Shih Tzu Signs of Aging and What to Expect

As a Shih Tzu ages, you can expect to see some noticeable changes in their behavior and physical appearance. One of the first signs of aging is weight gain, which can lead to mobility issues and make it harder for them to get up from a lying down position.

Shih Tzus typically live between 10 to 16 years, and their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and health conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early on.

Shih Tzus may also experience age-related dental problems, such as tooth loss and gum recession, which can lead to bad breath and difficulty eating.

As your Shih Tzu ages, you may notice changes in their physical appearance. Changes in body shape can be a sign of aging, as your Shih Tzu's weight and muscle mass may shift.

Eye changes are also common in aging Shih Tzus. I've seen many Shih Tzus develop cloudy or yellowish eyes as they get older.

Your Shih Tzu's coat color may also change with age. Some Shih Tzus may develop white patches or graying around the muzzle.

Here are some common physical signs of aging in Shih Tzus:

Teeth may also be affected by aging, as your Shih Tzu's teeth may become yellowed or worn down.

Broaden your view: Shih Tzu Dog Teeth

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is not common but does happen in the Shih Tzu breed.

Hair loss in Shih Tzus is not common, but it can happen.

There are many reasons thinning and lost hair can happen in Shih Tzus.

Causes of hair loss in Shih Tzus can vary.

Explore further: Shih Tzu No Hair

Dogs' teeth can be a great indicator of their age, especially in young puppies where vets can determine age via teeth more easily.

Typically, a dog's adult teeth grow in by six months of age, making it a less reliable method for determining age after that.

Dental disease can affect dogs of any age, but signs of tooth wear and loss, and periodontal disease generally increase with age.

If your dog has terrible breath, it's likely a sign of poor dental hygiene that's worth exploring with a vet.

On a similar theme: Adult Shih Tzu Dog

As your Shih Tzu ages, you may notice changes in their weight and body shape. Fat pads typically start developing over their lower back or lumbar area.

Aging can cause fat distribution to change, making your pup look chonky or swaybacked. This can be a normal part of aging, but it could also be a sign of a condition like spondylosis.

Your vet will do a physical examination and may take x-rays to determine if your dog has spondylosis or not. This will help you understand what's going on with your pup's body.

A number on a scale isn't always a reliable indicator of a healthy weight for a senior pup. This is because fat distribution changes with age, and what looks healthy at one age may not be the same at another.

Extra weight on a senior dog can exacerbate mobility issues caused by conditions like dog arthritis. This makes it even more important to keep your pup's weight under control to prevent mobility problems.

Expand your knowledge: My Dog Shih Tzu

As your Shih Tzu ages, you may notice stiffness in their joints, which can be a telltale sign of aging.

Glucosamine production in your dog's body typically starts to slow down around four to five years of age, which can affect their joints.

Your Shih Tzu may gain weight due to restricted movement, making joint issues even more pronounced.

They may also lick their sore joints in an attempt to soothe them.

To combat joint issues, joint supplements can be helpful, but many contain fillers and additives that can cause allergies or stomach upset.

TRI-ACTA for Pets is a joint supplement that contains only the essential components like glucosamine and chondroitin, which work together to repair joints.

It also includes methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a naturally-occurring anti-inflammatory that helps keep joints stable.

Here are some key benefits of TRI-ACTA for Pets:

If your Shih Tzu is already experiencing joint issues, TRI-ACTA H.A. is a good option, as it contains the same formulation of ingredients as TRI-ACTA but adds hyaluronic acid to improve synovial fluid viscosity and provide maximum relief.

As your Shih Tzu ages, you may notice some changes in their behavior that can be concerning. Frequent barking or whimpering could be a sign that your dog is in pain, confused, or anxious.

Some aging dogs may stop responding to their owner's voice, show confusion at requests, or be unbothered by loud noises that once caused a reaction. This is often due to hearing loss.

Senior Shih Tzus can experience anxiety, which can manifest as barking or whimpering. Fortunately, there are various solutions available, such as calming collars, treats, sprays, and medication (prescribed by a vet).

Here are some behavioral changes to watch out for:

It's essential to be aware of these changes and consult with a vet if you notice any unusual behavior in your aging Shih Tzu.

As your Shih Tzu ages, you may notice some common conditions that can affect their quality of life. One of the telltale signs of aging is stiff, uncomfortable joints, which can lead to stiffness, weight gain, and excessive licking of sore joints.

