Pure Paws would like to invite you to come visit us and open a whole new panorama of the show dog world!

As an industry leader in professional grooming products, Pure Paws is always striving to bring you the best there is in skin and coat care products along with new and innovative grooming techniques from TOP Professionals around the world.

Over the years, the Pure Paws Groom Team has traveled around the globe to dog shows both Nationally & Internationally. This exposure has allowed our team the opportunity to bring back all the best there is to know in the most up-to-date grooming and training techniques.

Now back by popular demand Pure Paws will be holding classes again! We are proud to announce our first dates for classes opening up in 2010

* work side by side with experts in the field!
* increase your knowledge base in the ring!
* learn from the TOP handlers & groomers!
* see what makes a Top dog!

The best part will be making new friends that have the same passion and dedication as you. This is just the beginning of a new experience that will last you a life time.

HANDLING

Let the experts show you how to improve your handling techniques in and out of the ring.

* Get hands on experience
* Class room Q & A time
* Video taped lessons
* Lesson manual

After the handling classes, we will review the day’s lessons in class and make written suggestions of how you can modify or improve your handling techniques. Use your video to review the suggestions our professionals make for you and your dog.

GROOMING

In the grooming portion of classes, our instructors will cover the following:

1. Grooming your dog for show days.
2. Maintaining your dog between shows.
3. Safety techniques when grooming both in the tub and on the table.
4. See how the professionals work with their tools of the trade: brushes + combs + stripping tools and more.
5. Discover their secrets of finishing work like: +trimming +scissoring +top knots +ironing, make-up, coloring, chalking and so much more!

We look forward to seeing you!

For more information about the grooming and handling classes, CLICK HERE.

Teeth cleaning or dental prophylaxis is not just simply for cleaning your shih tzu’s teeth but also for further evaluation of the oral cavity or other teeth problems that are present or might occur in the future. As we all know, dental disease progresses if not treated properly. Dental problems that are not treated properly mean longer treatments and, of course, bigger costs. So it is best if you can detect your shih tzu’s dental problem earlier. The earlier the treatment, the better.

How is it done?

Your shih tzu should be under a general anesthesia. But before putting your shih tzu under anesthesia, vets require certain blood tests and a physical examination to be performed. This is to make sure that your anesthesia is safe for your shih tzu. However, some vets do not perform blood tests if they think your shih tzu is healthy based on their physical examination. They only do blood tests if your shih tzu is old or appears to have some health problems. But in order to be safe, it is best to perform certain blood tests before putting your shih tzu under anesthesia.

After your shih tzu is placed under anesthesia, the vet will examine your shih tzu’s teeth and will let you know what procedures are necessary for your shih tzu’s teeth conditions. As for the teeth cleaning, a certain type of forcep is used to carefully remove the calculus (sometimes also called tartar) formed in your shih tzu’s teeth. Then a scraper will be used to remove the excess calculus. Area above and below the gum line should be completely cleaned to prevent periodontal disease. After the cleaning, a solution is being applied to the teeth to give it a white look.

How long does teeth cleaning take?

Teeth cleaning usually last for 30 to 45 minutes only depending on the level and condition of your shih tzu’s teeth. It is the recovery period of your shih tzu from the anesthesia that usually takes longer. You cannot leave the clinic until your shih tzu has been fully recovered from the anesthesia. You have to wait for them to wake up. This will usually take one hour.

What should I do after teeth cleaning?

As long as your shih tzu doesn’t have major teeth problems, you can now bring your shih tzu home. They may still be tired from the anesthesia so you must let them rest. Older shih tzu may take longer to recover. Sometimes, it takes a couple of days for the senior shih tzu to be back to normal. If your shih tzu is not back to normal the following day, inform your vet about it so that your vet can advise you what to do. And of course, you need to brush your shih tzu’s teeth regularly. Use a dog toothpaste and dog toothbrush.

How much will teeth cleaning cost?

The teeth cleaning costs little, around Php200 to Php400, depending on your vet. It is the general anesthesia that makes teeth cleaning a little expensive. Anesthesia may costs around Php1800 to Php2000. So prepare around Php2,000 to Php3,000 if you want to have your shih tzu’s teeth cleaned.

