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[S373]Shih Tzu Cocker Spaniel

by Richard Cussons, Ric

In order to maintain the healthy condition of your Shih Tzu, it is important that you provide him with the proper nutrition that he needs. Feeding the right kind of food is one of the contributing factors for his healthy growth and will eventually lead to longer life. Neglect on providing proper nutrition may expose your Shih Tzu to diseases such as dry, itchy, flaky skin, hot spots, infection in the ear as well as thyroid and liver problems. To prevent these diseases, proper nutrition should be provided.

When you are the one preparing your Shih Tzu's foods, always make sure that you include only high quality and fresh ingredients. Adding preservative to the food is not also advisable. Proper quantities of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals must make up your dog's food. Meat is important in your Shih Tzu's diet because it contributes to the growth and gives energy to your dog. However, meat should be accompanied by fiber to help them properly digest their foods and carbohydrates for added energy. Vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining the luster and shine in their coats and help in promoting healthy gums and teeth.

When choosing for the right food, consider your dog's age, health, the size or body type and lastly, your budget. Shih Tzu puppies have different needs compared to adult Shih Tzus. Make sure that you choose what is appropriate for your dog's age. It is also important to consider to your dog's condition. Dogs with specific medical condition may need different food. A diabetic dog should be given low-glucose foods and dogs prone to allergies should be given different foods as well. Just check out with your veterinarian the appropriate food for dog with specific medical condition. Another important thing to consider when choosing your Shih Tzu's food is his size. Some dogs are underweight, others are overweight. Surely you don't want to your dog to end up obese by giving him more than what is needed. Then lastly, consider your budget. Dog foods can be expensive. Generics and store brands are cheaper but may not be healthy for your dog since they are made of cheap ingredients and may not be of good quality.

The list of dog foods goes on and on. Its up to you to choose what's best for your dog. Don't forget to consult your veterinarian to make sure.

Perhaps you've seen people picketing your local pet store because they were selling puppies. Don't these people have anything better to do with their lives? Actually, no they don't. What they are doing is calling attention to not how the puppies in a pet store or treated, but where pet stores buy their puppies from ? puppy mills. Puppy mills are not only cruel and unsanitary, but the puppies that come from there are often sickly, have ingrained behavioral problems and are sometimes sold with false papers.

If you want a Shih Tzu or a Shih Tzu mix, then you are best off getting your puppy not from a pet store or an Internet site that sells puppies with no questions asked (except your method of payment), but from reputable Shih Tzu breeders or an animal rescue shelter. The puppies and their parents from Shih Tzu breeders are kept in ethical conditions an receive great veterinary care, often get to live inside of a house and come with health guarantees. These are some of the many advantages of buying from Shih Tzu breeders or adopting from a Shih Tzu rescue.

Now, you may be tempted to buy a pet shop puppy just because he or she has been so mistreated and you want to make up for it. Don't do it ? don't even walk in the shops, don't even look in the windows. Since they are puppies, some schmuck will buy them because they are cute. Don't be that schmuck. You also need to keep the long-term perspective in mind for the future care of dogs in general.

Shih Tzu breeders offer you not only a healthy, beautiful puppy, but also access to their treasure trove of Shih Tzu information. Reputable Shih Tzu breeders will never stop being concerned for all of the puppies they sell. They might even make a surprise visit just to check up to see if you are good enough for their puppies. The best Shih Tzu breeders will take back a dog at any point in the dog's life if you have to give up the dog.

Not only are you getting your next best friend from an ethical source, a reputable Shih Tzu breeder, you are getting a healthy dog too. Most importantly, you get the assurance that you and your Shih Tzu are matched in personality and temperament. Reputable Shih Tzu breeders will quiz you extensively on your Shih Tzu information and if you've ever lived with dogs before. Don't be surprised if you are asked for personal references or have to have your home checked! Reputable Shih Tzu breeders, in living so closely with the puppies and their parents, will know the quirks of each puppy's personality and match them to yours.

Reputable Shih Tzu breeders will also include health certificates, AKC registration, the first shots and wormings. They usually have a limited health warranty, but often have a ?right of first ownership? if, in the life of the dog, you ever have to give the dog up. The breeder would get the dog back. How's that for pet insurance! And you can often call up a reputable Shih Tzu breeder to ask for help and advice on training your feisty Shih Tzu puppy.

Article Source : liquid supplements

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Both Richard Cussons & Rebecca A Simpson 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.

Richard Cussons has sinced written about articles on various topics from Terrier Dogs, Boston Terrier Dogs and Terrier Dogs. Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Discover at this site dedicated to. Richard Cussons's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.

Rebecca A Simpson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Pets Puppies for Sale and Pets. Rebecca Simpson loves anything having to do with dogs, including Shih Tzu breeders. This author has worked with many , o. Rebecca A Simpson's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.