baby shisztu

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

hi dr , i wanted to ask a few question before my baby gets to me, first i had a shihztu for 17 years he passed away 3 weeks ago of a inlarged heart and liver. he had a lot of skin problems and was on preds for years shots and pills i belive this gave him cushings.  now i have a little one coming and want to avoid the skin problems dont want to live next 17 years doing for her what we did for him. is the food to feedher to help her not get skin problems and what kind shampo to use my vet has some but i need your opinion please. i loved my baby boy and did all i could to help him spent thousands inthe 17 years trying to keep him well, so scared i will have that again. it looks like shihztu have skin problems, i went and paid lots for her from a breeder who says they go back 4 generations to breed and she will not have it , but i scared dont want to take any chances. so is there food/shampoo/treats that wont help her get the skin problems anything you can tell me is so welcome thanks again. barbara

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Skin problems due to allergies is a life long problem for any animal of any species.  And yes it can be hereditary.  Unfortunately, Shih Tzu's a high on the list for being allergic dogs.  Even if your breeder has had several generations without allergies it does not mean that your dog will not have them.

The good news is that they are coming out with more efficient treatments all the time.

To start your puppy off right get him or her immediately on grain free puppy food containing meat, fish or poultry with vegetables and fruit.  Begin giving the following as food supplements soon after you get your puppy: a vitamin and mineral supplement called Missing Link , Colostrum, and a probiotic (good bacteria supplement).  Double your dose of the probiotic any time your puppy has to have an antibiotic or anti-parasitic medication.  Use Revolution as your flea and tick repellent and heartworm preventative for at least one year.  Have your dog only vaccinated with the recommended regimen for the first two years, than request that your vet perform vaccine titers.  It has been shown that some vaccines last much longer than only one year.

If your dog does develop skin disease see a board certified veterinary dermatologist ASAP.  This will more likely keep your pet off the steroids longer.  Have allergy testing if deemed necessary.  Stay Proactive!

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

ok thank you , can i get the revolution from the vet? and as far as the vaccines what should she get first two years , and which last longer than a year. i started not geeting my other shots every year i did the rabies, and the heartworm pills, but i stoped all the other shots as he got older, my vet likes to give everyone of them, are they bad for her as a puppy. thank you so much trying to learn more so i can know more for her .