If you want to know where you can bring your shih tzu for a teeth cleaning, send me an email at contactus@totallyshihtzu.com and I will send you the contact information of a recommended vet dentist. Make sure you put Vet Dentist for Teeth Cleaning in your subject line.

To view the pictures during the said show, just keep on browsing…

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Here are some of the pictures I managed to have taken despite being busy grooming by shih tzu:

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Most responsible breeders spend time studying the Shih Tzu breed–standard, conformation, health issues etc. even before planning their breeding. Planned breeding usually takes months. You have to ensure that your bitch is in pristine health condition. Moreover, you must have enough funds available to cover vet check ups and other health emergencies that might happen during the breeding process. Much, much, more will be required of you once you have initiated the breeding process. It’s really great if everyone does planned breeding. Unfortunately, not all are very informed about it and just allow their Shih Tzu to get pregnant without any knowledge about breeding.

Breeding does happen naturally. True. However, letting nature simply decide whatever happens to an adult male with an adult female Shih Tzu might just lead to heartbreaks. I don’t encourage irresponsible breeding, yet, for the purpose of educating the clueless Shih Tzu owner who already has a pregnant bitch to finally do the right thing in assisting his or her Shih Tzu, that I am writing this article.

So how will you prepare for the upcoming litter? What do you need to do for your future puppies?

First thing to do is to determine the expected whelping date of your Shih Tzu. Average whelping date for a Shih Tzu is between 59 to 65 days from the date of last stud. Count 59 to 65 days from last stud and that will be your expected whelping date. With this, you can now determine when to file your leave in the office ?

You don’t need to give large amount of food to your Shih Tzu during her first four weeks of pregnancy. The rapid growth of the puppies starts from the fourth to fifth week of pregnancy. During this time, your Shih Tzu needs to be shifted from adult food to puppy food. Do the shifting gradually. You can use premium puppy foods like Orijen or Go Natural (both are grain free), Solid Gold or Eagle Pack. There are many brands of puppy food available in the market so it’s up to you to choose the best for your Shih Tzu. Vitamins and supplements are not needed when you are already feeding your Shih Tzu a premium puppy food.

Next thing to prepare is a whelping box. There are ready made cages that can be used as a whelping box. Just make sure the railings are small to avoid the puppy from slipping in between railings. You can also have your whelping box customized. You can use a carton box, a wood box, or anything that is shaped like a box. Just make sure that your Shih Tzu can still stretch and still there’s a space for the puppies. The sides of your customized box must be low enough to enable the mother to come in and out but high enough so the puppies can’t. Make your Shih Tzu comfortable in her whelping box by filling it with towels. Place the box in a quite place, away from other pets and people.

Other things needed are: betadine, alcohol, hemostat, dental floss or thread, weighing scale, cotton, towels, and a light bulb.

It is also advisable to have your Shih Tzu checked up by a vet two to three weeks prior to her whelping date. You can ask your vet to perform an ultrasound to confirm if your Shih Tzu is pregnant. This can also tell you if the puppies inside are still alive. Another option is to do an x-ray so you can see the number of puppies and also their position. In this way, you can determine how many puppies to expect and if there’s a need for you to prepare for a caesarian operation. Average cost for an ultrasound is around Php 650.00 plus doctor’s fee of Php 250.00. Same goes with x-ray.

One week before your Shih Tzu gives birth, start giving her calcium supplement. You may also trim the hair in the tummy area to make breastfeeding easier. Check the milk in every nipple by pressing it one by one. This is to check if your Shih Tzu has what you call “sour milk”. If you see greenish or yellowish pus coming out from her nipples, inform your veterinarian immediately.

Still doesn’t know if she’s in labor? Two days before the expected whelping date, take your Shih Tzu’s temperature in the morning and in the evening. Normal temperature for Shih Tzu is 38.5 Celsius to 39.5 Celsius. A sudden drop in your Shih Tzu’s temperature means that she will give birth within 24 hours. If, within 24 hours after the sudden drop in her temperature, she still hasn’t come to labor, call your veterinarian. Other signs that your Shih Tzu is in labor are: shivering, panting, and pacing. She will be very unusual of herself, will refuse to eat (in this case, just make sure she always has fresh water to drink), and will nest.

