The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Shih Tzu The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Shih Tzu
Showing posts with label Shih Tzu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shih Tzu. Show all posts

Friday, August 17, 2018

The Shih Tzu, One Of The World’s Oldest Dog Breeds


The Shih Tzu (pronounced Shid Zoo in singular and plural), is undoubtedly one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is often referred to as a "small lion." They originated in Tibet, but are most associated with China where they were highly revered as a palace pet and prized companion. The Shih Tzu is an active, happy, and affectionate breed.

A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and although this dog is sweet and playful, they are not afraid to stand up for themselves!

Temperament:
Shih Tzu love to strut around the house with their head held high and tail wagging! They strut like they own the place! Most have an outgoing, happy, friendly personality! Shih Tzu tend to get a little bossy as they reach the adult age, and quiet down when they get to be seniors. They love to be spoiled at all ages!

Human Companions:
The ideal companion for the Shih Tzu would be singles, seniors, families with older children. Though good family dogs, Shih Tzu are not especially good with very young children. They cannot be handled roughly or awkwardly and tend to get snappish when their patience wears thin.

Size:
Shih Tzu usually weigh between 9 and 16 pounds full grown, and measure between 10 – 11 inches in height.

Colors:
Shih Tzu come in a rainbow of colors. They are Liver and white, cream, black, brindle and white, solid blue (rare), solid brindle, gold and white, black and white, solid white, solid red, red and white, solid silver, silver and white.

The Body:
The Shih Tzu body is slightly longer than tall, its legs straight and muscular, and its feet firm and well-padded.The head is round, broad, and wide between the eyes, and in balance with the rest of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round; the ears are natural and heavily feathered; the muzzle is square, short and unwrinkled, and flat; lips and chin should neither protrude nor recede. The jaw is undershot,  the incisors of the lower jaw overlap the incisors of the upper jaw.

The Coat:
The coat is long and flowing and generally grows in an upward direction from his nose, which is why you’ll often see him with his fur tied on top of his head. The growth of his fur in all directions from his face has earned him the nickname “chrysanthemum-faced dog.” Most show dogs have the long flowing coat, however, most pet owners like to keep the hair cut short. 

Health:
Basically healthy, the Shih Tzu is subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia, and to slipped stifles or kneecaps. His slightly protruding eyes are prone to injury, and his short muzzle often produces slight wheezing problems.




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Sunday, August 12, 2018

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Has Issued A Warning Against Certain Types of Dog Food That Are Linked to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against certain types of dog food that are linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM.

On July 12, FDA released a statement making all dog owners aware about a possible link between the dog heart disease and specific dog foods that contain peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as the main ingredient.

The cases were observed in Golden and Labrador Retrievers, a Whippet, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog, and Miniature Schnauzers and other mixed breeds. The cases were particularly worrisome as these breeds are not genetically prone to DCM. The heart condition is also less common in small and medium breed dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels.

FDA Warns Pet Owners
In its announcement, FDA said they received reports from the veterinary cardiology community about the growing cases of dog breeds that developed DCM even when they were supposed to be not at risk for the condition. The dogs observed were found to have relied on the said types of dog food as their main source of nutrients from months to years. 

"The FDA is investigating the potential link between DCM and these foods. We encourage pet owners and veterinarians to report DCM cases in dogs who are not predisposed to the disease," said Martine Hartogensis, deputy director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine's Office of Surveillance and Compliance.

The FDA advised pet owners to still consult with licensed veterinarians if they decide to change their dogs' diet.

The board said it is now working with pet food manufacturers and the veterinary community with the investigations. For the meantime, anyone who suspected DCM in their dogs and a possible link to their pet food are encouraged to report to the FDA.

Canine DCM
The condition mostly results in congestive heart failure. However, cases in dogs that are not genetically at risk with the disease may improve given the timely medical intervention.

The major symptoms of DCM include lethargy, anorexia, rapid and excessive breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, abdominal distension, and transient loss of consciousness. The dogs affected with the disease may also have muffled or crackling breathing sounds due to the accumulation of water in the lungs.

The cause of DCM is largely unknown. In certain breeds, causes are found to be nutritional deficiencies of taurine or carnitine.

As for susceptibility, male dog breeds are more likely to be vulnerable to the disease.

