part of my Shih-Tzus coat is coarse

Question
QUESTION: Hi Marie, My gorgeous female Shih-Tzu is almost 11months old. Ever since I have had her I have kept her short but I prefer her long, she has no knots and I groom her about 3 times a week. However I have noticed that when I handle her I have quite a bit of hair on my clothes and I just wondered if this was normal as alot say they don't lose much hair. I have also noticed that her hair around her face and legs is soft but the coat on her back is quite coarse but my friend's Shih-Tzu is very soft all over. I also wanted to ask you what shampoo or natural product would be best to use to make her as soft as possible. I feed her on Royal Canin. Love reading your site I find it fascinating, many thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Sam!  Thanks for the kind words.....
Ok, Is there any way to start on a new food?  We can change her slowly to a better food with less grain.  Here is what I suggest for your kid....  Also, some shih tzu doggies will have course coats and it can be genetic.  A better food and a few supplements will be helpful for her skin, coat , legs, hips and joints....


By-the-way: here are the ingredients in your dog food:
JUST an average food for the price..
The Wellness or Innova Evo will cost around the same as the Royal Canin or very close to that price.

Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, brewers rice, chicken fat, oatmeal, chicken, wheat gluten, natural chicken flavor, dried beet pulp (sugar removed), rice hulls, anchovy oil, dried egg powder, potassium chloride, soya oil, calcium carbonate, DL-methionine, fructo-oligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, L-tyrosine, salt, choline chloride, taurine*, Vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol (source of vitamin E), inositol, niacin supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C*), d-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], borage oil, Trace Minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], marigold extract (Calendula officinalis L.), glucosamine hydrochloride*, L-lysine, L-Carnitine*, tea (green tea extract), chondroitin sulfate*, preserved with natural mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract and citric acid.

OK-
I would like to see her on this food :
Innova EVO or Wellness Core ( both make small bites)
Both are Grain free foods....


Here is Wellness Core ingredients:

SEE the quality is much better than what you were feeding:

Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whitefish Meal, Potatoes, Salmon Meal, Natural Chicken Flavor. Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a natural source of Vitamin E), Tomato Pomace, Cranberries, Chicory Root Extract, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B-12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Rosemary Extract.

I would like to see you do a 50/50 mix of your old food and the new food for 30 days.  After that time you can go to 100% feeding the new dog food.

Next, I would like to see your gal take a small dosage of vitamin E every-other-day.  Give her (1) 150 IU of Vitamin E.  This is great for her skin and coat.  Remember, you need to do this just every-other-day for at least a few months.

Shampoo:  go to your local pet store and look for a Natural and Holistic dog Shampoo....MUST be a holistic "Natural" one.....
Look for something that is very mild.  
NuVET ( see below) does sell some good doggie shampoos that are Natural...

And the Last thing you can do is Start onto the NuVET Program.
A wonderful Immune system booster and Skin Enhancer.  YOU will see a difference in just 2 weeks.  Softer and more flowing coat!
She needs just 1 per day or 1/2 per day if she is under 10 lbs.
The NuVET comes is a Wafer treat that is Yum Yum good!
Here is how to get the NuVET sent right to your Door.

**********************
NuVET wafers ( treats) / The number one supplement in the usa for skin and allergies.
1-800-474-7044
Tell them you want to start with a 90 count - This will only last you 90 days - *** YOU can ask about auto ship and the 15% off discount.
Tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you and give order code 81098--
Marie Peppers , Ask the pet nurse

The web site is :  Secure site:

http://www.nuvet.com/81098


OK, any  Questions????
I am here, just ask

Marie Peppers LPN MA

Join my Free Yahoo group

HOW to save money on your vet bills:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/nuvetsavesmoneyonvetbills/

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

QUESTION: Sorry Marie, one more thing if you could recommend a food that I could get in the Uk quite easily that would be good. Obviously I want the best for my Honey so if I have to order it then I will. What do you think of Science diet natures wellness or James Wellbeloved.
Sorry to trouble you many thanks
Sam

Answer
Ok, In the UK you will be limited:  Look for Nature's Sunshine Products in your local health food store. ( I believe the Nature's Sunshine is sold all over the world)
As for the Wellness or the James - very good - just look at the ingredients:  If you want - pick a food and send me the link.
I will look at it and let you know if it is good for your little one.

As for the NuVET - you can't get this in the UK.  How about you try to get something close to the NuVET-  Look for a Pet immune system booster and vitamin all in ONE....

Boy, I wish that I knew more about the brands you are able to get in the UK.

Let me know what you find.

Marie Peppers LPN MA