problems that all dogs face from time to time. In this category, I place issues such as external parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites, and internal parasites such as intestinal worms and heartworms, Fortunately there is much information available today to make every dog owner a literal expert on the subject. It is also important to note that these problems can be treated, but more importantly, prevented with proper care. In addition, puppies can be vaccinated against several diseases that used to kill in the past. There is much controversy over the yearly shots that were once considered mandatory and critical to the pet's well- being. Will your new puppy be healthy? We give a written health guarantee with each purchase, and your puppy will be healthy when you get him. As with all pets, Shih Tzu are prone to certain conditions and we would like to make you aware of some of the more common issues that affect Shih Tzu Dogs.
is easy to fix through regular dental health and tooth brushing.
Shih Tzu ears are prone to ear infections because they hang low, have hair that grows continuously in the outer canal and creates a warm, moist environment for infections to thrive. Ear infections are generally not serious if caught promptly and treated. Keeping the ear clean, dry and free of hair will help prevent infections from starting in the first place. STENOTIC NARES Stenotic Nares are very small and narrow nasal passages. As you can imagine, not having enough air entering the nose makes it difficult to breathe. As a result, the heart and lungs are put under more strain. This particular Shih Tzu health problem is passed on genetically and in severe cases, surgery will be required to open up the nostrils.
A genetically linked disease that often affects the Shih Tzu is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA. PRA is basically the generation of the retina and retinal tissue over time and can lead to blindness at an early age. If a dog is suspected of having PRA, veterinary care should be provided. As PRA is an inheritable disease, dogs that suffer from the affliction should not be bred.
That long luxurous coat can become the problem of itching, scratching or infestation of fleas or other parasites. These are all problems that can be either prevented or cured through basic veterinary medicine.
Another genetically linked disease that affects Shih tzu is Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative disease that affects the function of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. This can be an extremely debilitating disease and cannot always be corrected by surgery. Dogs suffering from Hip Dysplasia should not be bred. RENAL DYSPLASIA Renal Dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects normal kidney function which, in turn, affects the overall health of the dog. Although Renal Dysplasia is more prevalent in older dogs, it can also affect young puppies and in some cases, can be fatal. Dog with Renal Dysplasia should not be part of any breeding program.
An umbilical hernia is a condition where there is a small opening in the abdomen wall area of the umbilicus allowing the possibility of contents from the abdomen to protrude.
Although not a health concern, shih tzu owners are often startled by the sound and may assume the dog is having a seizure. It is not technically a sneeze, but seems to have the same effect as a sneeze. Often confused with seizing or gasping for air, reverse sneezing is usually a harmless event and very common in brachycephalic dogs. REVERSE SNEEZING is a common name for pharyngeal gag reflex or paroxysmal respiration. OTHER CONCERNS Just like other dogs, Shih Tzu are prone to a variety of ailments many that can be prevented through good veterinary care. This list is in no way comprehensive so the advice of a good veterinarian should be sought. |
Health Concerns of the Shih Tzu Breed
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