Brucellosis is a bacterial disease known very well by food animal producers. Brucellosis can cause a number of breeding problems such as abortions, infertility and decreased milk yield in cattle.
Not only does Brucellosis affect cattle, but it can also affect dogs, including the Shih Tzu, sheep, goats, pigs and even humans.
How is Brucellosis passed in these different species of animals including the Shih Tzu? The major way Brucellosis is transmitted is through direct contact of an infected aborted fetus, or uterine discharge. Brucellosis is also spread when animals eat contaminated feces, and through sexual contact.
Signs of a Brucellosis infection in dogs and the Shih Tzu may include:
?Abortion
?Infertility
?Infected reproductive organs
?Arthritis
?Disc disease
?Fever
?Hind limb weakness
?Lethargy
?General lymph node swelling
These are signs of many diseases; therefore, it is important to take your Shih Tzu to the veterinarian if it shows any of them. The veterinarian will draw a blood sample to make a definitive diagnosis of Brucellosis in your Shih Tzu.
If your Shih Tzu is diagnosed with Brucellosis be aware that it is difficult to treat. It often takes a long period of antibiotic therapy to get rid of Brucellosis fully. Blood samples are required to monitor the progress of the drug treatment. These blood samples can get expensive.
It is possible for humans to become infected with canine Brucellosis. You could possibly contract the disease of Brucellosis from your Shih Tzu; however, transmission from dogs to people seems to be uncommon.
Since Brucellosis is sexually transmitted, it is important for Shih Tzu breeders to be sure all of the Shih Tzu in their kennel test negative for the bacteria. If your Shih Tzu test positive for Brucellosis, do not breed them. Your Shih Tzu may in fact show no clinical signs of Brucellosis, but still be able to transmit the disease in semen or vaginal fluid. Therefore testing is vital.
When is the best time to test your Shih Tzu for Brucellosis?
?Female Shih Tzu should be tested a few weeks before they come into heat.
?Male Shih Tzu should be tested twice a year.
?Any new Shih Tzu brought into the kennel should be isolated until tests prove negative results twice. The second test should be done one month after the first one.
Many disinfectants prepared especially for kennel use easily kills the bacteria. The bacteria are also relatively easy to kill with a diluted bleach/water solution.
At the present time in vet science there are no vaccines available for canine brucellosis. Ways to help control Brucellosis in your Shih Tzu kennel include:
?Eliminating positive animals from breeding stock
?Proper disposal of waste and wearing gloves to handle any fetal membranes or aborted Shih Tzu fetuses, followed by thorough disinfection of the area.
Questions regarding canine Brucellosis should be directed toward your veterinarian.
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Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix
We've all encountered them at some point, ill-mannered Shih Tzu. We've even seen their owners yelling at them, tugging at their leashes trying to make them behave. What is sad is that you can't blame the Shih Tzu for the owner's irresponsibility.
This type of behavior could have been avoided with obedience training. Obedience training is a platform for the Shih Tzu and the owner to learn how to effectively communicate with one another.
Can you conduct obedience training on your own? This is a question that has long been debated by the experts. One school of thought is that it would be better if a professional does the training, while others feel the owner can do it if they feel competent. The truth is that a combination of trainer and owner is probably the most effective.
Find an obedience school in your area. You will probably be told that they recommend a series of lessons that include both the Shih Tzu AND the owner. Sometimes the classes can be arranged where trainer comes to your home. Some trainers feel that training where the surroundings are familiar is helpful where some prefer their own location.
However, whether the obedience training is done at home, by a professional trainer, or in an obedience school, there are things that must be considered when incorporating this kind of training. Here is a list of the things that should be taken into account.
1. Fun
Obedience training does not necessarily mean that strict rules should be imposed. This is because the Shih Tzu is not aware of the reasons why he should be trained. Therefore, for him to respond to the commands, the training must be done in such a way that the Shih Tzu sees the activity as something that is fun.
The Shih Tzu should be praised when he exhibits proper behavior. Some trainers also recommend treats and some do not. That should be discussed with your trainer.
2. Consistency
During the course of obedience training, it is very important to have consistency in the training. For example, if a Shih Tzu was allowed to sit on the rug the other day and when the Shih Tzu tried to sit on the rug today, he was scolded. Things like this should not be taken for granted. It is extremely important to teach the Shih Tzu what he should and should not do and stick to it. Confusion will only make the matters worst.
3. Obedience training instructor/trainer
When people choose to enroll their Shih Tzu in an obedience class, it is important to analyze the trainer before the owner leaves his Shih Tzu. The character and personality of the trainer is extremely important. They should be professional enough to know how to handle the Shih Tzu's behavior and how to train them properly. Again, you might want to find a trainer that works with both you AND your Shih Tzu.
4. Referrals
It is best not to try new and unfamiliar obedience training schools. This could be really risky both for you and for your Shih Tzu. It would be better if Shih Tzu owners will ask for some referrals from their veterinarians, Shih Tzu dog breeders, or other people who can give their honest opinions.
5. Charges
Not all obedience training schools are created equal. They vary depending on the kind of services they offer. It is best to consider their fees and what services they offer at that rate. This is one area where you don't want to scrimp so cheapest isn't always the best. Also, make certain you are dealing with a trainer that will work with both you AND your Shih Tzu.
6. Methods used in the training
It is highly recommended that Shih Tzu owners ask about the methods being used in the training. Make sure the terms are spelled out clearly. Shop for the best training you can find for the money. Don't make a decision quickly. If you don't feel comfortable with one individual, by all means keep looking.
There is some Shih Tzu that just seems to follow directions with little or no effort with never a session of profession training. Unfortunately, these examples are few and far between.
Invest in obedience training and you can look at a long and healthy relationship with a loving companion. With obedience training, Shih Tzu will surely be on their way to happier and more enjoyable stay with their masters and the people around them.
Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter.
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Connie Limon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Dogs and Colon Cleanse. Author: Connie Limon, breeder of pet and show prospect Shih Tzu in a variety of colors. Visit http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletters. Our website offers a wealth of information. Puppies are sold with health guarantee an. Connie Limon's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.
