Different dogs are genetically prone to organize clear diseases and the Shih Tzu is no exception. If you know what health to look for you can act before it is too late or before serious damage is done.
The most common Shih Tzu health problems comprise the following:
Shitzu Dogs
Eye Problems
Shih Tzu have big protruding eyes that make them more vulnerable to eye problems than most other breeds. They also have long hair that can irritate the eyes and you should try to keep all hair away from the eyes. Exact conditions comprise the following:
1. Dry Eye
It is a health where the tear glands do not yield adequate tears, especially the watery part of the tear. If there are no hair irritating the eyes, but your Shih Tzu's eyes are constantly irritated, you should take him to the vet for a easy test to decree whether he has Dry Eye. You should take the health seriously, as it can do serious damage to the cornea of the eye, and that can lead to eventual blindness.
2. Juvenile cataracts
It is a genetic health mostly found in younger dogs and it can lead to blindness. Dogs with this health shouldn't be bred - so pick your breeder wisely.
3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This health is also genetic and it mainly affects older dogs. It can also lead to eventual blindness. Good breeders have their dogs tested by a veterinary ophthalmologist to certify that they are disease free and you should ask the breeder for the certificate.
4. Cherry Eye
Cherry Eye will be descriptive as a large swollen lump on your Shih Tzu's eye. Fortunately it looks worse than it verily is and your vet will be able to fix the health by way of minor corrective surgery. It is nothing more than a tear gland that comes loose and bulge out from under the eyelid.
Joint Problems
1. Hip dysplasia
It is a degenerative health where the hip bone does not fit tightly into the socket. This health will be more descriptive as the dog ages and arthritis is not uncommon.
2. Slipping kneecap
This health causes the kneecap to slip out of place causing discomfort to the dog. The dog will often yelp and will not put any pressure on the leg. The kneecap usually slips back into place when the dog stretches his leg, but corrective surgical operation is required in more serious cases.
Juvenile renal dysplasia
This is a serious health that can eventually cause your Shih Tzu's death. The dog is born with underdeveloped kidneys that never function properly. This is a genetic disease and you should ask a breeder whether a genetic test was performed on the parents, as this health is unfortunately very common in Shih Tzu.
If your puppy urinate excessively and has an excessive thirst, you should have him tested for this condition, especially if the urine is clear. Your dog may also grow slowly, have no appetite and be very weak.
Dental Problems
Shih Tzu do not have a lot of space in the mouth and crooked or missing teeth are not uncommon. Diminutive Shih Tzu in singular suffer from problems with their teeth due to the Diminutive space. Other dental problems comprise gum disease and tooth decay. It is preferable to brush your dog's teeth as part of the grooming routine, but as a minimum, have the teeth checked out by the vet at least once a year.
Most coarse Shih Tzu health Problems