Shih Tzu Health Guide
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Health problems in Shih Tzus including eye issues, breathing problems, dental disease, and ear infections. Covers grooming needs and preventive care.
Genetic Predispositions
Every feeding plan for a pet should end with a brief veterinary check, especially after weight, age, or health changes.
Orthopedic Issues
- Joint and bone conditions common to the breed's body structure
- Weight management is critical for reducing orthopedic stress
- Appropriate exercise levels help maintain joint health without overloading
- Screening tests available for many genetic orthopedic conditions
Cardiac Concerns
- Breed-specific heart conditions that may develop with age
- Annual cardiac screening recommended for at-risk breeds
- Early detection allows for medication that can slow progression
Skin and Coat Conditions
- Allergies and dermatitis common in many breeds
- Proper grooming and nutrition help prevent skin issues
- Environmental and food allergy testing available
Recommended Screenings
Breed-specific health screenings help identify genetic conditions early.
| Test | When | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hip/Elbow Evaluation | 12-24 months | Screen for dysplasia |
| Cardiac Exam | Annual | Detect heart conditions |
| Eye Exam (CERF) | Annual | Screen for eye diseases |
| DNA Testing | Any age | Identify genetic risk factors |
| Blood Panel | Annual (biannual 7+) | Monitor organ function |
Nutrition for Health
Proper nutrition is foundational to breed health.
- Choose food formulated for your breed's size category (small, medium, large, or giant)
- Consider breed-specific formulas that address common health concerns
- Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s) for breeds prone to orthopedic issues
- Appropriate calorie levels to maintain ideal body condition
- Fresh food diets can address specific health needs with veterinary guidance
Exercise Guidelines
- Exercise intensity and duration should match breed energy levels and physical capabilities
- Avoid high-impact exercise in puppies until growth plates close
- Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise for breeds prone to joint issues
- Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise
- Senior pets benefit from gentle, consistent activity to maintain mobility
What is the best insurance for this breed?
Buy Shih Tzu coverage before the airway and the knees are graded. A brachycephalic exam that already describes stenotic nares, or a patella score already written down, is the pre-existing note. Renal-dysplasia marker tests do not clear a line. Buy the policy without waiting for one. Disc pain that has already happened will not be treated as a new illness.
Should I do genetic testing?
Shih tzu renal dysplasia has been sold with marker tests that did not hold up as a way to clear a line. Do not pay for a renal-dysplasia 'clear' as if it were PKD in Persians. What you can verify is a brachycephalic airway exam, patellas, an eye exam, and hip films if the breeder did them. Intervertebral disc disease comes from the long back. It is not a cheek-swab result. Ask how the breeder follows kidneys in older dogs, because a normal puppy panel does not answer that.