The best way to see why Southern Gems Shih-tzu is the premier breeder of AKC Imperial Shih-tzu is to stop on by when you're in the Charlotte NC area. Give me a call so we can arrange a time for a visit! For those of you who live too far away to drop in, we wanted to give you an idea of how Southern Gems Shih-tzu are pampered.
Health Care
Our veterinarian is Dr. Trixie Martin at Lazy 5 Veterinary Hospital in Salisbury, NC. Dr. Martin still makes ole' fashioned house calls.
Nutrition
Southern Gems shih-tzu are fed a combination of Royal Canin Puppy and Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover's Soul. Both are high quality, holistic foods which provide exceptional nutrition.
Exercise
Okay, the shih-tzu are not really into it...but, we do exercise them daily. It's for their own good! We have a fenced in front yard and an enclosed back porch where our pups are taken for several exercise times each day. We do get a little paw-dragging here and there, but, after they get going, they really do enjoy the sights and sounds of the outside!
Between play times, our furbabies do have additional walks and potty breaks, and they do plenty of racing and running through the house to burn up any additional energy!
Southern Gems expectant Belles continue eating Royal Canin and Chicken Soup dog food throughout their pregnancy and continue to receive Iverhart and Advantage.
Expectant Belles have an ultrasound to confirm their pregnancy, and an x-ray if necessary to determining the size of the litter. As the due date draws near, our little Belles are introduced to their birthing room which is a sunroom beside our living room. This location is optimal because it is close to family activity, yet private and can be closed off with french doors when mom and pups need some quiet.
Expectant Belles have 24 hour supervision as the due date approaches and their temperatures are taken regularly so that we NEVER miss a birth!
Newborn Pups: Oh My, Ain't That Adorable!
Southern Gems COMPLETE PUPPIES are weighed immediately after birth, daily for the first two weeks of life, and weekly thereafter.
At three days of age, our babies receive an initial health check by our vet, and their dew claws are removed.
Our littlest gems are monitored closely to ensure they receive adequate milk from their Momma, and they are handled daily, by adults only, for the first 3 weeks of life.
We regularly trim around the eyes, paw pads, and the nails.
After the first three weeks, our children begin to handle the pups regularly for socialization.
As the pups become more mobile, they are taken to safe indoor and outdoor areas for playtime and to get used to normal household noises and activities. Their initial nursery area is expanded to a full exercise pen at four weeks of age. They are introduced to puppy safe toys and love to chase each other around!
Around five weeks of age, Southern Gems COMPLETE PUPPIES receive their first bath and are introduced to our grooming station. Puppies continue to have the hair around their eyes and paw pads trimmed regularly as well as their nails.
Pups Weeks 6 to 9: Somebody Find that Mischievous One!
As they are weaned from Momma, Southern Gems COMPLETE PUPPIES are transitioned to Royal Canin and Chicken Soup dog food. Initially, we make puppy gruel by moistening their food with goat's milk. They continue to be socialized by our children and to play in their indoor and outdoor play areas. Also, during this time period, our little gems start potty pad training.
Southern Gems COMPLETE PUPPIES have a second health check and their first vaccination, given by our vet here in our home, at six weeks of age.
At nine weeks of age, we give our pups their second vaccination.
All vaccinations are given by our vet OR purchased directly through her office to ensure the highest standards. Improperly shipped or stored vaccinations WILL NOT protect your pet against disease. For this reason, we DO NOT use vaccinations purchased through online sources or at local farm supply stores.
Puppies receive weekly baths during this time period and short periods on our grooming stand encouraged with lots of yummy treats! Shih-tzu reguire extensive grooming due to their long, double coat. Early introduction to gentle grooming will make grooming throughout their life significantly easier.
A few of our larger puppies may be prepared to leave for their new homes at this age. Most, however, will stay with us until 12 weeks of age.
Pups Weeks 9 to 12: Preparing for their New Home
During this time, your Southern Gems COMPLETE PUPPY is continuing to socialize with its litter mates, work on potty training, crate training, and basic obedience commands such as sit and come. Regular grooming sessions continue, and your puppy will have his first topknot.
At twelve weeks of age, your puppy receives its third health check by our veterinarian and is given its third puppy vaccination.
