Pet Insurance for your Shih Tzu Dog
Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, and adaptable — an ideal companion for families and individuals alike. Their loving nature and low exercise needs make them well-suited to apartment living. With the right pet insurance, you can manage unexpected vet costs and keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy for years to come.
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Protect Your Shih Tzu with Pet Insurance
Shih Tzus are affectionate, charming companions known for their lively personalities and beautiful, flowing coats. While they’re small in size, they can still face health concerns such as breathing difficulties, eye problems, or joint issues — all of which can be costly to treat without support.
With pet insurance for your Shih Tzu, you can claim back a portion of eligible vet expenses, easing the financial burden of unexpected treatments. Whether it’s an emergency, illness, or ongoing condition, cover helps you stay focused on your dog’s health and happiness, rather than worrying about the bills.
Conditions and Claims
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Arthritis | $3,891.88 |
| Ear Conditions | $2,850.67 |
| Cruciate Ligament | $7,453.28 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $2,861.32 |
| Neoplasia | $7,404.00 |
| Skeletal Condition | $2,161.25 |
| Skin Allergies | $713.40 |
| Mass Lesion | $4,761.10 |
| Fracture/Trauma | $2,231.78 |
Shih Tzus are prone to several costly health issues — from brachycephalic airway syndrome to eye disorders — with some vet bills reaching significant amounts.
This table shows just how expensive common conditions can be. With our pet insurance, you can claim back a portion of these costs and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
Why Choose PIA for the Dog Insurance of Your Shih Tzu?
Pet Insurance Australia can help you cover the costs of unexpected vet bills for your Shih Tzu, offering three levels of coverage, multi-pet discounts, convenient GapOnly® claims, member benefits and dedicated customer support.
Shih Tzu Common Health Problems
The Shih Tzu dog breed is generally healthy but can suffer from various health issues that present in the breed. Shih Tzus are expected to live long, happy lives with proper care and regular vet checkups. Pet Insurance Australia offers pet insurance for Shih Tzus that can cover various health issues your beloved furry family member may experience.
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.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 20–27 cm
Male: 20–27 cm
Average Weight
Female: 4–7 kg
Male: 4–7 kg
Temperament
Affectionate, outgoing, friendly, lively, alert, gentle, loyal
Lifespan
10–16 years
Known Genetic Issues
Brachycephalic airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, dental overcrowding, eye problems (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy)
Country of Origin
Tibet (developed further in China)
Exercise Requirements
Moderate daily exercise such as a short walk or indoor play.
Coat
Long, dense, flowing double coat (requires regular grooming)
Coat Colours
Wide variety including gold, white, black, brindle, liver, red, and combinations (often with white markings)
Specific Care Requirements
Daily grooming to prevent matting, regular dental care due to small jaw and crowded teeth, protection from extreme heat due to short muzzle. Thrives on companionship and should not be left alone for long periods.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance for Your Shih Tzu Today
If you are interested in learning more about pet insurance for dogs, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch with Pet Insurance Australia. We offer a range of coverage options to ensure
your pet enjoys a long and happy life with the family.
