Anyone thing that either the Shih tzu breed carry or the Yorkie breed is known to have issues for can be passed on the a Shorkie puppy. Or in reality a shorkie can get all the issues known to both breed, So it is with any mixed breed dog. You also on the other hand can have the best of both worlds in a shorkie puppy that has missed every genetic issue that there is. It all boils down to us being responsible in breeding and do the very most we can to take out the Guess work!

Please make sure when you are picking a breeder no matter what breed you are considering that you choose a breeder that is testing for the issues that the breed has

For Shorkies it should be CERF TESTING.,. Bile acid Testing and OFA!

For mainting Good Health your Shorkie also needs a good vet!

Your Shorkie Needs a Vet

Take your time looking for a vet, and find a good one! A good veterinarian can make the difference between life and death in your puppy or dog. It is one of the most important decisions you will make after you decide to adopt a Shorkie. Here are some tips and considerations.

The vet you choose must have a personality you like! Remember you and your Shorkie have to feel comfortable with the vet you choose. Unfortunately some vets are great with animals, not so good with people. The best vets in the world treat the health of the animal patient and the hearts of the human owners! Best advice I can give to anyone is to find that kind of vet!!!

Research and interview your vet. Most of us know someone that already has a pet. Ask them for a referral and start there. Another great idea is to call the humane society in your area. Ads from the Yellow Pages mean nothing – generally the larger the Yellow Page ad, the less individual attention you are likely to get. Some of these huge practices leave quite a bit to be desired and are all about the money, and we will discuss that too.

When you find a vet you are considering, give the office a call. Ask the staff what would be an ideal time for you to drop by and introduce yourself. They should be happy to schedule an appointment to meet with you and get to know you. The veterinarian should be knowledgeable and professional, he should be pleasant and upbeat, and most of all he should be comfortable meeting you before meeting your pet. If a vet will not do this prior to you choosing them, that’s a big red flag. Keep looking!

The vet you finally choose should not act in a hurry or attempt to speed up the introductory meeting and rush you out. If he does, you should probably seek a less busy practice. I know for me, personally, there have been times at my vet’s practice when all the vets in the office have taken time out to help me with questions. You never, ever want to feel like your vet is in a hurry for any reason. If your vet is so busy that he has to rush you, then how do you know he won’t be too busy to properly care for your Shorkie and will miss something important because he is in a rush.

What does the reception area look like? Is the vet’s office clean? What is your first impression when you walk in? That is huge to me. My dogs live in my home in a very clean environment. I expect nothing less from a vet’s office. Are the rooms clean and free from odor? If not, gracefully decline meeting the vet and look elsewhere.

What kind of staff does the veterinarian employ? The receptionist’s attitude will set the tone for what your experience will probably be like with the veterinarian. As you enter the clinic, does the front desk greet you with a smile? While you are waiting to be seen, watch how all the staff around you interacts with one another and the other clients in the office. Feeling comfortable from the time you enter the clinic is important. Your Shorkie will read your emotions, and if you are comfortable, it is likely he will be too.

Make a list of your questions and ask them. It can be overwhelming at the vet’s office. I find that appointments go smoothly when I have prepared a list of questions to ask my vet or any vet for that matter. Having my notes with me always helps and keeps me on track. I also take notes so I can remember what answers the vet gave. Ask questions that are important to you and that you feel will be important to your Shorkie. The only stupid questions are the ones not asked.

You are within your rights as a consumer to find out answers to things you feel are important. Ask if your vet has ever before treated a Shorkie in his practice. If not, ask if he has Shih Tzu and Yorkie clients. Just as you need to ask your breeder questions, you need to approach interviewing a vet in the same manner. Some veterinarians explain things better than others. If you do not understand the answers to your questions, ask the vet to explain them in layman’s terms. Often vets forget that some of their terminology is a foreign language to us pet owners. Do not be afraid to speak up and get a clear understanding.

Cost. The cost of vet care can be high and differs all over the USA. Some clinics have puppy packages that they offer new clients which helps cut down on your costs. Ask the vet or his assistant to estimate the cost of the standard procedures, treatments and regular vet exams. This should give you a very good idea of what you are looking at in vet bills for the future. When a vet’s office offers “package deals,” this does not necessarily indicate they are any less competent or reputable. Some vets, believe it or not, do not get rich from being a vet and are actually there to care for animals. Of course on the other hand, some vets I have met over the years left me feeling that the almighty dollar was their only objective. Do your research, trust your instincts.

