Shih Tzu Health

By Janice A. Jones  |Last Updated 03-10-2024

Your Shih Tzu health care begins the minute you take possession of your new friend.  

His canine mother before you looked after his health, providing him with infection fighting antibodies in the first milk called colostrum.  

Your breeder made sure he was kept warm and comfortable, provided worming medications and vaccinations and called in the veterinarian if there were any problems.  

Now it is up to you to continue to keep up with your Shih Tzu health.  Your puppy will thank you.  Part of the overall pet care that you assume when you fell in love with that little fur ball is keeping puppy safe, healthy and happy.

The following articles about dog health issues can be found on this site.  They will provide information to you on a wide variety of health related concerns. 

Please understand that no one Shih Tzu will ever suffer from all of these problems.  They are not specific to the breed but can occur in any dog.  Some of the diseases listed on this page are illnesses that may be related to genetics.  That is, there is DNA evidence that there is a greater chance of a dog inheriting a problem from a parent.  It doesn't mean that will happen, though, so don't get alarmed by the long list of problems.

Over the years of living with Shih Tzu dogs, I have encountered each of the Shih Tzu health problems on this page, so if you need personal one-on-one guidance or just need someone to talk to, please contact me.

Some things are easy to control through the environment such as worms, bee stings, obesity and dental problems.  

As people we take various measures to live a healthy lifestyle:  eat right, exercise, avoid toxic substances, and shy away from risky behaviors.  Our little Shih Tzu dogs depend on us to do the same for them.

Table of Contents of Shih Tzu Health Related Articles

These Shih Tzu Health Articles are listed in alphabetical order

Addison Disease in Dogs

Allergies

Anal Glands / Anal Sacs

Bee Stings and How they Can Affect Your Dog

Brachycephalic Syndrome and the Shih Tzu Dog

Coccidiosis in Dogs (Coccidia)

Coprophagia (Eating Feces)

Cushing's Disease

Dandruff Problems

Dental Health Tips

Dry Skin

Eye Problems

Ear Infections

Ear Mites

Giardia

Heat Stroke

Hair Loss in Shih Tzu Dogs

Hypoglycemia and Little Puppies

Inguinal Hernia

Intestinal Worms

Obesity

Paw Pad Problems

Renal Dysplasia

Reverse Sneeze

Stenotic Nares

Tear Stains

Umbilical Hernia

Vomiting in Puppies

Tips to Keep You Shih Tzu Healthy & Happy

Here are a few more links to help your dog achieve health and happiness into old age.  

Foods Toxic to Dogs

First Aid Supplies You Should Have

Human Medicines You can Give Your Dog

How to Give a Dog a Pill

What all puppies need to be healthy and happy

Puppy and Adult Vaccines: What, When, Why

8 Practical Ways to Keep Your Shih Tzu Healthy

Puppy and Adult Supplements

Coconut Oil for Your Shih Tzu Dog

Essential Oils Safe for Shih Tzu Dogs

What are the Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs?

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Shih Tzu Health Articles

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.

Learn more about Addison's Disease

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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.

Learn about Allergies and What You Can Do for Your Dog

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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.

Learn about Anal Glands and How to Prevent Problems

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Bee Stings in Dogs

Read this article before your dog gets stung by a bee or wasp and gather up the first aid supplies needed to remove the stinger and treat the wound.  You'll be glad you did.

Learn all about Bee Stings Just in Case Your Dog Gets Stung

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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.

Learn about Brachycephalic Syndrome and How it Affects Your Tzu

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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. 

Learn about Coccidia and How to Manage this Parasite

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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.

Learn What You can Do to Prevent Your Shih Tzu from Eating Poop

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Cushing's Disease

Cushing's Disease in Shih Tzu dogs is a rather complex condition that was named after the doctor (Dr. Harvey Cushing) who first diagnosed the syndrome in 1932.  It is more common for the smaller breed dogs and can occur in Shih Tzu dogs, although not the most common genetic problem.

Learn about Cushing's Disease

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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.

Learn about Dandruff in Dogs

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Dental Health

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.

Learn Ways to Manage Your Dog's Dental Health

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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.

Read about Dry Skin and What you Can Do to Prevent It.

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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.

Learn about Eye Problems in Shih Tzu

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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.