DCM is characterized by an enlarged heart that does not function properly. Specifically, both the upper and lower chambers of the heart become enlarged. The one side can be more affected than the other. When the lower chamber becomes enlarged, it cannot pump blood out into the lungs. When this happens, fluid builds up in the dogs' lungs. Soon, the heart becomes overloaded and congestive heart failure follows.


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Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Did You Know That The Shih Tzu Often Referred to as a ‘Small Lion’, Originated in Tibet?


The Shih Tzu (pronounced Shid Zoo in singular and plural), is undoubtedly one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is often referred to as a "small lion." They originated in Tibet, but are most associated with China where they were highly revered as a palace pet and prized companion. The Shih Tzu is an active, happy, and affectionate breed.

A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and although this dog is sweet and playful, they are not afraid to stand up for themselves!

Temperament:
Shih Tzu love to strut around the house with their head held high and tail wagging! They strut like they own the place! Most have an outgoing, happy, friendly personality! Shih Tzu tend to get a little bossy as they reach the adult age, and quiet down when they get to be seniors. They love to be spoiled at all ages!

Human Companions:
The ideal companion for the Shih Tzu would be singles, seniors, families with older children. Though good family dogs, Shih Tzu are not especially good with very young children. They cannot be handled roughly or awkwardly and tend to get snappish when their patience wears thin.

Size:
Shih Tzu usually weigh between 9 and 16 pounds full grown, and measure between 10 – 11 inches in height.

Colors:
Shih Tzu come in a rainbow of colors. They are Liver and white, cream, black, brindle and white, solid blue (rare), solid brindle, gold and white, black and white, solid white, solid red, red and white, solid silver, silver and white.

The Body:
The Shih Tzu body is slightly longer than tall, its legs straight and muscular, and its feet firm and well-padded.The head is round, broad, and wide between the eyes, and in balance with the rest of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round; the ears are natural and heavily feathered; the muzzle is square, short and unwrinkled, and flat; lips and chin should neither protrude nor recede. The jaw is undershot,  the incisors of the lower jaw overlap the incisors of the upper jaw.

The Coat:
The coat is long and flowing and generally grows in an upward direction from his nose, which is why you’ll often see him with his fur tied on top of his head. The growth of his fur in all directions from his face has earned him the nickname “chrysanthemum-faced dog.” Most show dogs have the long flowing coat, however, most pet owners like to keep the hair cut short. 

Health:
Basically healthy, the Shih Tzu is subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia, and to slipped stifles or kneecaps. His slightly protruding eyes are prone to injury, and his short muzzle often produces slight wheezing problems.




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Friday, February 5, 2016

A Florida Woman Was Walking Her dogs When She Spotted the 9-Foot-Long Anaconda Snake in the Grass


Leisa Remsberg let her two dogs out Monday morning to do what dogs do.

Gizmo, a Shih Tzu and Teddy a Poodle/Shih Tzu mix, dashed to the side yard to sniff out a large, shiny dark object.

"I wasn't thinking what it was, because it was so large," said Remsberg, who trailed behind her dogs.

A nine-foot-long green anaconda reared its head, veering toward the two pooches.

"It raised its head up like it ... like snapping at them ... like lurching at them to make them back off," Remsberg said. "I started screaming for the dogs right away."

Teddy hurried back into the house. Gizmo was still curious, brave or something else.

"He's the not-so-smart one," Remsberg said.

Remsberg dialed 911.

"I did not know what it was," she said. "I knew it was not good. I was just screaming, 'There's just this huge, huge snake!'"
Her neighbor thought it was a python.

He brought a shovel over to hold the snake down until officers could respond. He placed the snake in a container with a lid and a piece of concrete over the top to keep it trapped inside. Then, he took the snake to his yard.

Brevard County Animal Services secured the snake, ultimately handing the situation over to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Officers took the snake to a veterinary facility, which euthanized the snake, for research purposes.

Wildlife officers are trying to determine where the snake came from, said Greg Workman, spokesman for the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

They did not find the legally required microchip in the snake, he said.

"Basically, it wasn't there legally," Workman said. "They're a top predator. They get huge. They can really decimate an area."

It's the second anaconda to pop up in Brevard County, Fla., in the past few months.

In late November, state wildlife officers shot and killed a 9-foot-long green anaconda near the St. Johns River at the Brevard – Orange County line.

