Shih Tzu Information Center
Health Overview
For a dog to simply survive, they must have food, water and most likely shelter. In order for a dog to be happy and healthy, they need much more. What type of every day care does a Shih Tzu need?
- Food - the correct quantity and quality
- Exercise - This dog needs 1/2 to 1 hour per day of brisk exercise
- Companionship - The Shih Tzu is a family lap dog. To be content and happy this dog needs a loving family that offers love, attention and caring
- Dental care - Dogs can die from tooth decay and infection
- Regular vet checks - this will offer appropriate vaccinations and hopefully find any medical issues while they are still manageable
- A safe home- Homes are dangerous to both dogs and babies if not made "child proof"
- Protection from temperature changes - both cold and hot extremes can be dangerous to the Shih Tzu
- Heartworm, flea and tick prevention
Your dog will depend on you for the the above aspects and more. As the owner of this precious dog, you must also be able to stay calm and make decisions in emergency situations and be able to quickly handle every day health care issues.
Symptoms will be dizziness, confusion, faintness and finally passing out. If you do not bring down your dog's temperature, death can occur. This must be done by applying cool towels to your dog's body, running a fan over him or her if possible and supplying water. Only after your have your dog stabilized should you then rush to the vet.
A healthy Tzu is a happy Tzu!
Understanding Heatstroke
A Shih Tzu is very sensitive the heat. Some owners may be surprised just how dangerous this is, until it happens. Most people know to never keep their dog in the car when parked; however your Shih Tzu can get heatstroke if:
The eyes. While a clean and clean discharge is normal a heavy and thick discharge from the eyes should equal a very fast appointment with the vet.
The nose. One can tell quite a bit from the nose of a Shih Tzu. A dog's nose should always be a bit cool and a bit damp. If there is any type of discharge: white, colored, runny, thick or otherwise this is a sign of a medical condition.
Glands. Testicles on a male or mammary glands on a female are a sign that the body is reaction to something; most likely an infection.
Odor. While the Shih Tzu may not always be able to smell like cologne or perfume this dog should not have a bad odor. Therefore any smell emitting from the ears, nose or mouth is a signal that you must bring your Shih Tzu to the veterinarian clinic.
First Aid
Another aspect of everyday health care for your Shih Tzu will mean being ready in case of emergency. If your Shih Tzu is injured you must certainly will want to take him or her to the vet as soon as humanly possible; however there may be circumstances out of your control in which you can not immediately reach a vet. This will be instances in which you are perhaps far from home such as camping, hiking or walking down the beach. It may also take some time for your vet to respond if there is a holiday; therefore a conscientious owner should have a small first aid kit for their Shih Tzu that can be kept at home but also portable to take out on the road.
In this kit, you should have the first aid fundamentals such as:
- Hydrogen Peroxide - to clean a cut
- Bandages - to wrap a cut
- Benedryl - to mix into water in case of unexpected allergic reaction
- Tweezers - to take out slivers or ticks
- A Sterile Needle - to take out tick heads or pieces of a sliver
- Thermometer- to check for heatstroke
Everyday health care for your Shih Tzu includes providing a safe environment. While we cannot foresee all dangers, when you have a Shih Tzu, one must proof the home just as one must do for a baby or a toddler. Dogs will do things when you least expect it. Therefore, the following should be done:
- Cover any loose electrical cords or put out of reach of your dog
- Put all potentially poisonous elements out of reach such as detergent, shampoo, rug cleaner, etc
- Place any houseplants out of reach
- Always be aware of human food inadvertently falling to the floor. The Shih Tzu can become violently ill and even die if ingesting human food such as:
Non-Negotiable Health Care
- Coffee or any substance with high levels of caffeine
- Chocolate or any food containing cocoa
- Raisins
- The seeds or core of any fruit
- Onions
- All due vaccinations
- Heartworm prevention
- Flea and tick prevention
- A safe environment in which the dog cannot run away
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