15 year old shih tzu health problems

You will, of course, need to be diligent in washing your dog afterward, but this can help keep messes contained and prevent situations where the lingering scent of urine on floors and carpeting can lead to even more accidents inside. Weight loss should be reported to the veterinarian. But, as the owner it is your responsibility to ensure that you do everything possible to make sure your dog lives a healthy life. His appetite has changed, or his eating pattern has changed, or both. The trachea (also known as the windpipe) is composed of cartilage. This should involve extra blood, urine and stool tests, extra biochemistry profiles, and ultrasound tests to check if the major organs are functioning as they should. In some cases, this is can be attributed to side effects of medication or decreased appetite linked to illness. An inability to find the way around familiar areas, such as around the house. Thankfully, there are surgeries available for this condition. Incontinence After enjoying almost a decade of perfect potty training, it can be difficult to accept that your senior Shih Tzu may not have the same holding power they did in their younger days. Depending on the cause, treatment may be able to save a dog's sight and in some cases only quick intervention will do so. Keep the skin around the paws supple by massaging in some good quality moisturizing paw wax. Id Never Used a Dog Boarding Service for My Dogs, But Now I Have and Heres How Eira Handled It Still, there are some reports of Shih Tzus suffering from this. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Theyre lovable to no end, spunky and contagious, and make an amazing pet for any household. With Shih Tzus, its particularly important that you swab their ears and clean them out weekly. Its a little more expensive than the average bed, but then it is an above average bed: As your shih tzu enters his senior years he will find it more difficult to regulate his body temperature. How Much to Neuter a Dog. All we can do is care for them in the best way we can. Seniors progressively require more sleep and getting quality sleep is vital for the body to refresh and restore. is a sure way to make sure youre keeping tabs on the health of your canine. She tries multiple times per day for extra treats. Make sure your senior dog has access to their favorite high places even when they can no longer make the jump on their own. In the case of a corneal ulcer, your Shih Tzu will often need to undergo surgery. *. As a dog ages, nails can get brittle, causing them to break off or split, which can be very painful. Leia has always been unhappy in the cold, but a new development of the senior years is her intolerance to heat. Though unsightly, lumps and bumps like these that dont bother the Shih Tzu and have been cleared by your veterinarian are not a problem. Many eye-related problems have to be caught early in order to be fully repaired. 10 Dogs With Powerful Jaws Extra weight means that his heart will have to work harder to pump his blood around his body and there will be more stress on his joints. These checkups include more detailed blood testing, biochemistry profiles, urinalysis testing, and stool testing. Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common conditions that affect dogs in general. Remember the long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and find ways other than food to show your affection. Grooming can cause bleeding or even lead to infection. As a shih tzu reaches his advanced years, his skin cannot retain moisture on the same scale as when he was an adult. Yet while this is a serious issue, it can often be treated with the proper medicine. 10 Dogs With Powerful Jaws, Id Never Used a Dog Boarding Service for My Dogs, But Now I Have and Heres How Eira Handled It. Grooming is a sure way to make sure youre keeping tabs on the health of your canine. Feed them well and if they start to gain weight create a balance between food proportions and the amount of exercise they receive. There are treatments, medicine, and surgery available to help correct (or at least mitigate) the symptoms of IVD. is quite the dynamic toy dog. And for males, a belly wrap can work well. Very rarely are allergies life threatening, but they often make your dog quite uncomfortable. The conditions listed above are simply the health issues which affect this breed most, and it doesnt necessarily mean your dog will experience any of these conditions. To manage this illness, introduce the supplements described above to his diet, if you havent already done so. It occurs when the thyroid doesnt function properly, which means they can regulate their metabolism. The joints, particularly the hips and the knees, become stiffer, perhaps arthritic, leading to slower and shorter walks, less energetic play, and the inability to jump up onto raised surfaces such as sofas and beds. Hip Dysplasia varies in degrees of severity, and often the dog will walk with a bit of an abnormal gait and joint paint but live a completely healthy life. In most cases, PRA will eventually lead to complete blindness. Information contained or made available through the Canna-Pet website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice. Which Dog Has The Strongest Dog Bite? She even gets too hot in the house when her coat is long. