Improving the breed, one dog at a time.
Heart
Our Shih Tzu at Sweetwater Shih Tzu are also certified for their heart. A certified, licenced veterinarian listens to the heart on all three sides of the chest to ensure that there are no heart murmurs or abnormal heart rhythms.
Kidneys
Juvenial renal dysplasia (JRD) is a genetic defect of the kidneys. Dogs affected with renal dysplasia have had an embryonic arrest in kidney development at some time around birth. The immature nephrons normally found in you n puppies persist through life. All of our parents have been tested and certified for their kidneys.
Dr. Emily Edstrom enjoys all aspects of oral surgery, including root canals and extractions. She is particularly interested in treating different forms of oral tumors.
Dr Edstrom is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, and completed her residency at the Center for Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery in Gaithersburg Maryland.
Dr. Donnell Hansen frequently speaks on on dentistry and oral health topics for the veterinary community. She has a particular interest in cancer care and repair of traumatic injuries.
Dr Hansen is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, and completed her residency at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Sweetwater Shih Tzu
Dr. Metzen, DVM, completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota and obtained her DVM degree in 2002 from the University of Minnesota with a passion for dermatology. She specializes in brachycephallic breeds, including the Shih Tzu. She also has extensive experience with training and behavioral issues. Many of our forever families have established long term relationships with Dr. Metzen.
License # MN862526
Proud to be licensed by:
Thyroid
Our Shih Tzu at Sweetwater Shih Tzu are also certified for their Thyroid. The thyroid gland controls the metabolism.
Liver
Our Shih Tzu at Sweetwater Shih Tzu are also certified for their liver. The liver is an important organ that helps remove toxins from the bloodstream.
Dental
The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed (short nose) and has a natural, slight underbite. An underbite that is too prominent or an overbite can lead to problems with discomfort, missing teeth and even problems eating. A correct bite will prevent the dog's tongue from hanging or protruding from the mouth. All of our parents have been certified for their bite, and receive regular dental care & cleanings at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital.
Sweetwater Shih Tzu © 2013 I Privacy Policy
At Sweetwater, our Shih Tzu are thoroughly examined by the veterinarian and certified for their eyes, kidneys, teeth, heart, liver and thyroid.
We are proud to have such an amazing team of veterinarians. They assist us to ensure all of our Shih Tzu are in excellent health and are receiving optimal nutrition, exercise and socialization. Our puppies receive a thorough health examination at 8 weeks of age by Dr. Metzen, DVM to ensure that they are healthy and socialized. Some breeders attempt to perform their own vaccinations, however, all of our vaccinations are given by the veterinarian to ensure that they are performed properly.
Are mixed breeds or purebreds healthier?
It should not be assumed that mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds. For example, if a Maltese with hip dysplasia is bred to a Shih Tzu with hip dysplasia, the mixed breed puppies will be born with a genetic predisposition for developing hip dysplasia. Being a mixed breed does not remove the genetic predisposition passed down by one or both parents.
Only a thorough examination by a licensed veterinarian accompanied by the appropriate testing will show if the dog has a genetic disorder or will be prone to developing a genetic disorder later in life. This is why genetic testing is so important, and why all Sweetwater Shih Tzu are examined and certified.
Eyes
Shih Tzu can be prone to dry eye, glaucoma, and distichiasis. It is important to ensure that your Shih Tzu's puppy has strong healthy eyes that are well proportioned and positioned well on their face.
Genetic Testing through Embark
Our mission at Sweetwater Shih Tzu is to raise beautiful, healthy, and very socialized puppies while improving the genetics of the Shih Tzu breed. Like every breed, there are several serious disorders that Shih Tzu can develop. These disorders are serious as they can be physically debilitating or even fatal to the dog, as well as emotionally devastating to the family.
At Sweetwater, all of our parents and our puppies are DNA tested through Embark. This test screens for over 270 health risks.