Shih Tzu Health Issues
Common health problems in Shih Tzus including brachycephalic syndrome, dental disease, eye problems. Prevention, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options.
Common Health Problems
Shih Tzus are predisposed to several health conditions including brachycephalic syndrome, dental disease, eye problems. Understanding these risks allows you to screen early, prevent where possible, and catch problems before they become emergencies.
9-16 lbs adult size, 10-18 yrs life expectancy — and the Shih Tzu has a health and temperament footprint that is worth reading on its own terms. What sets the Shih Tzu apart from other toy breeds is the specific combination of size, drive, and health profile that defines daily life with this dog.
Health Awareness: Shih Tzus carry genetic predispositions to brachycephalic syndrome, dental disease, eye problems. Prevalence varies by individual, so the practical approach is a screening cadence that matches your vet's read of the breed's real-world risks. For most of these conditions, earlier identification translates directly into better management.
Genetic Screening
Individual variation exists within every breed, but documented breed traits provide a solid foundation for care planning. Shih Tzus with low energy levels are more laid-back but still need daily engagement.
- Size: small (9-16 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Common Health Issues: Brachycephalic Syndrome, Dental Disease, Eye Problems
- Lifespan: 10-18 yrs
Prevention Strategies
The value of breed awareness is in knowing what to watch for, not in assuming every individual will follow the statistical average.. Three variables drive daily care for Shih Tzus: their small size, their moderate shedding level, and their breed-associated risk of brachycephalic syndrome and dental disease.
Routine veterinary screenings catch many breed-related conditions at stages where intervention is most effective. Given the breed's health tendencies, proactive screening is important for this breed.
When to See the Vet
Activity needs are individual, not just breed-determined — age, health status, and temperament all modify the baseline.
- Provide 20–30 minutes of daily exercise appropriate to their energy level
- Feed a high-quality diet formulated for small breed dogs (400–800 calories/day)
- Maintain a 2–3 times per week grooming routine
- Schedule breed-appropriate health screenings for brachycephalic syndrome
- Consider pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy — premiums are lower and pre-existing conditions aren't an issue
Health Testing
Informed ownership goes deeper than the basic care checklist for any breed. As a toy breed, the Shih Tzu has instincts and behaviors shaped by centuries of selective breeding for specific tasks.
A veterinarian who knows your pet will see variables an article cannot; treat their input as the final adjustment.
Lifespan Optimization
Care that anticipates breed-specific risks tends to lower both vet bills and avoidable health events. Watch for early signs of brachycephalic syndrome, maintain regular veterinary visits, and keep your dog at a healthy weight — excess weight worsens most of the conditions Shih Tzus are prone to.
Veterinary Care Schedule for Shih Tzus
| Life Stage | Visit Frequency | Key Screenings |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0-1 year) | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) consultation |
| Adult (1-7 years) | Annually | Physical exam, dental check, heartworm test, vaccination boosters |
| Senior (7+ years) | Every 6 months | Blood work, urinalysis, Brachycephalic Syndrome screening, Dental Disease screening, Eye Problems screening |
Shih Tzus should receive breed-specific screening for brachycephalic syndrome starting at 3-5 years of age or earlier if symptoms appear. Proactive testing tends to pay for itself in avoided complications.
Cost of Shih Tzu Ownership
- Annual food costs: $250–$500 for high-quality dog food
- Veterinary care: $300–$700 annually for routine visits, plus potential emergency costs
- Grooming: $30–50 per professional session (2–3 times per week home grooming recommended)
- Pet insurance: $25–40/month for comprehensive coverage
- Supplies and toys: $200–$500 annually for bedding, toys, leashes, and other essentials
More Shih Tzu Guides
- Shih Tzu Diet & Nutrition Guide
- Shih Tzu Pet Insurance Cost
- How to Train a Shih Tzu
- Shih Tzu Grooming Guide
- Shih Tzu Temperament & Personality
- Shih Tzu Exercise Needs
- Shih Tzu Cost of Ownership
- Adopt a Shih Tzu
Brachycephalic Airway Considerations
As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, the Shih Tzu requires special attention to respiratory health. The shortened skull structure that gives the breed its distinctive appearance also narrows the airways, making breathing more labored — particularly during exercise, in warm weather, or under anesthesia. The Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) spectrum ranges from mild snoring to life-threatening respiratory distress. Veterinary assessment using the BOAS grading scale (Grade 0-III) helps determine whether surgical intervention such as nares widening or soft palate resection may improve quality of life. Owners should monitor for exercise intolerance, cyanosis (blue-tinged gums), and sleep apnea patterns.
What are the most important considerations for shih tzu?
The two factors owners most commonly underestimate are routine diagnostics and the value of a consistent daily rhythm. Both are cheaper to maintain than to fix after something goes wrong.