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8 Ways to Help a Shih Tzu Live a Long Life

Overview

In the United States, canines on average live 12.67 years, when death by trauma is removed from the equation. Once that is factored in, the age drops to 11.1 years. Keeping those numbers in mind, the Shih Tzu’s overall life expectancy of 13 years can be considered average when compared to other dogs.

The oldest documented Shih Tzu to ever live was Smokey who reached the age of 23 years and we are keeping track of the oldest Shih Tzu currently alive (with documentation).

When owners think about those 13 years, it certainly seems like such a short amount of time compared to us humans. In fact, the US average life expectancy for people of both genders combined is 76.1 years (based on 2022 data) and that means that Shih Tzu dogs live, on average, just 1/6th the length of time as we do.

Those are very sobering figures and may lead you to wonder if there are things you can do to increase life span. Yet, another important aspect is taking steps so that a Shih Tzu’s senior years are ones that the dog can enjoy, spent in relatively good health.

Whether or not a Shih Tzu reaches their teens, and if many of those years are without chronic debilitating health issues, is due in part to genetics. But importantly, this is also very much linked to a dog’s overall care throughout their life. Such things as taking safety precautions, type of food and level of exercise, and preventive care all factor into the equation.

Here we cover the top 8 things that you can do to help a Shih Tzu live a long and healthy life. And most are easy to implement.

Please note: AllShihTzu is reader-supported. Some links below are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission on products through these, at no extra cost to you.

#1 Supervise Your Shih Tzu in the Yard.

What to know:

A serious or fatal injury happening to a dog in a fenced-in yard is one of those things that many people assume ‘happen to someone else’ and it’s easy to keep that mindset until something happens to your own dog and then it’s too late. There are a range of dangers connected to a small dog being unsupervised outside:

Attack by dogs that find their way into the yard. There are many cases of large dogs jumping or breaking through fences to attack smaller dogs.
Attack by wildlife. There are documented cases of attacks on small dogs by hawks, great horned owls, coyotes, bobcats, alligators, and even porcupines and raccoons. Snakebites are also a danger.
Ingestion hazards. This includes eating poisonous mushrooms, chewing on toxic plants or black walnuts, mouthing poisonous frogs, and ingestion of lawn care products.
Insect bites. Dangers include bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets. Their stings can be fatal in cases of anaphylaxis allergic reaction or venom toxic overload.
Breaking out of the fenced area and running off which can lead to being hit by a car or otherwise injured. Note that trauma is the 2nd leading cause of death for all dogs.
Weather-related distress. For this small brachycephalic breed, both heat stress in the summer and hypothermia in the winter are concerns.

What to do:

1. Supervision. You can help your Shih Tzu live a long and healthy life by implementing supervision the same as you’d do with a human toddler. So, if you currently allow your Shih Tzu out into the yard by themselves and there’s been no issues, consider yourself lucky so far and start to supervise them. If it helps, set up a comfortable chair and/or an outdoor umbrella and be sure to dress for the weather.

2. Limit wildlife. Take steps to limit wildlife that enters into your yard by keeping outdoor trash cans securely covered, keep the yard tidy and well-maintained, keep barbecuing areas free of crumbs, and use spinners or pinwheels as deterrents. Be on guard for wildlife particular at dawn and dusk and bring a flashlight if bringing your Shih Tzu outside when it’s dark.

3. Yard safety. Other tips include keeping the lawn mowed, removing debris like leaf or wood piles, routinely looking for and removing hazards, and using pet-friendly lawn care products.

#2 Give Your Shih Tzu Only Filtered or Spring Water.

What to know:

Helping a Shih Tzu live a long life is directly connected to avoiding the shocking level of toxins and carcinogens found in tap water all across the US, in Canada, and in many other parts of the world. This is such a rampant problem that chances are very high the water from your kitchen tap contains at least some of these contaminants and additives:

