Shih Tzus are one of the most popular breeds of dogs. They originated in Asia, during Tang and Ming Dynasties, and have been known for being a symbol of royalty. They also stand out because of their lion-like appearance. These dogs come in a variety of colors including bringle, silver, red, gold, blue, and black. The colors may be combined, or they may be just one single color. Shih Tzus have double coats, but unlike other dogs with double coats, they actually shed very little. These dogs are even recommended for people with allergies and asthma.

The lifespan of a Shih Tzu can range between 10 and 18 years. The amount of time a Shih Tzu leaves depends upon a variety of factors, including how active they are, their overall health, and how well they are cared for.

Before bringing a Shih Tzu into your family, it’s essential for you to understand their common illnesses. Being in the know about these conditions will help you provide your pet with the best possible care. Below are some of the common health issues of Shih Tzus:

1. Stenotic Nares: This type of health condition is common in dogs that are considered to be “brachycephalic”. The other term used for this is snub nose dogs. They have narrow nostrils and a short, wide head. The condition causes resistance to mouth airflow, larynx and nose. This can result in enlargement of the heart and breathing difficulties.

2. Luxuting Patella: Small breed dogs like Shih Tzuss are risk for this health issue. This type of health condition occurs when the kneecap slides out of the groove. While luxating patella is considered to be a “congenital disease”, it can also be acquired because of trauma. Some of the signs include walking using three legs, lameness of affected rear, extending backward, and holding the affected leg up.

3. Cleft Palate: This type of health condition is a division or opening at the middle of the roof of the mouth, which is known as the palate. Based on research, this is considered to be caused by “genetic disease” or because of the embryo development. Shih Tzus that suffer from cleft palate cannot be cured. Because of this, they are at high risk of getting pneumonia or sinusitis. Puppies that are affected are typically fed using a tube or bottle. To treat the problem, surgery is required.

4. Umbilical Hernia: This is typically identified by protrusion of the navel. Small hernias may not cause any problems, but larger ones usually require surgical correction. This is to prevent high risk of “intestinal loop strangulation”. This problem can be inherited, but there are times that this occurs once the umbilical rings fail to fully close after their mating. Signs of intestinal strangulation include depression, vomiting, and anorexia.

4 Common Health Issues of Shih Tzus