Green anacondas are native to South America and can grow to more than 500 pounds and 20 feet long. In Florida, the snake poses a risk to native wildlife.

Remsberg, a real estate agent at SunCoast Real Estate Group, is living in the home temporarily, awaiting a new home to be completed.

The snake's removal was a relief, especially to Gizmo, Teddy and the four chihuahuas next door.

"It was definitely crazy," Remsberg said.









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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

URGENT! Foster Homes Needed in Washington, DC Metro Area for Group of Adorable Abandoned Dogs


Sharing from: Caring Hearts Rescue

Caring Hearts Rescue has just been asked to help a group of 15 Shih Tzus whose owner fled and abandoned them in a rented house. Although the dogs are being fed temporarily by the landlord, they are in urgent need of being rescued. The group includes a mama who recently had puppies so it's even more urgent that they be rescued as soon as possible. Caring Hearts will take as many of the dogs as we can but the number will depend on how many fosters we have who are willing to take one or more of these pups. The dogs will be arriving on Sunday, December 27 and will be ready to go to their foster homes some time in the evening after they have been bathed, groomed, and have received medical attention. If you can help foster, please email us at fosterchr@caringheartsrescue.org. If you can't foster but want to help, we desperately need donations to pay for their medical care. To donate towards their care, please go to http://www.caringheartsrescue.org/#!money-donations/c1iuw

Thank you in advance for helping us help these poor pups!

  
UPDATE
OPERATION HOLIDAY ANGELS UPDATE: So many of you have asked for an update. Thank you so much for caring and sharing!

We have 11 males and three females. They have all been cleaned up (with multiple baths to remove the stench), shaved down, and named, and we are now in the process of vetting. This is Angel Liam in one of our volunteer's arms waiting for the vet. Probably the FIRST TIME EVER being hugged and loved by a human. Liam is about 1 1/2 years old and was probably used to breed. This is likely also his first time to a vet. Liam did very well and received all the necessary vaccines and shots, and we are now awaiting results of medical tests.
Please click here to donate for these angels: http://www.caringheartsrescue.org/#!money-donations/c1iuw


For Updates, please follow Caring Hearts Rescue on Facebook

Please share, and remember no donation is too small. Thanking you in advance from Caring Hearts Rescue, and The Pet Tree House.
















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Monday, December 21, 2015

Washington, DC - Looking to Add a Furry Member to Your Family? Adoption Fee Only $20.16 at the Washington Humane Society – December 19 - 24


Have you been thinking about adding a furry member to your family?

Open your heart and home to a furry friend this holiday season! From December 19-24, it's just $20.16 to adopt!!

Find our adoptable animals at www.washhumane.org/adopt ‪#‎AdoptDC ‪#‎AdoptWHS

*Standard adoption procedures apply

From the Author:
I know first hand that the Washington Humane Society has some of the most adorable animals available for adoption.

I took advantage of one of their events back in September 2013. I adopted my adorable Jonas, a Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix, at 9-months-old for only $21. Best $21… I have ever spent!

Get a head start and take a look at some on the animals available now….Available Animals 

If you are not looking for a cat or dog, they also have other small animals available for adoption.

Please share with family, friends and co-workers!





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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Washington Humane Society: The Importance of Having Your Pet Microchipped – ‘Stolen Pet Reunited with Owner’


Washington, DC - The day before Thanksgiving, our Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) officers found a severely neglected Shih Tzu in a locked crate next to a dumpster. His hair was matted and his toe nails were so long that they had curled under his feet and impeded his ability to walk.

Luckily, he was microchipped and it led us to his original owner, Jason Brandon. He told us that Polo had been stolen from him in Miami two years ago, never to be found... Until now. This morning, Jason and Polo were reunited! After getting the phone call about Polo's discovery, Jason drove down from New York, where he is currently living, to take him home.

"This is just unbelievable," said Jason. "It's something you see on CNN!"

This amazing reunion would not have been possible if Jason had not microchipped his furry friend. To get your pet microchipped, visit our Spay & Neuter Clinic in Southeast, DC: Walk-in Vaccination Clinic






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Thursday, June 11, 2015

A Woman Says She Saw a Coyote Headed for Her Dog, So She Sprinted Outside…and Hit the Coyote Square in the Face


Nettie Blanco is sporting some fresh battle wounds this week after a chance encounter with a coyote that attempted to make a meal of her small 9-year-old shih tzu, Sammy, reports CBS News. 

