Learning To Tube Feed Shih Tzu Puppies

Title: Learning To Tube Feed Shih Tzu Puppies
Author: Connie Limon

It is not difficult to learn the correct tube feeding
procedure. Purchase the tube feeder through your veterinarian,
who will be able to equip you with the correct diameter catheter
and syringe size for your Shih Tzu. Sterilize both catheter and
syringe between early feedings. The syringe will have graduated
markings on the side to record accurate intake. You will need a
bowl or large measuring cup for warm water, a candy thermometer
and a nontoxic indelible pen or dull knife.

1. Place water heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the bowl or
measuring cup.

2. Heat the formula separately (also to 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
using the candy thermometer to regulate the temperatures of both
liquids.

3. Put the thermometer, syringe, catheter and warmed formula
into the bowl of water for transport to the Shih Tzu puppy.

Each puppy should be measured for gavage feeding. Correct
measurement is crucial to the Shih Tzu puppy's well-being.

1. Lay each puppy flat on it side on a towel.

2. Measure the catheter from the rounded tip held at a point
just behind the Shih Tzu puppy's last rib, along the side of the
chest and throat, to just in front of the Shih Tzu puppy's
muzzle.

3. Mark the spot of the Shih Tzu puppy's muzzle on the catheter
with the pen or dull knife.

If you get the catheter too short, the formula may be aspirated
by the Shih Tzu puppy. If you introduce a catheter too long it
can puncture through the newborn Shih Tzu's delicate stomach
wall. Have your vet walk you through the procedure.

If the end of the catheter is too wide to allow attachment to
the syringe, sever the catheter directly behind the beginning of
the flute to allow secure attachment to the syringe. Now that
you have the syringe attached, place the catheter end into the
warmed formula and withdraw the syringe from the plunger. Fill
the syringe a few milliliters over the amount directed by your
vet. Keep the catheter tip pointed downward, preventing air from
getting in.

1. Place the Shih Tzu puppy on a towel in your lap, head
elevated in a slightly inclined position. Wrap one hand around
the back of the Shih Tzu puppy's head, palm against the back of
the skull.

2. Stroke the Shih Tzu puppy with your thumb and opposing
fingers on each side of the muzzle by the lip corners. The Shih
Tzu puppy should respond by opening its mouth.

3. Always keep the syringe elevated and the catheter end
pointing downward.

4. You want very small amounts of formula to slowly drip from
the catheter's tip, preventing air from getting in.

5. Directly and gently introduce the tube through the front of
the Shih Tzu puppy's mouth. Never force a catheter down a Shih
Tzu puppy's throat. Never insert at an angle.

6. The Shih Tzu puppy may at first struggle at the catheter's
introduction. Do not push if the catheter does not slip easily
down the esophagus. Withdraw the catheter and try again. If the
Shih Tzu puppy struggles against the introduction of the
catheter, gently apply a small amount of steady pressure to the
catheter against the Shih Tzu puppy's resistance; the Shih Tzu
puppy should reflexively swallow. The passage should suddenly
open and the tube should slide down easily.

7. The catheter is in correct position when the mark you made
is just slightly beyond the tip of the Shih Tzu puppy's muzzle.

8. Slowly depress the syringe plunger to begin feeding.

9. Never feed a Shih Tzu puppy until its abdomen is distended
and hard. If the Shih Tzu puppy's stomach remains flaccid, you
have not fed enough. Feed half the formula, and then burp the
Shih Tzu puppy.

10. Be sure to have your vet walk you through the correct
procedure for tube feeding before you try this yourself.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

About The Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from
top champion bloodlines. Purchase and sign up for our newsletter
online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

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How Can I Keep My Dog Cool In the Summer

Title: How Can I Keep My Dog Cool In the Summer
Author: Jeff Schuman

How Can I Keep My Dog Cool In the Summer
As the summer begins to heat up you will most likely be
taking your dogs on more walks outside and you will
probably enjoy playing with them in the sun. However, for
all the fun you are going to have, you must be thinking
about your dogs health.

By not keeping a dog cool in the summer you are opening the
door for heat-related illnesses and injuries to plague
him/her.

You may be surprised but dogs are actually able to get a
sun burn. If you have a white or lightly colored dog, they
are just as likely to suffer from a sunburn as we do when
exposed to the sun. If a dog undergoes long-term sun
exposure they can suffer from skin damage and possibly skin
cancer.

To prevent this from happening you are going to need to
limit the amount of time your dog spends in direct
sunlight. If you notice any type of sore or discoloration
you need to consult your veterinarian immediately. Common
areas that are effected are the nose, ears, and eyelids.