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your name and email to get exclusive offers and updates from Canna-Pet! It also is the upkeep of their hygiene. This will also serve to give your older Shih Tzu more traction, which can help prevent slips and slides. If this is the case, there are two things that you can do to help him be more comfortable with his condition. Try to approach your Shih Tzu from the front or side, not the back. While these dogs arent necessarily prone to obesity they can certainly be lazy. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include an abnormal gait, lameness in the leg(s), difficulty walking or moving the leg, and at worst immobility. Shih Tzu Dogs Health Problems | Cuteness. Cuteness, 9 Feb. 2017, Accessed 4 Aug. 2017. , and its not as common in smaller dogs. If you are picking out a bed for your senior Shih Tzu, be sure that it has at least a 2-inch thick memory-foam base with sturdy side bolsters. Unfortunately, as IVD progresses, it is possible that the canine experiences complete paralysis. Kristina. This can worsen rather quickly; many seniors in their early to mid-teens have significant hearing loss in one or both ears. The Shih Tzu is a fantastic dog that sits in the top 20. of the AKCs most popular list of dog breeds. www.dogtime.com/dog-breeds/shih-tzu#/slide/1. As your shih tzu moves into his senior years his metabolism slows down. So long as the necessary steps are taken in order to ensure a Shih Tzus health and lifestyle, then theres no reason why they shouldnt live well into their older ages. . By grooming your dog consistently, you keep them cleaner and less prone to infection, and you remain aware of their physical state, meaning you can catch something early if it comes. Whereas in his adult years he may have been able to go the whole day between his morning walk and evening walk without needing a toilet break, his older and weaker bladder and bowel muscles mean that he may need to go one or more times in between walks. Unfortunately, Keratitis does indeed cause blindness if the condition is severe enough. If that doesnt work out you could try using doggy diapers to prevent messy floors. Taking your Shih Tzu to the vet regularly is the one most important things you can do to keep your dog healthy. Our nutritional products are available for purchase worldwide. Your email address will not be published. Do not rearrange furniture, puppy-proof the house on a daily basis, gate off any dangerous areas such as staircases, stick with familiar walking routes, and when approaching your Shih Tzu do this from the side and at their level. Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts. Dogtime, Accessed 4 Aug. 2017. 2015, Accessed 4 Aug. 2017. Something like this from NaturVet would be ideal: Even if your shih tzu is not yet a senior but is older than six, if you begin using these supplements now, they are going to help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis to some degree. Hip Dysplasia varies in degrees of severity, and often the dog will walk with a bit of an abnormal gait and. This depends upon the average lifespan of the breed and the health of the individual dog. If he continues to eat as much as he did as an active puppy and adult, he may start putting on weight. The Story So Far. Its important to monitor your Shih Tzu as they navigate their environment. Its probably because his sense of hearing is not as sharp as it was. Its incredibly painful, often time requires surgery, and can indeed cause blindness. This can happen as early as 8-years-old in dogs with other health issues. This is the best combination for maintaining the lubricating gel between bones, in my opinion. A senior dog may need more chances to eliminate through the day, dog diapers, or piddle pads. If theyre ever red or swollen or if you notice your dog itching them frequently, its best you take your pup to see a veterinarian so they can diagnose the problem. Even if his eyesight is really bad he will probably be able to make out your silhouette. How To Bathe A Shih Tzu Dog For Healthy Skin And Coat. It occurs when a disk slips out and presses against the spinal cord. These are the most common ones: If you find that your shih tzu is losing weight, you will need to take him to your vet to have the exact cause diagnosed in order that the correct course of action can be planned. Get a coupon for 30% off a future order when you join our newsletter! Shih Tzus are known to be a. with a strong bloodline. You might notice your Shih Tzu ignoring commands or failing to turn up at the sound of a treat bag crinkling. He may have problems with his teeth or gums making it difficult or painful for him to eat. Supplements may also have an extract from the yucca schidigera plant, and hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring acid that lubricates the cartilage. Orthopedic Bed Often small dogs have small pet beds, but your senior Shih tzu may prefer to stretch out. Well follow up with a 25% off coupon code! This includes: As we dive into this more, we'll cover tips to help with each of these issues. Doggie Dailies Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs, Learn more about this super-helpful Shih Tzu book, Decreased (or loss of) bladder and/or bowel control, Dental issues (including tooth loss, which often leads to trouble eating), Having trouble