Your email address will not be published. Having more health issues than other breeds that you Shih Tzu can mix with, it doesn’t mean your Shih Tzu Dachshund will have all these issues. It consists of an abnormal movement or dislocation of the kneecap.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'shihtzucenter_com-banner-1','ezslot_14',109,'0','0'])); While there are varying degrees of this condition, most are based on the depth of the space where the patella resides. Ultimately this will determine the type of infection that’s present in your dog. As with most breeds, you are set with a few common problems that can arise at any point in their lifetime followed by a second set of problems that arise once they begin to reach their senior years. Entropion involves the abnormal growth of the eyelid; the dog's … When temperatures rise and humidity kicks in, it becomes much more difficult for … More than 85 percent of dogs two and older have periodontal disease, according to the … This might sound like a lot of work, but it is actually just a lot of common daily things you’d do with your dog anyway! Just by knowing what you can expect, you can prevent a visit to the vet. However, the earlier you identify these health concerns, the sooner you can remedy it.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'shihtzucenter_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',105,'0','0'])); In the following article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common health concerns in Shih Tzus and exactly how you can help your dog manage these health complications. Clinical signs of infections are head shaking, rubbing of the ears against their paws or other objects, an inflamed ear pinna and bad odor coming from your dogs’ ear.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'shihtzucenter_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',110,'0','0'])); Your vet will perform ear cytology and this is a process that involves taking a sample on a cotton tip applicator from inside the dog’s ear canal and then examining it under a microscope. Collapsing Trachea is a condition found in small dogs such as Shih Tzus. Although it isn’t a fatal issue, it can cause many problems that would require special attention. Maltese are known to have eye, tooth, and knee problems. Imperial Shih Tzu have very few health issues but I have listed the ones that people may have or may not heard of. There are many myths involving the health of Imperial Shih Tzu … © 2020. The Shih Tzu's short face not only makes them susceptible to eye problems, but also respiratory issues, such as heatstroke. Many Shih Tzus live a good long life. The Shih Tzu is a pretty healthy breed, but there are some common health problems to be aware of: Hypothyroidism; Respiratory problems, such as tracheal collapse and other problems … Like a Shih Tzu owner, you need to be vigilant especially during hot and humid days. Read more about Shih Tzu Health. My goal here is to dispel the myths concerning the health of the Imperial Shih Tzu. They can lose their teeth at an early age and suffer from gum disease. And this can tend to predispose them to different types of dental issues. But unfortunately they can suffer from serious kidney and liver diseases, knee problems, eye diseases, itchy skin allergies, and more. You might not have heard the kind of diet that is required for a Shih Tzu, but it can actually be quite precise. These conditions will make breathing even more difficult for your short-faced furry friend. Click below for more information. So the question remains, are there common health concerns with Shih Tzus? Shih Tzus are Find out what health issues Shih Tzus are prone to so you can spot the symptoms of a particular health … Shih Tzus are small, sturdy, strong dogs that are suitable for people who suffer from allergies because they are a hypoallergenic breed. Shih Tzu Health Problems. 10 most common health concerns in Shih Tzus. Other health issues that may affect the shih tzu include: Patellar Luxation (Dislocated Kneecap): This is a hereditary problem characterized by malformed leg bones, which results... Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is the result of a deformity of the hip joint. This condition occurs when the intervertebral discs that question the spine become displaced. This condition can be rectified with surgery if it really is serious, but in most cases, your dog will adjust to that condition. Your email address will not be published. So if you notice that your dog is having difficulty breathing, contact a vet right away. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a group of genetic diseases of the retina in dogs, commonly in some specific breeds of dogs such as Cardigan Welsh Corgi, … Just be a little proactive about them and then you can loosen up. Some eye problems can be prevented by keeping the hair above their eyes at a manageable level. This is an inherited health condition and pertains to an abnormality in the dog’s retina. A luxating patella occurs on one of the hind legs or it can in some cases occur on both of them. Otitis externa. Chocolate: If you are stressed, chocolate can be a cure. 