Chromium-6. This is a known carcinogen and is currently in the tap water of over 200 million Americans spread throughout all 50 US states.
Fluoride. This is still in over 60% of US drinking water. Long-term ingestion is linked to bone loss, kidney disease, cognitive damage, and osteosarcoma (the #1 cause of bone tumors in dogs).
Pharmaceuticals. The EPA doesn’t even test for this, but studies on drugs in drinking water show that traces of prescribed and illegal drugs including anticonvulsants, heart, anti-anxiety, birth control meds, Viagra, and cocaine make their way into public drinking water due to their compounds being small enough to pass through filtering systems.
Heavy metals. Copper, mercury, arsenic (a big problem in AZ, CA, and NM), cadmium, and lead are linked to a weakened immune system, arthritis, kidney disease, and circulatory and nervous system issues.
Radioactive substances. Human activities including construction, coal mining, and gas production can cause naturally-occurring radium (a big problem in TX), radon, thorium, and uranium to seep into water supplies.
Disinfectants. Used to kill dangerous germs and pathogens, compounds like chlorite and chloramines are linked to many health problems including anemia, nervous system issues, gastrointestinal issues, and allergic reactions including rash and itching.

What to do:

Offer filtered or spring water. Fortunately, it’s easy to help your Shih Tzu live longer by avoiding these dangerous toxins. There are 3 main choices: Offer bottled spring water, have a filtering system installed, or use an effective filtering device like the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher to clean the water as it’s being poured.

#3 Steer Clear of Detrimental Food Additives.

What to know:

Some additives like artificial food coloring (Blue # 2, Red #40, and Yellow #5 and 6) is only added to dog food and treats to please owners via brightly colored food. These are linked to behavioral issues, thyroid issues, asthma, acute and chronic allergies, and tumors.

And others, like chemical preservatives, are used as a cost-saving method but can cut a dog’s life short. Both BHA and BHT are known carcinogens and BHT is also linked to kidney and liver damage in animal studies, ethoxyquin (banned from human food for being harmful if swallowed) can cause liver and skin issues and is not always listed on the label, and propylene glycol (PG) which is a food moisturizer is derived from ethylene glycol (EG) AKA antifreeze.

In addition, there are other detrimental ingredients to be wary of including by-products, generic meats, fats, and oils, high levels of gluten, and cheap fillers like cereal by-products and feed-grade corn (field corn).

What to do:

1. Be aware of what you’re giving to your dog. To help your Shih Tzu live as long as possible, know what is in your Shih Tzu’s food and snacks. Never assume that it’s safe. Read the labels.

2. Offer all-natural, no-chemical, wholesome foods. Look for meals and snacks with zero additives. For preservatives, look for a vitamin blend (mixed tocopherols) and/or those that are plant or herb-based.

Some examples of high-quality natural foods include Wellness CORE for Small Breeds for a grain-free option.

And if you are offering wholesome grains like rice or oatmeal which are gluten-free and/or barley which is low-gluten, a good choice is Merrick Classic Small Breed Formula.

For treat rewards, which traditionally have a chewy moist consistency, and are given when training or to reinforce good behavior, there is Wellness Soft Natural Training Treats.

And for dry snacks that are given in between meals to keep a dog satisfied and help maintain blood glucose levels, an option with lots of tasty flavors is Fruitables Baked Crunchy Dog Treats.

#4 Keep Your Shih Tzu on a Regular Exercise Program.

What to know:

Meeting daily exercise goals is one of the most effective things you can proactively do to ensure that your Shih Tzu lives a long life. Let’s look at the many health benefits of exercise for a dog:

Helps regulate the metabolism
Helps maintain muscle mass
Good for the bones; during puppyhood it helps build bone density and during adulthood it helps prevent osteoporosis.
Can help prevent or delay the onset of many diseases including canine diabetes and heart disease.
Can lend toward skin health by increasing the natural production of certain antioxidants and increasing blood flow.
Helps a dog release pent-up energy that may otherwise manifest as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or other negative behaviors.
Can boost mood by allowing a dog to engage their senses.
Can help a dog sleep better at night.

What to do:

1. Create a schedule and stick with it. Make exercising your little guy or gal a regular part of the day that is not skipped over unless there are extenuating circumstances.

2. Go above the bare minimum. At the very least, the goal should be 2 walks per day of at least 20 minutes. But older pups and many adults can certainly benefit from longer walks of 30 to 60 minutes (just take breaks for rest and hydration) or even 3 walks of varying lengths.

3. Be in control of the walks. Using a harness like the Puppia Soft B Harness (as opposed to a collar) will help you keep your sweet Shih Tzu in a heeling position (to your immediate left and no further ahead than the extension of your foot) and will keep the neck (i.e. windpipe) free from constriction. Adjust the pace as needed so that your Shih Tzu is walking at a brisk pace but without breathing distress.