Stiff joints are often caused by a slowdown in the production of essential fluids that keep joints moving freely, which typically starts to slow down around four to five years of age. Glucosamine supplements can help, but many contain fillers and additives that can cause allergies and stomach upset.

Some senior dogs may develop symptoms such as stiffness, weight gain, and joint pain, which can be treated with joint supplements like TRI-ACTA for Pets, which contains no fillers or additives and works to repair joints by generating new cartilage, muscle, and ligaments.

Here are some common age-related conditions to be aware of:

If you suspect your Shih Tzu has dementia, look out for signs such as confusion, pacing, and decreased desire to play or interact, and consult with your vet for proper evaluation and treatment.

As dogs age, they can develop a range of conditions that affect their physical and mental health. One common condition in older Shih Tzus is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which is the canine equivalent of dementia.

This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including appearing confused and not responding to their name, pacing and having difficulty finding their way around the house, and acting depressed.

In addition to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, older dogs may also experience physical changes such as weight changes, joint conditions, and eye changes. These changes can be a normal part of aging, but they can also be a sign of an underlying condition.

Dogs may also develop dental issues, such as changes in their teeth, which can affect their overall health and wellbeing.

Here are some common conditions that can affect older dogs:

If you notice any of these changes in your dog, it's essential to have them checked out by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.

As your dog ages, they may develop symptoms that need treatment to keep them comfortable. Sometimes, these symptoms can be managed with simple changes to their daily routine.

It's essential to work with your vet to determine the best course of treatment for your aging dog. They can help you identify the underlying conditions causing the symptoms and recommend the most effective treatments.

Your vet may prescribe medication to help manage conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism. To ensure your dog takes their medication, try using pill pocket treats or hiding pills in irresistible foods like peanut butter or cheese.

Liquid medication can be squirted directly into your dog's mouth, but if you're having trouble getting them to accept it, talk to your vet about alternative options. They may be able to compound the pills into a liquid or recommend a cream that can be applied to the inside of their ears.

Consistency is key when giving your dog medication. Try to give it at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of medication in their body.

To help manage symptoms, your vet may also recommend special food that should be fed exclusively unless otherwise indicated. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully to ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need.

Here are some common symptoms that may require treatment in aging dogs:

As your Shih Tzu ages, you may notice some lifestyle changes that can impact their overall health and happiness.

Giving your Shih Tzu supplements like TRI-ACTA as early as possible can help support their joint health and reduce soreness and joint conditions from developing.

It's essential to be patient when changing your Shih Tzu's diet and exercise regimen. You may need to try different approaches, such as shorter walks one day and longer walks the next, to find what works best for your dog.

Sometimes, senior Shih Tzus prefer wet food because it's softer and easier to eat compared to kibble. This can be a great option for dogs with dental issues or sensitive teeth.

Feeding a bland diet can be helpful when your Shih Tzu is experiencing tummy troubles, as it can help them recover quickly. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet.

A unique perspective: What Can Shih Tzu Puppies Eat

Here are some tips for making lifestyle changes with your senior Shih Tzu:

As your Shih Tzu ages, you can expect to notice some significant changes in their behavior and physical needs.

Senior dogs need more patience, adjustments to their diet, and lighter exercise and play, such as short walks and chill games.

Caring for a senior Shih Tzu requires more frequent trips to the vet, as they may need more attention to their health.

Some Shih Tzus become more affectionate and want to spend more time with their owners, while others may prefer to retreat to a cozy nook and be left alone.

Senior dogs may lose patience with young children or puppies, so it's essential to provide a calm and quiet space for them to relax.

Gradual changes in behavior, such as sleeping more or eating less, are common in aging Shih Tzus, but significant changes like not eating for more than a couple of days or acting extremely frightened, may indicate a health issue.

Regular check-ups with the vet are crucial to monitor your Shih Tzu's health and catch any potential problems early on.

Discover more: Shih Tzu Behavior

As your Shih Tzu ages, proactive care becomes crucial to maintain their comfort and quality of life. One of the best supplements you can give your dog as early as possible is TRI-ACTA.

By giving your dog this joint supplement, their joints will be better supported through increased production of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM as they age, reducing soreness and joint conditions from developing.

Regular veterinary check-ups are vital to monitor your Shih Tzu's health and catch any potential issues early on.