| FAQ's |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) |
| These are some questions we get asked quite often. If you have a question and don't find the answer you're looking for here, feel free to contact us by e-mail or by phone (440) 289-8686 or (443) 225-5298. |
Q: What type of food do your feed your shih-tzu's?
A: We start off by feeding our shih-tzu's Pedigree Puppy until they are 1 year
old. After they have turned 1 year old (in human years) we change to
Pedigree Small Breed. While our females are pregnant we go back to
feeding them Pedigree Puppy for two reasons. First, because it contains the
extra nutrients that a pregnant mom needs. Second, because that is the
same food we start our litters on and that way the new puppies are used to it
because they have tasted it through their mom's milk.
Q: What type of flea/tick and heartworm medication do you use?
A: We use Revolution for dogs. It is a topical application and it is
administered 1 every 30 days. We prefer (and recommend) Revolution for
two reasons. First, because it is a topical application you know the dog is
getting the full dose, whereas with chewable tablets, you can't always
guarantee that the dog has eaten the whole thing. I had a shih-tzu growing
up that used to either take them and hide them or eat all the peanut butter
around it (we tried to disguise the tablet) and then not eat the tablet. So a
dog has a better guarantee of receiving all the medicine in a topical
application. The second reason we use Revolution is because it is a
combination medicine that prevents heartworm disease, halts the flea life
cycle and controls ticks. So instead of having to give them 2 medications a
month now, we only have to give them one.
Q: When should I give my puppy his first heartworm, flea & tick
treatment?
A: When we take the puppies into the vet we make sure they get their
vaccination along with their wormer. They get this series at 6 weeks, 8
weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. During that last visit is also when they
should be receiving their first rabies shot (you should get a rabies tag and
certificate). Thirty days after that last vet visit you should give them their first
treatment. NOTE: We do not start litter puppies on any medication ourselves.
Q: Where can I buy heartworm and flea/tick medication?
A: Your vet will have a variety available for you to buy. Because we order it in
such large quantities (because we have 4 dogs) we had our vet fax a copy of
the prescription to Drs. Foster & Smith so we can order several doses at one
time at a discounted rate.
Q: Where do you have your shih-tzu's groomed and how often?
A: Since we have moved to Maryland we have been using "Grooming on the
Go" Mobile Dog Grooming. Colleen lives here in Cambridge, Maryland and
has done a fabulous job on all of our shih-tzu's. It is also very convenient
since she comes right to the house and parks in the driveway while she
grooms our shih-tzu's. The part I love the best about her service is that I
don't have to drop my shih-tzu off for several hours with a bunch of dogs he
or she doesn't know and have to wait in a cage (because our shih-tzu's don't
ever get caged). She takes one at a time and she is done within and hour to
an hour and half. She has been an absolute angel since we've been in
Maryland. We love her and so do our shih-tzu's!
In Ohio, we previously have had our shih-tzu's to the PetSmart Grooming
Salon. They are open 7 days a week and they offer a variety of services from
nail trimming, shampoo and cut all the to teeth brushing. Their certified
PetStylists are very caring and very professional. You can even watch your
pet get groomed while you wait or you can drop your pet off and pick them
up later. We have always been very pleased with the services our shih-tzu's
have received at the PetSmart Grooming Salon.
As for how often, it all depends on how quickly your pets fur grows. For
example, Benjamin and Cabella's fur grows twice as fast and it's twice as
thick as Tiffany and Starbucks, so Benjamin and Cabella usually go more
often. Typically the groomer might tell you to rotate on a 3 month cycle
though. Keep in mind the grooming from a caring and certified professional is
vital to your pet's health and well-being.
Q: How often should I give my shih-tzu a bath?
A: As often as he/she needs it. I have been told not to give them a bath more
than once a week, unless it's absolutely necessary. A couple things to keep
in mind when you are bathing your own shih-tzu. First, make sure to use a
tear-free shampoo, just in case it does happen to get in their eyes. Second,
it's helpful to keep a non-slip mat in the bottom of the tub so they aren't
sliding all over the place. Third, make sure you rinse the shampoo (&/or
conditioner) off completely because any residual soap will cause dry, itchy
skin for your pet. Last but certainly not least make sure to towel dry them and
then use the hair dryer the rest of the way, all the while brushing them.
Q. How can I tell a good breeder from a bad breeder or puppy mill?
A. We have learned a lot since we began breeding 2 years ago. And while
that doesn't seem like a long time, we have done our research and learned
from our experiences. The tips we have to offer our simply our own personal
views but have proven very helpful and successful for us. If you'd like to
know more please visit our Good Breeders Page.
