Shih Tzu health problems

Shih Tzus are loyal dogs who adore every opportunity to join in with family adventures!

While their headstrong personalities are part of their charm, Shih Tzus may need a little extra motivation by making sure you find the right reward while training them. And, if you’re owned by a Shih Tzu, don’t be surprised if they decide to share their opinions with you through barking – a lot.

To keep your Shih Tzu’s lustrous coat shining and tangle-free, it’s essential to brush them daily. However, you might have to take your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer to be clipped every so often as well, especially during the warmer months.

Explore our Shih Tzu breed guide for more information about this affectionate breed!

Potential health conditions linked to the Shih Tzu breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in Shih Tzus, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by Shih Tzus. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your Shih Tzu for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)

BOAS, or ‘Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome’, is the term used to describe a range of conformational features most common in flat-faced breeds, that impact on an animal’s ability to breathe. As a flat-faced dog breed, your Shih Tzu could end up suffering from BOAS.

Sadly, there are many issues that cause BOAS in flat-faced breeds, including:

• Narrow nostrils – breathing is harder for your Shih Tzu because less air is able to pass through their nose.
• Narrow windpipe – makes breathing very difficult for your Shih Tzu due to the lack of space available for air to pass through.
• Obstructions of the nose and throat – the same amount of tissue seen in a dog with a longer nose is compacted into the smaller space of your dog’s short muzzle.

Here are just a few of the symptoms associated with BOAS in Shih Tzus:

• Snoring.
• Noisy breathing, meaning they often make snorting or snuffling sounds.
• Excessive panting, even at rest.
• Reluctance to exercise.
• Vomiting, due to breathing difficulties.

Additionally, dogs who are flat-faced and have BOAS are at an increased risk of heatstroke.

It’s vital to take your Shih Tzu to a vet immediately if they’re struggling to breathe or showing signs of heatstroke.

To diagnose BOAS in your Shih Tzu, a vet will ask about your dog’s symptoms, perform a physical examination, and may assess your dog’s breathing rate following a short walk. If your Shih Tzu needs further tests, they might see a specialist vet who can carry out an endoscopy (using a camera to check their airways) or MRI under anaesthetic.

The treatment options for BOAS include surgery, ensuring your Shih Tzu maintains a healthy weight (since being overweight can worsen their symptoms), and keeping them cool during hot weather.

Cataracts

Cataracts are sometimes seen in dog breeds like the Shih Tzu.

Although cataracts in humans are often associated with getting older, that’s not the case for dogs. Your Shih Tzu may inherit cataracts from birth, though they could also develop cataracts at any age as a result of eye inflammation, diabetes, or nutritional issues.

A cataract can lead to blindness over time, so, if you notice your Shih Tzu’s eye(s) becoming blurry, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.

Atopy

Also known as ‘atopic dermatitis’, atopy is the term used to describe a range of skin allergies frequently seen in dog breeds like the Shih Tzu. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to uncover the specific cause of atopy in dogs.

Shih Tzus with atopy are likely to scratch, chew, and/or lick the parts of their body that are itchy, inflamed, or irritated, which could include their:

• Face.
• Ears.
• Armpits (axillae).
• Tummy (abdomen).
• Paws.

Vets can diagnose atopy by evaluating your Shih Tzu’s medical history and symptoms, alongside performing a thorough assessment of your dog’s skin.

Just like human allergies, such as hayfever, that require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms, canine atopy will probably need to be treated throughout your Shih Tzu’s life, too.

It can take some trial and error to work out which treatments (or combination of treatments) will work best to ease your dog’s symptoms – for example, medication and/or soothing shampoos. Though, thankfully, the majority of atopy cases can be managed effectively to make sure your Shih Tzu is able to enjoy life to the full.

Renal dysplasia

Some dog breeds, including the Shih Tzu, are at risk of renal dysplasia – which is caused by a dog’s kidneys failing to develop properly before they’re born.

Since kidneys perform several vital functions, including the removal of toxins from the blood, renal dysplasia can lead to a build-up of harmful waste products within the body. Dogs who suffer from renal dysplasia in both kidneys won’t survive long after birth, however, those with renal dysplasia in one kidney can enjoy a good quality of life.

Symptoms of renal dysplasia in dogs might include excessive thirst and increased urination (peeing more than usual). Also, puppies with renal dysplasia may not grow normally.

Vets can diagnose renal dysplasia through blood tests, urine tests, and a kidney biopsy (taking samples of tissue from the kidney). Treatments for renal dysplasia in dogs are the same as for kidney failure or kidney disease, so might include medication, fluid therapy (putting them on a drip), and specialist diets.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disc disease, also known as ‘IVDD’, is a spinal disease commonly seen in dogs. Some dog breeds are more prone to developing IVDD, including Shih Tzus.

Each of your Shih Tzu’s intervertebral discs have a tough, fibrous outer surrounding a soft, gel-like inner and act as cushioning between their vertebrae (bones of their spine). When these intervertebral discs deteriorate or become damaged, they’ll harden – which means their capacity for shock absorption will lessen and they’ll be at risk of slipping out of place.

Shih Tzus with IVDD experience pain in their back and/or neck, alongside other symptoms like yelping, dragging their feet, difficulty jumping onto furniture/using the stairs, wobbliness, and weakness in their legs.

Vets can usually diagnose IVDD using:

• MRI and/or CT scans.
• X-rays.
• Blood tests.

Depending on the severity of a dog’s IVDD, vets tend to treat the condition with pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, strict rest, and surgery.