Shih Tzu Health Issues

Yes. Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic (flat-faced, short-snouted) breed alongside Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pekingese. Their compressed skull structure can cause Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): elongated soft palate, narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), everted laryngeal saccules, hypoplastic trachea. The AKC Shih Tzu breed profile and the AVMA statement on acquired brachycephalic deformations both flag the breed's airway risks. Symptoms range mild (snoring, snorting, exercise intolerance, heat sensitivity) to severe (laboured breathing, gum colour changes during exercise, collapse). Calgary BOAS surgery (soft palate trim plus nostril widening) commonly runs $3,500–$6,500 at general practice, with specialty clinics often higher. For diagnosis and surgical planning, work with a Calgary brachycephalic-experienced vet or specialty clinic. Many Shih Tzus do well with management alone (avoid heat, harness not collar, keep weight low, no high-intensity exercise), but moderate-to-severe BOAS often benefits from surgery before age 4.

Multiple. Shih Tzus have prominent eyes due to shallow eye sockets (beautiful, but vulnerable). The American Shih Tzu Club health page lists the breed's common eye conditions. Frequent problems:
(1) Proptosis. Eyeball pops out of socket from minor head trauma. True emergency: cover eye with damp cloth, ER vet within 30 minutes. Calgary repair surgery commonly $1,500–$3,000.
(2) Corneal ulcers from facial hair rubbing the eye. Keep hair trimmed short around the eyes; vet-prescribed drops treat the ulcer.
(3) Dry eye (KCS). Chronic insufficient tear production. Long-term tear-replacement and immunomodulator drops are prescribed and monitored by your vet.
(4) Cataracts. Common in seniors; surgery commonly $3,000–$5,000 per eye.
(5) Cherry eye. Third eyelid gland prolapse; surgical replacement commonly around $800 per eye.
(6) Distichiasis. Extra eyelashes scratching cornea.

Severe and very common. Shih Tzus are consistently named among the highest-risk breeds for early periodontal disease, with most adult dogs showing some degree of dental disease by middle age. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association dental care position covers the standard of care. Cause: a small jaw with the standard 42 dog teeth means crowding, retained baby teeth, and food trap pockets. Brachycephalic skull shape compounds the crowding. Many Shih Tzus need professional cleanings more often than the average breed (commonly every 6–12 months), with extractions of badly diseased teeth. Many seniors end up with no teeth at all and do fine with kibble softened in water. Calgary dental cleaning cost: $500–$1,500 depending on extractions. Lifetime dental care for a Shih Tzu often becomes the single largest health cost. Prevention: daily tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste from puppyhood, VOHC-approved dental chews, regular vet exams.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is herniation or rupture of the cushioning discs between vertebrae. Shih Tzus are predisposed due to their long-back/short-leg body shape (chondrodystrophic build, similar to Dachshunds and Corgis). The OFA overview of IVDD covers the genetic risk and screening. Symptoms: reluctance to jump, hunched back, yelping when picked up, sudden hindlimb weakness or paralysis. IVDD is a veterinary emergency when paralysis or loss of bladder control develops. Earlier surgical decompression tends to improve outcomes. Calgary surgical IVDD treatment commonly $5,000–$10,000 or more at a Calgary specialty neurology practice. Conservative management for mild cases is vet-directed and generally involves several weeks of strict crate rest plus prescribed anti-inflammatories. Prevention: do not let Shih Tzus jump on or off furniture (use ramps), keep them lean, support their back when picking up (one hand under chest, one under hindquarters).

Renal (kidney) dysplasia is a congenital condition where kidneys develop abnormally. Shih Tzus are commonly cited among the higher-risk breeds. Symptoms typically appear by age 2 to 5: increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, ammonia-like breath. Diagnosis involves bloodwork (BUN, creatinine, SDMA), urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound. Treatment is management-only and vet-directed: prescription kidney diets, subcutaneous fluids if dehydrated, and other supportive medications your vet may add. There is no cure. Calgary cost: roughly $200–$500 initial diagnostic workup, with ongoing monthly management costs that depend on stage. Many Shih Tzus with renal dysplasia live 1 to 3 years post-diagnosis with good management.