Your Vet and Your Shorkie. Once you have decided on the vet you feel comfortable with, make an appointment for your vet to meet your Shorkie. Remember, your Shorkie will sense your reactions, so if you have chosen the vet with whom you feel most comfortable, your Shorkie will sense your comfort level which will help alleviate any stress your Shorkie may read from you.

Also remember to be an active participant in your relationship with your vet. Even though you may feel, as I do, that you have found the world’s greatest vet, always keep in the back of your mind that vets are human, and like all humans, they aren’t always right! A good vet will welcome a collaborative relationship with you. A good vet knows he doesn’t always know everything. You are the one who knows your pet best. You’re the one living with your pet and spending the most time with him. Trust the radar inside of you that “something isn’t right here.” If you are uncomfortable with a diagnosis or treatment, discuss it with your vet. It is OK to disagree, and it is OK to seek a second opinion.

Price Matching. This is a bit of a secret that most vet offices won’t tell you. Many vets are willing to price match! If not for professional services, some will for medicines. So especially before you buy any medications from your vet for your Shorkie, make a few phone calls. If you can get it cheaper somewhere else and it is the same medicine, tell your vet. Very often, they will price match, and in this economy, how can you afford not to ask!

My vet is part of the VCA Animal Hospitals network, which operates more than 470 animal hospitals in 40 states across the USA. If you are interested, you can Google them to find out if there is a VCA vet in your area. My vet’s office price matches all of my meds when they are needed – just one more reason I love VCA vets! I believe VCA vets nationwide may price match medicines as well.

Here’s how it works with my vet, and I suspect almost any vet would follow suit. First call the Midway Veterinary Clinic, 417-451-7266 (Highway CC, Neosho, Missouri 64850). This is the cheapest place I have found in my price comparisons. Ask them to mail you a price sheet of all the meds they sell and bring the list to your vet’s office. Assuming your vet agrees to consider price matching, ask him to copy the list and keep it in your Shorkie’s file. This way if you ever need any medicine for your Shorkie, the information will be on hand and available when you need it, and hopefully your vet will be able to match the price. You will be amazed at the cost difference!

A Word About Holistic Vets
What is a holistic vet? Well, much the same as there are holistic doctors for humans, there are holistic vets for animals. In humans, a holistic doctor tries to look at the person as a whole, his overall physical, emotional, spiritual state, and treatments often avoid the use of conventional drugs. Similarly, whereas conventional vets mostly focus on and treat an animal’s symptoms, a holistic vet tries to analyze all aspects of a pet’s life to come up with a program that is preventative in nature without relying heavily on conventional drugs. Holistic medicine, in humans and pets, is often referred to as “Alternative Medicine” – alternative to conventional care. In some people’s opinions, holistic veterinary care is best for the health and welfare of your pet, and many are choosing to use holistic vets instead of traditional vets.

In my opinion, holistic vets should be used in conjunction with your traditional vet, not as a total replacement. I personally do not use a holistic vet, but holistic care is an option you should be aware of. Holistic treatments seem to work best with long-term problems like arthritis. In medical emergencies, always get to your regular veterinarian.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no nationwide holistic veterinary network similar to the network of VCA Animal Hospitals to whom I take my animals. Therefore, since it’s an option for you to be aware of, I have gathered a list of holistic vets for you. I am providing the list simply to help those of you who are looking to investigate a holistic approach to incorporate with your current vet care. I have no experience with the vets on this list, and cannot recommend that anyone should use them. However, if a holistic approach is one you want to explore, this list may help you begin your research. Just remember, like anything else, do your homework. Learn as much as you can about holistic medicine, and whether it’s for you. Learn about the vet you are considering, his track record and the techniques he is considering. You are the judge, and the final decision-maker. It is imperative that you research any health care provider you choose for your Shorkie!

The vets are listed by state where listings were available; I could find no listings for some states.


