About the Health of Shih Tzu Dogs

Most small dogs ("toys") have specific health problems and risks associated with their breed. Before you decide to adopt a dog, it is important to understand these health concerns. Shih tzus are very loving and energetic dogs, but they are not immune from the medical issues found in toy breeds. Luckily, with proper medical attention, your shih tzu can live a long, happy life.

Shih tzus are small, but compact in build. According to the American Shih Tzu Club's standards, these dogs are ideally between 8 and 11 inches tall at the withers, and they should be between 9 and 16 lbs. as adults. The dog's coat should be dense and shiny, and may be straight, wavy or curly (though show dogs shouldn't have curly hair). A poor coat could be an indication of bad health.

Shih tzus have genetic problems with their eyes, many of which come from way the skull grows. Lagophthalmos is one common eye conditions for shih tzus, and with this disease, the dog can't close they eyelid properly. Shih tzus also have problems with keratitus (inflammation of the cornea) when the skull's growth causes too much for the eyeball to be exposed, as well as problems with proptosis, a lack of oxygen to the retina. Proptosis can lead to blindness. There are, in addition, eye problems in shih tzus that are not related to the skull. This breed has problems with distichiases, an eyelash disease, and cataracts, which are hereditary. Lastly, shih tzus sometimes have dry eyes, which happens when the dog's tears do not form correctly.

Juvenile renal dysplasia (JRD) is commonly found in shih tzus. This is a genetic defect in the dogs' kidneys and causes inflammation. At first, the dog shows no symptoms, but eventually, the dog will be excessively thirsty and lethargic and lose weight. As JRD develops, the dog will be weak and dehydrated, and it usually dies from the disease. Shih tzus can begin showing signs of JRD at any point in life and can be tested as young as 8 weeks of age.

Shih tzus are at risk for liver problems, one of the most serious of which is chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis can be deadly if not detected. Some dogs have no symptoms, but other shih tzus may lose weight, refuse to eat and be lethargic. Vets can diagnose liver problems with blood tests and ultrasounds.

Patellar luxation is the dislocation of the kneecap, a common problem for any toy dog. This condition, which is more common in female dogs, often appears at birth, but it can also happen later in life. Shih tzus with patellar luxation can have surgery to correct the dislocation.

With stenotic nares, the dog's small nostrils stress the system. Shih tzus with this condition often have enlarged hearts, tracheal collapse and other breathing problems. If you notice that your dog has a hard time breathing, this could be the problem. Stenotic nares is an inherited condition, and surgery can help clear up the problem.