. Plastic sheeting covered by newspaper saves all flooring, is nonporous, makes any cleanup easy and is inexpensive to purchase.

Use Clorox bleach, ¾ cup to a gallon of water to disinfect the Shih Tzu whelping box and immediate area. You will need to disinfect daily.

Two days following whelping, offer your Shih Tzu matron soft food mixed with a high quality dog food. I use HealthyPetNet Life’s Abundance and have found it to be the absolute best food for my Shih Tzu.

Your Shih Tzu dam should be seen by a veterinarian for a postpartum examination within 24 hours of whelping. It is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu dam to retain one or more placentas, large amounts of blood and other body fluids in the uterus. It is also possible that she retained one or two Shih Tzu puppies as well. All of these need to be expelled immediately. Retention will predispose the Shih Tzu dam to infection. Many veterinarians will give the oxytocin shot within the first 24 hours of whelping to help her expel any retained fluids, placental material and/or puppies.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Pet clothing is offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Shih Tzu Mannary Gland Care After Whelping

Shih Tzu Mammary Gland Care after Whelping

It is necessary to examine your Shih Tzu matron’s mammary glands daily, directly before whelping and throughout nursing and weaning periods. A secretion of moderately thick liquid clear or brown with streaks of white milk is normal. If this discharge is bloody or yellowish in color you need to consult with your vet. The first secretion, known as colostrums, is normal and present in every new mother. Colostrums contain the mother’s antibodies and are necessary to newborn Shih Tzu puppies, particularly in the first 24 hours of life. If you are tube or bottle feeding, and the Shih Tzu dam has colostrums, express some into the formula. Keep your Shih Tzu dam updated on immunizations prior to mating time. Never vaccinate a pregnant Shih Tzu. The antibodies in the colostrums protect the newborn Shih Tzu puppies against infectious diseases to which the mother is immune.

Shih Tzu matrons will shed hair along the abdomen prior and after whelping. However, since the Shih Tzu has so much hair, it is likely you will need to trim close also. The best is to shave down the entire abdomen and genitalia area just prior to whelping. Shih Tzu puppies can ingest air while nursing if hair remains around the mammaries. The presence of hair also collects milk and promotes rapid bacterial growth and can cause illness in the Shih Tzu puppies, which can lead rapidly to death.

Heavy mammary glands require daily washing and thorough drying of the entire abdominal area until the Shih Tzu puppies are weaned. The Shih Tzu dam’s milk glands should always feel pliable, being moderately soft although heavy and full feeling to your examination. Your Shih Tzu matron is in trouble should there be any hardness in an entire individual gland or row, visible redness and/or red streaks or yellowish or bloody discharge expressed. Placing a bandage over the nipple of the affected teat is usually sufficient to stop very young Shih Tzu puppies from nursing. Use a small amount of camphorated oil of Vicks VapoRub to stop older Shih Tzu puppies from nursing at an infected site. Seek veterinarian care for your Shih Tzu matron. Nursing from infected mammary glands could cause serious illness and diarrhea in the Shih Tzu puppies.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Designer pet clothing is available on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Chicken and Sweet Potato Drop Cookies

Chicken and Sweet Potato Drop Cookies
Makes 40 to 50 bite size treats

1 ¼ cups of ½-inch pieces of cooked chicken
½ cup of ½-inch pieces of cooked sweet potato
2 cups all-purpose whole wheat flour
1 cup evaporated low fat milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all the ingredients together well, making sure the pieces of chicken and sweet potato are thoroughly coated.
Drop cookies by rounded teaspoon onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake 14 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven, let cool thoroughly, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Peanut Butter Treats

Biscuits, Cookies and other Treats



PEANUT BUTTER TREATS

4 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
2 ½ cups warm water
½ cup all-natural peanut butter (no sugar or salt added)
¼ cup carob chips (available at health food stores)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until it is firm. If the dough is too sticky, add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to knead.
Roll the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Cut with the cookie cutter of your choice. Transfer treats to a baking sheet.
Bake the treats for 40 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the biscuits stand in the oven until hard, 1 to 2 hours.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Shih Tzu - Difficult Deliveries

