Shih Tzu Eye Care

Overview

Shih Tzu dogs, with their charming appearance and affectionate nature, are beloved by many. However, their prominent eyes, a distinctive feature of the breed, require special care. This article delves into the various aspects of eye care for a Shih Tzu, emphasizing the importance of regular cleaning, understanding potential eye problems, and providing preventive care to maintain their ocular health.

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Anatomy of Shih Tzu's Eyes

General Physical Characteristics:

The eyes of a Shih Tzu are large, round, and typically set widely apart, giving them a distinctive, appealing look. This prominent placement, however, also means that their eyes are more exposed to environmental elements compared to other breeds. The eyeballs are slightly protruding, making them vulnerable to injuries and irritations.

Canines have an upper eyelid, a lower eyelid, and a third eyelid (nictitating membrane)that closes across the eye (rather than up and down). This transparent third lid serves to lubricate the eye and produces 1/3 of a dog’s natural tears.

The AKC breed standard describes the ideal Shih Tzu eyes as so, along with our explanations in brackets:

Eyes - Large, round, not prominent [when looking from the side, do not bulge out], placed well apart, looking straight ahead. Very dark. Lighter on liver pigmented dogs and blue pigmented dogs [liver Shih Tzu will have brown eyes (paw pads, lips, nose, and eye rims will be brown), blue Shih Tzu (blue is a diluted black); paw pads, lips, nose, and eye rims will be a steely navy blue; eyes will have a lighter iris, sometimes with a tint of grey]. Fault: Small, close-set or light eyes; excessive eye white [small irises].

Preventative Care and Protecting Your Shih Tzu's Eyes

There's several simple ways you can keep your Shih Tzu's eyes clean and healthy:

#1 Protect from wind and debris on car rides. As a passenger in the car with their head right near the window, a Shih Tzu's eyes are exposed to dust, bugs, and wind-blown debris. So, think about situating them a bit further away. If they do like the fresh air to be directly on them, consider using a mesh window covers. Ones like the Breathable Mesh Cover by PemoTech allows air to flow through, but blocks debris and bugs; it also offers a filtering shade to protect a dog's eyes from glaring sunlight.

#2 Use protective dog goggles in extreme environments. If your Shih Tzu is a bicycle or scooter passenger or otherwise is exposed to strong wind, consider dog goggles. They're especially helpful for dogs with chronic eye issues or after eye surgery, and many dogs tolerate them well with a little training.

#3 Avoid harsh cleaning sprays and air fresheners indoors. Even if not sprayed directly, aerosolized products and strong essential oils can irritate a dog’s sensitive eyes. Spritz in a different room or opt for pet-safe alternatives.

#4 Keep long facial hairs trimmed. Overgrown face hair can poke or wick debris into the eyes. Regularly trimming the hair around the eyes (or having a groomer do it) helps prevent irritation and keeps vision clear.

#5 Be cautious with small children. Kids often don’t realize how vulnerable a Shih Tzu’s eyes are. Rough play, poking, or even sudden hugs from toddlers can result in accidental injury. Supervising interactions helps protect those delicate eyes.

#6 Do not allow sniffing under dense shrubbery. Sharp twigs, thorns, or branches can easily poke a curious nose. Redirect their sniffs to open, safer areas.

#7 Use gentle grooming products. Always use shampoos and coat care products formulated for dogs with proper Ph and no detergent irritants. One line we love is the Earthbath products that use plant-based cleansers. But, no matter what you use, avoid getting suds into their eyes during baths.

#8 Wipe the eye area daily. Use soft thin cotton wipes or cotton balls dipped in a safe eye-cleaning solution or use gentle eye wipes like Earthbath Hypo-allergenic Eye Wipes one to three times per day, especially in the morning or after meals. Use a fresh wipe for each eye to avoid cross-contamination.

#9 Keep canine eye saline on hand. This can be used to gently flush your Shih Tzu’s eyes if you notice mild irritation or debris.

Next, we'll cover instructions for both daily cleaning and as-needed flushing of the eyes.

How to Clean a Shih Tzu's Eye Area:

Routine eye cleaning is a crucial aspect of grooming and caring for a Shih Tzu, given their prominent eyes which are prone to irritation and infection. Below are detailed steps and considerations for effectively maintaining your Shih Tzu's eye health through regular cleaning.

1. Frequency and Timing: It's recommended to clean your Shih Tzu's eyes daily. Consistency is key to preventing the build-up of debris and eye discharge, which can lead to irritation. You may find the best time to clean a Shih Tzu's eye area is after they eat a meal.

