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[G294]Gizmo The Shih Tzu

by Michael Russell, Mic

It is said that the first Shih-Tzu came from a breeding of two dogs that were given as gifts to the Imperial Court of the Tang Dynasty from the King of Vigur. All of the dogs used for breeding in the Imperial Courts of China were always chosen with great care. The line of dogs that descended from this first breeding were designated with the name Shih-Tzu, meaning "lion" in chinese.

The first Shih Tzus were brought to England in 1930 and the breed steadily gained in popularity from that time. At first they were called "Apsos" but this name was changed by the Kennel Club to the Shih-Tzu. The breed flourished and gained more recognition throughout the dog shows of Europe and by the end of World War II it had traveled to the shores of the United States.

The Shih Tzu appears quite haughty and rather distant in the show ring. In reality they are a playful and energetic dog and get along famously with children, the elderly and everyone in between. They make good house dogs, being small enough to dwell in an apartment and not needing an inordinate amount of exercise.

The Shih Tzu breed is plagued by an inherited condition known as "familial nephropathy", a kidney disorder. This disease can be found also in Tibetan Spaniels, the Llhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terriers and the English Cocker. It is a fatal condition and as yet there is no successful diagnostic testing that can predict this condition, although it is under study in several Veterinary colleges.

The Shih Tzu has a long straight and silky double coat, with a topknot of hair that can be kept out of the dogs eyes with a band. The little dog possesses a deep and wide ribbed chest similar to the Pekingese. He is short and his coat often extends clear to the ground. He has a broad head with large expressive eyes that do not bulge out, a short nose and hair which flows over each side of the nose and under the lips, giving a bearded appearance to the face. The coat requires daily or weekly brushing and the pet owner often finds that this is too much of a chore. It is best if the coat is trimmed rather than shaved, since the double coat provides some protection from the elements and protects the skin from sunburn.

Shih Tzu are lively and happy and should be generally of a good disposition, as they were bred to be pets and not guarding dogs. It is an indoor dog and should not be kept in a kennel. If used for breeding in a kennel it is highly important that the puppies be brought into the house and be socialized early, they simply are not a "kennel" breed. They take well to households with children and with other animals. These little dogs have found a place in many homes as loving, affectionate and gentle family members.

A Shih Tzu with pancreatitis may suddenly vomit, become dehydrated, be lethargic and have diarrhea. These symptoms are common to a lot of different canine diseases; therefore, the diagnosis of pancreatitis is very difficult for a vet to make. He will depend a lot upon a good history from the Shih Tzu owner.

High amounts of fat in the Shih Tzu's diet, a high-fat meal or allowing your Shih Tzu to get into the garbage and consume leftover food may cause pancreatitis Pesticides. Some canine drugs can cause side effects of pancreatitis as well. There is a higher incidence of this disease in obese Shih Tzu.

Pancreatitis can also lead to diabetes and loss of some liver function in your Shih Tzu. It is very important to introduce an easily digestible diet to avoid diarrhea.

Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis or has signs of diabetes may be chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis can appear suddenly, but doesn't last as long. There is little or no permanent damage to the organ. In chronic pancreatitis the pancreas undergoes permanent damage and possible loss of function.

Once a Shih Tzu is diagnosed with pancreatitis, the intestinal tract must be rested. All food and water is withheld from the dog for a period of time, usually 24 hours. If the Shih Tzu is dehydrated, intravenous fluids will have to be given. The Shih Tzu normally responds to treatment in a few days and can gradually be put back on food.

You need to avoid acute or chronic pancreatitis at all times with your Shih Tzu. Feed your Shih Tzu a well balanced commercially prepared diet to be certain your Shih Tzu is getting all the nutrition it needs.

The best choice of food for your Shih Tzu is a veterinarian formulated product inspired by nature and made using good science. Your Shih Tzu depends upon you to make the right choices when it comes to his or her health and happiness. Your Shih Tzu is a part of your family and you probably want the very best for him.

You might think all pet food manufacturers have your pet's best interests in mind. This is not always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never give to your pet. You probably would be shocked to learn what some brands of pet food really contain.

For example, the use of by-products on the label of a dog food actually means ?feet, bones and intestines, etc.). You will often see listed on the dog food label, chemical preservatives (BHA and BHT), and grains that are often difficult to digest (corn, wheat, gluten and soy). These things are often used as a protein source instead of meat. These types of ingredients can also cause acute pancreatitis and possibly even chronic pancreatitis in your Shih Tzu.

Choose a dog food for your Shih Tzu that is made with the freshest, human-quality ingredients, which can give your Shih Tzu the best quality possible. This would be also a dry dog food that contains all natural chicken and top quality catfish with the best fresh fruit, vegetables and select farm foods. The dog food you choose for your Shih Tzu should contain no artificial flavors, colors, sugars, or chemical preservatives. Be sure to read the labels on the dog food before purchasing for your Shih Tzu.

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Both Michael Russell & Connie Limon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Michael Russell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Celebrities, Dieting and Diabetes Treatment. Michael RussellYour Independent guide to . Michael Russell's top article generates over 2240000 views. to your Favourites.

Connie Limon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Dogs and Colon Cleanse. Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Independent Field Representative/HealthyPetNet. Visit Trilogy Online at: http://www.healthypetnet.com/healthypetsandpeople for healthy products for yourself, your pets and your environment. Also please visit us at http://w. Connie Limon's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.