Shih Tzu
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Your Shih Tzu’s Personalised Genetic Information Book
Personalised Genetic Vet Care is a program using the latest genetic information to personalise your pet’s
health care.
Your Shih Tzu’s personalised genetic information book forms the basis of your pet’s health care and general wellness program. A summary of the book contents is provided below:
Chapter 1: Ancestral genetics (3 pages)
General Breed Description:
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. They have short
muzzles and large, dark eyes in a broad head. Covered by a soft, long, double-layered coat, Shih Tzus
have low set ears and a heavily furred tail…
History:
The Shih Tzu is a very old breed, reportedly originating in either China or Tibet. The name “Shih Tzu” is
Mandarin and translates roughly as “little lion”. It is thought that the Shih Tzu may originate from crosses
between Tibetan Lion dogs and short-faced Chinese breeds such as the Pekingese…
Breed Temperament and Behaviour:
The Shih Tzu is lively, alert and “spunky”. They are bred to be a companion dog and love the company of
people. They generally make friends easily and get along well with other pets…
Requirements/Needs:
The Shih Tzu is intolerant of hot and humid weather and needs to be kept in an indoor environment where
they are not exposed to temperature extremes. They also do not cope well with being separated from
their human companions for long periods of time…
Best Suited for:
Shih Tzus are well suited to singles, older people and families with older children. They will do well in an
apartment or ideally with a small yard to run in…
Chapter 2: Genetic Disease (7 pages)
This section contains a detailed description of the 10 most significant diseases particularly common to the
Shih Tzu. Information includes screening for, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Exposure Keratopathy (Corneal Ulcers)
Corneal ulcers occur commonly in the Shih Tzu due to the conformation of their head and eyes. Their eyes
are particularly prominent, and as such are very prone to traumatic injury. The eyelids may not fully close
over the entire front of the eye, which can cause dryness of the cornea. This can especially occur at night,
when a dog is asleep. Drying of the cornea can cause surface irritation and pain, and rubbing can then
cause more damage and lead to ulceration...
Brachycephalic Syndrome
A collection of anatomical anomalies can be found in brachycephalic breeds to varying degrees. All cause
obstruction of the upper airways. This can interfere with breathing, especially when the dog is exercising or
in hot weather...
Chapter 3: Caring for your puppy (3 pages)
This chapter provides you with a lifetime personalised wellness program for your Shih Tzu with a recommended vet visit schedule by age. Your vet can work through this schedule with you to create the most appropriate preventative and protective approach specifically for your Shih Tzu…
Chapter 4: Behaviour and training (4 pages)
Dogs are very social animals, and your Shih Tzu puppy needs to be indoors with the family from the start.
There is no such thing as a “good outdoor dog”. Shih Tzu puppies need to learn how to behave around different animals and people from a young age. This is called socialisation, and it is essential to prevent your
puppy growing up to have problems with nervousness and aggression…
Chapter 5: Games (8 pages)
Just like us, puppies and dogs will get bored doing the same thing every day. You will soon learn that there
are certain types of games that your dog enjoys more than others – for example, terriers often love to dig,
while collies and working dogs will run all day…
Chapter 6: Nutrition (11 pages)
Good nutrition is essential for your dog to have a healthy, happy life. It is critical that your Shih Tzu receives
the correct amounts of energy, protein, fatty acids, carbohydrates and trace minerals and nutrients for
growth as well as maintenance of a healthy body and brain. Nutrition is also vital to a dog’s ability to think
clearly, as thinking requires mental energy and the correct amino acid balance for the maintenance of normal brain chemistry...
Chapter 7: Dental health (1 page)
You may have heard some advice about keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Many people have many different
opinions on this topic. The best way to care for your Shih Tzu’s teeth and oral health is to manually clean his
teeth. This is not as weird as it sounds, and if you start when your puppy is young, is generally not hard to
do...
Get your Shih Tzu’s genetic information book for only $ 00.00