2. Choosing the Right Materials: Use a soft, clean thin cloth or cotton balls dipped in a safe eye cleaning solution, or specially designed pet wipes for the eye area that are gentle and not overly damp, since retained moisture can cause facial staining.

3. Technique for Cleaning: Gently hold your Shih Tzu’s head steady. Start by wiping the area around the eye, moving from the inner corner (near the nose) outward. Be careful not to touch the eye's surface. If there's dried discharge, take your time as you make as many gentle swipes as needed to clear it off. Use one wipe per eye, throwing away a sullied piece and using a new, clean one for each eye.

Remember, the more often you do this task, the less buildup there will be and the easier it’ll be to keep the eyes free from debris.

How to Flush Out a Shih Tzu's Eyes:

A Shih Tzu’s eye, being sensitive and prone to irritation, can occasionally get foreign objects stuck in it. Whether it's dust, an eyelash, or small debris, knowing how to safely flush out the eyes is crucial for every pet parent.

Here is a step-by-step:

1. Assess the Situation. Before proceeding, try to identify the foreign object. If the object is large, sharp, or your Shih Tzu is in severe pain, do not attempt to remove it yourself – seek immediate veterinary attention.

2. Gather the Supplies. You will need a canine eye wash solution specifically designed for dogs. One that we like a lot is Project Watson Eye Wash for Dogs; it's great for emergencies like flushing the eyes, and also wonderful to use to treat irritated eyes (in the case of allergies, etc.). Avoid using tap water or human eye drops as they can irritate your Shih Tzu's eyes.

3. Enlist a helper, if possible. You’ll be using two hands, one to hold the lower lid and one to drop the solution in, so having a helper is ideal.

4. Positioning Your Shih Tzu. Position your Shih Tzu in a comfortable and secure manner. You may need to hold their head gently but firmly to prevent sudden movements. If possible, work in a well-lit area.

5. Flushing the Eye. Gently pull down on your Shih Tzu’s lower eyelid to expose the eye. Hold the bottle of saline solution close to the eye (without touching it) and squeeze it to create a steady stream of fluid across the eye. This should help dislodge the foreign object.

Flushing out Shih Tzu's eye with eye solution

6. Repeat if Necessary. You might need to repeat the flushing several times. After each attempt, allow your dog to blink, as blinking helps to move the foreign object towards the tear duct, making it easier to flush out.

7. Check for Improvements. After flushing, check to see if the foreign object has been removed. Look for signs of continued discomfort or redness, which might indicate that the object is still present or that an injury has occurred.

8. Dry the Area Gently. Use a clean, soft cloth to gently pat the area around the eye dry. Avoid rubbing the eye.

9. Monitor Your Shih Tzu. Observe your little guy or gal over the next few hours for any signs of discomfort, redness, or discharge. If the problem persists or worsens, consult your veterinarian.

Tear Staining

Breeds like the Shih Tzu that have short snouts and shallow eye sockets can be exceptionally prone to tear stains. These will be much more apparent on light hairs. See: Shih Tzu Tear Stains for a complete step-by-step to removing these for good.

The Most Common Shih Tzu Eye Problems

These are the most common eye problems and issues that occur with Shih Tzu dogs:

Entropion
Cherry eye
Conjunctivitis
Corneal Abrasions and Ulcers
Distichiasis & Ectopic Cilia (eyelash issues)
Dry Eye
Inflammation

See: Shih Tzu Eye Issues for more details.

Final Thoughts

A Shih Tzu's expressive eyes are one of their most endearing features, but also among the most vulnerable. Being familiar with their unique anatomy and making eye care part of your sweetie's regular routine helps avoid preventable issues. From gentle daily wiping to knowing how to flush the eyes, these small tasks can have a big impact.

Lists to Love: Treat Edition

Treats for Shih Tzus with Sensitive Stomachs - If your Shih Tzu has a tummy that’s quick to protest, finding the right treat can feel like a guessing game. You'll love these gentle options.

Healthy Yummy Cheese Treats for a Shih Tzu - Is your Shih Tzu a true cheese connoisseur or a doggo that wants to be, but struggles with dairy? See these fantastic options, including one long-lasting lactose-free chew that’s safe to savor and loved by even the pickiest pups.

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Lists to Love: Helpful Finds

The Ultimate Shih Tzu Toy Collection - Chase, chew, snuggle, repeat! From teething helpers to boredom busters, these toys bring entertainment, comfort, and tail-wagging fun to your Shih Tzu’s day.

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