This is because Shih Tzus were selectively bred to be human companions. The Shih Tzu's short face not only makes them susceptible to eye problems,but also respiratory issues,such as heatstroke. Health issues may put a frown on your face and you may carry yourself differently than In this article I will explain how to keep your Shih Tzu healthier so it lives to a very, very old age. Shih Tzu Minis Make Lovely Companions; 1.5 5. A Shih Tzus hair actually sheds seasonally just like most other dogs, though this is usually light and will depend on the local climate. The dogs breathing will become difficult and can become a relevant health risk. HERNIAS . Teacup Shih Tzus come in all the same colors classic Shih Tzus do: Solids (black, white, silver, red, gold, liver) Brindle Two-toned (white with black, blue, silver, red, gold, liver, or brindle) Some can have tri-tone, black mask, or black tips. Most common issues seen with the Shih Tzu breed are collapsed trachea, elongated palate and stenotic nares. Shih Tzu underbites are often genetic but not always. 7.1-12.6 pounds. We are all susceptible to arthritis because it is caused by wear and tear on the joints, the Shih Tzu is no different. Shih Tzus are tiny specimens, usually able to be carried in a bag with ease. The same goes for the blue-eyed ones. Video answer: Shih tzu dog pet coughing signs of heart disease hard to Top best answers to the question Do shih tzu have breathing problems Answered by Nyah Prosacco on Fri, Apr 2, 2021 3:15 PM. Shih Tzu Health Problems and Issues Proptosis. Why Does My Dog Lick Their Paws?Occasional paw licking is normal.Licking one paw may indicate a sudden injury.Allergies and parasites can cause itchy paws and aggressive licking. Even though they are traditionally a pretty healthy dog breed, Shih Tzus are prone to a few health issues. Health Problems. It can have breathing problems if it exerts too much or does harsh exercises. 1. Also, if your pup has diarrhea and vomiting at the same time, you need to act fast; at this point, a trip to the vet might be the only way to avoid dangerous dehydration. It is important to understand these issues so that you can look out for symptoms and help keep your pup healthy. Just like humans, if your Shih Tzu has tooth decay it can lead to bad breath. Another airway problem that can occur in the Shih Tzu is a collapsing trachea (windpipe). Struggling For Breath. In general these dogs are healthy but Shih-tzu dog health problem includes slipper stifles or kneecaps and renal dysplasia. Whats the laziest dog breed? Allergies. It has dewclaws that you can remove. Maltese Shih Tzus can have some problems with tearstains under the eyes, which may need to be treated with commercial tearstain removers. size Do Shih Tzus get big? Shih Tzus also seem to be predisposed to hernias. Dachshund Shih Tzu Mix Because of the unique body shape of a Dachshund, they have their own set of health issues. 1.3 3. Can shih tzus have blue eyes? There are several congenital diseases (dogs are born with these diseases) that might present serious health risk in this breed of dog: patellar luxation, back problems and eye abnormalities. There are several health issues that can have an impact on a dogs life expectancy. Size. These issues can cause discomfort and vision loss in Obesity can be a significant health problem in Shih Tzus. It is very common among Shih Tzu and all dogs to have gum disease. Shih Tzus have what is known as a double coat, just like other breeds such as the Lhasa Apso, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Golden Retriever.That means their coat is made up of two distinct layers: the undercoat and the topcoat. Showing 1 to 1 of 1 entries. I believe that Shih Tzus can routinely live to the upper end of this range and longer. Small-size dogs, or Toy dogs, suffer breed specific problems. Do Shih Tzus have health problems? Cancer. Patellar Luxation. What is the stupidest dog breed? This can cause your Shih Tzus pee to go on them, causing the pee smell. Fever. Shih Tzus are Good with Children. What kind of health problems does a maltese shih tzu have? These are: Seizures Cancer Allergies Bone and joint problems Eye problems Dental abnormalities Respiratory and heart problems You can easily train your Shih Tzu not to bite through behavioral training. Like other short-headed (also called brachycephalic) breeds, Shih Tzus can have trouble breathing. So it is crucial to solve the situation. The cartilage that gives the trachea its shape can weaken and it will make the structure flatten. Some other common causes include infections, trauma, and injuries that did not heal correctly. The most important thing that you can do is ensure you are purchasing a Shih Tzu from a responsible and respectable breeder, or adopting from a good rescue center. Click below for more information. Pigmentary Keratopathy is due to pigment migration onto the cornea which results in blindness. For severe cases, there is a corrective surgery available. Usually happens in Brachycephalic breeds like Pug, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. Both male and female Shih Tzus have an average weight of 9 to 16 lbs. Collapsing Trachea. In the worst cases, slipped discs can paralyze your Shih Tzu to some degree. Shih Tzus do shed and are therefore not considered hypoallergenic, but they shed minimally, making their shedding manageable. While they are generally considered a healthy breed, Shih Tzus can be prone to certain congenital conditions and health issues, many of which are related to their size and shape. Also, if your dog is anxious, they might feel physically unwell and may develop other problems. Bloated stomach. Shih Tzus