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 … They have also been known to show signs of epilepsy and digestion issues. We’d recommend using a bitter spray or a spray that contains Vitamin E(which promotes healthy skin). These issues in combination may be passed down to your Shih Tzu, and it is best to keep an eye out for potential health concerns. Breathing issues include collapse caused by heatstroke on a hot weather … The lifespan of a Shih Tzu can range between 10 and 18 years. They seem to share the same life expectancy of a Shih Tzu. Well, the short answer is yes, there are. … It just comes down to finding the right dog food. This problem can become quite frustrating if you can’t figure out what the root cause is. So your dog may suffer from extreme fatigue, abnormal appetite, and an excessive need to urinate as well as obesity. Their health problems are more directed at gum and tooth disease. This information is here to arm you with ways you can actually prevent these health issues to stay ahead of the curve! A fairly known issue is the collapse of their windpipe. Pomeranians are prone to skin disease and also a few small knee problems. The most prevalent health issue being back problems. However, if you are a Shih Tzu owner, you should be aware of the common health concerns related to Shih Tzu dogs. Knowing the problems and the causes can keep you from ever having to deal with them in the first place. This condition causes the thyroid to dysfunction which means your dog will ultimately not be able to regulate his metabolism. Surgery is available for the condition and it is almost always successful. The appropriate medication will be prescribed as well as routine cleaning. If you’re not exactly sure what the retina is, it’s basically a portion of tissue in the eyes responsible for the dogs’ vision. Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Some health problems are inevitable, but eye health can also come down to how much nutrition your dog is getting. ANTISEPTIC ANTIBACTERIAL ANTI-FUNGAL - Key ingredients work together to manage topical skin conditions that are responsive to chlorhexidine and ketoconazole. The American Shih Tzu Club has a very nice section on Health issues in Shih Tzu. Cataracts and entropion are when one or both of the eyelids turn inwards towards the eyeballs. Corneal ulcers: All Shih Tzu … Missing and crooked teeth are common. I have adopted a healthy Shih Tzu puppy from a registered dog breeder, do my Shih Tzu prone to any health issues? The bad news is it does cause blindness if it’s really severe. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your best bet is to stay vigilant and avoid any kind of triggers that may cause a seizure from happening in the first place. Because of the unique body shape of a Dachshund, they have their own set of health issues. Skin and hair problems have various causes and prevention is the key to avoid them. It is actually more common that a cross-bred Shih Tzu will have less health issues, and your dog will get the best of both breed’s DNA. They have a very small stature which allows them to move more freely than other dogs. If you notice a dog stumbling or bumping into objects, then you probably should take them to a veterinarian ophthalmologist immediately. All rights reserved. Because Shih Tzus have short faces, they tend to have breathing problems. This can slowly leads to your Shih Tzu having back problems. As they age, Shih Tzu dogs will start to see back problems. Anti Itch spray is perfect for simply pointing and spraying those hard to reach spaces as well as larger areas, CONTROL IRRITATION AND ITCHING - Aloe Vera, Essential fatty acids and Vitamin E work together to nourish the skin while cleansing affected areas. Having dirty hair or even any hair constantly in their eyes can speed up the process of deteriorating eye health. An older Shih Tzu is, of course, prone to the same breed-specific potential health issues that exist for all Shih Tzu. You should be familiar with these common health … This condition occurs when the tissue layers become folded in the eye as opposed to staying flat which is normal. They are also very easy to pick up and carry around, making them easily become dependent on owners for getting around. Just like them, it is your duty to ensure that you stay by their side at all times and looks after their health. Ear infections result from ear might infestation or a yeast or bacterial overgrowth in your dogs’ ear. best dog food you can buy if your Shih Tzu has allergies, bitter spray or a spray that contains Vitamin E, Best Anti-Itch Spray For Shih Tzu With Itchy Skin, keep an eye out for potential health concerns. Videos Breed Health Training News Grooming. Don’t let this information discourage you from loving a perfectly happy best friend. The Shih Tzu is not an exception. Shih Tzu Health – Thyroid Dysfunction The thyroid has a very important job to do within the body of your Shih Tzu. No, it does not. More information about this specific breed and its health care can be found here. Read about these special health problems … Do these health concerns shorten my dog’s lifespan? Feel free to read my latest review of Royal Canin Shih Tzu dog food.