Shih Tzu Health and Wellness Guide

As a Shih Tzu owner, it's essential to understand the potential health issues your furry friend may face. Hypothyroidism is a common health problem in Shih Tzus, with 1 in 5 dogs affected.

Shih Tzus are prone to eye problems, including proptosis, where the eyeball bulges out of the socket. This can be caused by a shallow eye socket or a weak eyelid.

Regular grooming is crucial for Shih Tzus, as their long coat can easily become matted and tangled. Brush your Shih Tzu at least twice a week to prevent matting and keep their coat in good condition.

Shih Tzus are also prone to dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your Shih Tzu's teeth daily to prevent these issues.

Take a look at this: Shih Tzu Coat

Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems due to their small mouths, which can lead to overcrowded, misaligned, or missing teeth.

Brushing their teeth daily can prevent periodontal disease, a common issue in this breed. Regular dental care at home is essential.

They tend to come in a bit later and fall out earlier than other breeds, making regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian crucial.

Check this out: Shih Tzu Dog Teeth

Parasites can invade your Shih Tzu's body, inside and out. They can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone.

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites can infest your Shih Tzu's skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways.

Drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito are all ways your Shih Tzu can get parasites. Some of these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death.

Regular testing is crucial to detect parasites in your Shih Tzu. We'll recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy.

Your Shih Tzu's dental health is crucial, and brushing their teeth daily is a must to prevent periodontal disease.

Their small mouths can be prone to overcrowding, misalignment, or missing teeth, so regular check-ups with your vet are essential.

Shih Tzus tend to come in a bit later and fall out earlier than other breeds, which can lead to dental issues.

Brushing their teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease, a common problem in this breed.

An underbite, or undershot bite, can be an issue if it interferes with eating or causes injury to the soft tissues in the mouth.

Your veterinarian might recommend orthodontic treatment if your Shih Tzu has an underbite that's causing problems.

Brushing their teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease, a common problem in this breed.

Here's an interesting read: Shih Tzu Breed Characteristics

When it comes to feeding your Shih Tzu, it's essential to choose a high-quality, age-appropriate dog food that meets their nutritional needs.

To avoid overfeeding your Shih Tzu, be mindful of the treats you give them. Many store-bought treats are high in fats and sugars, which can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Shih Tzus are small dogs and can easily become overweight or obese, which can cause joint pain, heart problems, liver issues, and kidney disease.

Don't give your Shih Tzu people food, especially chocolate, onions, garlic, and desserts sweetened with Xylitol, as these can cause serious problems.

To keep your Shih Tzu healthy, stick to a consistent diet and avoid giving them table scraps.

Here are some healthy alternatives to treats:

Exercise is a crucial part of a Shih Tzu's life, and it's not as strenuous as you might think. They can get by with just one good walk per day.

A daily walk is essential, but it's not the only way to keep your Shih Tzu active. They can also get plenty of exercise running laps around your living room or playing indoor games like fetch, tug of war, or chase.

Shih Tzus are highly intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks to keep them mentally stimulated. This is especially important to prevent boredom, anxiety, and frustration, which can lead to unwanted behaviors.

To ensure your Shih Tzu gets the right amount of exercise, remember to start slowly and avoid overdoing it. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Exercise is essential for Shih Tzus to stay healthy and happy.

Shih Tzus need only one good walk per day, making them a great fit for apartment living. They can also get exercise running laps around the living room.

Consider reading: How Much Walking Does a Shih Tzu Need

A daily walk and regular inside play will keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy. You can play games like fetch, tug of war, or chase with them.

Shih Tzus are highly intelligent and can be taught to perform tricks to keep them mentally stimulated. This can help prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors.

Here's a quick rundown of what you can do with your Shih Tzu:

Remember, exercise is key to preventing boredom, anxiety, and frustration in Shih Tzus.

As you exercise your Shih Tzu, it's essential to be aware of potential bone and joint problems that can arise. Intervertebral disc disease is a common condition in Shih Tzus, where the jelly-like cushion between vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing pain and potentially leading to paralysis.

If you notice your dog suddenly unable to jump or go up stairs, reluctant to move around, or experiencing hunched back, crying out, or refusing to eat or go potty, seek veterinary attention immediately. Surgery may be needed to remove the ruptured discs within 24 hours of symptoms for the best results.

Providing ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on can help prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Weight control is also crucial in reducing the risk of IVDD.

Shih Tzus are prone to patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place. You might notice your dog suddenly picking up a back leg or skipping and hopping for a few strides, then kicking his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place.

Arthritis medication may be sufficient for mild cases of patellar luxation, but surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap for severe cases.

Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease in Shih Tzus, causing the hip joints to form improperly and leading to arthritis. You may notice lameness in your dog's hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down.

Treating arthritis early on can prevent discomfort and pain. X-rays can help identify hip dysplasia as early as possible, and surgery may be considered in severe cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

A unique perspective: Shih Tzu Weight Range

Here are some tips to help prevent or manage bone and joint problems in your Shih Tzu:

Shih Tzus are prone to certain eye and ear issues due to their unique physical characteristics. Their big, protruding eyes make them more susceptible to eye injuries and eye problems.

Scrapes or punctures to the cornea are common eye injuries that can be painful and affect vision. They can become infected and require immediate treatment. Medication and sometimes surgery may be necessary.

Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is a common condition in Shih Tzus. The tear glands no longer produce enough tears to keep the eye moist, resulting in sore, itchy eyes and infections.

Glaucoma is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea, and redness in the whites of the eyes.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shih Tzus. The lenses of the eyes become more opaque, making it difficult for the dog to see. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may be an option.

Here are some common eye problems that can affect Shih Tzus:

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any eye or ear problems early on, making treatment more effective.

Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have small mouths that can lead to overcrowded, misaligned, or missing teeth, and they're also prone to periodontal disease. Regular brushing and dental cleanings are a must.

Shih Tzus can also be prone to kidney issues, specifically Renal Dysplasia, which is an inherited condition where the kidneys don't develop normally. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for common health conditions, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye anomalies.

Some common health issues in Shih Tzus include allergies, bleeding disorders, cancer, liver problems, spine problems, and heart disease. Allergies can cause skin itching and inflammation, while bleeding disorders like Von Willebrand's disease can lead to severe bleeding. Cancer and liver problems can be life-threatening if left untreated. Spine problems like intervertebral disc disease can cause paralysis, and heart disease can lead to premature death.

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Shih Tzus are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have small mouths that can lead to overcrowded, misaligned, or missing teeth, so regular brushing and dental check-ups are crucial.

Dental problems can cause issues like periodontal disease, which can be painful and lead to other complications. Shih Tzus can also be prone to underbites, which can cause problems with eating and may require orthodontic treatment.

Shih Tzus are also prone to kidney issues, specifically Renal Dysplasia, which is an inherited condition that affects the development of the kidneys. This can lead to symptoms like excessive thirst, weight loss, and failure to thrive.

Related reading: Health Problems for Shih Tzus

Other common health issues in Shih Tzus include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye anomalies. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for these conditions, but it's still essential to work with a reputable breeder and keep an eye out for any signs of these issues.

Some Shih Tzus may experience Brachycephalic Syndrome, which is a breathing issue caused by an obstruction in the airways. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the blockage.

Allergies are also common in Shih Tzus, causing skin itching and inflammation, particularly in the feet, belly, and ears. Ear infections are a common complication of allergies, and it's essential to monitor for signs like scratching, shaking the head, and foul odor from the ears.

Shih Tzus are also prone to heart disease, which can occur early or later in life. Regular heart health checks and monitoring for symptoms like heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms can help catch the issue early.

Here are some common signs of serious disease in Shih Tzus:

Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for these signs can help catch any potential health issues early on, ensuring your Shih Tzu lives a happy and healthy life.

Cushing's Disease is a common problem in dogs, and Shih Tzus are more likely than other breeds to be affected.

The condition usually develops slowly, making it easy to miss the early signs.

Increased drinking and urination are often the first symptoms to appear, and your dog may also exhibit an increased appetite.

A reduced activity level can be a sign of Cushing's, followed by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss.

Treatment typically involves oral medications, and it's crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure correct dosing.

Shih Tzus are more prone to liver disorders than other dogs, and one common issue is portosystemic shunt (PSS).

This condition occurs when some of the blood supply meant for the liver goes around it instead, depriving it of the blood flow it needs to function properly.

If your Shih Tzu has PSS, their liver can't remove toxins from their bloodstream effectively, which can lead to serious health problems.

To check for PSS, we'll conduct a liver function test every time your Shih Tzu undergoes anesthesia, in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel.

Symptoms of PSS may include stunted growth or seizures, which require immediate attention from a veterinarian.

If your Shih Tzu develops these symptoms, we'll test their blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of their liver to determine the best course of treatment.

In some cases, PSS can be treated with a special diet and medication, but surgery may be necessary in other cases.

Spine problems can be a real concern for Shih Tzu owners. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition that can cause severe pain and even paralysis.

If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up, go up stairs, or move around, it's likely a sign of severe pain. He may also cry out, refuse to eat or go potty, or drag his back feet.

Rest and medication may resolve less severe cases of IVDD. However, in many cases involving paralysis, surgical removal of the ruptured discs within 24 hours of symptom onset is recommended.

Using ramps or steps from puppyhood on can help prevent back stress and spinal problems.

Keeping your Shih Tzu happy and healthy is largely a matter of common sense. Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Regular grooming is essential for your Shih Tzu's overall health. Brush her teeth and coat regularly to prevent problems.

Call us or a pet emergency hospital if you notice anything unusual with your Shih Tzu's behavior or health. This is crucial in preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.

Adhere to the recommended schedule of examinations and vaccinations to keep your Shih Tzu healthy. This will also help us detect any potential diseases or conditions early on.

Signing up for pet health insurance is a vital step in caring for your Shih Tzu. It will help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures she may need throughout her life.

Shih tzus are a toy breed, originating from Tibet and later becoming a favorite of Chinese royalty. They typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall.

Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a significant time commitment for owners.

Shih tzus are prone to eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Regular eye exams are essential to catch these issues early.

Their flat faces can also lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather. Keeping them indoors in air-conditioned spaces can help mitigate this risk.

Shih tzus can be prone to dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing and dental check-ups can help prevent these problems.

Their small size means they can be prone to injury if they're not handled carefully. Owners should be mindful of their Shih tzu's size and fragility.