OOH What a Smell shih tzu possible yeast;

Question
Hi, I just acquired a Shih Tzus from a lady on Kijji, shes a female and boy did she smell when I got her, it was like she was living in a trash dumpster or something.  I immediately went to my girlfriends house who also has a shih tzus and got some dog shampoo.  Is there something  need to know about this breed having BO (body odors)?  I gave her a bath she smells a little better, she was not reluctant to being groomed, however she is terribly matted on her paws and she doesn't want her teeth brushed, she is leashed trained and doesn't mind sleeping in her crate for night time. I was told she is two yrs old, she feels like she may way between 10-20 lbs not sure.  Can you suggest something?  Is the dogs nails suppose to be long?  Do all shih tzus have enough hair to ponytail?  I don't think she is fixed and her ooh wee appears to be a little puffy, is that normal?

Answer
Hi - Well, I would take her to the vet for a good check up and have her nails trimmed.  She may even need to be shaved- like a puppy cut because of all the mats.
In the future, you can grow her hair out again with Daily brushing.

As for her smell, she may have an overgrowth of yeast bacteria in her intestines and even in her skin.  I would give her 1 probiotic vitamin per day : WE have great luck with Flora Force by Nature's Sunshine.  Give her one per day - for 6 weeks ---- hide in some cheese or open up and mix into some wet canned food.


http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=4080


Also, for NICE coat , skin and protection of legs, hips and joints give 1 Omega 3 Oil pill per day - hide in cheese ...
Nature's Sunshine Omega 3
( give 1 per day for the first month and then just (1) every-OTHER-DAY FOR LONG TERM...
http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=1515


Also, NuVET Natural Canine Supplement is WONDERFUL for the Smell, skin, coat - and general health.
Thousands of Shih Tzus are on 1/2 or 1 full NuVET wafer per day.
Holisitc and NOT found in any pet store:
see here to order:
LOW cost - only around .60 cents per day for most dogs.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
TELL them order code 81098 / you need a referral to order thru the manufacturer and not the vet office.
1-800-474-7044   ( tel them YOU are working with Pet Nurse Marie)



Good luck - YOU best bet is a shave down or PUPPY cut - which is almost a shave down.  GROOMER or VET office can do this...
Don't worry about the teeth - Good food will help:
Grain free dog treats help clean the teeth:
WE love the SoJo's treats - NOT just grain free-
Many treats here:
WE also like the SoJo's GREEN bag of dog food ( grain-free mix)
http://www.sojos.com/index.aspx?affiliate=petnurse



BEST wishes with your new girl!


Marie Peppers LPN MA
ASK the pet nurse