Shih Tzu Information Center
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Shih Tzu Life Span
Overview
When you have a pet, it is natural to think about and even worry about their life span. This is because all dogs have shorter life spans than we do. Therefore, sadly, most owners will outlive their canine family member . In general, dogs will live an average of 12.8 years.
However, toy and small breed dogs live longer than medium or large breed dogs. Therefore the Shih Tzu life span is up to 16 years. And since this is an approximation, some Tzu can live longer…17, even 18 years. Much the same way it often happens with humans, female Tzu will – in general – live a bit longer than males – approximately 1.4 years.
Helping Increase Shih Tzu Life Expectancy
There are some things that an owner can do to extend the Shih Tzu life span. One must remember that aging factors begin to affect the dog’s body from the day he or she is born. So, let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do:
Since a certain percentage of dogs pass away due to cancer, one can eliminate certain types simply by spaying or neutering their dog. When a female Shih Tzu is spayed, this removes the possibility of ovarian cancer. At the same time, it will reduce the odds of developing mammary cancer. For the male Shih Tzu life span, if an owner has the dog neutered, it will eradicate the possibility of developing testicular cancer.
When a human smokes, they put themselves in danger in regard to many health risks. When a Shih Tzu inhales 2nd hand smoke, they are at risk as well. This includes lung and mouth cancer and heart issues. Therefore, if anyone in the household smokes, it is recommended to do so outdoors, away from your puppy or dog.
Dogs who do not receive regular dental care can develop terrible infections and in severe cases, those infections can enter the bloodstream. For this reason, one should always perform regular at-home dental care. In addition, a Shih Tzu should be brought for professional ‘full dentals’ every year or every other year (based on your Tzu’s veterinarian’s opinion)
Just like us, your dog will be healthier with a good, balanced diet and proper exercise. Small dogs often have pent up energy, as they are often indoors for most of the time while the owners are at work, etc. For this reason, taking your Shih Tzu for daily walks and outside for additional cardio (such as playing fetch, Frisbee, etc) will not only keep him or her healthy, but also allow them to release energy and this makes for a better behaved dog.
The Stages Throughout a Shih Tzu Life Span
Day 1: The newborn is only ounces….he or she cannot hear and eyes are closed, so he or she cannot see. Also, they are born without any teeth.
Week 2: Hearing is developing and eyes are open with most puppies
Week 3: The puppy is learning to walk. Just like babies, they need to learn, it does not come natural. They will wobble, stumble and fall….however as each day goes by they will find their balance, stretch those muscles and soon be walking just fine.
Weeks 5-7: A slow yet steady weaning process is done so that the puppy goes from receiving nutrition from the dam to eating solid foods. During this process, food at a “mushy’ consistency is given to allow the pup to become accustomed to chewing.
Week 8: Traditionally the age that they go to their new home. Now weaned from the dam, they are eating solid food. They will sleep quite a bit and be bundles of energy when awake. Their puppy teeth are usually all showing by this age.
Months 3-8: This will seem like a long phase, as it is the teething stage. It is a slow process, as first the incisors fall out and then the molars. There are early bloomers and late comers… not all pups are the same. In general, this will all be done by the age of 8 months.
6 Months: A female can enter heat for the 1st time by this young age.
1 Year: During the Shih Tzu life span, the 1 year old dog is now considered to be an adult, a young adult to be exact.
6 Years: If a female was breeding, now is the time to retire her from this.
8 Years: Most toy breeds are considered to be a senior by this age. Some veterinarians will deem them to be a senior at 7 years, some at 9…this is the average age.
10 Years: It is natural for the dog to be slowing down….not as playful, the 10 year old likes to rest more and is often content relaxing with their human family members. Walks should still be given, albeit at a slower pace.
There are some things that an owner can do to extend the Shih Tzu life span. One must remember that aging factors begin to affect the dog’s body from the day he or she is born. So, let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do:
Since a certain percentage of dogs pass away due to cancer, one can eliminate certain types simply by spaying or neutering their dog. When a female Shih Tzu is spayed, this removes the possibility of ovarian cancer. At the same time, it will reduce the odds of developing mammary cancer. For the male Shih Tzu life span, if an owner has the dog neutered, it will eradicate the possibility of developing testicular cancer. When a human smokes, they put themselves in danger in regard to many health risks. When a Shih Tzu inhales 2nd hand smoke, they are at risk as well. This includes lung and mouth cancer and heart issues. Therefore, if anyone in the household smokes, it is recommended to do so outdoors, away from your puppy or dog.Dogs who do not receive regular dental care can develop terrible infections and in severe cases, those infections can enter the bloodstream. For this reason, one should always perform regular at-home dental care. In addition, a Shih Tzu should be brought for professional ‘full dentals’ every year or every other year (based on your Tzu’s veterinarian’s opinion)Just like us, your dog will be healthier with a good, balanced diet and proper exercise. Small dogs often have pent up energy, as they are often indoors for most of the time while the owners are at work, etc. For this reason, taking your Shih Tzu for daily walks and outside for additional cardio (such as playing fetch, Frisbee, etc) will not only keep him or her healthy, but also allow them to release energy and this makes for a better behaved dog. The Stages Throughout a Shih Tzu Life Span
Day 1: The newborn is only ounces….he or she cannot hear and eyes are closed, so he or she cannot see. Also, they are born without any teeth. Week 2: Hearing is developing and eyes are open with most puppies
Week 3: The puppy is learning to walk. Just like babies, they need to learn, it does not come natural. They will wobble, stumble and fall….however as each day goes by they will find their balance, stretch those muscles and soon be walking just fine.
Weeks 5-7: A slow yet steady weaning process is done so that the puppy goes from receiving nutrition from the dam to eating solid foods. During this process, food at a “mushy’ consistency is given to allow the pup to become accustomed to chewing.
Week 8: Traditionally the age that they go to their new home. Now weaned from the dam, they are eating solid food. They will sleep quite a bit and be bundles of energy when awake. Their puppy teeth are usually all showing by this age.Months 3-8: This will seem like a long phase, as it is the teething stage. It is a slow process, as first the incisors fall out and then the molars. There are early bloomers and late comers… not all pups are the same. In general, this will all be done by the age of 8 months.
6 Months: A female can enter heat for the 1st time by this young age.
1 Year: During the Shih Tzu life span, the 1 year old dog is now considered to be an adult, a young adult to be exact.
6 Years: If a female was breeding, now is the time to retire her from this.8 Years: Most toy breeds are considered to be a senior by this age. Some veterinarians will deem them to be a senior at 7 years, some at 9…this is the average age.
10 Years: It is natural for the dog to be slowing down….not as playful, the 10 year old likes to rest more and is often content relaxing with their human family members. Walks should still be given, albeit at a slower pace.
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