We want to keep your buddy's teeth healthy, so we will be watching his developing teeth closely. This makes it harder to get the blood through the vessels in the brain. Hip or Elbow Dysplasia occurs when a dog's hip or elbow joints do not fit properly and/or develop abnormally. You'll usually notice that your dog won't jump and is shaking if they're in pain. If we don't prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy may lose her teeth and be in danger of damage to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. In fact, your Shih Tzu's life span may even be cut short by one to three years! I understand how unnerving it can be to watch your beloved dog lose balance and even stumble around.
7 posts, read 81, 953. times. Both Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are usually genetic, but rapid growth, weight gain, trauma, and nutrition can also be factors. Testing conscious proprioception in dogs. You chose to snuggle up with a Shih Tzu because you can expect certain traits: - Excellent companion.
He's a little guy and he's only six pounds but I still feel like he should be doing more jumping than he does. Have your pup sit on the floor just a few inches from the couch. Just before his 6th birthday, Tosh the Yorkie started showing signs of hesitation before jumping onto the couch and bed. When he hops up on the box, be sure to praise him and give him a treat. There are several reasons why Shih Tzus may be able to jump higher than other breeds of dog. Start off by catching your dog in the act of sleeping on the bed. They think they can take flying leaps through the air from high places with the greatest of ease and safely land as if there is an invisible net below. The other name for it is old dog vestibular disease because it happens more commonly in older dogs. Unfortunately, your Shih Tzu is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Treats when he does. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. I would advise having it checked by your vet as soon as possible. They range in severity from very mild to very severe.
This is when we'll give her the necessary "check-ups" and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Shih Tzus. Head and body tremors. His sister, was a sissy. After all, jumping often looks like such a natural and easy thing for dogs to do. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. Be patient and keep training sessions short.
For example, jiggle the doorknob and position yourself so that your dog cannot make a beeline for you. The next time your Shih Tzu tries to become a flying ace, you now know how to keep him safe. I used to have a maltese that couldn't/wouldn't jump in the bed or couch.