4. Make incremental increases over time. Over time, the same walks may not offer the same benefits as they once did. If your Shih Tzu is just sauntering along, gradually increase duration, speed, difficultly level (add on inclines or surfaces changes), and/or frequency. Do this incrementally so that you can judge what your Shih Tzu can comfortably and safely handle.

5. Incorporate yard or indoor play. Sessions of fetch are great cardio workouts for canines and this is a fantastic exercise option for Shih Tzu since the pace can be controlled by how often and how far you throw the toy and it’s very easy to take breaks as needed.

Outside, toss some colorful balls like Zanies Mini Tennis Balls for Dogs which are sized ideally for small dogs like the Shih Tzu.

And inside, on rainy or super-cold days engage your Shih Tzu in a game of fetch down a hallway or across several rooms with an indoor toy like the Chuckit Indoor Ball Dog Toy.

6. Know when to give your Shih Tzu a break. Taking breaks for rest and hydration at the halfway mark of an exercise session (or more frequently, if needed) can help prevent issues. Never-the-less, monitor your puppy or dog and have them take a rest or cut an activity short depending on the severity of any of the following: excessive panting, excessive drooling (particularly if it’s thick), dropping down to rest, and/or acting lethargic and/or confused.

When temps are soaring, take walks in the early AM and then again in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

#5 Have Your Shih Tzu Spayed/Neutered.

What to know:

While there are always exceptions, in many cases the benefits to having a dog spayed or neutered typically outweigh any risks and these procedures directly impact a Shih Tzu’s chances of living a long life.

For females, and regarding issues directly related to health and longevity, spaying prevents any chance of pregnancy which itself has risks, eliminates the chances of ovarian infections and cancer, reduces the odds of developing mammary tumors (when done before 2.5 years old), and virtually eliminates the chances of developing pyometra. Other benefits include stopping hormone-related behaviors and reduction of territorial marking behavior.

For males, and regarding issues directly related to health and longevity, neutering eliminates the chances of developing testicular tumors and reduces the risk of prostate disease (up to 60% of male dogs age 5+ have an enlarged prostate). Other benefits include reduction of territorial marking behavior and urges to run away.

Note that spaying or neutering is not usually not recommended for senior dogs or those with current health issues.

What to do:

If your Shih Tzu is not yet spayed or neutered, speak to the vet about this. It’s most beneficial for females to be spayed before the first heat cycle but this can be delayed to the 1-year-mark or later if there are weight/size concerns. Males should typically be neutered before the 1-year-mark, before any bad habits are in place.

Discuss surgical safety precautions of a pre-anesthetic screening, the importance of an IV, the use of warming blankets and blood pressure monitoring, and ask if the vet tech or assistant holds a certification in anesthesia management.

#6 Provide Dental Care.

Do Dental Care for Shih Tzu, shows toothbrush and paste

What to know:

Good oral hygiene plays a huge role in a Shih Tzu living as long of a life as possible. Infections (which can be terribly painful) can spread to other parts of the body and can even lead to full-body sepsis. Tooth decay, in which plaque and tartar slowly eat away at enamel, often eventually leads to tooth loss which can greatly affect a dog’s ability to eat and therefore is linked to malnutrition.

And sadly, this is something that many pet parents do not think about until it is too late. What may be a ‘simple’ issue of plaque buildup now (yellowed teeth) can culminate into a huge issue once a dog enters the senior years, when eating difficulties can greatly affect their health status.

What to do:

1. If it’s been a while (or it’s never been done), start with a professional vet checkup. Don’t shy away from this due to fear of anesthesia for your Shih Tzu. Overall, ‘full dentals’, that involve taking x-rays to check for deep decay and scraping and cleaning the teeth, are safe. You can help make this even safer by choosing a vet that does a pre-anesthetic screening and will be using an IV and a warming blanket. In addition, ask if blood pressure will be monitored and if the vet tech assisting has a certification in anesthesia management.

2. Use at-home cleaning methods. If you're wondering when to start this, the answer is 'now'. Even if you have a puppy whose deciduous (milk) teeth will fall out, decay can affect the adult teeth that are waiting to erupt and good at-home dental hygiene helps keep the gums strong. It also sets up good habits and tolerance. And, if your Shih Tzu is an adult and you're wondering if it's too late, the answer is that it's never too late for this. Every day that you clean your dog's teeth is another step in the right direction.