If your Shih Tzu is mature enough, she can deliver the puppies on her own. But be sure to be at her side to assist her in case of emergencies. Usually, when a puppy is born, the mother will automatically clean the puppy and cut the cord. But if she has a large litter, she may become tired. If the mother is too tired to attend to the puppy delivered, you must be the one to remove the amniotic sac by peeling it from the puppy’s mouth towards the tail. Remove the mucus from the puppy’s mouth using your fingers. Rub the puppy vigorously with a clean towel to keep the puppy’s heart beating. Before cutting the umbilical cord, tie it using a dental floss approximately one inch from the puppy’s abdomen. You can use a sterile scissor in cutting the cord but I prefer cutting it with my nails as to mimic the cutting of the mother using her teeth. Don’t forget to put betadine in the cord after cutting.

Let the puppy breastfeed from the mother. This will stimulate the mother to deliver the next puppy. When you see that the next puppy is about to come out, you should place the first puppy in a separate box. The box should be close enough from the mother and that she can still see her puppy. Make sure the box has a light bulb that can produce enough heat for the puppy as puppies cannot regulate heat by themselves during their first few hours.

Always count the placenta that comes out in your Shih Tzu. The number of placentas should be equal to the number of puppies delivered. Don’t let your Shih Tzu eat all the placentas as this might cause her diarrhea.

Remember to weigh the puppies. You will need to record the weight of each puppy everyday for two weeks. This will help you determine if there’s something wrong with her puppies. The puppies should be able to gain weight everyday. Be alarmed if they haven’t gained any weight in a day. So go get a paper and monitor their weight.

Sometimes, your Shih Tzu might want to go out after she gives birth. Let her do so. Give her time, she might want to poo or pee. Make sure she has an adequate supply of puppy food and fresh water. And don’t forget to give her calcium supplement once a day. She needs it especially if she has a large litter.

You thought you accomplished something already by helping your Shih Tzu deliver all her puppies. Well, it doesn’t end here. Now that your Shih Tzu has finished giving birth, this means you have larger responsibility. You are responsible to assist your Shih Tzu in taking care of her litter. You must bottle feed the puppies every one to two hours if your Shih Tzu has a large litter. You need to check on the puppies most of the time especially if you hear them crying. This means waking up almost every hour even if it’s in the middle of the night.

So think twice before you breed your Shih Tzu. Breeding is not that easy. If you are not responsible enough to care for your Shih Tzu and her litter, then don’t breed. Always remember that breeding your Shih Tzu entails a huge responsibility. It requires extra time, effort, money, knowledge and care from you. Should you feel incompetent providing what your Shih Tzu requires, just try to keep out and make the best option to have your pet spayed/neutered.

Breeding Shih Tzu is never a good business for it is not a business at all. Only breed for improvement and be responsible and accountable for the life of your Shih Tzu and its future puppies.

This article was written for Totally Shih Tzu. If you have some questions, feel free to email me at supernesskennel@yahoo.com

Lots of games and prizes were also given away. A grooming lesson was conducted by Gerard Catedrilla. Said event was attended by many responsible shih tzu owners. Many of us were able to attend the shih tzu eb despite the fact that the place was very far (imagine there were some who traveled from south to north just to attend this shih tzu eb). Plenty of giveaways were also distributed. Among the things distributed as giveaways and prizes were toys, bottle feeder, bands, dog food (given by Solid Gold), brushes (I almost got this one), clipper, shampoo, and many more.

A big thanks to Ms. Cheryll Ann Limso who sponsored the said shih tzu eb. Without her, the shih tzu eb will never happen. It was a great way for us in meeting other responsible shih tzu owners.

I want to share some pictures in our shih tzu eb. Enjoy viewing!!!

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I always wanted to own a Shih Tzu since I was a child. I took care of other breeds of dog, hamsters, fish, birds but nothing can satisfy me except for a Shih Tzu. My life was in a state of disaster when I had my first Shih Tzu. I was experiencing emotional and financial problems during those days. I remembered the times when I even wished that I die. Oh well, that was in the past. I have a very different point of view in life now. My life took a turn to the right path when my partner gave me a Shih Tzu puppy as a gift. I tried to be a good mother and a provider for her. I brushed her coat, supplied her needs like a nice home, food, supplements and love. Since I don’t have a mentor and an internet during that time, I wasn’t aware that I was doing the wrong things for her especially in terms of grooming.