Yes. Hypothyroidism is commonly reported in Shih Tzus, often in middle age. Symptoms: weight gain despite normal diet, lethargy, dry or flaky skin, hair loss (often symmetrical on flanks), cold intolerance, slow heart rate, recurrent skin and ear infections. Diagnosis is a thyroid panel run by your Calgary vet. Treatment, when indicated, is a daily oral thyroid replacement prescribed and dosed by your vet, with periodic bloodwork to confirm levels. Do not dose-shop or borrow human medication; this is a vet-only decision. If your senior Shih Tzu is gaining weight and slowing down, ask your vet for a thyroid panel before assuming “old age.”

Frequently. Shih Tzus are commonly listed among the higher-risk breeds for atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) and food allergies. Symptoms: itchy ears with recurrent infections, paw licking and chewing, red belly, groin or armpits, hair loss in patches, hot spots. Triggers can be environmental (pollen, dust mites, mould) or food (chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat are among the most-reported). Diagnosis can involve an elimination diet trial (often 8–12 weeks on a vet-prescribed novel-protein or hydrolyzed diet), allergy serology testing, and a skin scrape to rule out parasites. Treatment is vet-directed and may include prescription medications, medicated shampoos, omega-3 supplementation, antihistamines (limited effectiveness), and strict avoidance of food triggers. Do not start prescription allergy drugs without a vet exam. For refractory cases, a Calgary veterinary dermatologist is the right next step. Allergies are lifelong and management-focused, not curable.

Three reasons. First, brachycephalic airway anatomy means any tracheal pressure is risky during exercise or excitement. Second, Shih Tzus are prone to tracheal collapse alongside Pomeranians and Yorkies, and collar pressure can accelerate the damage. Third, eye proptosis risk: a sudden leash jerk on a collar can pop an eye out of its socket given the shallow Shih Tzu eye socket and short snout. Use a back-clip or vest-style harness for daily walks on Nose Hill, Edworthy Park, or your neighbourhood favourite. Front-clip harnesses are fine for training, but watch for chest pressure. Collars are okay for ID tags and city licence tags only, never for leash attachment. See our Pomeranian health guide for the full tracheal collapse breakdown.

Yes. Luxating patella is commonly reported in Shih Tzus, with vets grading it 1 to 4. Calgary luxating patella surgery commonly $3,000–$5,000 per knee with a board-certified surgeon. Many Grade 1 to 2 cases are managed without surgery using weight control, vet-directed joint support, and limited high-impact activity (no jumping off furniture, which also reduces IVDD risk). Your vet decides the grade and the plan. See the Pomeranian health guide for the grade-by-grade breakdown.

Significantly. Brachycephalic breeds struggle at both temperature extremes.

Hot weather (above 22°C): Shih Tzus cannot pant efficiently due to a compressed airway. Heat exhaustion can happen fast. Avoid midday walks May through September, including Bow River pathway and Fish Creek Park. Watch for excessive panting, gum colour changes, and collapse.

Cold weather (below 5°C): brachycephalic dogs cannot warm air efficiently before it reaches the lungs. Below -10°C, limit walks to 10 to 15 minutes, use a winter coat, and wipe paws after to remove sidewalk salt.

Calgary chinook winds (rapid temperature swings) trigger flare-ups in some allergic Shih Tzus. Dry winter air also worsens dry eye and skin conditions in this breed.

A Shih Tzu emergency kit:
(1) Sterile saline eye flush and clean gauze (for corneal ulcers and proptosis events).
(2) Pet first aid kit with vet wrap, antiseptic, and tweezers.
(3) Phone numbers saved in your phone: your regular vet, a Calgary 24-hour emergency clinic, and the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661.
(4) Current photo of your dog with weight noted (Shih Tzu weight matters for medication dosing).
(5) Carrier or harness within easy reach.
(6) Pet insurance details or vet-financing info, since brachycephalic surgery, IVDD surgery, and proptosis repair often run several thousand dollars or more.

Most Calgary Shih Tzu owners benefit from pet insurance because the breed stacks several expensive risk categories: brachycephalic surgery, IVDD surgery, eye conditions, luxating patella, frequent dental work, allergy management, and renal dysplasia management. Many Shih Tzus end up exceeding their lifetime premium contributions in vet costs. Enrol before symptoms appear, because pre-existing conditions are excluded across every Canadian provider. Calgary monthly premiums for a young healthy Shih Tzu commonly sit in the $35–$60 range, depending on deductible and coverage tier. For a detailed provider-by-provider breakdown, our Shih Tzu pet insurance Calgary guide walks through what to look for and what to budget. The Shih Tzu cost of ownership Calgary guide ties premiums to lifetime cost.