Arkansas
Dr. Pat Bradley, DVM, LPC
Conway, Arkansas
501-329-7901

California
Larry Bruk, DVM (homeopath)
Mill Valley, CA
415-381-0723

Molly Rice DVM, CVA
Coastal Holistic
Pacifica, CA
650-355-2810
She also practices in San Francisco at:
San Francisco Veterinary Specialists
San Francisco, CA
415-401-9200

Deborah Mathis, DVM
Saratoga, CA
408-499-3647

Patricia Vershines (homeopath, not DVM)
Santa Cruz, CA
831-426-0555

Deb Sell, BS, DC
Next Level Animal Chiropractic
Various veterinary offices throughout the
South Bay/Peninsula area including
Adobe Animal Hospital
San Jose, CA
408-779-2233
Cell: 408-460-9960

Laura Ryle, DVM
Santa Cruz, CA
831-427-3345

Sarah Skiwski, DVM
San Jose, CA
408-265-4503

Karen Rettig
Alternatives for Animals
Walnut Creek, CA
925-934-8042

Connecticut
Dr. Stacy Robertson, VMD
South Wilton Veterinary Group
Wilton, CT
203-762-2002

Animal Natural Healing Center
Fairfield, CT
203-254-8642

Dr. Jeff Feinman
Homevet
Weston, CT
203-222-7979

Florida
P.C. "Skip" Hightman, DVM
Brentwood Animal Clinic
Jacksonville, FL
904-354-0547


Dr. Boston
Country Chase Veterinarians
Tampa, FL
813-814-1814

Douglas Shearer
Live Oak Animal Clinic
Summerfield, FL
352-347-8030

Dr Gene Stine
Countryside Animal Hospital
Alachua, FL
386-462-7225

Dr Johnson
Country Chase Vet
Tampa, FL
813-814-1814

Dr. Billy Austin
Austin's House Calls
Longwood, FL
407-805-0172

Dr. Bredehoeft
Switzerland Animal Hospital
Jacksonville, FL
904-287-2527

Dr. Jan Weiher
Cedar Bay Vet Clinic
Winter Garden, FL
407-656-8004

Dr. Lindsey Jackson
Mayo Town & Country
Mayo, FL
386-294-5000

Dr. Martha Kehoe
Suntree Animal Clinic
Melbourne, FL
321-259-0904




Dr. Rimar
Tarpon Animal Hospital
Tarpon Springs, FL
727-934-0884

Dr. Robert Spiegel
Earth Vets
Gainesville, FL
352-332-9991

George A. Malnati, D.V.M., M.S.
Sunset Veterinary Surgery
Clearwater, FL
727-447-0256

Gerold Wessner, VMD
Holistic Animal Clinic
Summerfield, FL
352-245-2025

Nicole Trakas
Country Chase Veterinary
Tampa, FL
813-814-1814

Illinois
Dr. Karen Becker
Natural Pet Animal Hospital
815-929-9393
Burbonnais, IL

Knollwood Hospital for Pets
Schaumburg, IL
847-891-8944

Dr. Debora Rykoff
Barrington Hills IL
847-381-8458








Dr. Sig Hansen
Villa Park, IL
847-551-283
(Dr. Hansen also works in several different Chicago area clinics on different days of the week: Glendale Heights, IL, Grayslake, IL, Huntley, IL, Lincoln Park, IL, Skokie, IL)

Indiana
Daniel Beatty, DVM
Crown Point, IN
219-663-7515

Dr. Jenny Shebesh or Dr. Stacey Triscik
McAfee Animal Hospital
Valparaiso, IN
219-462-5901

Maryland
Animal Medical Center of Watkins Park
Upper Marlboro, MD
(Washington DC Metropolitan Area)
301-249-3030

Massachusetts
Hawthorne Animal Hospital
Salem, MA
978-741-2300

Dr. Martha Lindsay
Alternative Verterinary Services, LLC
Andover, MA
978-683-5775

Dr. A. Ghilaine Schless
Woburn Animal Hospital - Ledgebrook Kennel
Woburn, MA
781-933-0170

Dr. Evelyn Bailey
Silver Lake Veterinary Hospital
Tewksbury, MA
978-658-6400


Dr. Margo Roman
MASH (Main Street Animal Services of Hopkington)
Hopkington, MA
508-435-6274

