Whether you are considering adopting a new pet or are currently caring for a pet, it is important to know about the different shih poo problems that you may encounter. If you are not careful, you could end up with an animal that does not behave properly or worse, causes serious health issues.
Dental issues
Keeping your Shih Poo healthy may require you to brush their teeth more often than you would like. It is best to take care of their dental health early on. This will help prevent the development of more serious problems down the road.
The teeth of the Shih Poo aren’t the only things that need to be taken care of. The gums need to be kept free of plaque and tartar. Also, the snouts of these little bundles of joy should be inspected every few days. If you haven’t already, you should get a good quality dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
While there’s no cure for these maladies, the right treatment can prevent the problem from worsening. Educating yourself about the importance of dental care can lead to a lifetime of healthy pets.
Aside from brushing and flossing, you’ll want to consider more advanced treatments, such as dental cleanings, to keep your pet’s teeth and gums in tip top condition. Having a dentist regularly examine your Shih Poo’s teeth can prevent costly emergencies.
The aforementioned plaque and tartar may be the first signs of trouble, but they can still be spotted during a routine checkup. While you’re at the vet, make sure to ask your veterinarian about the best ways to clean your pet’s teeth. It’s worth the extra expense to keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.
The most important part of any dental treatment is to get your dog used to the idea of having their teeth cleaned. You should never force your pet to perform this task on their own, as it can be extremely painful. While it’s not an easy feat, you can help your pooch out with a few tricks and tips.
Breathing issues
Keeping a Shih Poo in tip top shape can be a challenging task. The breed is prone to several diseases and disorders, including dental issues, which can have a significant impact on the kiosk kitty’s health. Luckily, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep your pet happy and healthy.
The name of the game is to ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and treatment. One of the most important things to do is to educate yourself on the various diseases and disorders that plague your beloved furry friend. Aside from the obvious, it is imperative that you take the time to brush your pooch at least once a day. This will prevent plaque and tartar from forming in your pup’s mouth. Ideally, you should begin this regimen when your dog is a few months old.
One of the best ways to achieve this is to get a quality vet to examine your pampered pooch regularly. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with a health certificate. Aside from routine vet visits, the best way to keep your Shih Poo in tip top shape is to maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a proper bedtime routine. These tips and tricks will go a long way in ensuring that your beloved pet is a happy and healthy member of your family. Aside from the standard grooming services, it is also a good idea to give your pooch a few treats a day to help ensure that it stays happy and healthy. Lastly, you should always try to keep a close eye on your Shih Poo’s oral health. This is particularly important as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens.
Grooming
Keeping your Shih Poo’s coat healthy and looking its best requires grooming on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to visit a professional groomer. You can also groom your dog at home.
A good brush is an essential part of your grooming kit. It can be used to comb through hair, remove tangles, and work through stubborn knots. A slicker brush is perfect for dealing with thick Shih Poo hair.
Depending on the breed, your Shih Poo may have a single or curly coat. You should brush your Shih Poo daily to prevent matting.
The Shih Poo’s ears are prone to infection and need to be cleaned regularly. You should wipe your Shih Poo’s eyes and ear areas with a damp cloth. You should also be careful not to stick any objects in your dog’s ear canal.
You should brush your Shih Poo’s teeth at least thrice a week. You should also clean and brush your Shih Poo’s nails on a weekly basis.
A slicker brush is a must have tool for your grooming kit. It can help to comb through your Shih Poo’s coat and deal with tangles and thick hair.
A practical topknot is an excellent way to keep long flowing locks from getting in your Shih Poo’s eyes. It can be secured with a bow or clip.
You should trim your Shih Poo’s hair and ears every 4-8 weeks. You can do this yourself or have your Shih Poo trimmed by a professional.
A puppy cut is the most popular Shih Poo haircut. It includes a trim around the head and tail and leaves the rest of the coat longer. It gives your dog a young and playful appearance.
Exercise requirements
Whether you are considering adding a Shih Poo to your family, or you already have one, you will need to know the exercise requirements for Shih Poos. Although these dogs don’t need a lot of exercise, they still need regular physical activity.
The best way to ensure your dog gets the exercise it needs is to establish a routine. This means making sure that you take your puppy on short walks every day. As your dog grows, you can increase the length of your walks.
You can also provide your dog with an afternoon play period. This can involve a combination of games and toys. You can even take your dog to the park, where he or she can interact with other dogs.
When you are taking your dog to the park, you should use bells to let them know that it’s time to go. This will keep them from straying away from you while you’re enjoying your stroll.
If your Shih Poo is overweight, you will need to add extra exercise to your daily routine. Depending on the size of your dog, you may need to cut back on your daily food intake by as much as a fourth. This can help prevent problems with your dog’s digestive tract and respiratory system.
If you have an older Shih Poo, you should try to socialize him or her with other animals. This will help your dog develop positive behavior traits. Depending on the personality of your Shih Poo, it might be a good idea to keep your dog leashed in public.
If your Shih Poo is prone to dental problems, you should brush his teeth regularly. Your dog should also be screened for bleeding disorders before being neutered.
Health concerns
Generally, Shih Poos are healthy, playful, and loyal pets. However, they are also prone to health problems, which can affect their longevity and quality of life. Here is an overview of some of the most common health concerns for Shih Poos.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BACS) is a very common affliction in toy breeds. It is an anatomical malformation that can lead to breathing difficulties. A dog with BACS should avoid strenuous physical activity in warm weather.
Hip dysplasia is a skeletal disease that occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly. It can cause lameness and difficulty jumping. It may be treated with medications and surgical treatments. A vet will determine the best treatment for your dog.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases of the retina in dogs. A dog with PRA may have difficulty eating and seeing. The best way to prevent PRA in your dog is to not breed them with dogs that have PRA genes.
Dental disease is another common health issue in Shihpoos. They are prone to gum and tooth infections that can affect their heart, kidneys, and liver. Brushing your shih-poo‘s teeth regularly will help them maintain good oral health.
Other health issues that can affect Shihpoos include eye and skin conditions. Eyes are prone to dryness, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Some breeds are more prone to this condition than others. It is important to visit a veterinarian to diagnose your shih-poo’s eyes.
In addition to the above listed health problems, your shih-poo should be socialized early in life. In addition to positive reinforcement, it is important to build a bond with your shih-poo by taking him or her on frequent walks.