How Old Do Shih Tzus Live?

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As a dog trainer, I get all kinds of questions from dog parents about nutrition, care, and obedience. But, once in a while, a Shih Tzu dog owner will hit me with something like – how long will my dog live? It’s perfectly understandable where Shih Tzu owners are coming from. After all, as a small breed, Shih Tzus are prone to various health concerns.

That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to try and inform all Shih Tzu parents about their furball’s average lifespan, factors that can directly affect a Shih Tzu’s life, and how owners can contribute positively to enhancing their pets’ longevity.

If you’re a worried Shih Tzu parent or are thinking about getting a Shih Tzu, this guide has all the info you’ll need to prepare yourself for caring for your best bud – the right way!

1. Health Issues

Generally, health problems in dogs can be divided into two categories: genetic and general. When it comes to Shih Tzus, there are various illnesses and diseases pet parents should know about because early recognition is essential to a complete recovery. Below are some of the health conditions that are common among the Shih Tzu breed.

Genetic Health Problems

• Bone and Joint Issues

Over the years, multiple musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Shih Tzus. While bone and joint conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, or intervertebral disc disease aren’t life-threatening, the pain and discomfort associated with these conditions can have drastic consequences in your pet’s life.

Most of the conditions above are accompanied by symptoms such as reluctance to move, whining (as if in pain), difficulty in moving, lameness in hind legs, or in severe cases, paralysis.

If your pet is displaying one or more of these signs, it’s best not to delay and get them immediate medical help. The good news is that with proper treatment and care, most of these conditions can be managed and cured to an extent to ensure your pet continues to live a healthy and happy life.

• Stenotic Nares

Stenotic nares is when a Shih Tzu is born with narrow nostril passageways. This is another genetic disease/condition the breed is prone to and can reduce the amount of oxygen your dog’s body needs. The primary symptom of stenotic nares is noticeable difficulty in breathing.

If not diagnosed early, the condition will have a detrimental effect on the Shih Tzu’s body, leading to weakness and other concerns. Treatment for this condition involves surgery to widen the nasal passageways of a canine’s nostrils to allow it to breathe better.

• Eye Problems

Shih Tzus can be susceptible to several eye conditions, including cataracts, dry eye, etc. Cataracts affect the lens of your pet’s eyes and cause them to turn opaque (cloudy). The condition can be treated successfully in canines through surgery.

Dry eye reduces the amount of fluid your Shih Tzu’s tear glands produce, leading to adequate moisture in the eyes. That, in turn, can lead to your pet suffering from sore and dry eyes, and it can also encourage infections. Treatment of dry eyes includes ophthalmic solutions and ointments.

• Ear Infections

Owners ought to be aware that the adorable and floppy ears of a Shih Tzu put it at risk of developing painful ear infections. The slack structure of a Shih Tzu’s ears makes it easy for pathogens to enter the long canal – which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

One early indication of ear infections apart from scratching and pain is odor. Your furball may also act jumpier because of loud noises.

• Dental Problems

Often dental diseases aren’t treated with the kind of caution the condition deserves. Nonetheless, the problem affects more than 70% of pets and generally kicks off with something as simple as tartar buildup on teeth. The next stage involves gum and root infection, leading to teeth loss and joint, liver, heart, or even kidney damage.

• Obesity

Any dog owner will tell you that canines live to eat. It’s part of their nature to be opportunistic eaters, but with breeds like the Shih Tzu, overeating can lead to concerns like obesity. Even worse than just putting on extra pounds, obesity in Shih Tzus can lead to a whole host of problems like digestive disorders, heart disease, joint issues, etc.

2. Quality Of Life

Deciding whether your Shih Tzu’s life quality is up to par with required standards isn’t always easy. For one, there are no clear criteria you can measure your pet’s daily routine against. However, there are basic principles you can rely on to ensure your pets live a long and prosperous life.

The first step of this journey involves keeping up with regular check-ups with your vet. Always remember that while answers on the internet provide knowledge, your vet is your only source of viable and pet-specific information.

Then, there’s exercise. Even though Shih Tzus classify as small dogs and are bred as companions, a sedentary lifestyle will spell trouble for your pet’s health. No matter the dog breed, all canines require regular exercise, and Shih Tzus are not different. 

Adult Shih Tzus can get by perfectly well on 20 to 30 minutes of walking to keep them in shape. For pups who’re still growing and developing their bones and skeletal system, 10 minutes walking will serve just fine.

Considerations like pollution can also affect your Shih Tzu’s health. As a brachycephalic breed, Shih Tzus are prone to breathing problems, which can be made worse by poor air quality. While this isn’t something pet parents can control, they can alleviate their pet’s breathing problems by taking care of indoor air quality levels.

Another tip for Shih Tzu family members looking to help their puppy breathe better is investing in air purifiers and humidifiers. The great thing about purifiers and humidifiers is that they can also help with human allergies and breathing problems, so it’s a win-win situation.

3. Food And Nourishment

I saved the food category for last because it can play a pretty positive role in helping your pet live longer. There’s a reason why people say we are what we eat because whatever we ingest impacts our systems at various levels. 

Similarly, if you’re looking to add to your pet’s years, a high-quality diet that checks all the right boxes in terms of nutrients is essential. What’s more, it’s important to remember that your Shih Tzu diet should correspond with its changing dietary needs as it ages. That’s another area where your vet’s input is priceless.