A: We start off by feeding our shih-tzu's Pedigree Puppy until they are 1 year
old. After they have turned 1 year old (in human years) we change to
Pedigree Small Breed. While our females are pregnant we go back to
feeding them Pedigree Puppy for two reasons. First, because it contains the
extra nutrients that a pregnant mom needs. Second, because that is the
same food we start our litters on and that way the new puppies are used to it
because they have tasted it through their mom's milk.
Q: What type of flea/tick and heartworm medication do you use?
A: We use Revolution for dogs. It is a topical application and it is
administered 1 every 30 days. We prefer (and recommend) Revolution for
two reasons. First, because it is a topical application you know the dog is
getting the full dose, whereas with chewable tablets, you can't always
guarantee that the dog has eaten the whole thing. I had a shih-tzu growing
up that used to either take them and hide them or eat all the peanut butter
around it (we tried to disguise the tablet) and then not eat the tablet. So a
dog has a better guarantee of receiving all the medicine in a topical
application. The second reason we use Revolution is because it is a
combination medicine that prevents heartworm disease, halts the flea life
cycle and controls ticks. So instead of having to give them 2 medications a
month now, we only have to give them one.
Q: When should I give my puppy his first heartworm, flea & tick
treatment?
A: When we take the puppies into the vet we make sure they get their
vaccination along with their wormer. They get this series at 6 weeks, 8
weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. During that last visit is also when they
should be receiving their first rabies shot (you should get a rabies tag and
certificate). Thirty days after that last vet visit you should give them their first
treatment. NOTE: We do not start litter puppies on any medication ourselves.
Q: Where can I buy heartworm and flea/tick medication?
A: Your vet will have a variety available for you to buy. Because we order it in
such large quantities (because we have 4 dogs) we had our vet fax a copy of
the prescription to Drs. Foster & Smith so we can order several doses at one
time at a discounted rate.
Q: Where do you have your shih-tzu's groomed and how often?
A: Since we have moved to Maryland we have been using "Grooming on the
Go" Mobile Dog Grooming. Colleen lives here in Cambridge, Maryland and
has done a fabulous job on all of our shih-tzu's. It is also very convenient
since she comes right to the house and parks in the driveway while she
grooms our shih-tzu's. The part I love the best about her service is that I
don't have to drop my shih-tzu off for several hours with a bunch of dogs he
or she doesn't know and have to wait in a cage (because our shih-tzu's don't
ever get caged). She takes one at a time and she is done within and hour to
an hour and half. She has been an absolute angel since we've been in
Maryland. We love her and so do our shih-tzu's!
In Ohio, we previously have had our shih-tzu's to the PetSmart Grooming
Salon. They are open 7 days a week and they offer a variety of services from
nail trimming, shampoo and cut all the to teeth brushing. Their certified
PetStylists are very caring and very professional. You can even watch your
pet get groomed while you wait or you can drop your pet off and pick them
up later. We have always been very pleased with the services our shih-tzu's
have received at the PetSmart Grooming Salon.
As for how often, it all depends on how quickly your pets fur grows. For
example, Benjamin and Cabella's fur grows twice as fast and it's twice as
thick as Tiffany and Starbucks, so Benjamin and Cabella usually go more
often. Typically the groomer might tell you to rotate on a 3 month cycle
though. Keep in mind the grooming from a caring and certified professional is
vital to your pet's health and well-being.
Q: How often should I give my shih-tzu a bath?
A: As often as he/she needs it. I have been told not to give them a bath more
than once a week, unless it's absolutely necessary. A couple things to keep
in mind when you are bathing your own shih-tzu. First, make sure to use a
tear-free shampoo, just in case it does happen to get in their eyes. Second,
it's helpful to keep a non-slip mat in the bottom of the tub so they aren't
sliding all over the place. Third, make sure you rinse the shampoo (&/or
conditioner) off completely because any residual soap will cause dry, itchy
skin for your pet. Last but certainly not least make sure to towel dry them and
then use the hair dryer the rest of the way, all the while brushing them.
Q. How can I tell a good breeder from a bad breeder or puppy mill?
A. We have learned a lot since we began breeding 2 years ago. And while
that doesn't seem like a long time, we have done our research and learned
from our experiences. The tips we have to offer our simply our own personal
views but have proven very helpful and successful for us. If you'd like to
know more please visit our Good Breeders Page.
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