negotiating around the house, Not responding to his name and or things that are happening around him, Trouble following simple commands that were once understood. Here are some of her most pressing concerns and the accommodations to best support and care for a senior Shih Tzu. Decreased vision is often part of growing older, however it is important to have any vision issues diagnosed. There are treatments, medicine, and surgery available to help correct (or at least mitigate) the symptoms of IVD. Grooming doesnt just include taking care of their coats. Make sure your dog gets his yearly examinations and has all the shots he needs to live a long healthy life. Leviticus, Jill. Tags: shih tzu health issues, shih tzu health problems, shih tzu illnesses. The age at which this happens varies from breed to breed and dog to dog. Its the vet who will declare if a dog has reached his senior years, though any shih tzu over 10 is considered a senior regardless of this. While you should get this checked by a vet to confirm that it isnt anything malignant, dont worry too much as any such lumps are probably just tissue building up due to old age. This wart on Leias leg is clearly visible when her coat is trimmed. Sometimes the growth will have to be removed because its in an unavoidable area. While theres no treatment available for this condition, veterinarians can diagnose it years before blindness ensues, which allots a reasonable amount of time for the dog to. It is very similar to Deprenyl, which is used to Parkinson's disease in humans and it is also used to treat Cushing's disease in canines. When your vet has officially declared that your dog has become a senior, these check-ups should be made more frequently, which is every six months for an otherwise healthy dog. I have found it so informative. It may just be that his appetite is not as big as it once was. It would be all too easy to let your elderly shih tzu wile away his time sleeping and resting indoors all day every day, but this would contribute to bringing about his premature demise. Always start with a trip to the vet to rule out serious problems. Senior dogs know the rules, they may just be unable to follow them. How to Break Up a Dog Fight Safely Your Shih Tzu is not a big dog, nor do they have any hunt or working-class traits in their blood. Be sure that theyre experiencing a balanced and stable exercise routine. There are several changes that can happen to a shih tzu when reaching senior status. Having good orthopedic support is vital to relieve pressure points, offer the right type of cushioning for the body, and provide warmth. Teeth can become chipped, broken, or fall out. I dedicate this report to my eldest, Bruno, who was also the inspiration for writing not only this page, but also the whole website. Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information. Vetstreet, Accessed 4 Aug. 2017. Grooming doesnt just include. As a Shih Tzu ages into their senior years, there may be some weight changes that should be addressed; and, this can go in either direction. Most are nothing to worry about and after being checked by the vet can be managed easily. They have one of the oldest lineages of all dog breeds in existence (and a history which is deeply rooted in Chinese royalty) and yet still remains similar to even their earliest depictions. If there is scabbing around the nail beds and/or an odd odor, this could point to a skin yeast infection and this should be diagnosed by the veterinarian. Even if youve been indulgent with food and treats in the past, its best to feed a senior dog a high-quality diet in only the recommended amount. By the age of 8, this spikes to a whopping 85%. Thank you for your feedback and very kind comments. The most important element is that you are proactive in making sure that your dog's golden years are spent as comfortable as possible. www.animalplanet.com/pets/5-important-health-tips-for-shih-tzus/. Such food includes liver, lean beef steak, tuna, salmon, eggs and cheese. All of this means that he needs less calories day by day to sustain him. Its incredibly painful, often time requires surgery, and can indeed cause blindness. You can expect your shih tzus eyes to appear cloudier in his senior years. A senior Shih tzu goes through many changes and will need special care. At the time of this writing, it is the only FDA approved drug to treat canine senility and 70% of dogs have some level of improvement after one month of treatment. Pet Stairs There are a variety of solutions for providing access to the high places where a Shih Tzu wants to perch. Seeing as the Shih Tzu is a popular dog, theres a higher propensity that irresponsible breeders are out there producing quantity over quality. If you notice abrasions around the nail beds, or a musty odor, or both, this could indicate a yeast infection. So when you notice that your dog has one or more of these symptoms, especially if they have come on rapidly over a day or two, its best to take him to the vet to ensure that it is old age and not something more serious. There is, of course, going to be gradual muscle degeneration throughout the senior years and also some level of osteoarthritis (more ahead) that may impede an older Shih Tzu's ability to exercise as they once did; but, these are also the reasons why it's vital that you keep your Shih Tzu moving. If he is on medication, it may cause him to lose his appetite. As with hearing issues, dont sneak up on your shih tzu from behind where he cant see you as this could startle him and stress him out. As a Shih Tzu ages, their skin loses strength and elasticity. Switching the lights on when you enter the room that your shih tzu is in and switching them off again when you leave will help let him know whether you are there or not. With osteoarthritis (OA) being so common with senior dogs, certain dietary supplements for joint health should, ideally, be started around the 6-year mark as a preventative method. Your shih tzu can be quite startled if you suddenly appear after approaching him from behind and he cant hear you coming. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the single most common issue seen with senior dogs. An orthopedic bed with a memory foam base of at least 2-inches (50mm) thickness for total support and substantial side bolsters for neck support, will provide a warm, comfortable, pain-free place for him to sleep. Similar to the aforementioned Hip Dysplasia, the. Leia demonstrating that shes a bit too hot on a summers day. We know it can be hard to resist feeding them their favorite. The latter is more likely if you live in a noisy household, perhaps with children or other pets. The top brand name of selegiline prepared for canine use is Anipryl, which is also used to treat Cushings Disease. If this is the case, consider taking some steps to. Once a Shih Tzu becomes a senior, this should increase to being seen by the vet twice per year, at 6-month intervals. You may start to find little presents of pools of pee or feces in inappropriate places around the house. One of the telltale signs of an ear infection is odor, or if your Shih Tzu is abnormally jumpy or frantic in the wake of loud noises. Ordinary beds can create pressure points that can be very painful on arthritic joints. I always think of her as our little baby but sadly realized shes already 9 years old and needs the extra care. If there are then any rough or dry patches of skin, rub in some moisturizing cream. Dry skin will cause the hair of the coat to become thin and brittle, some of it may even fall out. www.cuteness.com/article/shih-tzu-dogs-health-problems. + Get a coupon for 30% off a future order. If a female Shih Tzu has little to no control, placing a doggie diaper on her can really help. Warm temperatures cause her to pant heavily. Another common cause is dental issues; either painful tooth infections or severe tooth loss that makes eating difficult. Note that canine hearing aides do exist, but at the time of this writing, they are extraordinary expensive, unreliable, are not proven to improve hearing all that much, and are rarely tolerated. While less common, some Shih Tzus are allergic to airborne allergens like pollen or dust. Read more about keeping a shih tzus paws in the best condition here: Shih Tzu Paw Problems How To Cope With Them. This condition directly affects a dogs thyroid, and its not as common in smaller dogs. He wont be able to hear clearly when you call him or give him a command, so start using hand gestures along with spoken words. In order to stay on top of any illness or condition that may arise, its important to take your canine in for routine checkups. There are ways that you can help your shih tzu cope with his less sharp vision. It happens at such a slow pace that you probably will not notice its onset. Old Father Time catches up with us all eventually but our little furry friends seem to reach their pensionable age all too soon. This jacket is a good all-rounder thermal, wind proof and water resistant: When you first notice that your shih tzu is having difficulty hearing, its best to have his condition diagnosed by a vet to confirm that it is due to old age and not because of an infection, especially if he is under 13-years-old. Hip Dysplasia can occur in Shih Tzus because they love to jump around, particularly in their youth. The vet mentioned that she might become unsure in dark rooms and sure enough, within a month Leia would wait for someone to switch on a light before entering a dark room. He stares into space or appears withdrawn. Make sure you pay attention to the areas in between the paw pads, in between the toes, and where the nails bed in to the toes. Whatever the cause, it may be a good idea to make his food easier to eat. Treat him to a quality, orthopedic bed. Air-dry your senior or, if you use a blow-dryer, be sure that the setting is on warm (not hot). Theyre an adorable breed filled with spunk and energy, and think extremely highly of themselves. It will help keep the heartbeat regular and keep the circulation healthy. If this condition goes on too long without treatment then a dog can fall into a coma. Around your dogs ninth or tenth birthday, keep an eye out for the following additional age-related problems: Difficulty Hearing Just like humans, hearing sensitivity can decrease with age in dogs. The change in Leia was evident after one week. are food-based, and the problem is solved by playing a game of elimination with your dogs diet. The nails may become less brittle if you introduce some food rich in vitamin B12 into your shih tzus meals. Contact from the harness or collar can cause bleeding or scabbing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Intervertebral Disk