DogAdviceTips.com

A healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu is what every Shih Tzu owner aims. Training, proper care and diet are provided in order to reach that aim. However, not all Shih Tzu owners are successful in keeping their Shih Tzu healthy and free from diseases or health issues. Sometimes, these tiny creatures get what they’re not supposed to have.

Flea infestation is one of the most common problems affecting dogs regardless of breed. Fleas wouldn’t be a problem only if they do not harm their host. However, fleas feed on their host’s blood, causing skin irritation, allergic reactions, anemia and sometimes, death. In addition, most of them often carry tapeworms that can cause severe itching and even allergy.

Detecting flea infestation in a Shih Tzu is not quite easy. Their double-coated, dense, long and flowing coat makes it difficult for you to detect fleas. But if you will just look for signs, you will soon find out what makes Fluffy scratch like crazy. Scratching is one important sign that must not be taken for granted. If your pet scratches, he may have been bitten or he may also have dry skin, allergy or mange mites. Aside from scratching, he may also bite at his rear end especially around his tail or the inside or outside of his thighs.

Since fleas feed on blood, for sure they will excrete blood. Look for small bits of brown dust attached to the fur itself. If the dust dissolves into reddish liquid when dropped into wet paper towel, that for sure wasn’t an ordinary dust but flea dirt. An indication that you must do something to get rid of fleas in your Shih Tzu.

There are various ways to remove fleas. Use a flea comb to search for and remove fleas. You can dab some petroleum jelly on the comb to make the fleas stick to its teeth. Give particular attention in the armpits, between your dog’s toes, behind and in the ears, around the tail and head. Some are using chemical and commercial medications as well as electronic flea traps to get rid of fleas easily. But due to safety issues, some owners prefer natural treatment and prevention such as natural ingredient-based flea repellents.

Yes, there are ways to get rid of flea infestation but prevention is better than cure right? Inspecting your pet each day and after going outdoors are sure ways to prevent your beloved Shih Tzu from being infested by fleas.

A fun project to undertake with your kids is making a dog bed. Of course, you could go out and spend a hundred dollars or more on designer dog beds but that would not be nearly as much fun as teaching your kids how to make a dog bed for their special pet. They will always remember how much fun it was to make something so special and they will love watching little Fido making himself comfortable on the dog bed they made. There are some basic things you will need before you begin making dog beds.

The first thing you will need to buy is foam. Make sure you buy a commercial grade foam that is heavy duty and comfortable so that your dog will be cozy on his little dog bed. Choose at least four inches of foam and up to eight depending on how cushiony you want to make the bed.

The next thing you will want to buy is fabric. Now, you may want to choose several swatches of commercial grade fabric and take them home and let the kids choose which ones they like the best. The reason for this is that if you take your kids to the fabric store they will likely pick out a fabric that is cutesy and fun but that is not of a high enough grade to withstand the wear and tear of your pet. So, to avoid any fights or disappoints just pick out as many swatches of commercial grade fabric as possible and then let the kids pick so they have some input.

You will also need some heavy duty thread. Usually upholstery thread is strong enough and will do a great job. Just pick a color that will match the fabric and that is all you will need. If your kids are really into making this dog bed and they know how to use a sewing machine then help them sew the pieces of the dog bed together after you cut them out. Remember that you can make your dog bed in any shape you like. Round, square, rectangle, oval, or anything at all will work. Just make sure that the bed is bigger than your pet and you have enough room to accommodate it. Other than that this is all you need to know about making a dog bed with your kids. Just do your best to make it fun and your kids will love the project not to mention Fido!

Is A Boxer Right For You?

Country of Origin: Germany

First Registered: 1904

Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings

Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth

Height: 21 – 25 inches

Weight: 66 – 70 lbs.

Life Span: 10 – 12 Years

Average Litter Size: 5 – 10

Health Concerns:. May have problems with heart murmurs, skin tumors, digestive problems and hypothyroidism

Temperament: good-natured, affectionate, sociable, headstrong, high-energy

Active, playful, loyal, family oriented, are just a few of the characteristics of the boxer. A breed full of love for people and a zest for life, the boxer can be an ideal family dog. The boxer is unlike any other breed. Often described as the “clown,” of the dog community, boxers are a class all their own.. Those who own boxers can attest to their unique characteristics.

With their lean muscular builds, smooth coats, and square stance, the boxer is truly an impressive looking animal. Being a working class breed, the boxer demonstrates an instinctive willingness to please, while at the same time showing an alertness, caution and courage in the face of the unknown.

However, the boxer is NOT for everyone. Being a breed of high-energy, they require plenty of love, and even more patience.

So, if you are considering owning a boxer, web-rover.com offers some information on this wonderful breed.

Origin

Originally breed in Germany, it is believe that the boxer is of Brabanter Bullenbessier descent. The Bullenbeisser was used by the elite to hunt wild boar in and around the 1800’s In order to prevent injury during the hunt, the ears were cropped.

As time passed the the Barbanter Bullenbeisser was used by cattle dealers, and by the end of the 1800’s was officially recognized as a working class dog. As well as being renowned for being an intelligent working dog, the Barbanter Bullenbessier was recognized as an excellent companion dog who was always eager to please humans.. When not working, the breed was known to be an excellent family pet, who was great with children.

It is believed that around 1830, the Babnanter Bullenbeisser was bred with an early breed of the English Bulldog, and thus, the boxer was born.

In the early days of the breed, many changes took place. Many older pictures show boxers as being white. It is believed that white boxers were no longer accepted because in order to be police dogs, a darker coat was needed. Therefore, the Boxer Klub of Germany set the breed standard to no longer allow white boxers. To this day, there is still huge debate over white boxers.

Typical Boxer Characteristics

- The boxer is an extremely high-energy dog. As a result, they need a great deal of attention and supervision.

- The boxer is an intelligent dog. As should be with all dogs, the boxer needs obedience training on a regular basis starting from a young pup. Being a bright energetic breed, they will find many ways to get in to trouble if not properly trained and watched.

- Boxers are typically great with children. If properly socialized from a pup, the boxer makes an ideal playmate.

The boxer is a natural guardian. Always alert, the boxer is on constant guard. Usually weary of strangers, and always protective of their people.

- The boxer temperament is “fundamentally playful,” but if treated will display unwavering courage..

Here are some “other” Characteristics of the boxer that you most likely wont find in any dog book:

laying on back, feet up, not a care!

GAS…bad gas

Kidney Beans (the boxer dance)

Boxer Woo Woo Song

Catching bugs

Using paws in cat like movements

Zipping around the backyard for no apparent reason.

Bounces like a rabbit when running at times

The “woo woo” song

Lay their head on you like it is too heavy to hold up!

Constantly following their humans wherever they go.

So is a boxer right for you?

The boxer is an affectionate loyal dog, that if treated with love and respect can be a wonderful addition to any household. Yet the boxer is also a a dog with very high energy, who will need strict obedience and even more patience.. The key is to properly socialize and train your dog from a young age. By doing so, you and your dog will both enjoy your time together more more.

So If you are looking for a dog who will lay at your feet, only occasionally moving to eat, or keeps to himself and requires little attention,then maybe a boxer isn’t exactly what you need. But If you want a dog who is full of life and a constant source of entertainment then perhaps a boxer is exactly what you need.

For more great info on the boxer, visit web-rover.com and check out the boxer forum.