There are several good options that can effectively remove plaque and tarter. Choose one, some, or all of these:

1: Brush your Shih Tzu's teeth. One product we like is the Arm & Hammer for Pets Clinical Care Dental Kit because it contains all three dental care items for effective cleaning: a toothbrush, a safe paste and a fingertip brush. This is also sized well for most Shih Tzu dogs.

2: Use a dental spray. Though not as effective as brushing, it can be a good option for dogs that don't tolerate having their teeth brushed, especially when paired with other dental care (see below).

We recommend We like Pets Are Kids Too Premium Dental Spray; It has baking soda, aloe and peppermint. Though you can add it to your Shih Tzu's water, it works best when sprayed directly on the teeth. Water additives are discussed next.

3: Use a water additive. This alone cannot take the place of brushing your Shih Tzu's teeth. But, it can be a great supplemental way to boost a dog's dental hygiene. This sort of product typically works by containing enzymes or antiseptics that break down bacteria in the mouth and most are unflavored. We like Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Water Additive. It's generally non-perceptible and can be an effective part of your Shih Tzu's overall dental care plan.

4: Offer dental chews. These are edible treats designed to clear away plaque due to their hard consistency, shape and texture. While these cannot take the place of brushing, a daily dental chew can play a role in keeping teeth clean and free of plaque. We like Green Teenies, just be sure to supervise.

#7 Take Your Shih Tzu for Vet Checks.

What to know:

Don't make the mistake of avoiding veterinary wellness checks for your Shih Tzu, assuming everything is fine or due to avoidance of not wanting to hear 'bad news'. Preventive checkups are a very important step in making sure a Shih Tzu lives a long life and that no matter how many years they have, quality of life is as optimal as possible.

There is an array of health issues that are much easier to manage and treat when caught early. And with some diseases and illness, seeking a diagnosis late may prove fatal. Routine testing and screening will check for canine diabetes, heart issues, kidney issues, blood disorders, hormone deficiencies, parasites, cancer and much more.

What to do:

1. Schedule and keep wellness checks. Puppies need to be seen every 1 to 3 months, depending on vaccinations. Adults 1 to 7 years old should be seen once a year. Adults 8 years and up are often seen twice per year.

2. Do not delay sick visits. It’s shocking how many dog owners don’t consider calling the vet for symptoms that would never be ignored in humans. If your Shih Tzu has chronic or severe vomiting or diarrhea, is so ill that they do not eat or are extremely lethargic, have breathing distress, are in obvious pain, or have other signs that something is very wrong, please call the vet. Do not waste time by searching for answers elsewhere.

3. If needed, start a vet checkup fund. If taking your Shih Tzu is hard on your budget, set aside a certain amount of money each week for this. We suggest having a goal of putting away at least $500 a year which breaks down to $42 a month. If that seems like too much of a stretch, aim for half that amount: $21 a month.

#8 Dog-proof the House.

What to know:

There are a host of dangers in the typical household that are right under the noses of pet parents. Addressing these can play a role in a Shih Tzu’s quality of life and overall ability to reach or surpass life expectancy. Proofing the house to remove dangers or prevent injuries is usually something that people do in anticipation of a new puppy joining the family, but this should be done on a routine basis no matter the age of a dog, including the senior years.

Tragedies that other dogs have suffered, that you’ll want to protect your Shih Tzu from, include electrocution by chewing on cords, poisoning, fatal internal blockage or death by choking due to swallowing non-food items, and tumbling down staircases.

What to do:

1. Use a cord protector on any electrical cords that you cannot keep out of your Shih Tzu’s reach. One like PETCORDS Dog and Cat Cord Protector can be trimmed to fit as needed and is very durable as a barrier for chewing.

2. Keep cabinet locks on any lower kitchen or bathroom cabinets that your Shih Tzu could gain access to.

3. Routinely go over all of the floors and any reachable furniture to pick up any small objects. Note that an item does not need to resemble food for a dog to mouth it; sheer curiosity is all it takes.

4. Use a gate to block off staircases in instances when a Shih Tzu cannot safely navigate them. This generally applies to young puppies and seniors with decreased vision and/or mobility.

A Final Note

We're sure all pet parents agree, we must treasure every day that we have with our canine family members and do all we can to help them live long, healthy lives. We hope that you will take these guidelines seriously so that your sweet Shih Tzu will live as long as possible.