Disease often occurs in dogs with shorter legs but a large back, as this build can be structurally volatile for the spine. Senior Shih Tzu dogs typically start having some age-related hearing issues around the age of 13 years old. If you have a backyard that your shih tzu can access during the day, try and train him to use a particular spot as his toilet. He will probably not want to exercise as much or walk as far as he used to and he will be sleeping more. Your senior shih tzu will not be doing this on purpose, it will be because he cannot hold it long enough until his next walk or to get to the appropriate toilet place. Read on to find out what these changes are and what you can do to keep your senior shih tzu healthy beyond the average shih tzu life span of 13-years and perhaps up to 16-years and more. Tip #7 Give the skin and coat extra attention. Many of the changes that you see with senior Shih Tzu dogs are the type that seemingly appear out of nowhere but were actually developing for some time. One that we recommend is the. For the cold weather an orthopedic bed similar to the one described above will help, together with a fleece blanket on top. It is, however, important for a vet to make this distinction, since wellness checks will change in regard to both frequency and type of testing (more ahead). Check their coats, nose, ears, eyes, mouths, and paws for anything suspicious. As she aged, Leia lost muscle tone in her back legs and hasnt been able to jump onto some of the higher beds in our home. Often they overestimate their capabilities and land too hard, causing an injury that develops into Hip Dysplasia years later. This could be indicative of hearing loss that will require you to change routines for your deaf or hard of hearing dog. We know it can be hard to resist feeding them their favorite maple bacon dog biscuits, but be sure to practice moderation when giving your Shih Tzu any treats. Another eye-related disorder, this occurs when the eyeball actually dislodges from the socket and the eyelid shuts behind it. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea which can eventually result in an ulcer. TIP: If your shih tzu will only eat kibble, try softening it first by pouring some warm water over it. A shampoo rated anywhere between pH 6.5 and pH 7.5 will suffice. While it does not cure the disease, it can bring about improvement. A vet exam should rule out other issues that can mimic hearing loss, such as ear infections. There is little or no enthusiasm to interact with his owner or other humans and pets in the household. The more frequent examinations will help detect any of these potential health issues at the first opportunity, allowing a course of treatment to be determined early to give the best chance of recovery. Then, pat your shih tzu with a towel to rid his coat of excess water and allow him to completely dry in air, if possible. All of the symptoms for this disease could also indicate a completely different issue, so if you notice that your shih tzu has any of them its best to have your vet assess exactly what the problem is. Feed them well and if they start to gain weight create a balance between food proportions and the amount of exercise they receive. routines for your deaf or hard of hearing dog, Hip Dysplasia in Dogs and What You Can Do About it, 11 Things You Should Know About the Dachshund, How to Take Care of a 6 Week Old Puppy What to Feed and More, The Amazing Dog Nose 15 Things You Should Know, How Long Is a Dog in Heat? The Shih Tzu breeds entire existence is to love and be loved and make wonderful companions for any home. If you also add a few drops of Omega-3 oil this can help improve the dry skin and coat issues. The floppy ears give way to a warm long canal, which can sometimes be the stomping grounds for bacteria. Often the allergies are food-based, and the problem is solved by playing a game of elimination with your dogs diet. Shih Tzus are known to be a healthy breed with a strong bloodline. Why Is My Dog Aggressive Towards Other Dogs? My Shih Tzu, Leia, celebrated her 12th birthday this summer and has been experiencing many of the age-related issues common in small breed dogs as well as some that are specific to the Shih Tzu. In fact, at the young age of just 7 (3 years before the senior years start for this toy breed), 65% of canines have some level of osteoarthritis. Symptoms include itching, redness in the eyes, rashes, an. Usually its seen in bigger dogs that grow too quickly into their bodies, but it can also occur in smaller canines like the Shih Tzu. All dogs should have their teeth brushed 2-3 times a week, their nails clipped monthly, and a full body inspection done every couple weeks. Symptoms include itching, redness in the eyes, rashes, an upset stomach, and a lack of appetite. Leia is much more comfortable with a short puppy cut during the summer months. There may be an illness causing him to lose his appetite. Leia hasnt adapted to using stairs, probably because my husband is committed to lifting and carrying her wherever she wants to go. The most popular is selegiline which is also used to treat humans for major depression and Parkinsons Disease. It occurs when a disk slips out and presses against the spinal cord. Fortunately, Leia hasnt succumbed to all of the age-related issues that are possible for a Shih Tzu of her age. As time goes on, if the problem persists (or worsens), then the dogs body can begin to fail. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, hair loss, an abnormal appetite, an excessive need to urinate, and weight gain. There are a number of supplements that work to counteract (but not cure) the decrease in lubrication in the joints and the wearing down of cartilage that is assocaied with OA . Sometimes he may want to be close to you more often than usual and other times he may disappear into a quiet corner for long periods of time. At times she could be quite grumpy. This can lead to poor skin health and sometimes, While it's recommended for all ages, be sure to use an extra-gentle shampoo that has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 with plant-based cleansers (not soaping agents), and no parabens or artificial additives. Your email address will not be published. It affects the hip joint, and creates a displacement between the joint and thigh bone. If you move his food and water bowls to a different spot, he may not be able to find them, so always keep them in their usual place. Leia especially enjoys a rubdown after a long walk. Whether you have a new puppy or an adult, lets get started on a wonderful, fulfilling, fun, and healthy road for your Shih Tzu! Try and keep up the same number of walks per day as your senior shih tzu enjoyed through adulthood, though they may need to be slower and shorter. The Amazing Dog Nose 15 Things You Should Know If the cartilage weakens, the structure will flatten, and breathing becomes a difficult and painful process for your little dog. This condition is more often found in little dogs, due to the structure of their faces. That said, anytime you can get your Shih Tzu on a daily regimen, even well into the senior years, it is going to help to some degree. If there's been an injury, illness, or another reason for your older Shih Tzu's exercise taking a back seat, start things up again slowly, with vet approval. The first sign of Leias age was stiff and achy joints. It also is the upkeep of their hygiene. This could be affecting one or both of his eyes. Some of these links are affiliate links where we may earn commissions on purchases. world are quite similar to allergies that affect the human anatomy. During the heat of the day your Shih Tzu will be most comfortable in a space with air conditioning. Any sudden changes should be reported to the vet to rule out issues including. Hearing difficulties usually start at around 13-years of age, can affect either or both ears, and the condition can deteriorate quite rapidly. 5 Important Health Tips for Shih Tzus. Animal Planet, 2 Mar. A product with colloidal oatmeal like, Be sure to follow up with a wash-out conditioner (left on for at least 5 minutes) (Earthbath makes an oatmeal & aloe conditioner) a, If you notice any trouble areas, massage in a moisturizing cream or balm. Theyre regal, confident little home bodies, but that doesnt mean they should never get off the couch. A shih tzus nails can become brittle in old age and keeping them trimmed back will help prevent painful breakages. At home you can do much to improve your dogs golden years by being attentive and offering extra support to overcome the challenges that come with age. If its bad enough, this issue can require surgery. This is the best bed that I can find that satisfies ALL of these requirements. Your senior shih tzu may start losing weight. chocolate labradoodle color change, Early as 8-years-old in dogs 15 year old shih tzu health problems other health issues, Shih Tzu have problems with condition! Succumbed to all of these requirements to give your older Shih Tzu will sleeping! Treated with the proper medicine all too soon whopping 85 % wonderful companions for household... Can certainly be lazy front or side, not the back AKCs popular... The supplements described above will help prevent painful breakages and its not as big as it once was feedback very. Worsen rather quickly ; many seniors in their early to mid-teens have significant loss. To and he cant hear you coming seeing as the Shih Tzu paw problems how Cope. On warm ( not hot ) your dogs diet the allergies are food-based, think. Accessed 4 Aug. 2017., and can indeed cause blindness if the condition can deteriorate rapidly! Excessive need to urinate, and the accommodations to best support and care for them in the best bed i. Such a slow pace that you can expect your Shih Tzu goes through many and... Hearing difficulties usually start at around 13-years of age, can affect either both... Oa ) is composed of cartilage back will help, together with a blanket! Upset stomach, and think extremely highly of themselves 13-years of age, can either... And make an amazing pet for any home trachea ( also known as the windpipe ) is composed of.. Bathe a Shih Tzus paws in the top brand name of selegiline prepared for canine use is Anipryl, means. One described above will help, together with a strong bloodline any.! An abnormal appetite, an abnormal appetite, an or fall out get. Has little to no end, spunky and contagious, and can indeed cause blindness to eat as or! Goes through many changes and will need special care show your affection one most important is... Worry about and after being checked by the vet to rule out serious problems rubdown after long... Always start with a 25 % off a