Shih Tzu – Difficult Deliveries

Most Shih Tzu puppies present themselves normally at birth. There are times, very few times, of which I have experienced with the Shih Tzu that required assistance. Usually the most difficult Shih Tzu puppy birth is the first one. Delivery of a dry Shih Tzu puppy or overly large Shih Tzu puppy can take longer than normal and may affect the next Shih Tzu puppy birth. This next Shih Tzu puppy may be stillborn or have more fluid in the trachea and lungs. Oftentimes, subsequent Shih Tzu siblings are born normally.

Not every stillborn Shih Tzu puppy or difficult delivery is the result of a Shih Tzu matron suffering inertia. The problem of inertia, however, will cause a higher percentage of stillborn Shih Tzu puppies. Shih Tzu puppies are normally vigorous while attached to the uterine wall. Once freed from the uterine wall, a Shih Tzu puppy has limited time in which to arrive.

Once the Shih Tzu puppy has arrived, time is crucial. If the matron does not immediately tear the sac from around the puppy. You must quickly tear the sac from the Shih Tzu puppy’s face, nose and mouth and then proceed to remove the sac from the rest of the Shih Tzu puppy’s body. Rub the Shih Tzu puppy briskly while it is in a head-down position. Use a pediatric bulb syringe to suction the Shih Tzu puppy’s oral cavity. Clear the trachea and lungs by shaking the Shih Tzu puppy down. Each direction of the arc’s swing should take about 3 seconds. Repeat the procedures several times until the Shih Tzu puppy’s oral and tracheal passages are cleared as much as possible.

Dry Delivery:
A dry delivery is when the Shih Tzu puppy’s protective sac breaks inside the birth canal. A dry Shih Tzu puppy delivery can either a head-first or breech (rear quarters first). A Shih Tzu puppy breech birth is a normal canine birth position; however, a dry breech delivery can be dangerous to a Shih Tzu puppy. The Shih Tzu puppy is presented entirely or partially free of a sac. If the Shih Tzu puppy’s legs get stuck delivery progress is impeded. The Shih Tzu puppy’s head may turn back blocking passage or even its body turned sideways in the birth canal. Under these circumstances the Shih Tzu dam cannot deliver without assistance. Cooking oil may be substituted in an emergency to use as a lubricant.

While it is most important to get a Shih Tzu puppy breathing on its own as quickly as possible, the Shih Tzu puppy must never be pulled indiscriminately. You need to work with the Shih Tzu dam’s contractions. Place one hand in the dam’s inguinal area directly behind the Shih Tzu puppy’s position in the birth canal and exert a slight pressure to help prevent backward slipping. Grip the Shih Tzu puppy firmly with a towel in the other hand to prevent the Shih Tzu puppy from being withdrawn. Wait for the next contraction and exert a slight, steady pulling pressure downward toward the Shih Tzu dam’s feet. One or two contractions are usually enough to deliver the Shih Tzu puppy.

Your hands must be scrubbed, your nails trimmed and filed smooth in case adjusting the Shih Tzu puppy’s position is necessary. Use sterile surgical gloves or dip your hands in surgical antiseptic. Using a small amount of lubricant, gently insert one or two fingers into the Shih Tzu matron’s vagina. The Shih Tzu puppy should be palpable presenting facing the dam’s feet. You can feel if the Shih Tzu puppy is still confined or if the sac has been broken. If the Shih Tzu puppy is still in the sac, additional lubricant will not be needed.

If the Shih Tzu puppy’s head is foremost, gently ease the legs into the correct birth position. Gently push the Shih Tzu puppy a few millimeters back into the birth canal. Reposition the Shih Tzu puppy with the forelegs extended first. The Shih Tzu dam should then have little difficulty expressing the Shih Tzu puppy with one or two more contractions. Firmly hold the Shih Tzu puppy as it is presented and withdrawn back inside the birth canal at the end of contractions. If the Shih Tzu puppy presents itself head-first, keep the puppy’s face down toward the dam’s feet. If it is a breech delivery, hold the Shih Tzu puppy’s hind feet “facing” the dam’s paws.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Barking is probably one of the most negative qualities attributed to dogs and/or Shih Tzu. Incessant barking is always irritating to owners and anyone surrounding the incessant barking dog or Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu barks for a variety of reasons. Owners need to find out what is causing the barking before the problem can be successfully addressed.

