Puppy Adopting-Think Twice When Someone Offers Puppies For Free!

You've decided you, or you and your family, should adopt a puppy as your next family pet. When you check with local dog breeders, you're dismayed to hear what they charge. You know enough to avoid pet store adoptions when the dogs may come from puppy mills, but then someone says they know of someone getting rid of puppies for free ...Let's face it-we all love a great deal. And compared to what they want for pure bred dogs, especially any popular puppy breed, at first glance this sounds like the perfect solution for your next family pet-but is it?

In some cases getting puppies for free is a smart move, and you'll be happy with your decision for years and years to come. But you could be haunted by the decision for some time too if you're not careful about it. I know many peopleare looking for small dogs for adoption that you have to wonder why someone would be giving away spitz, pugs or shitzu dogs. Most people adopting a puppy aren't necessarily looking for purebred dogs, so even those with mixed lineage still command a fair dollar. And the same goes for medium size dogs like beagles, although the biggest demand is for the smallest dogs. So why give puppies for free?

Your first concern is for the animal's health-and if you can't find out it's lineage you don't know what medical traits and concerns are endemic to the dog breeds in your prospective adoptee. Further, has the dog been neutered or spayed? Has a qualified, licensed Veterinarian examined this cute little dog to make sure parvo, heartworm or other common puppy diseases aren't present? Doeshe or she even have a flea collar? Not all puppy diseases are evident to the untrained eye, or even to a professional standard lab tests without, etc.

Another concern when adopting a puppy is what training, if any, has been given and what socialization has been given? Are they used to being held by and playing with children? Have you ever been involved in training puppies or house-breaking them? Are you sure an older dog might not be a better choice for your family-at least one old enough to already be trained?

Shitzu Dogs

And if you don't know the puppy breed, it's had to be sure of the puppy temperament-or what it will develop into as the dog matures. Do you have young children in the house, or plan to one day? If so, you need to ensure that the family pets and the entire householdwill be able to cohabitate successfully!

Yes, on the surface free dog adoption-especially getting puppies for free-seems like an ideal situation. But in truth, paying out what it takes for a dog or a dog shelter adoption society like an ASPCA adoption or an RSPCA adoption may turn out to cost a lot less in terms of money, grief and time. So think twice when offered when someone is giving puppies for free and consider whether you wouldn't be better with a humane society adoption-and whether a puppy adoption is right for your situation or if you should be adopting an older dog.

Puppy Adopting-Think Twice When Someone Offers Puppies For Free!
Puppy Adopting-Think Twice When Someone Offers Puppies For Free!

What Are Designer Pet Accessories Coach?

They say that a dog is man's best friend, but let's not forget the woman dog lovers out there! From toy poodles, to Chihuahua 's, to Shitzu 's, women not only love their little dogs, they love to dress them as well. Who could not love the look of a little dog prancing down the street wearing a tiny dog coat or shirt? The line of accessories for dogs and cats is growing all the time and the famed, Coach Leatherware Company, is one of the leaders in offering high-end Designer Coach Pet Accessories.

Now, women are not just relegated to their choice of luxurious Coach Handbags for their fashion needs, they can outfit their dogs as well with the 100% leather high quality products! Coach has launched its own line of Designer Coach Pet Accessories to outfit and dog. These includeCoach dog collars, Coats, and dog leashes. One of the favorite of these accessories is the Coach Pet Taxi.

This little pet carrying case made of jacquard fabric if and is both water and stain resistant. Your pet will travel in style in this beautifully crafted carrying case featuring the signature C on the side. The Coach Pet Taxi comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, much like their popular line of handbags, and features a zip front open to allow for easy entrance and exit of your beloved pet.

Shitzu Dogs

Now, you can carry your little friend around and be fashionable at the same time by purchasing a few of the Designer Coach Pet Accessories. Your pet will feel like a million dollars when you spoil them with a gift or two from this enormously popular pet line of accessoryproducts.

You can find Pet Accessories online, or at any of hundreds of Coach Outlets all over the country. Treat your pet to a gift today and ensure your little pooch is the most stylish in the neighborhood!

What Are Designer Pet Accessories Coach?
What Are Designer Pet Accessories Coach?

Grooming Your Shih Tzu

One reason Shih Tzu are so popular is for their luxurious, thick, flowing double coats.

The long hair on their heads is often tied to an adorable top knot so they can see better and to show off the way they naturally carry their heads high. However, these stunning coats must be brushed every day, or at a minimum every other day.

Shitzu Dogs

Some people will trim their Shih Tzu's hair short to simplify grooming. This is a better alternative than allowing a pet's hair to become matted and dirty, but doing so wastes one of the best features of the Shih Tzu.

Grooming Your Shih Tzu

The time you spend grooming your little dog lovingly will pay off in closer bonding and even more devotion from this naturally trusting and affectionate companion.