Your dog can also suffer from heat injury if they are
exposed to the sun for to long. Heat injury is when your
dog's body temperature exceeds it's ability to cool itself.
Your dog's normal body temperature is between 100 and 102.5
degrees Fahrenheit. If your dogs temperature rises above
106 F, it's normal cooling mechanisms get overwhelmed which
causes a heat stroke which will require medical treatment.

Large double-coated breeds are more susceptible to a heat
stroke. Other dog breeds that are suited for cold climates,
such as huskies, also have a low tolerance for heat and
humidity.

The best way to prevent a heat stroke is to give dogs a
summer hair cut. If you go to a good groomer they will be
able to cut your dog's coat down a few inches which will
allow them to dissipate the heat better. It is important
that you do not get the dogs hair cut all the way down to
the skin because this eliminates their protection from
sunburn and other injuries.

During the midday heat you should keep your dog indoors in
either a well-ventilated area or an air conditioned area.
If you are going to take your dog on a walk or play with
them you should do it later in the night or earlier in the
day when it is less hot outside.

Keeping a dog cool is very important because it protects
them from a heat stroke and from getting sunburned. This
article should have enlightened you on the two conditions
and ways to help keep your dog cool during the summer.

About the Author:

Jeff Schuman invites you to visit his Ideas Directory for
ideas on how to do almost anything. Whether you are
wondering how can I keep my dogs cool this summer or have a
question on something else you can find your answer here.
To see for yourself please click here now:===>
http://www.Ideas-From.us

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Early Shih Tzu Puppy Eye Development

Title: Early Shih Tzu Puppy Eye Development
Author: Connie Limon

The average puppy or Shih Tzu puppy's eyes open between 12 and
15 days of age. The ear canals open soon thereafter, usually
within a day or two. All puppies are born with their eyes and
ears sealed shut. Do not try to open them. If you force or pry
open the puppy's eyelids during any development stage, you can
cause the puppy irreversible injury. Shih Tzu puppies are
unable to see or hear before this time. Shih Tzu puppies are
receptive to the stimuli of light and dark, noise and quiet.
Some Shih Tzu puppies will open their eyes before 12 days; some
are even later than the 15 days.

If all but one or two Shih Tzu puppies have their eyes open and
functioning well, check with your veterinarian about the slower
developing Shih Tzu puppies. A Shih Tzu brood matron's eggs
become fertilized during the breeding process at different times
due to multiple inseminations. Some Shih Tzu puppies that
develop later may be just simply because they were conceived at
a later time.

Keep the Shih Tzu puppy area under subdued lighting conditions
during the eye-opening period. Use heat lamps with caution once
Shih Tzu puppies' eyes have begun to open. If you need to
continue using a heat lamp, construct a large aluminum foil
"basket" or "hood" around the light. Punch numerous tiny holes
in the fabric with a pin, thin, sharp pen or pencil tip.

Check the Shih Tzu puppy's eyes as they first open to see if
the ear ducts are functioning properly. Wash the eyes and keep
them moist with a warm washcloth. The glands do not always
initially function adequately. Well-functioning tear ducts are
indicated by glisteningly bright "reflective" eyes. Sometimes if
the Shih Tzu puppy's eyes open early or if the Shih Tzu puppy is
premature they do not have fully developed and functioning tears
ducts. In these cases apply an ophthalmic ointment just under
the eyelid, or consult with your vet for an appropriate routine
to follow. If you use the ointment, apply it five or six times
daily or according to your vet's instructions. It is important
to treat unproductive tear duct glands. Blindness can result if
left unattended. Treatment is usually only a few days. A sterile
5 percent boric ophthalmic ointment solution can be purchased
from your vet or pharmacy (under your vet's instructions). The
ointment can be applied every four hours. Treatment should
continue until the Shih Tzu puppy's eyes lose the dry "flat"
(non-reflective) appearance.

Shih Tzu puppies' eyes when first opened will have a protective
film, bluish in color. If the Shih Tzu puppy's eyes are white or
solid blue consult your veterinarian.

By three weeks of age, Shih Tzu puppies' should be able to
focus fairly well.

Use extreme caution when photographing Shih Tzu puppies between
8 and 20 days of age. Prior and after this time a flash may be
safer. Extreme and bright light can damage a Shih Tzu puppy's
delicate eye tissues.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

About The Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies.
Please visit us online and sign up for our newsletter at:
http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

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