Shih Tzu Health

Shih Tzu Health Problems

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Addison's Disease in Dogs

Vague symptoms of intermittent diarrhea and vomiting, lethargy or depression, increased thirst and loss of appetite may suggest Addison's Disease.  Rare in Shih Tzu dogs, this condition does exist and since the symptoms are hard to pin down, it is worth knowing about.

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Allergies

Is your Tzu baby suffering from allergies?  Whether it is Flea bites, food allergies, contact or airborne allergies, there is hope and relief in sight.  Read about the way Shih Tzu Allergies are treated in the 21st Century.

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Brachycephalic Syndrome

Like many other short nosed dogs, the Shih Tzu has a short head which makes them prone to a disorder known as brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS). Find out how this Shih Tzu health problem might affect your fur-baby.

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Collapsing Trachea

This is a common problem in many breeds including the Shih Tzu, but should not be confused with reverse sneezing, listed below.  Learn more about this problem on our sister site, Small Dog Place.

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Coprophagia (Eating Feces)

A most disgusting but common problem.  Whether this is more a behavioral or health problem is still open for discussion.  Learn what you can do to prevent your Shih Tzu from engaging in this practice.

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Eye Problems

Shih Tzu have beautiful eyes that seem to look clear through to your soul, but those amazing eyes can have all sorts of problems.  Learn about the many different types of problems and what you can do to protect your dog.

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Ear Infections

Any dog can get an ear infection, but the Shih Tzu breed is prone to them due to the way their ears hang.  Breeds with floppy low hanging ears have more infections than their erect ear cousins.

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Heat Stroke

A completely preventable problem, hyperthermia occurs when dogs are exposed external high temperature causing their body temperature to rise.  Learn how to prevent this potentially lethal problem.

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Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia can occur in many breeds and is very common in large breed dogs.  Small breed dogs, such as the Shih Tzu are also affected.  Learn more about this crippling condition on our sister site, Small Dog Place.

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Hypoglycemia in Small Puppies

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can be a serious medical emergency especially in tiny Shih Tzu puppies.  This article discusses the causes, treatment and prevention options for new puppy owners.  If you are thinking about a tiny Tzu, this is a must read.

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Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias are common in many dog breeds but they have also been reported in the Shih Tzu breed.  Whether the bulge on your puppy's lower abdomen is a true inguinal hernia or just a delayed closure, know the facts and then decide what you should do.

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Renal Dysplasia

Formerly called Juvenile  Renal Dysplasia, this devastating and deadly disease can hit at anytime from puppyhood onward.  Symptoms include increased thirst and urination to lethargy, vomiting and debilitation as renal failure sets in.

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Reverse Sneezing

While not exactly major health concerns, little dogs often have problems with reverse sneezing.  Learn what causes reverse sneezing and how you can stop your dog's reflex easily.

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Scratching & Itchy Skin

Poor pooch looks miserable, scratching, biting at his skin, jerking and then back to scratching.  What could possibly be causing such distress?  There are many possibilities, find out more.

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Stenotic Nares

You may have heard them called pinched nostrils, but the condition is very common in Shih Tzu and other Brachycephalic breeds.  When little noses are narrow, airflow is restricted and breathing becomes difficult.

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Umbilical Hernia

This is a problem in many breeds including the Shih Tzu.  It's usually very noticeable as a small swelling on the puppy's abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached. Find out if you should worry.

Health Concerns of all Dogs

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Anal Glands/Anal Sac Problems

Is your dog scratching, scooting, or biting at his rear end?  It might be time to express his anal glands. Although not the most pleasant of tasks, this page will teach you how to do this yourself at home.

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Coccidiosis in Dogs

Coccidiosis is the medical term used to describe a puppy that has ingested a one-celled organism called Coccidia.  Not all puppies are plagued with these intestinal parasites, but if they are, you should know how to manage the problem. The link will take you to Small Dog Place Website.

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Dandruff in Dogs

Got that telltale signs of doggie dandruff?  Find out why your dog has this issue and what you can do about it.  This article also covers walking dandruff if you are concerned about skin mites, this is a must read.

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Dental

Good dental health is vital to your dog’s overall health.  Poor dental hygiene cannot only affect your dog’s teeth and mouth, but it can also extend to your dog’s vital organs.

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Dry Skin

Is your Shih Tzu suffering from dry skin?  Is a simple case of dry flaky skin or is there an underlying problem that is causing the problem.   There are many causes of dry skin, but there are also plenty of useful things you can do to cure their dry, itchy skin.

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Ear Mites

Dogs can get mites in their ears and if they do, you are likely to see plenty of head shaking and scratching.  Find out what you should do.

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First Aid Supply Kit

Hopefully you'll never have a canine emergency where you must dip into a first aid kit.  But, let's face it, this is the real world and even though the Shih Tzu dog looks like royalty, they just can't just sit still and look pretty.

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Foods Toxic to Dogs

This is a must-read article for all new dog owners.  There are some foods that dogs should not be given.  Learn what some of these toxic substances are before it is too late.

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Giardia

Another intestinal parasite that is common in dogs, Giardia is a protozoan that wrecks havoc with a dog's digestive tract causing diarrhea and vomiting.  It is also a Public Health Issue. 

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Human Medicines You Can Give to Your Dog

Did you know that you can give your dog some of the same medications you take yourself.  This list of over the counter medications might surprise you.

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Intestinal Worms

Discussing those nasty little worms that exit in the intestines and hearts of dogs does not make for polite dinner conversation. However, if left unchecked, these little creatures can make your dog and even you very ill and could be potentially deadly.

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Obesity

Who wants to think about the "F" word.  No, No, here I'm referring to "FAT."  This is a problem in this breed, especially for spayed or neutered dogs that have become to comfortable warming laps and taking afternoon siesta.

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Tear Stains

If you have a white dog, chances are you will encounter staining at one point or another.  Read up on what causes such an unsightly mess and what you can do to reduce or eliminate these tear stains.

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Vaccinations (Puppy & Adult Shots)

There is so much controversy concerning the vaccinations we give our dogs – are they necessary?  What will happen if I vaccinate?  What will happen if I do not vaccinate?  What vaccines should I consider and which ones do not need to be given?  If you want the lowdown on the vaccination controversy, click on our article.

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Vomiting (Puppy)

Poor puppy looks miserable but is it a medical emergency?  Find out what causes vomiting and what you should do about it.

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Puppy and Adult Vitamins

My dogs are very picky and when I found a vitamin that they loved, it made my day.  I use them as training treats and they don' t even know that they are getting extra special vitamins.  They think they are getting treats!

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How to Give a Dog a Pill

Do you have a Shih Tzu that is nearly impossible to give a pill?  We have one.  Learn how we managed to get medication down Cooper's throat. Article and Video.