Are you thinking about adding a new puppy to your family? A Shih Tzu can be a good choice for a variety of reasons, as long as you know what you are getting with this type of dog. As with any breed, there are Shih Tzu health problems that are unique to this breed, and becoming aware of those health problems will help you to avoid them at the breeders and address them as early as possible. The most common types of Shih Tzu health problems tend to affect the eyes and the kidneys, and most are hereditary. This means that you can question your breeder as to genetic health problems in his lines of dogs to help prevent problems in the first place.

Another important step in Shih Tzu care is to find a veterinarian that is knowledgeable about the Shih Tzu breed and is a doctor that you and your dog are both comfortable working with. The final component in Shih Tzu health care is to learn about first aid for dogs so that you are prepared should an emergency arise.
There are two Shih Tzu health problems that affect the eyes and are seen somewhat frequently. The first is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is also known as dry eye. This condition occurs when there is not a sufficient production of the aqueous portion of tears in the eye, which can lead to cornea damage and even blindness if no treatment is offered. A brachiocephalic skull can also lead to eye problems for the Shih Tzu, since the skull is structured in a way that the eyes of the dog protrude more than with other breeds. This additional exposure of the eye can lead to a variety of eye problems that will need to be addressed and treated.

Renal dysplasia is the name for a potentially serious Shih Tzu health problem that affects the kidneys. Unfortunately, severe cases of this condition can lead to the death of a very young dog. It is also difficult for a breeder to know if his lines of dogs might carry this disorder, since it can go undetected for generations.
Learning about potential Shih Tzu health problems is only part of the process of preparing to bring your adorable new puppy home. It is also important to be ready for any emergency that might arise by stocking up a few first aid supplies at home as well as a first aid manual that can walk you through any number of situations where your dog becomes sick or injured. Bandages, a rectal thermometer and a hydrogen peroxide solution are good first aid supplies to keep on hand.

A veterinarian will also become an important part of your Shih Tzu care, and it is best to find a doctor that you are comfortable working with. You can interview a few vets in your area to find out if one of them is a good fit for you, or ask friends or family members with dogs for a recommendation. Once you find a veterinarian that you and your dog both like, you will be prepared to handle any Shih Tzu health problems that might arise throughout your dog’s life.

The first step in quality Shih Tzu care is to educate yourself about the breed and the potential health problems that might arise. Articles like this will teach you about potential health issues for the breed, how to choose a veterinarian and proper techniques for emergency care for you Shih Tzu.

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