Common health problems with Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus, with their adorable faces and friendly dispositions, are beloved companions around the world. Despite their small stature, they come with a big personality and an even bigger heart.

However, their unique physical features also make them prone to certain health issues. Awareness and early detection can play a key role in managing these conditions, ensuring your Shih Tzu leads a comfortable, joyful life.

Let’s dive into some of the common health challenges.

Most common Shih Tzu health conditions

Glomerulonephropathy

This condition is an inherited disease. It's passed on due to a genetic mutation, causing the body to lose excess protein due to kidney problems. It leads to kidney failure, often in young dogs. 

Vets diagnose this condition through excess protein testing in urine and blood. Early diagnosis allows for diet and management changes that can slow progression. There's no cure.

The main thing is to get this diagnosed early and manage it throughout your Shih Tzu's life.

Eye problems

Shih Tzu’s suffer from eye conditions. It's mainly due to the shape of their skulls, which exposes their eyes more than other breeds. Owners can see problems like dry eye, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). 

Dry eye (KCS) is a condition where one or both eyes don’t produce enough or the correct type of tears. The condition leads to the eye becoming very dry. It can cause infections and ulcers; these are painful and need treatment to keep the eye healthy. 

Inherited cataracts look like a ‘clouding’ of the eye lens. It affects vision in young pups, leading to sight loss. 

Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited condition. It causes the gradual loss of sight due to cell degeneration at the back of the eye.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

This condition can cause severe breathing problems. It's a result of their shorter faces, narrow nostrils, nasal passages, and airways. BOAS can severely impact your dog’s quality of life.

Exercise and hot weather can cause your short-faced dog to struggle to breathe. You need to carefully monitor it, as it may reach a point where it may become an emergency. To help your dog breathe, you may need urgent veterinary care, especially if it's not managed properly. 

Orthopaedic problems

Inherited conditions like luxating patella (LP) and hip dysplasia are common. It's due to their short stature and the stresses on their limbs. 

LP is where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing your dog to hold its back leg(s) up whilst walking or moving. Vets classify the condition with four grades. The more severe grades need surgical intervention. 

Hip dysplasia is where your dog’s hip joint doesn't fit together. The bones rub on each other leading to inflammation (swelling), pain and arthritis. Some dogs only face mild discomfort. Others experience severe disability and discomfort. Your veterinary surgeon can identify an appropriate treatment plan involving:

• diet

• exercise

• physiotherapy

• pain relief

Dental disease

Dental diseases are commonly seen in Shih Tzu dogs because their teeth can easily overcrowd their small mouths. Again, it's due to their short noses and head shape. This overcrowding leads to:

• excessive tartar and plaque development

• tooth decay

• tooth loss

• discomfort

You need to manage your dog's dental hygiene properly.

How to care for Shih Tzus

Genetic testing

Genetic testing is available to breeders to check adult dogs of breeding age for inheritable diseases. They can then exclude those who have affected genes. It prevents inherited diseases, like the conditions such as PRA we mentioned above, from passing on to puppies.

Vets also recommend screening for breeding adults to prevent orthopaedic conditions. Those with lower hip scores and who do not have patella luxation are less likely to produce affected offspring. 

Dental and eye maintenance

Routine teeth brushing, professional dental cleanings and surgical removal of diseased teeth will help prevent dental issues.

Similarly, monitoring your dog's eyes will help. This can include cleaning and examining your dog's eyes.

Exercise and weight management

Carefully managing your Shih Tzu's exercise, especially in hot weather should be a priority. It helps minimise respiratory conditions.

Your Shih Tzu will still need regular exercise, just be careful and monitor them. Talk to your vet if you have concerns with your dog's breathing.

Sometimes, vets will recommend surgery for dogs suffering heavily from respiratory issues.

How dog insurance can help

Caring for a Shih Tzu means being proactive about their health issues. With the right care, diet, and preventive measures, your Shih Tzu can enjoy a happy, healthy life by your side.

But despite your best efforts in care and prevention, Shih Tzus can still encounter unexpected health issues. That's where dog insurance comes in—it can help reimburse you for the costs of accidents and illnesses.

Getting your Shih Tzu insured early in life can help you stay prepared in case they get any of the above issues.

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