Read about Ear Infections and How to Treat Them.

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Ear Mites

Those pesky little mites - whether they are on your dog's skin or in his ears, any type of parasite can wreak havoc on your Tzu's well-being.  Ear mites are tiny and live in the ear canal.  They cause itching and can lead to additional problems such as secondary ear infections.

All About Ear Mites

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Fleas:  How to Get Rid of Them

If you have problems with fleas, this is the article to read.  There are different ways to go about it, but your dog will appreciate getting rid of those unwanted friends.  

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. 

Learn about Giardia and How to Manage an Outbreak

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Heat Stroke

Shih Tzu Heat Stroke is a dangerous condition and may be more common than you think, especially if you live in a warm climate. 

Shih Tzu, like all dogs with short flat noses (brachycephalic), may have difficulty breathing and may overheat, especially in hot weather. Protect your dog from hot situations with these practical tips.

Read about Tips for Avoiding and Dealing with Heat Stroke

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Hair Loss in Shih Tzu Dogs

Hair loss, also known as alopecia is not common but does happen in the Shih Tzu breed.  There are many reasons thinning and lost hair can happen.  Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of hair loss and follow Lucy's hair lost story.

Shih Tzu Hair Loss

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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.

Hypoglycemia in Young Puppies

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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.

Inguinal Hernia

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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.

All About those Nasty Intestinal Worms

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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.

A Primer on Obesity in Dogs

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Paw Pad Problems

Shih Tzu dogs tend to pick up debris and other potential toxins on their paw pads and surrounding hair every time they go outdoors.  Some also  suffer from allergies that cause them to bite and lick their paws constantly.  This article will provide some information and hopefully solutions to those ever present paw pad problems.

Learn how to Manage Paw Pad Problems

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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.

Renal Dysplasia

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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.

Reverse Sneezing

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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.

Stenotic Nares

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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.

Read about Tear Stains

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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.

Read about the Umbilical Hernia

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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.

Learn what causes Puppy Vomiting and How to Manage it.

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Worming Puppies

You might think that worming puppies is simple.  Give the pups some worming medicine and all's right with the world.  Well, sorry to inform you, it is not as easy as it sounds. This article is intended to help other breeders as well as puppy parents deal with those pesky parasites and keep your fur friend happy and healthy.

Everything you need to know about Worming Puppies

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Shih Tzu Health: Keeping Them in Top Shape

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.

Foods Toxic to Dogs

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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.

How to Build a First Aid Kit for Dogs

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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.

A List of Human Medicines to Give Dogs

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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.

Vaccinate Your Dog

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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.

How to Give a Pill

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What Puppies Need

If your dog could talk, What do you think he'd ask for?

We can only guess at what puppies need because our little canine friends cannot talk and tell us directly. 

We can only surmise that what we need, they need too.  Here is a list of ten things that we think your puppy would ask for if he/she could talk.

Read What Puppies Need

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8 Practical Ways to Keep Your Shih Tzu Healthy

Every breed of dog is prone to some health issues, and Shih Tzu canines are prone to eye, ear, and back problems.

Allergies is another major problem in this breed.  Proper pet care will minimize the risk of these illnesses.

Read 8 Practical Ways to Keep Your Shih Tzu Healthy

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Puppy Vitamins and Supplements

My dogs' health and the health of my puppies is a top priority to me.  That is why I started using this immune system builder for my own dogs and I am seeing some amazing results in my dogs’ health, coat, and energy level. 

Read more about Puppy and Adult Vitamins

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Using Coconut Oil For Dogs

You have probably heard about cooking and baking with coconut oil, but that is only one of the many different numbers of uses of the product. Here is a product that has become increasingly popular for uses on the exterior of the body, not limited to just ingestion of it.

There are a countless number of benefits that come from coconut oil. From hair and skin to weight loss and anti-aging, everyone can find a way to benefit from coconut oil.

Learn Ways to Use Coconut Oil for your Shih Tzu

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References and Further Reading

Dog Breed Health

Canine Health Information Center

My Favorite Shih Tzu Health Resources from Amazon

Pin for Future Reference

About Janice

Janice is the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu. Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, she served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.

Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.

She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu.

When not writing, reading, or researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, her husband, and her family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Small Dog Place and Smart-Knit-Crocheting.