Growth of my runt Shih Tzu ; shih tzu growth ;

Question

Runt Shih tzu puppy   QUESTION: Hello,
I recently adopted a 7 week old shih tzu. She as been to the vet and has had her first Parvo shot and has been dewormed. The vet also said that she's very healthy and had no signs of distress. She is also the runt of her litter. She doesn't seem as fluffy as other shih tzu puppies her age, as seen in youtube videos I've watched. Do shih tzu runts typically encounter a delay in growth of their hair?

ANSWER: Hi Brent, What a sweet little Shih Tzu !   Glad the Vet gave her a good check up;  Girls are always smaller than boy pups.  Also, the runts are often late bloomers.  With good food, love and a good VET I am sure she will be great:

I would start her on the NuVET Plus Powder supplement - just 1/2 teaspoon per day mixed into some Wet and Dry food -  I love to do a TOPPER --- that's dry kibble with a little Wet canned food on top - mix the Supplement into the Wet Topper  -  

Some good brands are Innova ; Wellness; Solid Gold, Merrick -  Just try to stay away from any food you can buy in the grocery store.

For NuVET supplement, please go here:  NOT sold in stores:
All Natural
http://www.nuvet.com/81098  
YOU are looking for the Powder of NuVET Plus rather than the Wafers
Give a call and tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you:
1-800-474-7044  ( use referral code 81098 and ask about the 15% off Program )

As far as doggie parks and doggie daycares;  KEEP her away from other dogs until she is at least 3 months of age -  She has not had enough shots .

Your Vet may be able to give you guidelines and a growth chart - Ask about this on your next shots visit


BEST wishes!

Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again for the very helpful response! I purchased the NuVet and I am just waiting for it it come in the mail!! I do have another question however. Emma, my pup, seems to be a finicky eater. She prefers wet food but I am trying to introduce her to dry. I moisten the dry with chicken broth but she still doesn't prefer it. When she eats she's very apprehensive about the new food and doesn't eat very much. I usually cave and add some dry. This seems to throw her appetite off as well, doesn't always eat an entire bowl. How can I get her to start eating more dry food?

Answer
Hi - Glad you ordered the NuVET Pet supplement -  
If you need to hide the NuVET in some wet canned food, it's ok;
MOST dogs will eat it as a treat -  

As far as DRY kibble vs Wet/ Canned  dog food -  She can have 1/2 dry and place wet canned on top as a topper - Add a drizzle of water -- slightly mix -  

Also, feed the dry kibble as a treat - 3-4 morsels at a time ---

It's ok if you need to mix WET and DRY --- not a problem at all

Also, some dogs like a dash or two of PURE salmon oil, place over the dry food with a little sprinkle of warm water.


JUST be creative!
HAVE fun


Marie Peppers LPN MA