Shih Tzu Eye Care

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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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]. 

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. The best time for cleaning is during their regular grooming routine, preferably after a bath or a brushing session. However, if your Shih Tzu loves to dive head-first into their food dish, you may want to do this quick cleaning task after they eat dinner. 

2. Choosing the Right Materials: Use a soft, clean thin cloth, cotton balls, or specially designed pet wipes for the eye area such as Earthbath's Hypoallergenic Eye Wipes. If using a cloth or cotton balls, ensure it is dampened with warm water or a vet-approved eye cleaning solution.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Help protect your Shih Tzu’s eyes by following these guidelines:

• Do not allow your little guy or gal to sniff under shrubbery or other areas where elements can scratch the eye. 
• Use gentle shampoos and coat care products. 
• Even so, try to avoid getting suds into their eyes. 
• Keep canine eye saline solution on hand, to flush the eyes, should you notice debris.
• Wipe the eye area daily (1 to 3 times per day) with a hypoallergic grooming wipe. This should be done in the morning if your Shih Tzu tends to accumulate ‘eye gunk’. After meals, wipe the area to remove any small food particles. Use one wipe per eye; do not re-use a dirtied wipe.
  

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