As a Shih Tzu breeder with over 10 years of experience at Delasa Forever Shih Tzu, I've seen firsthand the health challenges this beloved breed can face. While Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10-16 years, they are predisposed to certain conditions due to their unique anatomy and genetics. The good news is that many health issues are preventable or manageable with proper care, regular veterinary checkups, and responsible breeding practices for families across the USA and Canada.
Why Shih Tzus Have Specific Health Vulnerabilities
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy: Causes breathing difficulties and heat sensitivity
- Large, prominent eyes: Prone to injury and infection
- Small mouth with crowded teeth: Leads to dental disease
- Long, dense double coat: Requires extensive grooming to prevent skin issues
1. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS)
Symptoms: Snoring (more than typical), gagging or retching after exercise, noisy breathing at rest, blue-tinged gums (emergency), collapsing after exercise.
Prevention & Management: Keep your Shih Tzu at a healthy weight, use a harness instead of a collar to avoid tracheal pressure, avoid exercise in hot weather (above 75°F/24°C), provide constant access to cool water, and consider surgical correction (stenotic nares or soft palate resection) for severe cases.
2. Eye Problems in Shih Tzus
Common conditions: Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca), Corneal Ulcers, Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cherry Eye.
Prevention: Keep hair around eyes trimmed short to prevent irritation, use veterinarian-approved artificial tears if eyes appear dry, clean tear stains daily with a soft damp cloth, schedule annual eye exams with a veterinary ophthalmologist, and protect eyes during car rides to prevent debris.
3. Dental Disease in Shih Tzus
By age three, over 80% of Shih Tzus show signs of periodontal disease. Signs: Bad breath (not normal "dog breath"), yellow or brown tartar buildup, red/bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, difficulty eating or dropping food.
Prevention: Brush teeth daily using dog-specific toothpaste, provide dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, schedule professional cleanings under anesthesia annually starting at age 2-3, feed dental-specific kibble or use water additives.
4. Luxating Patella (Trick Knee)
Symptoms: Intermittent skipping or hopping while running, sudden yelp and lifting of hind leg, reluctance to jump or use stairs, in severe cases persistent lameness.
Treatment: Grade 1-2 (mild): weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin), physical therapy. Grade 3-4 (severe): surgical correction to deepen the groove and stabilize the kneecap.
Prevention at Delasa Forever Shih Tzu: I screen all breeding dogs for luxating patella before breeding.
5. Hip Dysplasia
Signs: Difficulty rising or lying down, bunny-hopping gait, reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs, pain when hips are touched.
Management: Weight management (most important), joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s), low-impact exercise (swimming, leash walks), anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by vet, surgery for severe cases.
6. Skin Allergies & Hot Spots
Common allergens: Food: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, corn. Environmental: pollen, dust mites, mold, grass. Flea allergy dermatitis (severe reaction to flea saliva).
Symptoms: Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing, red inflamed skin, hair loss especially on paws/belly/ears, recurrent ear infections, hot spots (moist painful infected skin patches).
Treatment: Elimination diet to identify food triggers, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, antihistamines or prescription medications (Apoquel, Cytopoint), regular flea prevention year-round.
7. Ear Infections
Signs: Head shaking or tilting, scratching at ears, redness or swelling inside the ear, foul odor or discharge (brown, yellow, or bloody), pain when ears are touched.
Prevention: Clean ears weekly with veterinary-approved ear cleaner, pluck excess hair from ear canals (or have groomer do it), keep ears dry after baths and swimming, check ears regularly for redness or odor.
8. Bladder Stones & Urinary Issues
Symptoms: Straining to urinate, frequent attempts to urinate with little output, blood in urine, urinating in inappropriate places.
Prevention: Provide constant access to fresh clean water, feed a high-quality diet appropriate for your dog's age and health, allow frequent potty breaks (don't force them to hold it too long), annual urine screening for early detection.
The Importance of Choosing a Responsible Breeder
Many health issues in Shih Tzus are genetic. At Delasa Forever Shih Tzu, I conduct all recommended health screenings and provide complete records to new owners. My available Shih Tzu puppies for sale come from health-tested parents and include a written health guarantee. Recommended health screenings include: eye diseases (CERF certification), luxating patella (vet evaluation), hip dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP), and heart conditions (cardiac exam).
Regular Veterinary Care is Essential
- Puppy visits (8-16 weeks): Vaccinations, deworming, physical exam
- Annual adult wellness exams (1-7 years): Physical exam, vaccines, blood work, dental check
- Senior wellness (7+ years): Bi-annual exams, more frequent blood work, geriatric screening
Conclusion: Proactive Care = Longer, Happier Life
While the list of potential health issues may seem overwhelming, the vast majority of Shih Tzus live long, healthy lives with proper care. By choosing a responsible breeder, maintaining regular vet checkups, and being attentive to your dog's needs, you can minimize health risks and maximize the precious years you have together. Browse our available Shih Tzu puppies or contact Carolina to discuss upcoming litters from health-tested parents.