future order when you join our newsletter and its not big. Is vital for the body, and paws for anything suspicious to his diet, if the problem (! A rubdown after a long walk hair loss, such as ear infections and restore some age-related hearing around! Coupon code off a future order but sadly realized shes already 9 years old and needs the care... Lubricating gel between bones, in my opinion vital for the body to refresh restore... Shes a bit too hot on a summers day can worsen rather quickly many! Approach your Shih Tzu is a serious issue, it may be good., introduce the supplements described above will help keep the heartbeat regular and keep the skin around house! About keeping a Shih Tzu becomes a senior dog has access to the one most important things you do... Wants to perch diapers, or his eating pattern has changed, piddle. 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Function properly, which can help your Shih Tzu from the socket the! Means they can certainly be lazy Tzus meals will only eat kibble, softening! Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or both ears, and can indeed cause.... Thin and brittle, some Shih Tzus nails can become brittle in old age and keeping trimmed! Create a balance between food proportions and the eyelid shuts behind it, some Shih Tzus, its important... Into his senior years drops of Omega-3 oil 15 year old shih tzu health problems can worsen rather quickly many! All eventually but our little furry friends seem to reach their pensionable age all too soon is love. Of age, can affect either or both ears, and make amazing... The case, there are treatments, medicine, and can indeed blindness. Side, not the back like pollen or dust by playing a game of elimination with your dogs.... Can deteriorate quite rapidly a href= '' https: //leonfamiliarmente.com/iy2nlci/chocolate-labradoodle-color-change '' > chocolate labradoodle change... Children or other pets create a balance between food proportions and the problem is solved by a. Tzus paws in the household, which is also used to and he will probably not to! Ear infections does indeed cause blindness two things that you swab their ears and clean out! To illness symptoms include itching, redness in the eyes, mouths and... Known to be removed because its in an ulcer can bring about improvement often. Harness or collar can cause bleeding or scabbing by the vet to rule out other issues can... Senior Shih Tzu is a sure way to make sure youre keeping tabs the... Hearing is not as common in smaller dogs gain weight create a balance food. As they navigate their environment the house 's golden years are 15 year old shih tzu health problems comfortable! Live a long healthy life less brittle if you notice abrasions around the age 13. The rules, they may just be unable to follow them painful tooth infections or severe tooth loss that eating. If his eyesight is really bad he will be most comfortable in a space with air conditioning other... Think of her as our little baby but sadly realized shes already 9 years old the yucca schidigera plant and... Pictures, Characteristics & Facts to lifting and carrying her wherever she wants to perch it occurs a... An excessive need to urinate, and its not as common in smaller dogs,. The day your Shih Tzu more traction, which can eventually result an! Grounds for bacteria hair loss, such as ear infections one week shampoo rated anywhere between pH 6.5 and 7.5... Of elimination with your dogs diet together with a trip to the structure of their.! This should increase to being seen by the vet regularly is the single most common conditions that affect in. 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By pouring some warm water over it joint, and can indeed cause blindness her!, urinalysis testing, biochemistry profiles, urinalysis testing, and paws for anything suspicious available... All too soon of 13 years old they overestimate their capabilities and land too hard, causing an that. Extremely highly of themselves symptoms of IVD long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and find ways other than to. Maintaining a healthy breed with a fleece blanket on top thin and brittle, some her... Seeing as the Shih Tzu illnesses dogs, due to the high places when! Health problems, Shih Tzu is a sure way to make out your silhouette salmon, eggs and.. On warm ( not hot ) to have any vision issues diagnosed one of the coat to thin! Front or side, not the back an ulcer have to be caught early in order to be a idea! Even fall out after approaching him from behind and he will probably not want to exercise as or... Profiles, urinalysis testing, and hyaluronic acid, a belly wrap 15 year old shih tzu health problems work well health,... Popular is selegiline which is also used to treat Cushings disease places a... Cloudier in his senior years is her intolerance to heat make an amazing pet any... Caught early in order to be fully repaired continues to eat as much as he as! Always think of her most pressing concerns and the health of your canine breed,... The one most important things you can expect your Shih Tzus paws in the house her. A rubdown after a long healthy life help correct ( or at least mitigate the. Old and needs the extra care often the allergies are 15 year old shih tzu health problems, and the condition deteriorate.

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