Pet Insurance for your Shih Tzu Dog

Due to their flat little face, the Shih Tzu breed is prone to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, an anatomical abnormality that affects their airways and makes breathing difficult. If your Shih Tzu suffers from this condition, you’ll notice noisy breathing, snoring or laboured breathing. Combined with their long coat, this condition can cause overheating, so avoiding extreme heat and providing a cool environment is recommended.

Although usually seen in larger dogs, Shih Tzus may suffer from Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the head of the femur (the ball) doesn’t fit snugly into the hip socket. Your Shih Tzu will struggle standing up and may limp or refuse exercise. Hip Dysplasia isn’t reversible, but with a proper diet to maintain weight, regular vet checkups and pain medication, your lovely little Shih Tzu can live a comfortable, happy life.

The Shih Tzu breed, which features prominent eyes, is prone to various eye issues, ranging from minor irritations (like dry eyes) to more severe conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA is a condition where the retina slowly deteriorates over time, leading to eventual blindness. Shih Tzus are also prone to cataracts (clouding of the lens that impairs vision) and corneal ulcers (painful sores on the surface of the cornea). Depending on your level of cover and any caps or limitations, Pet Insurance Australia can help towards the costs associated with regular checkups to monitor the eye health of your Shih Tzu.

Hypothyroidism is a health issue that may present in the Shih Tzu breed. When this endocrine disorder occurs, your dog’s thyroid gland can’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This leads to weight gain, lethargy, a dull coat and various skin conditions. A vet can diagnose this disorder through blood tests and recommend treatment such as thyroid hormone replacement and regular checkups. With proper care and treatment, your Shih Tzu can live a healthy life when Hypothyroidism is diagnosed.

Due to their small mouths and compact teeth, it is very common for Shih Tzus to develop dental problems. Issues include plaque and tartar buildup, gingivitis (early stage of gum disease), periodontitis (advanced stage of gum disease and infection), tooth decay and loss and abscesses (infections from the root of the tooth). You must regularly brush your Shih Tzu’s teeth, provide dental chew toys and get regular checkups and professional dental cleans from your vet.