Common Shih Tzu Health Problems

There are a number of different health problems which can arise in dogs. Early diagnosis and treatment will ensure that minor problems do not turn into big ones. Regular vet checks, de-sexing and vaccinations will also help in ensuring that your dog is a happy and healthy one.
Below is a list of the more common health problems in dogs as well as some symptoms to look out for.

Ear Infections: These are most common in dogs who have floppy ears and/or those who have floppy ears. The dog’s ears fill up with dark and smelly wax and if left untreated the infection may become chronic. Symptoms include repeated shaking of the head and scratching at the ears. It is recommended to regularly clean your dog’s ears to avoid infection.

Dental and Gum Disease: This not only leads to bad breath but other more serious issues like loss of teeth and the inability of the dog to eat. Furthermore the dog becomes vulnerable to other serious diseases such as kidney disease and endocarditis. Dogs should have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis and at least once yearly by a veterinarian. There are many dog toothpastes available as well as chewy toys for dogs to chew on.

Heartworm: This is a fatal disease which is passed on to animals from mosquitos. Dogs should be wormed regularly for heartworm as well as other types of worms like ringworm which may not be fatal but annoying all the same.

Fleabite Dermatitis: This is a skin condition which is brought on through fleabites. Symptoms to watch out for include scratching and chewing on the skin. Fleabite dermatitis and other related flea conditions like tapeworm can easily be prevented with regular use of flea treatments.

Hip Dysplasia: This disease is often inherited and usually occurs in large and giant breeds of dogs, however Shih Tzu dogs are also susceptible to this condition. Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative disease of the hip joints and can affect one hip or both and can cause arthritis and lameness. It is not diagnosed at birth and can generally only be diagnosed after the dog has reached the age of two. Some dogs are only minimally affected and may not show signs of the disease. Others, more severely affected may become completely immobilized. Treatments include painkillers and surgery depending on the severity of the condition. It is recommended to keep your dog at a healthy level of weight.

Arthritis: This is an inflammation of the joints. Just like in humans, arthritis in dogs can be caused by many different things including heredity, previous injuries and old age. Symptoms may include stiffness, difficulty getting up, swelling and pain in particular after exercise. Medications such as anti-inflammatories and painkillers are available to help relieve the symptoms. Swimming can also be of help as is keeping your dog at a healthy weight.

Cancer: The most common forms of cancer which affect dogs are mammary cancer and testicular cancer. Dogs can get cancer at any age and therefore a veterinarian should examine lumps of any sort. De-sexing can help prevent certain types of cancer.

Obesity: Overweight dogs can suffer from many different health problems including heart disease, kidney disease and additional pain and discomfort when already suffering from other diseases such as arthritis. Dogs should maintain a healthy diet and receive regular exercise to control their weight.
First Signs of Illness
Listlessness
Changes in drinking and eating patterns
Vomiting and Diarrhea (especially when there is blood present in the vomit or stool)
Lethargy
Swelling
Seizures and Tremors
Changes in temperature, pulse and heartbeat
Weight loss
General Depression and personality changes