my shih tzu

Question
Hi,
I have a 7 month old female shih tzu and we recently switched her to Royal Canin weight control from the puppy food. I've noticed that her stomach is more pink than usual and she doesn't like eating the diet food. Shes outside most of the day with my German shepherd, roaming around the backyard. I was wondering what might have caused the redness, and if I should take her to a vet.

                Thank you,

                  Kassandra

Answer
Hi Kassandra,

Your Shih Tzu is still a puppy, and should be kept on her puppy food for her first 12 months, before switching over to an adult dog food. Because puppies have nutritional needs that adult dogs do not have.

It's sort of unusual for a 7 month old puppy to need a weight control diet. Rather than trying to correct this problem with a reduced calorie food meant for an adult dog, you would do your dog a great service by increasing her daily exercise, if weight control is a problem. You should also look at the amount of food you're feeding your puppy, if she is over weight at 7 months old. You may be over feeding her, so adjusting the amount you feed, rather than switching food would be the answer. Some puppies require less than the feeding guidelines on the package suggests. If your dog is over weight she should not receive table scraps or in-between meal treats.

Obesity can compound all sorts of physical issues, like joint damage and pain, puts unnecessary stress on heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and makes your dog less likely to pull through surgeries. The treatment for this is free: tough love! Ignore those pleading eyes, get your dog on a realistic diet, and increase her exercise levels. Letting your puppy outside in your backyard does not count as exercise. Your dog needs at least half an hour of aerobic exercise every day. She can't get this in your back yard, and being over weight at 7 months old proves that. You must take her for walks on the leash.

You didn't say if your puppy is scratching, licking or chewing her belly, or if the skin looks broken, weepy, if there are sores, or looks infected. Without showing some signs of irritation or discomfort, there's not much the vet can do for you. I'd watch her for a few days so you'd have something to report to the vet.
Wash your puppy's belly with a good brand of dog shampoo containing oatmeal (it's good for soothing and cleansing sensitive skin) be sure you dry her well after. If she'll let you, dry the belly with a hair drier on low.

If however there are signs of irritation on your puppy's belly, or if redness persists for a week or longer, then yes, you should have her examined by your veterinarian.

Best of luck,
Patti