3. Exercise, Rest, Exercise
Senior dogs tend to become lazy. This happens partly due to age, which brings along a host of ailments. The other reason is just the will of the dog. Senior dogs will not want to move around much. Senior dogs have a tendency to just become inactive. You cannot allow that. Make sure your dog continues to get exercise, even as he or she ages. This doesn't mean your pooch should sprint around the dog park, but you should maintain a regular daily schedule of playtime and exercise. Just as important, you need to ensure that your senior dog is well-rested. Ideally, you should combine exercises with periods of rest and then some activity again. You can talk with your vet about the best exercise and rest schedule for your dog.
4. Be Proactive With Health Checkups
You should always take your Shih Tzu to the vet at any age, but this becomes especially important for senior dogs. Even pets that seem perfectly happy and healthy could have a disease or health issue that you can't see. With regular visits to the vet, you can potentially catch these ailments in the early stage and begin treatment before they get out of control.
5. Attend To Dental Care
Your senior dog will need proper dental care. Problems with teeth and gums are common in senior pets. Not only can this lead to major pain for your pet, but it can also lead to organ failure or other health issues that could be fatal.