Dr. Randy Caviness
Integrative Animal Health Center
Bolton, MA
978-779-2955

Dr. Scott Heckerling
Middlesex County Animal Hospital
Billerica, MA
978-779-2955

Dr. William Sager
Sager Animal Hospital
Acton, MA
978-263-3535

Dr. Melissa Sargent
Carlisle Animal Hospital
Carlisle, MA
978-369-9364

Minnesota
Dr. Jessica Levy & Dr. Cara White
Whole Health Veterinary
Blaine, MN
763-785-2700

Mississippi
Dr. Bob Cunningham
Veterinary Associates of Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, MS
601-261-0973

Missouri
Dr. Kenneth Thornberry
Veterinary Group of Chesterfield
Chesterfield, MO
314-537-3915




New Hampshire
Dr. Dan’s Integrative Pet Hospital
Hudson, NH
603-595-2287

New Jersey
Dr. Gerald Buchoff, DVM
Holistic Pet Care
Little Falls, NJ
973-256-3899

New Mexico
Dr. Don Hamilton, DVM
Ocate, New Mexico
505-666-2091

New York
Dr. Martin Goldstein & Associates
Smith Ridge Veterinary Center
South Salem, NY
914-533-6066

Ritzy Canine Carriage House
New York, NY
212-216-9177

The Vet at the Barn
Chestnut Ridge, NY
845-356-3838

Dr. Alberto Gil
Comprehensive Animal Health Care Center
Old Westbury, NY
516-997-3632

North Carolina
Dr. Charles Loops, DVM
Pittsboro NC
919-542-0442

Ohio
Dr Robert Gaston
Veterinary Wellness Center
Harrison OH
(West Side of Cincinnati)
513-367-4111
Rhode Island
Sharon R. Doolittle, DVM
Smithfield, RI
401-349-2668

Tennessee
Will Roberts, DVM
Animal Hospital of Anderson County
Clinton, TN
865-457-5626

Texas
Patricia A Cooper, DVM
Houston, TX
713-861-1155

Shawn Messonnier, DVM
Plano, TX
972-867-8800

Dr. Lynn Shiner
Padre Animal Hospital
Corpus Christi, TX
361-442-9066

Dr. Will Falconer
Alternatives for Animal Health
Austin, TX
512-288-5400

Vermont
Bear Swamp Veterinary Service
107 East Bear Swamp Rd.
Middlesex, VT
802-223-4171

Virginia
Amy Budzyn, DVM
Lake Forest Animal Hospital
Forest, VA
434-385-6468

Washington
Dr. Tejinder Sodhi
Bellevue, WA
425-455-9946

Brown's Point Veterinary Clinic
North East Tacoma, WA
253-927-1323

Wisconsin
Jodi Bohl, DVM
Eau Claire Animal Hospital
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-835-5011

Dr. Pedro Luis Rivera
The Healing Oasis
Sturtevant, WI
262-886-1100

Mark Baetke, DVM
Wolf River Vet Clinic
New London, WI
920-982-2733

Lisa Clark, DVM BS
Northwoods Veterinary Center LTD.
Gillett, WI
920-855-2229

Marta Engel, DVM
Rising Sun Animal Wellness Center
Viroqua, WI
608-637-2227

Martha Greco, DVM MPH
Baraboo, WI
608-516-8176

Jodie Gruenstern, DVM BS
Animal Doctor Holistic Veterinary Complex
Muskego, WI
414-422-1300

Jan Harkins, DVM
Reedsburg Small Animal Clinic
Reedsburg, WI
608-524-6545



Mary Hess, DVM
M & M Family Practice
Madison, WI
608-271-6494

Dr. Mike Kohn
The Petinary
Madison, WI
608-255-1239

Christine McCarthy, DVM
Rockwood Hospital for Pets
Merrill, WI
715-539-8811

Ann Margret Morgan, DVM
Silver Spring Animal Wellness Center
Glendale, WI
414-228-7655

Theresa Salee, DVM
Care Animal Clinic
Brookefield, WI
262-781-5993

Jan Schilling, DVM
Vet-Energy
La Farge, WI
608-625-4024