have small sizes, making them perfect lap and toy dogs. When it comes to giving milk to your pup, it depends. It is often seen that a little bit of milk cant harm your pet. But there may be some exceptions if your Shih Tzu has an underlying health issue. As such, you should consult your veterinarian if it will be safe to give milk to your puppy. The Shih Tzu suffers from most of the health problems common to tiny dogs and has a few particular health problems, but overall, it is a fairly healthy breed. It is contagious and can cause focal hair loss. In fact, some dogs will have up to 50 times the number of sense receptors that you do. What Do Shih Tzu Minis Like to Eat? Shih Tzus who have renal dysplasia have shortened life spans, although the prognosis depends on the severity of the condition. The dogs breathing will become difficult and can become a relevant health risk. When temperatures rise and humidity kicks in, it becomes much more difficult for short-faced dogs like the Shih Tzu to breath. The health issues that have been reported in Shih Tzus over the years: Orthopedic issues: intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, chondrodysplasia; Eye problems: cataracts, glaucoma, eye ulcers, keratitis, proptosis, distichiasis, ectopic cilia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal detachment, dry eye/keratoconjunctivitis sicca; Ear infections There are several diseases to which the Shih Tzu is at risk genetically. To help prevent this type of skin issue, keep the area under your Shih Tzus tail as clean as possible by regularly bathing them, especially if you keep your dogs coat long. Excessive Saliva. The first thing you want to do is make sure your Shih Tzu doesnt have any health issues. What dogs cant be left alone? The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. 1. Shih Tzu issues may include dental abnormalities, joint dislocations, breathing problems, and kidney concerns. Health Issues. Due to the increased resistance in the respiratory system, the most obvious symptom is that your Shih Tzu will have noticeable breathing problems. The answer to that question, based on information from the AKC (American Kennel Club) is 10-18 years. Unfortunately, shih-tzus can also face fierce skin allergies, causing discomfort if not treated. Nevertheless, because of their heavy coats and short faces, Shih Tzu do not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers. How To Pick The Healthiest Shih Tzu Puppy. Shih Tzus are normally very loving and enjoy spending lots of cuddle time with their pet parents. Common Health Issues Affecting a Shih-Tzus Life Expectancy. If youre keeping your Shih Tzu indoors, once every 2 to 3 weeks is okay, too. Arthritis can be seen in the older Shih Tzu or those which have a genetic weakness in the bone and joint areas. If your dog is experiencing a hearing issue, you may notice that he frequently shakes his head or scratches and rubs his ears. However, as with many purebred dogs, they can be more likely to develop certain health conditions. There are many reasons why your Shih Tzu may smell like pee. For my Shih Tzu, once a week is good enough, especially during summertime. Shih Tzus are known to pick up common dog problems such as fleas, skin and ear infections, and obesity, but they are usually free of major health issues. As you know, dogs, including Shih Tzus have a much stronger sense of smell than humans do. Hypothyroidism is usually more common in mid to large-sized dogs. 6. Health. However, Shih Tzu health problems do existincluding eye disease, ear problems and back pain. The shape of the Shih Tzus face creates some unfortunate considerations that prospective owners will need to take into consideration before adding them as part of their family. Our personality polls (see above) showed that out of almost 3000 Tzu, 65% have moments of barking at nothing at all ! AMERICAN SHIH TZU CLUB HEALTH ISSUE PAGE. About 15% of Shih Tzu deaths are from some form of cancer. Use a clean and damp cloth, or a dog-safe cleansing wipe to help prevent irritation and infection from occurring. The height of a standard Shih Tzu when fully grown, regardless of gender, is 8-11 inches tall when standing, from the floor to the withers. Keratitis. Skin infections are very common in long-haired dogs. Male and Female Shih Tzus. Health problems. What kind of health problems does a maltese shih tzu have? Also, when a Shih Tzu goes through pregnancy, they may start to shed, a process known as blowing of the coat.. In simple words the usually clear cornea becomes opaque. If theres one common thread between the range of Shih Tzu health issues, its that their eyes can fail. The Maltese Shih Tzu is a known sufferer of respiratory problems. In puppyhood, it is customary for a Shih Tzu to have 28 teeth. Ear Problems. 3.9-7 pounds. If their eyes dont get proper cleaning, it can lead to stained tears. Dermatophyte is due to a small fungus that live on the hair. Previous Next. Shih Tzu Health Problems!! The eyes are prone for injury as they are highly protruding. In Chinese, shih-tzu translates to lion-dog, which is fitting for their mane-like coat and fierce (but sweet) personalities. The shih-tzu, pronounced sheed-zoo, is a small toy breed that is perky, playful and personable. They become frightened and agitated if they do not attain their goal of being around their owners. Shih Tzus are also prone to ear problems, including ear infections. This condition is caused by an underactive thyroid and is something that can be passed down genetically from previous generations. However, this doesnt mean that it cant run outside or indoors. 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