Nettie claims that she had just let Sammy out into the yard when she looked up from the window and realized the coyote was headed for her dog. She sprinted outside and did the first thing that occurred to her, which was to hit the coyote square in the face. 

The coyote got spooked and Nettie raced Sammy to the vet, where the dog was treated for bite wounds.

“That coyote had him in his mouth and looked up, because Sam was laying … and he looked up at me and I just hit him with all my force right in the face,” she told CBS. “And then he looked at me … and then just jumped over the fence and took off.”

Any pet owner would like to think they’d do anything to protect his or her animal in a time of crisis. But Nettie has elevated herself to a league for which only one other person immediately comes to mind: Carl Moore, the man who punched a bear in the face. Moore also had defended his small four legged companion when a bear wandered into his backyard and was headed for his small chihuahua. But based on his recollection of the events, that bear won’t be back anytime soon. It’s probably safe to assume the same applies to Nettie.

“If I could save one dog, that would be my gift to everything,” she says.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

The Heart-Wrenching Moment Firefighters Resuscitate Dying Labrador Using Oxygen Mask


This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in New Jersey after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.

Fire crews were called to the multi-family home on Frances Street in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. They quickly determined no people were at the residence.

However, two dogs were inside the property - a Labrador retriever belonging to the unidentified family on the second floor, and a Shih Tzu owned by Carmen and Julio Valencia on the first floor.

Firefighters set about tackling the blaze and initially appeared to have it under control. But before long, flames were flaring up through the house's roof, sending black smoke billowing into the sky.

In an effort to save the pet dogs, officials wearing masks pulled up a ladder to the side of the building and climbed up to a second-floor window, which at one point, flames were spotted shooting out of.

They managed to pull the yellow Labrador through the window, before carrying the panting dog to safety in bedding. They then laid the terrified animal on the ground and gave it oxygen and water.

The Labrador was treated at a veterinarian following the fire, which occurred at around 2.30 p.m., according to NorthJersey.com. Its current condition is unknown and its owners remain unnamed.

But despite the dog's escape, the Valencias' pet Shih Tzu, Luke, was not so fortunate. Firefighters asked the couple where their six-month-old puppy might be hiding, before entering the first floor.

However, when they found Luke, he was already dead.

The Valencias, who have two sons, apparently broke down when they were told their beloved pet had been killed in the blaze. They were handed the deceased puppy in a white bag by officials.

Speaking to the news site, Mr. Valencia, 49, said his wife was 'freaking out' about the death of the Luke, whom she had been worrying about during their frantic drive back to their burning home.

She was also reportedly so shocked about the fire that she had to be given oxygen at the scene.

Firefighters from Totowa, Little Falls, Woodland Park and Wayne spent several hours battling the blaze on Sunday afternoon. The property was left severely damaged, with huge holes in its roof.

No injuries to officials were reported, and the cause and origin of the fire remain unknown.
Police were also at the scene. An investigation is ongoing. 

Saved: This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in Totowa, New Jersey, after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.


Assistance: Firefighters managed to pull the yellow Labrador retriever through a second-floor window of the burning property. After rescuing the animal, they laid on the ground and gave it oxygen and water (above).


Street Emergency crews were called to the multi-family house on Frances Street (pictured) in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. No family members were at home at the time.
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Thursday, April 9, 2015

Meet Missy and Midnight, Two Adorable Senior Griffon Brussels/Shih Tzu Mixed: Looking for Their Forever Home Together - Do You Have Room in Your Heart and in Your Home for Missy and Midnight? - Washington Humane Society


We've got TWO Pets of the Week for you today - Missy and Midnight! Missy and Midnight are two peas in a pod. They have been together for all ten years of their lives and find comfort in being with each other. Like all besties, they share everything and are very similar – sometimes it is hard to tell them apart! Even though they’re older dogs Missy and Midnight have tons of pep in their step! Since they are bonded, you can take both of them home for a single adoption fee.


Missy
Animal ID: 25194793 
Species: Dog 
Breed: Griffon Brussels/Shih Tzu 
Age: 10 years 22 days 
Sex: Female 
Size: Medium 
Color: Black/Grey 
Spayed/Neutered  
Declawed: No 
Site: WHS Georgia Ave 
Location: Front Office 

To learn more about Missy, click HERE.



