Are you thinking about adding a new puppy to your family? A Shih Tzu can be a good choice for a variety of reasons, as long as you know what you are getting with this type of dog. As with any breed, there are Shih Tzu health problems that are unique to this breed, and becoming aware of those health problems will help you to avoid them at the breeders and address them as early as possible. The most common types of Shih Tzu health problems tend to affect the eyes and the kidneys, and most are hereditary. This means that you can question your breeder as to genetic health problems in his lines of dogs to help prevent problems in the first place.
Another important step in Shih Tzu care is to find a veterinarian that is knowledgeable about the Shih Tzu breed and is a doctor that you and your dog are both comfortable working with. The final component in Shih Tzu health care is to learn about first aid for dogs so that you are prepared should an emergency arise.
There are two Shih Tzu health problems that affect the eyes and are seen somewhat frequently. The first is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is also known as dry eye. This condition occurs when there is not a sufficient production of the aqueous portion of tears in the eye, which can lead to cornea damage and even blindness if no treatment is offered.
This problem can lead to cornea damage and eventual blindness if left untreated. The brachiocephalic skull that is seen in this breed has to do with the deep eye sockets in the skull that this breed and other types of dogs have. The result of this structure feature is protruding eyes, which can have potentially damaging results for the Shih Tzu.
Another common genetic Shih Tzu health problem is renal dysplasia, which is either genetic or developmental in nature. This problem can go undetected for generations, and varies considerably in symptoms and prognosis depending on how severe the disorder is. Some puppies will not make it to their first birthday, while others with mild cases may have a completely normal life expectancy.
Learning about potential Shih Tzu health problems is only part of the process of preparing to bring your adorable new puppy home.
Choosing a vet is an important step in good Shih Tzu care, so take your time and do your research so that you find a doctor that you are completely comfortable working with.
Responsible pet owners also understand the importance of preparing for possible emergencies that might arise with a sick or inured pet. You will want to have a few supplies at home that will come in handy for treating your dog in the event of an emergency, such as bandages, antibiotic ointment or hydrogen peroxide and a rectal thermometer. Some dog owners also keep a muzzle handy so that they can safely treat their pet when it is injured. Doing your homework in regards to Shih Tzu care will mean a happy healthy relationship between you and your pet.