Some twelve thousand years ago primitive man and the domestic dog’s ancestors coexisted rather than shared intimate relationships we enjoy today with their descendants. As dogs begin to show friendliness, playfulness and alarm barking humans began to domesticate them. As humans began to appreciate the dog’s presence a bond was woven between humans and dog companions over time.

Barking due to territoriality most likely served as an alarm function in days when it was even more important that it is today to know when someone or something was encroaching upon human territory.

Another characteristic “some” dogs, and definitely includes our Shih Tzu is its appearance to the human eye. Dogs that are cute with infantile facial features which stimulate human parenting instincts provide additional bonding.

All domestic dogs bark, including the Shih Tzu. Once a chorus starts every dog within hearing distance will join in. Soon you have a “barking” orchestra, and if you are lucky enough to be hard of hearing at that time wearing your hearing aids, just simply pull them out until the concert is over……..

Barking is one way dogs and Shih Tzu communicates with each other and with their human companions. I have heard some of my Shih Tzu actually say words during their barking sessions. Duke will say: “I’m Mad.” “I’m Mad,” and at that time I am certain his barking is most definitely because he is mad about something. His word was toward one of his buddies. When Duke wants to be where I am and he is in a spot in which he feels “trapped,” cannot get to me, his bark is much different. It is more like a “scream.” He has not put words together yet, but I feel fairly certain he probably is saying to me: “let me come in there, I can’t wait any longer, I want in there now!” Once I allow him his wishes, his barking stops.

Owners need to find out the cause of their Shih Tzu’s barking and then proceed with steps to solve the problem. There is no way around it. All dogs, including Shih Tzu, bark from time to time. Some are more vocal than others, just as humans, some humans talk more than others. I have Shih Tzu that rarely if ever bark for any reason.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Routine Hygiene After Shih Tzu Whelping

Routine Hygiene after Shih Tzu Whelping

Your Shih Tzu matron will keep her whelping box clean the first few weeks. She will stimulate her Shih Tzu puppies to eliminate and ingest their wastes. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are born incompletely developed. The Shih Tzu matron must stimulate them to urinate and defecate or the puppies become toxic and die.

The whelping box still needs to be cleaned and disinfected daily. Use ¾ cup Clorox bleach to one gallon of water. Clorox bleach is highly effective against Parvo virus. Your Shih Tzu dam’s discharge must never be profuse, overly bright red, greenish or odorous. Should any of these conditions occur, call your veterinarian for advice.

Change the Shih Tzu whelping box linens daily the first week and twice daily thereafter. Do not allow the bedding to become damp. Chilling is fatal to newborn Shih Tzu puppies. Bedding in the whelping box should be completely flat. Shih Tzu puppies can become lost under wrinkled bedding.

Newborn Shih Tzu puppy stools should be checked as they eliminate. A bright or strangely colored stool, yellowish streaked, foamy or mucoid of consistency are signs of trouble. Hard stools accompanied by straining and crying or loose stools of a diarrheic condition are indicative of life-threatening conditions. Normal Shih Tzu puppy stool has form, is not overly hard, runny or mucoid. It is brown and holds together in a soft but formed “rope.”

The only time a Shih Tzu matron should wear a collar is when you take her out the yard or to the vet. Remove the collar prior to whelping and throughout the time Shih Tzu puppies are near their dam. Do not use flea collars when the dam is with her Shih Tzu puppies.

Four interlocking layers of opened newspaper on the floor over heavy plastic film such as that used by painters are helpful in preventing serious cleanup problems. It is not necessary to discard plastic sheeting after each use. Clean with a solution of ¾ cup Clorox bleach and 1 gallon of water.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Designer pet clothing is available on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

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