Midnight
Animal ID: 25194794 
Species: Dog 
Breed: Griffon Brussels/Shih Tzu 
Age:10 years 22 days 
Sex: Male 
Size: Small 
Color: Black/Grey 
Spayed/Neutered  
Declawed: No 
Site: WHS Georgia Ave 
Location: Front Office 

To learn more about Midnight, click HERE:




Hi there, we are Missy and Midnight and we are bonded buds! We're like two peas and pod :) We have been together for all 10 years of our lives and we find comfort in being with each other. We are so close that sometimes it's hard for even us to tell each other apart! Don't be fooled by our age, we have a lot of pep in our step. We love treats too! We are very friendly and would love to have a forever home together. Since we are so special, Our adoption fee is two for one. Check out our cute video too! Adopt us today at the Georgia Avenue Adoption Center!

Take a look at our video below!






Website:Washington Humane Society


Georgia Avenue Adoption Center
7319 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-723-5730

Adoption Center Hours:
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
Closed for adoptions on Wednesdays

To report animal cruelty/ neglect, call 202-723-5730
Cruelty reports are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week







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Saturday, March 14, 2015

Dog Nearly Died Because the Veterinarians at Animal Clinic Botched His Treatment: New Lawsuit Charges


Andrew Sachs, a Manhattan lawyer, says he brought his dog, Mimosa, to a Manhattan animal clinic because of allergies, and the dog nearly died because the veterinarians there botched his treatment, a new lawsuit charges.

Andrew Sachs, a Manhattan lawyer, says in the suit that in 2012 vets at BluePearl New York on West 55th Street gave his then-6-year-old half Shih Tzu, half toy poodle named Mimosa a nearly lethal mixture of prescription pills.

They then provided subpar and overpriced treatment for more than a week as the poor pup got sicker and sicker, the suit charges.

The clinic was more concerned with making money than providing quality care, charging $2,000 a day while withholding news about the dog’s worsening condition, according to the lawsuit.

“Throughout the whole experience you’re giving [BluePearl] the benefit of the doubt. I don’t know anything about veterinary medicine. They’re the experts,” Sachs told The Post, calling his now-traumatized dog a “member of the family.”

BluePearl defended their treatment of Mimosa, but told The Post they are taking Sachs’ allegations very seriously.

“We are aware of the facts of this case and the concerns expressed by Mimosa’s owner. But we feel confident in the treatment provided to Mimosa by our skilled veterinarians,” Dr. Jennifer Welser, chief medical officer for BluePearl, said.

Sachs originally brought Mimosa to BluePearl back in March 2012 in hopes that a specialist could help alleviate the dog’s chronic allergies, the suit says.

But the clinic was disorganized from the beginning — Jill Abraham, the vet who administered the toxic mixture of prescription drugs, was “very late” to the appointment and then made excuses, saying, “I’m doing more then I am supposed to be doing,” according to the lawsuit.

Mimosa was eventually transferred the to a Pennsylvania clinic, where the dog was saved.

Since the traumatic treatment at BluePearl more than two years ago, the apricot-colored pup has needed home-cooked meals and daily meds to deal with his trauma, the suit says.
“Ever since this, she’s a little high-strung and snaps at people,” Sachs said. “She’s very defensive now.”

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Patty Hearst Back in the News With Early Win at Westminster


Picture of Patty Hearst
NEW YORK (AP) — Famed and infamous heiress Patty Hearst was back in the news Monday after a dog she co-owns won its group at the Westminster Kennel Club show.

A shih tzu called Rocket was picked as the top toy dog at Madison Square Garden.

Hearst is the granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst and gained great notoriety in 1974 when she was kidnapped by the radical group the Symbionese Liberation Army. She was seen brandishing a semiautomatic rifle while robbing a California bank, pictured in the group's poster holding a machine gun and later spent almost two years in prison.

To read more on this story, click here: Patty Hearst Back in the News With Early Win at Westminster FOLLOW US!
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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Meet Munchkin, The Half Dog, Half Teddy Bear


What happens when you cross a teddy bear with a shih tzu? You get an internet sensation. CNN's Jeanne Moos reports on a breed you won't find at any dog show.




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