A VETERINARY technician has confessed to wincing every time a specific canine breed is on their schedule.
They said the dog has numerous health issues that cause appointments to last longer than they should.
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Vet techs can earn up to $43,740 a year working in private clinics, labs, and animal hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
They are expected to “treat animals with kindness” and have compassion toward pet owners.
Observing animals and providing treatment to those sick or injured can be rewarding.
However, posting under the handle u/Distend, one vet tech took to Reddit to complain about the “unhealthiest” dog breed they’ve experienced.
“I have never met a single Shih Tzu without multiple awful health problems in my entire career,” they wrote.
“Allergies galore, KCS [keratoconjunctivitis sicca] guaranteed, diabetes, MPLs [medial patella luxation], collapsing tracheas, and CHF [congestive heart failure] as far as the eye can see!
“I cringe every time I see one on the schedule because I know the 20-minute appointment is going to turn into an hour-long discussion about ten different medical issues.”
Many Redditors up-voted the post and shared their opinions on the dog breed.
“No one has any idea what they’re getting into when they get a Shih Tzu,” one person wrote.
“Cute puppies, ugly a** adults with every eye, ear, skin problem imaginable.”
“And for some reason, those issues are usually ignored?” another said.
“‘Oh she’s just in for a nail clip,’ queue [the] most messed up dog you’ve ever seen…”
“I see loads of Shih Tzus with the issues you’ve described, but they’re all, like, 14 y/o +….or maybe I just recall them all being old because Shih Tzus all look 14 to me, even if they’re 3,” a third said.
According to the American Kennel Club, most Shih Tzus are “generally healthy” and don’t require any mandatory health testing.
The breed has a long coat that requires daily brushing and the hair on their head must be trimmed routinely or tied into a topknot.
They are satisfied with short daily walks and do well on “high-quality” dog food.
Signs your dog could turn dangerous
Expert advice from Dr. Sara Ochoa, who has been practicing veterinary medicine for over five years.
Ochoa told The U.S. Sun observing a dog's behavior can provide clues that they might act out.
“A dog that looks tense all over with its fur sticking up or teeth showing is more likely to snap,” she said.
“Staring real hard without blinking could mean trouble too.
“Growling is also a warning the dog is getting mad.”
She said dogs may tuck their tail between their legs when they feel scared or threatened.
“Staying calm and keeping space may help things not to escalate if a dog seems on edge,” she said.
Shih Tzus have a life expectancy of 10-18 years.
The Reddit discussion about dog health comes after other users slammed breeders of the “exotic bully.”
The small dog has a short life expectancy and their heavy weight can cause a low quality of life.
“Today was the second time I've seen an ‘exotic bully,’” Redditor u/Myfeesh wrote.
“If you haven't had the privilege, it's sort of a bulldog/pitbull/Frenchie? Oh, and it's only about 10 kgs [2 lbs].
“Smushed face, cropped ears, bow-legged at both ends, blue merle for some ungodly reason, and breathing like a Frenchie.
“I literally felt sick just looking at this animal.”
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