You may fall in love with the Shih Tzu's flowing hair,but if you do not have time to spend bathing and brushing a long-haired dog, or the finances to pay for regular grooming, you would be happier if you adopted a different breed.

If you purchase your Shih Tzu for rowdy romps in the backyard (which she will enjoy), you will need to groom her even more frequently to keep her hair free of tangles and matting. Still, a Shih Tzu requires less grooming than some other long-haired dog breeds.

Start Your Grooming Ritual Early

Begin brushing your Shih Tzu puppy daily-even if only for a couple of minutes and even if his immature coat doesn't really need to be brushed-and you will establish the brushing habit for both of you. Make this a time of proximity and gentle care and you will be rewarded by years of loyal friendship from yourShih Tzu.

This is also a great job for older children, if you train them how to properly groom your Shih Tzu, and will teach a loving child valuable lessons in patiently nurturing and caring for another living being.

Some Shih Tzu owners report that at about 10 to 12 months of age, a Shih Tzu's coat will change. You may become discouraged in your brushing because mats may seem to form faster than you can untangle them. Fortunately, this condition is only temporary and lasts about three weeks to one month.

Grooming Your Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Puppies

Shitzu puppies are members of what we could probably call the most famous dog breed ever to walk the planet. These beautiful puppies are from a breed which was supposedly originated in Tibet, they are encountered in a wide variety of colors which include: gray, gold, black or white. Shitzu puppies are also easy to distinguish because of the different characteristics that they possess; they have large eyes and a tail that has all of its movement above their torso. There are one of the most popular breed for contests and for grooming.

Shitzu puppies are also great for kids since they are very calm and gentle with anyone who comes near them, they are extremely playful and enjoy being patted it a lot. Shitzu puppies are considered to be the children's best friend and pet. Theydo not like being punished, and they do not answer well to this kind of education, however they are extremely intelligent and will learn a lot of commands in a very short amount of time. You will find these puppies to the extremely fond to love and care and they will return all of those commodities to the person who looks after them.

It is very important to clean the area between the eyes of shitzu puppies every day, since it tends to get very messy and could eventually cause them to have difficulties or problems with their sight and their beautiful eyes. It is also very important that you acknowledge the fact that shitzu puppies need to be exercised and they enjoy being taken outdoors, they are very fond of running and jumping and will prove to be excellent companions in thoselong walks that you take in the morning.

Another wonderful fact about shitzu puppies is that you will quickly notice their high stamina, they can take long walks as well as spend hours playing with kids, and you will have them running around your house every day since they need a lot of exercise and movement into their lives. Try keeping shitzu puppies away from cold weather since they are quite intolerant to the cold winter and low temperatures, during this time you should let their hair grow longer so that it can protect them from the cold.

Shitzu Dogs

Shih Tzu Puppies
Shih Tzu Puppies

Major Health Concerns For a Shih Tzu

All dogs are vulnerable to numerous diseases and health concerns but some breeds are more likely to be affected by one than another. Shih Tzu are no exception to this. This article will list and briefly describe those problems.

ARTHRITIS

Shitzu Dogs

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can be inherited, the result of an injury, or part of the aging process.

Major Health Concerns For a Shih Tzu

BLEEDING DISORDER

Von Willebrand disease refers to a bleeding disorder that results in a decreased amount of a glycoprotein. This glycoprotein is needed for proper clotting of the blood.

CANCER

Unfortunately cancer can strike our pets. The most common type is that of mammary or testicular cancer. It can occur at any age.

CLEFT PALATE

Cleft palate in dogs refers to a failure of thetwo sides of the palate to fuse correctly. This defect usually occurs during embryonic development but it can also result from over-dosages of steroids, Vitamin A, and some antibiotics.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that often affects older dogs of small breeds, including Shih Tzu. This condition refers to an inability of the heart to function normally. The result is an increased retention of water and salt which leads to a fluid buildup in the lungs.

DENTAL GUM DISEASE

Just as humans, dogs need a certain amount of dental care to maintain their dental health. This includes having their teeth cleaned at least annually by the veterinarian. Other preventative steps include brushing the Shih Tzu teeth with specially formulateddog toothpaste. Providing hard dog biscuits and bones, and chew toys can also help.

EAR INFECTION

Ear infections are common in dog breeds with floppy ears. The ears fill up with a dark, smelly wax. If the condition is left untreated the infection can become chronic.

FLEA BITE DERMATITIS

Fleas often are a part of dog ownership, but certain steps should be taken to avoid excessive fleas that result in flea bites to your dog. Lawns can be treated as well as homes to eliminate live fleas. And your Shih Tzu can receive preventative medications from the veterinarian.

HARDERIAN GLAND PROLAPSE (Cherry Eye)

Harderian gland prolapse into the gland of the third eyelid has prolapsed as a pink fleshy mass protruding over the edge of the third eyelid, between the thirdeyelid and the cornea. This condition usually develops during the first year of life.

