Something you need to know

A little tidbit to remind some of you that have been owned by a Tzu for some time now.

As you all know Shih tzu are "Brachycephalic" The word comes from Greek roots "Brachy," meaning short and "cephalic," meaning head. Brachycephalic dogs have been bred so as to possess a normal lower jaw, that is, one in proportion to their body size, and a compressed upper jaw.
Because their faces are shorter they are more prone to developing dental problems. This is one of the trade offs we sacrifice when we chose a breed of dog that was created for cosmetic appearances. Make sure to have your Shih Tzu teeth checked on his or her next check up. Dont neglect their teeth, It can cause systemic illness and early organ dysfunction which can lead to early death.

You might wonder how disease in the mouth can cause systemic illness and early organ dysfunction which can lead to an untimely death of the pet.

loads of bacteria find their way into the circulation every day. These bacteria can form cute little cauliflower-like growths on the delicate valve leaflets in the heart. Rotten teeth and heart murmors seem to go hand and hand.

Second problem... If bacteria are constantly causing a threat to the body the animals immune system has to fight them off or die of overwhelming bacterial septicemia. While fighting off the bacterial invasion from the teeth, globulins are formed (a protein) by the animals' immune system. Excess quantities of globulins (or proteins) can plug the tiny filters in the kidneys and cause a condition called amyloidosis. Kidneys are an essential organ needed to maintain life. Once they are destroyed there is no regeneration! Without a kidney transplant the animal will die.

Please read more about tooth care at www.shihtzukisses.com/teeth.htm

Todays tidbit

DID YOU KNOW.....

"Brachycephalic" The word comes from Greek roots "Brachy," meaning short and "cephalic," meaning head.

If you own a Pug, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Boxer, Bulldog, Shih tzu or any one of the other breeds with "pushed in" faces, you should become familiar with this word.

Brachycephalic dogs have been bred so as to possess a normal lower jaw, that is, one in proportion to their body size, and a compressed upper jaw


Now you know. You can read more about our Brachycephalic friend the Shih Tzu on my site www.shihtzukisses.com

A NEW FRONT PAGE

I am currently working on a new front page for SHIH TZU KISSES.COM
The alternate page I am considering using is located at www.shihtzukisses.com/alternate.htm

I would love feedback on this new opening page. Take a look and email me from the site.

SHIH TZU KISSES.com page spotlight

Today I have chose the fun page to spotlight. The fun page is a place to display what goes on in the lives of my precious Shih Tzu day in a day out. What fun it is being owned by a Shih Tzu... being owned by twelve is so much more fun. Be sure to check out the Tian Mi Shih tzu fun page to see a photo account of what goes on at Tian Mi Shih tzu.

SHIH TZU KISSES.com page spotlight

I would like to call attention tot he page on Shih Tzu kisses website, HOUSE TRAINING.

Many of you out there are unsure about how to train your Shih tzu to potty outside. Shih Tzu kisses.comhas a page that spotlights how to train yoru new puppy or older dog to use the bathroom outside. I have house trained many Shih tzu young and old to go POTTY outside. If you use the instructions on my house training page and be consistant you will have yoru baby trained in no time.

Be sure to visit the other pages at www.shihtzukisses.com/home.htm

CHECK OUT OUR AKC PAPERS PAGE

AKC papers can be a confusing thing. The presence of AKC papers does not prove a dog is a good representative of the breed but the absence of them proves the breeder is doing something wrong.

Understanding the lingo of breeders and the terms they trow out is an important part of making an informed decision to buy or not to buy. Check out Tian Mi Shih Tzu at www.shihtzukisses.com and educate yourself about AKC papers before your purchase... when its to late.

EYE CARE

Shih Tzu Kisses.com has a lot of valueable information on SHih Tzu eye care. Shih Tzu eyes are supposed to be large and round. They also have shallow sockets and this is an invitation for disaster. Go to www.shihtzukisses.com/eyecare.htm to read more about how to care for your Shih Tzu eyes.