About Deanna Isenhour Expertise I can answer most questions on Shih Tzu Breeding, caring for and raising puppies and adult shih tzu's. I familiar with the breed standard and history.
Expert: Deanna Isenhour Date: 12/29/2007 Subject: Six Week old Shih Tzu health concern
Question QUESTION: We added a six week old Shih Tzu puppy for Christmas to our family (48 hours ago).Do you think this young of a puppy presents serious health risks for the dog? We had many visitors and lots of handling over the last two days and now she seems to be very lethargic.At first she was eating approx every 4 hours playing for a little while then sleeping.She pee'd and pooped every time she woke up or after eating no problem. Now she seems to be sleeping non stop and not eating much at all. Diarrhea the last two times she eliminated and not interested in any playtime I know health issues with a puppy can occur quickly. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: First things first, I don't understand why the breeder even allowed the puppy out the door at 6 weeks. The puppy should not go out the door until it is at least 8 weeks old and had it's first series of vaccinations. It is too much stress and too much handling on the puppy at this age and she may have picked up a virus. You need to take her to the vet to have her examined and check your contract if it allowed for a certain time for an exam (72 hours) and then contact the breeder with any problems that arise from the vets visit
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QUESTION: Thanks for the reply.She was given 7 in one shot before we received her. We have since visited the Vet who's opinion was similar to yours regarding her age. Nonetheless we are attached and committed and the breeder has assured us all of the other pups are fine and have not been feeding from the mother now for almost a week as mom is dry.The Vet gave her a B-12 shot along with some fluids and suggested feeding her some baby food.She also gave her an antibiotic for Bacterial Colitis,and also recommended not so much handling until she's a little older and stronger,we concur.Now almost 24 hours later she is eating, drinking and playing in between naps.
PS the breeder has called several times and is very concerned for the pups health as we all are.
Any suggestions on treating the diarrhea as everyone has different remedies.
Thanks in advance for your prompt response
Answer you can try giving her some rice cereal in with the baby food for bulk and I would try giving her pedialyte for fluids instead of just plain water. Also for the diarrhea you can give her children's anti diarrhea medication (kaopectate) You'll have to let me know her weight to tell you the dose if she is under 5 lbs 1/4 tsp would be plenty too much will constipate her and you'll have another problem on hand, so better that you start out with a small dose and let it work slower than a large dose and over do it.
