What Do You Need to Know About Shih Tzu Vaccinations?

How important are Shih Tzu vaccinations?

The Shih Tzu is a small, compact breed with an endearing personality. This dog requires low-shedding coats and regular grooming to maintain its luxurious coat. The shih tzu has a lifespan of 12-15 years. It may be prone to canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts, allergies and skin conditions such as seborrhea dermatitis or ringworm infections.

It’s important for new shih tzus owners to ensure that they have their pup vaccinated against common illnesses at the appropriate time in order to keep them healthy and happy!

What are Shih Tzu Vaccinations?

Shih Tzu vaccinations are inoculations that protect your pet against dangerous diseases. Your Shih Tzu puppy should receive its first vaccination at 6-8 weeks old. Then, shots will be given every 3-4 weeks until the pup is 16 weeks old.

A booster is administered 1 year later and then every one to three years depending on the type of vaccine used. The type of vaccine will depend on the disease in question: some vaccines have a single type while others have two types you can choose between (called a “combination vaccine”).

Vaccination Schedule for a Shih Tzu Puppy

6-8 weeks old, given a combination vaccine
9-10 weeks old: second vaccination of same vaccines as first round – given a combination vaccine
13-16 weeks old: third vaccination, this time using only one type of vaccine – either single or combination vaccine.

A shih tzu has its first vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks before being inoculated every 3 to 4 weeks until it is 16-week-old. Then followed by booster shots 1 year later and then an annual shot. Boosters are important with the fact that some diseases can persist in the environment for long periods of time. Some also recommend giving several boosters until your dog reaches adult age.

Ask If the Vaccines are Combined or Separate and What Diseases They Protect Against

Shih Tzu vaccinations can be expensive but it’s better to get them started on their shots early so that the risk of contracting a serious illness is reduced. Your vet will discuss all available options with you and then decide on an appropriate vaccination plan for your Shih Tzu pup.

Common Side Effects of Vaccinations in Dogs

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Your dog may develop swelling at the site of injection, lethargy and loss of appetite for up to 2 days after he is vaccinated. If any serious symptoms occur such as vomiting or diarrhea or seizures, seek veterinary care immediately.

The Importance of Vaccinating Your Dog Every Year

A vaccine is a dead or weakened form of a virus. A very small amount of the disease is injected into your dog to build up immunity but it’s important that an annual booster shot is given because some diseases can persist in the environment for long periods and cause infection at any time.

For example, after parvovirus enters into the body, it can remain alive in irreversible forms for months outside the host animal/ human body. So even though your dog has already been vaccinated against parvo once, it’s still possible he might catch this very contagious disease from infected feces still left in public places or on shoes brought indoors from outdoors.

What Diseases Do Vaccines Protect Dogs Against?

There are several diseases that Shih Tzus and other dogs can catch. These include parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and coronavirus. Parvovirus is a serious, highly contagious diarrhea disease that affects young dogs. It attacks rapidly dividing cells in the body and damages the intestines.

Puppies are particularly vulnerable to this disease and it can be fatal if not treated immediately by a vet. Distemper is also another deadly canine virus that causes fever, vomiting and diarrhea then progresses on to neurological symptoms including seizures, paralysis and disorientation.

How Often Should I Have My Pet Vaccinated for These Diseases

Shih Tzu vaccinations are usually taken care of by the time a dog is 12 weeks old. Booster vaccinations must be administered every year or every three years depending on what was initially prescribed in your pet’s vaccine package insert.

Keep in mind that disease-causing agents can still exist for months, even up to a year outside of the host animal/ human body so every time you take your dog outdoors, exercise caution and protect him from ingesting soil where pets have previously left feces or licking his paws after walking through contaminated areas

What are the Risks If I Don’t Vaccinate My Shih Tzu Against These Diseases

Symptoms of Parvo virus and Distemper include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, dehydration, weight loss. Signs can start out with a low-grade fever that creeps up to 103 degrees or higher followed by vomiting/ diarrhea – your Shih Tzu can get very sick in a few days if he contracts one of these diseases so it’s important to have him vaccinated against them as soon as possible

Shih Tzu vaccinations are cheap and easy ways to keep our pets safe from life threatening disease. If you really don’t want your pooch to have needles then consider the new nasal vaccine for parvo which is being used successfully in other countries. This involves squirting liquid parvo vaccine into the dog’s nose .

Does This Vaccination Include Other Vaccines Not Listed on This List?

It’s important to check the vaccine information insert, which will tell you what vaccines (if any) are included in that particular shot. The most common combination vaccine includes distemper and parvovirus but your veterinarian might give you the option of getting a separate rabies vaccination or an additional non-core vaccine like bordatella.

Please consult with your vet immediately if any adverse reactions occur. Some possible side effects include fever, lethargy/depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, swollen glands and hot spots. As long as it’s not one of the more serious possible reactions like seizures, diarrhea and allergic reactions or redness/ inflammation at the injection site, then these are usually normal signs that your pet’s system is working properly.

In some cases where precautionary measures were not taken (i.e., Shih Tzu vaccinations were given too soon after another vaccine; two different vaccines were injected into one leg/area instead of two different legs/ areas), you might notice a little swelling due to an immune response. This is known as post-vaccination granuloma.

Conclusion:

Vaccinating your shih tzu is one of the most important things you can do to keep them healthy and happy. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about what vaccines are right for your pet, how often they should be vaccinated against these diseases, and whether or not a particular vaccine may cause any side effects in your dog.

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.