Friday, July 31, 2009

How to take care of a maltese or a shitszu and how to understand their behavior?

My dog (maltese or shitszu ) don't bark , she just do a silent whimper if she wants something like a short walk a few times a day to relieve herself , she does'nt do in the backyard, she does this thing like rolling over and she rub her chin and sometimes her behind , im going to give some deworming tablets soon also ,she like to eat my cats food and she drinks from his water, and she dont eat her dry food ( pedigree ) but she eats what we eat like chicken, rice, pasta , meat. She is very good with my kids, they 're 5 %26 7 but my husband don't want us to spoil her like if she'll have her way she wants to sleep with us or the kids, she is well kept , i wash her frequently , check for fleas,they are pampered pooch right? but my husband won"t let us , i think he's right too but what is the right amount of affection to give to her ? Thanks a lot
Answers:
Pets are good for your health, apparently. A cuddly cat, a loving dog: Some people are so attached to their pets you'd think they were part of the family. Well, as any pet owner will tell you, they are! But unlike relationships with human family members, which can sometimes be difficult and a source of stress, owning a pet can significantly improve overall health and reduce risk of disease. "The benefits of pet ownership are real -- physically, mentally and psychosocially," confirms Dr. Daniel Joffe, a Calgary veterinarian who specializes in companion animals.

Dr. Joffe points out that pet therapy or what is known in medical circles as "Animal Assisted Therapy" (AAT) has been shown in dozens of studies to reduce loneliness and improve health in many different kinds of patients.

THE BENEFITS OF PET THERAPY

Research into animal assisted therapy (AAT) has revealed that pets and patients are a health-boosting combination. Dr. Joffe's review of the medical literature, including the Journal of Gerontology Medical Sciences, Nursing Clinics of North America, the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, the Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine, Holistic Nursing Practice, and the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease %26 Other Dementias, has revealed that pet therapy has the following benefits:

-- It can increase social interaction among patients in a long-stay psychiatric population.

-- In a nursing home or residential care center, even patients who are usually withdrawn like to pat, talk to and even walk a pet. This not only gets them out and about and talking to other people, it also provides opportunities for physical and recreational therapy.

-- Companion animals are good company for orthopedic patients who may not be very mobile as a result of a broken limb or a back problem, for instance.

-- When patients with dementia are given AAT, they become less agitated and more interested in social interaction.

-- In patients with HIV/AIDS, AAT can help prevent or combat loneliness and depression and increase feelings of happiness. AAT with a cat can complement supportive relationships with family and friends.

Source(s):

dog breeder since 1968

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Here is a great site, which will answer most of your questions> http://www.shihtzu.org/articles/article..
another good site with helpful links> http://www.cherubmaltese.com/care.htm.
dont give her cat food! that is sooooooo bad for dogs!
The Maltese is a hardy little companion dog with a luxurious silky white coat hanging straight to the ground on each side of a center part line. The coat is single, with no undercoat, and should not be wavy, curly or kinky. It should be made of shiny, thick, heavy hair which is about 8陆 inches (22cm.) long. The color is pure white, although light ivory is acceptable. The long pendant ears and tail are thickly covered with hair and the tail drapes over the back. The eyes are dark, round, large and deep with dark rims. The muzzle tapers slightly and should be one-third the length of the total head. It should have a black nose with open nostrils and a distinct stop. The body is slightly longer than tall with a level topline. The Maltese is fine-boned, but sturdy. A properly built Maltese seems to float along the ground under his cloud of white hair.
The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful. Gentle, loving, trusting and devoted to its master. Highly intelligent. Good at learning tricks if he feels sufficiently rewarded. Bold and quick to sound the alarm in case of suspicious noises. It is a classical companion dog; graceful and lovable. They do well with other animals. Maltese love to play outdoors but have a penchant for jumping in puddles. A bath must follow! These dogs can be snappish with inconsiderate children and may be difficult to housebreak. Sometimes they are picky eaters. Include small biscuits and dry dog food in this breed's regular diet to help the teeth stay strong and healthy. Do not over-pamper or overprotect these little dogs, for some become unstable, and some may become jealous of visitors
Prone to sunburn along the hair parting; skin, respiratory, eye and tooth problems, and slipped stifle. Some may be difficult to feed with weak, upset digestion. They may get the chills, and they experience discomfort in hot weather. Maltese should be kept out of damp areas. It is a good idea to paper-train this breed - to avoid going out in weather extremes
The Maltese is a good dog for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Maltese enjoy a regular walk or session of frolicking in the park and they remain playful well into old age. Little effort is needed to keep these dogs well exercised, because little is needed and they are very active indoors
Daily combing and brushing of the long coat is important but be gentle, as the coat is very soft. Clean the eyes daily to prevent staining, and clean the beard after meals for the same reason. Bathe or dry shampoo regularly - making sure the animal is thoroughly dry and warm afterward. Clean the ears, and pull out hair growing inside the ear canal. The eyes should be checked regularly and cleaned if necessary. The hair on the top of the head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it away from the eyes. Some pet owners opt to clip the hair short for easier and less time consuming grooming. The Maltese sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers.


Personality and Temperament
One of the strongest characteristics of the Shih-Tzu is its personality. The Shih-Tzu is a friendly, nonaggressive dog that is a good companion for children and other breeds of dogs. Shih-Tzus are known for their fun-loving play, romping around the apartment or in the country side.
The Shih-Tzu is a people oriented dog, they cherish no more than the love of people. They will sit patiently, remaining still with their eyes gazing intently on your face waiting for you to call them over to be patted. The Shih-Tzu is not a one person dog. Shih-Tzus are happy to entertain any stranger, once accepted by the family. This is one reason that they are becoming popular. They make friends where ever they go.

The Shih-Tzu has a lap dog personality. It is not high strung nor demanding. The pet Shih-Tzu is content during the day to lie in a corner with his legs stretched out behind him, snoring softly. If he has a choice he would prefer to be curled up in your lap.

Eyes
A Shih-Tzu's eyes are large and vulnerable and prone to ulceration. Special attention should be given to them daily. Living close to the ground.it is easy for dust or dirt or a stray hair to get into the eye and cause irritation. Use human eye wash daily, such as collyrium. This is a gentle eye wash, remove any matter from eye corners. A flea comb may be used to remove any dried food in the beard or moustache

Grooming
There is a great selection of shampoo, conditioners and grooming equipment available to the dog owner. A small bath towel placed in bottom of sink prevents water from accumulating and gives puppy secure footing. Holding the puppy securely under its chest with one hand, soak its body with lukewarm running water, shampoo the body and rinse well. Leave the head for last. Carefully wet the head with a wet sponge and clean the hair with a no-tear baby shampoo.
Still holding puppy securely, rinse thoroughly, being careful not to get water in its nose. A few minutes of cuddling in a towel reassures the puppy and soaks up excess water.

Use a small hand dryer, low heat is normally all that is necessary. if puppy shivers,it is usually due to nerves rather than from being cold. Avoid blowing the warm air directly into the puppy's face. Use a toothbrush to clean the whiskers and ears---ears on drop-ears need special attention. Ears should be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in mineral oil or panolog. To aviod accidental injury to the eardrums, fluff the cotton out from around the end of the swab with fingertips. Wipe the ear clean and dry with another swab, being careful not to probe too deeply into the ear.
wow by the looks of these answers you certainly don't need anything i can say to you :) go guys!

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