Shih Tzu Health
Obviously one of the most important things in terms of keeping a Shih Tzu, or any dog for that matter, is the animals’ health. Dogs are affected by almost identical ailments as humans and like humans need proper care to prevent and treat whatever may arise.
Food affects health
First off, and it might sound blatantly obvious and somewhat silly to mention, are the need for food and water. As simple as that sounds, it is often over looked. A Shih Tzu should be fed regularly, not over fed mind you, and have a constant water supply. The food it eats should be one it enjoys as well as one that gives the animal everything it needs. Something as simple as a good diet and plenty of water is enough to prevent most illnesses a Shih Tzu might get.
Prevention is what you will really want to keep in mind with Shih Tzu care, because if the animal is being looked after well, it will invariably not develop or experience any illness problems. So beside adequate food and water, remember that a Shih Tzu is a friendly dog, and something like diarrhea could even be caused by anxiety from stress.
Shih Tzu Teeth
Also be mindful of your animals teeth, as rotten teeth or gum disease can lead to many more illnesses besides the obvious discomfort. And remember to take your dog to the vet regularly for check-ups and medicals, to be safe, and to ensure you catch any growing illness within time to be able to deal with it more effectively
Signs of illness
In terms of spotting any potential health problems, there are a number of indicators and whether you are sure or unsure about anything concerning the health of your Shih Tzu take it to the vet immediately and have it checked out, no matter how minuscule it might seem.
Now some of the things to look for, beside the obvious like cuts or scrapes are the more subtle signs. Things like the weakening of the Shih Tzu’s dense coat, or even hair loss; a sharp decrease in the dog’s food or water intake, swelling of any part of the animal etc.
Be sure to monitor your animal after the first indicator and look for any further indications of a potential problem. Even psychological signs can indicate a problem, your dog may seem depressed or anxious so once again monitor the dog and check for further signs.
Check your dog’s temperature
And one of the most important things to look out for in a Shih Tzu its temperature is whether it’s too high or too low. Being small dogs, the effect of drastic changes in temperature, could seriously damage the internal organs. So if it is very hot, try and keep your pup cool and if it is cold, keep the animal snug and warm.
Once again though, if you are unsure about anything regarding your Shih Tzu’s health, don’t hesitate to consult your vet, because they will be able to advise you on the best course of action and help treat your dog if anything is amiss.
P.S.
In my minicourse I discuss more health issues affecting the Shih Tzu. You can opt in by using the box on the top right. It is free.