As soon as the internet becomes available in our house, I’ve searched the internet and looked for a Shih Tzu puppy that can be shown, and then came Yhomi. I did my best to learn all stuffs related to raising a Shih Tzu – be it a pet or a show Shih Tzu. It’s not just giving food and bathing them. There are lots of things one must do for their Shih Tzu. And here are some tips I’d like to share to all of you:

1. I’ve learned that one should never use a slicker brush in grooming his/her Shih Tzu. There are certain areas wherein you can use a slicker brush (like the armpits) but never in the body.
2. Brushing must be done everyday to prevent mat from forming. You should mist the coat with grooming spray before brushing.
3. If you want to grow the hair long, you must tie it using a latex band (other type of rubber bands will just break your Shih Tzu’s hair).
4. Conditioner is a must-have for Shih Tzu. It prevents the coat from getting dry.
5. Hair in footpads and anus should be trimmed while hair in ears should be plucked. Use an ear powder to make plucking easier.
6. You should empty the anal glands regularly to prevent infection.
7. Shih Tzu needs their teeth to be brushed also like us. It would be best if you will use doggie toothpaste.
8. Another must have is a hair blower with a cool shot mode. Never use the hot mode of your blower as this will damage your Shih Tzu’s coat. Blow-dry your Shih Tzu every time the coat gets wet.
9. Nails should be cut regularly. Make sure you have a styptic powder beside you every time you cut their nails. Use the styptic powder in case you accidentally cut the quick. It will help stop the bleeding.
10. As for the items needed, the following are the items you will need for your Shih Tzu: premium food; vitamins and supplements (you don’t need these if you’re already using a premium food); water feeder; stainless dog bowl; a good pin brush; steel comb (for checking mats); pin tail comb (for parting hairs); grooming spray; latex bands; chin pillow; scissors; hair blower; nail trimmer; styptic powder; shampoo; conditioner; eye and ear cleaner; toothpaste and toothbrush; and cornstarch.

Having a Shih Tzu changed so many things in my life for the better – in terms of my work, family, personality and outlook in life. Writing each of them would mean a very long article. So let me just share some of it. These were some of the most significant changes my Shih Tzu brought into my life:

I really wanted to have another child. However, the responsibility in raising a child made me think twice. All of these fears were forgotten when it comes to all of my Shih Tzu. I know it’s not easy to own a Shih Tzu yet I have so many of them. But what can I do? They made my life complete. My Shih Tzu taught me how to be a responsible person. They taught me to love my work because, if not, I will have no money to support them and my family. I even worked harder to earn more, thus, the many part time jobs. They let me experience the feeling of having another child to raise (well, sort of). When they get sick, I run to my vet if I have to without considering the time and the clothes that I am wearing LOL. Actually it’s more difficult when it comes to them because Shih Tzu can’t talk. They can’t say where they are hurting unlike us humans so you have to interpret all their actions. They were able to make me interact with other people. They inspired me to put up my own business (my online shop). They made me strong enough to take some risks in life. And with all the things I have to do in my life, they made me feel that I am a superwoman. Hence, Superness was born.

Right now, they make me long for another day so that I can hug and play with them the next day. They make me smile. They make me cry. They even make me worry. They always make me proud. It’s really nice to have a big family. I called it big because they are all part of my family. They let me feel that I am the greatest mom in the whole world (even only for my kid and my furbabies). They also let me feel what it is like to have a loyal companion. They have shown me that life isn’t just all about heartaches and problems. They make me realize that life is beautiful and I should enjoy every second of it. They make my outlook in life positive – that I can still be happy in spite of the many problems in life. They give me hope. So what more can I ask for? Aside from having a comfortable life and a happy family, I want my Shih Tzu to live longer even if it meant more responsibilities and more expenses. Besides, they make the sun shine on me and they all make me live again….