HEART MURMURS

Heart murmurs are not necessarily indicative of a heart disease but instead, they can be a hint that the dog may have something wrong. Heart murmurs are abnormal sounds heard when the veterinarian listens to the heartbeat of your Shih Tzu with a stethoscope.

HEARTWORM DISEASE

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is cyclic. Adult worms average about six inches in length (but they can be much longer) and they mostly live in the heart. Microscopic baby worms live in the blood vessels throughout the body.

HIP DYSPLASIA

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease of the hip joints. This condition is often inherited and it can affect one orboth hips. It usually cannot be diagnosed until after the age of 2 years.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland stops working. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing a hormone that is responsible for proper metabolism.

INVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE

Invertebral disk disease is a somewhat common back problem. The discs in the spine slip causing nerve damage. It results in acute pain, loss of movement and or coordination, and even paralysis. The condition usually occurs following a fall or jump.

OBESITY

Smaller dogs can more easily become obese and obesity can result in many diseases and disorders. This can include heart disease, kidney disease, and increased pain from other ailments such as arthritis. Obesity can cause changesin temperature, pulse and heartbeat.

PATELLAR LUXATION (Slipped Stifles or Kneecaps)

Patellar Luxation is usually a congenital condition that appears at birth, but it can also happen due to trauma. This condition affects females 1.5 times more often than it does males. The kneecap slips out of the tendon and then slips back in.

RENAL CORTICAL HYPOPLASIA

Renal Cortical Hypoplasia refers to a condition in which the kidneys have developed incorrectly and are smaller than normal. This condition often results in infections and stone formation.

RENAL DYSPLASIA

Renal Dysplasia can be found in almost any dog breed but it is most commonly found in Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzu. This is a genetic defect or a developmental defect of the kidneys. It is thought that thedefect is caused by an embryonic arrest in kidney development sometime around the birth.

STENOTIC NARES

Stenotic Nares refers to a narrow or restricted our. The opening to the nostril (s) are too small making it difficult for the Shih Tzu to breathe through the nose. This condition can put a strain on various body systems of the dog and even result in an enlargement of the heart.

TRACHEAL COLLAPSE

Tracheal collapse is most commonly found in small breeds including the beloved Shih Tzu. This condition is characterized by a weakening of the cartilage rings of the trachea. The condition can be either congenital or acquired. Obesity is often a contributing factor.

UMBILICAL CORD HERNIA

Major Health Concerns For a Shih Tzu

Adult Shih Tzus Can Come With a History

Danica and her husband Sam decided to adopt Justin, a 2 year old gold and white Shih Tzu that had been turned over to a shelter. Danica and Sam could see Justin's inner beauty at first glance and they knew in their hearts that he was the right dog for them.

It was obvious from the start that Justin would need to be taught some basic commands, he did not seem to understand the concept of housetraining nor did he like when he was called. Additionally, it soon became apparent that Justin did not know how to play or interact well with his dog parents or anyone else. Determined to make this adoption success, Danica and Sam immediately began working with Justin on a daily basis. They sat aside time each day to play with him and to teach him some basic commands. Danica and Samused positive reinforcement that included treats and lots of love and praise.

After only a few weeks things were going much better, Justin was becoming a real family member. Justin was doing well with his training and he seemed to like everyone now. That is, until Sam's brother Joe came for a visit, it was apparent that Justin was not comfortable with him.

Shitzu Dogs

Justin hid behind the couch when Joe walked in and had to be coaxed out by Danica to eat. Danica called her friend that happened to be an animal behavior consultant. Her friend said that Joe apparently reminded the Shih Tzu of someone from his past that was abusive in some way. Danica's friend asked if Joe would be willing to work at easing the dog's discomfort. Joe agreed wholeheartedly and began working with Justin as theanimal behaviorist suggested.

To start, Joe attempted to give the dog treats. He also made a real effort to keep his voice even and friendly. Danica and Sam actually made a point of allowing the dog see them interact with Joe. This was an attempt to allow their pet see that Joe was accepted by his dog parents which would indicate that he must be safe.

Adult Shih Tzus Can Come With a History

The first day did not go so well, Justin continued avoiding Joe and the treats he offered. But the next morning Joe offered the dog his left-over eggs. Joe sat his plate on the floor next to him and within a moment or two Justin came over and ate the eggs. The dog then sat next to Joe waiting for more. Well, that was the beginning of a friendship for the two of them.

Adult Shih Tzus Can Come With a History

Zhu Zhu Pets Puppies

The toy company Cepia LLC released new line of electronic toys for kids-Zhu Zhu Puppies. Puppies is the second generation of Zhu Zhu Pets. The first motorized Hamsters-pets without the mess were released a year ago and became the must-have toys almost at once. Kids all over the world were just crazy about these furry hamsters. Cepia decided to continue this successful politics and designed new toys for kids Zhu Zhu Puppies.

Shitzu Dogs

Zhu Zhu Pets Puppies
Zhu Zhu Pets Puppies