However, even if there was a large number of entries, the show audience was not that high. For the reason that most people find the show venue a bit far. Since this blog is totally about shih tzu, I took some pictures of all shih tzu that I saw inside and outside of the ring. For the benefit of those that were not able to watch the said show, I posted some some pictures taken last Saturday. You will see the pictures below.

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I also included the show results for the regular category:

And here are the results for the baby puppy category:

The show ended at around 6:00 pm. I was able to get home by 8:00 pm. The show was very tiring. I was very exhausted and so were my shih tzu. This show was the last one for year 2008. Maybe you have missed watching shih tzu in action for this year but don’t worry, there’s still a next year. See you!

Check the post below to see some pictures during the show.

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Here’s the results for the said dog show:

Heartgard Plus is manufactured by Merial Limited in NJ, USA. It is imported and distributed to the Philippines by Merial Philippines, Inc. It contains ivermectin and pyrantel and is used for dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease. It eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae for thirty (30) days after infection. It also treats and controls ascarids and hookworms.

How is it packaged?

Heartgard Plus is available in three dosage strengths for dogs of different weights. Each strength comes in cartons of 6 and 12 chewable tablets. But the most common packaging that can be found here in the Philippines is the 6 chewable tablets per carton.

What is the prescribed amount for my dog?

Heartgard Plus should be administered orally on a monthly basis. You must know the weight of your dog so that you can determine which of the three dosage strengths of Heartgard Plus to give your dog. The recommended dosing schedule is as follows:

Dog Weight                    Ivermectin Content        Pyrantel Content       Carton Color
Up to 25 pounds                       68 mcg                                  57 mg                   Blue
26 to 50 pounds                      136 mcg                               114 mg                   Green
51 to 100 pounds                    272 mcg                               227 mg                  Brown

If your dog is over 100 pounds, you can use the appropriate combination of these chewables. For example, if your dog weighs 120 pounds, you can give your dog one tablet of the 51 to 100 pounds and one tablet for dogs up to 25 pounds.

How do you administer Heartgard Plus?

Most dogs find Heartgard Plus palatable so you can offer it to your dog by hand. Another method is to stuff it in your dog’s food. However, since it is a chewable tablet, it is recommended to administer it to your dog in a way that encourages your dog to chew rather than swallowing it without chewing.

Heartgard Plus can be broken into pieces. Just make sure that your dog consumes the whole dose. You must observe your dog for a few minutes after administering Heartgard Plus to make sure that no part of the dose is left uneaten. If you suspect that your dog wasn’t able to consume the whole dose, redosing is recommended.

It should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes, potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae, are active. Initial dose must be given within 30 days after your dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes. The final dose must be given within 30 days after your dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes. But the usual practice here in the Philippines is different. Most vets recommend giving Heartgard Plus on a monthly basis starting at the age of 6 months since mosquitoes are common in the Philippines. Note that prevention is better than cure.

If your dog uses a different brand and you want to shift to Heartgard Plus, you should give the first dose of Heartgard Plus within 30 days of the last dose of the previous medication.

Make sure that the interval between doses does not exceed 30 days or the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. It is advisable to give Heartgard Plus on or about the same day of every month. So make use of the sticker that is included in the carton of Heartgard Plus (ask the shop for a sticker if you’re buying it per piece). Place the sticker in the corresponding date in your calendar to serve as your reminder.

Are there any precautions with the use of Heartgard Plus?

You should test your dog for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with Heartgard Plus. The reason is that it is not effective against adult heartworm. It cannot treat dogs that are positive with heartworms. Infected dogs should be treated first to remove the adult heartworms and microfilaria before starting with Heartgard Plus.

Where can I buy Heartgard Plus?

You can buy Heartgard Plus in vet clinics. You can also find it in pet shops. In fact, you can buy it at Petness and Beauty. Price of each chewable tablet could cost from Php 145.00 to Php 250.00. The price depends on the strength and the shop where you will buy. You can buy it per chewable tablet or you can buy it by the carton.

Heartworms can be deadly to your dogs especially if left untreated. So why wait for your dog to get infected? Act now! Buy Heartgard Plus before it’s too late. Remember, “Prevention is better than cure”.