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Top 3 Health Concerns For Your Shih Tzu

| Published on May 22, 2017

Shih Tzus, like all small dogs, have quite a few health problems. Some are unavoidable because they are caused by their size and shape. Others are genetic, which means choosing a good breeder may help you avoid large veterinary bills and heartache down the road. Whether you have a Shih Tzu already, or are thinking of adding one to your family, you should be aware of the common medical issues. The following are the top three health concerns for your Shih Tzu.

#1 – Teeth and Gum Issues

Shih Tzus have tiny mouths that cause overcrowding of teeth. Overcrowded teeth develop more plaque and tartar than teeth that are normally spaced, and this causes an overrepresentation of dental disease, such as gingivitis, in the breed. Keeping your Shih Tzu’s teeth clean along with regular dental check-ups is very important. Dental disease can lead to fatal infections in the heart and/or brain.

#2 – Renal Dysplasia

Renal dysplasia is a genetic disorder where your Shih Tzu’s kidneys stay immature and therefore cannot handle an adult dog’s system. Make sure any breeder you are thinking of going to checks all breeding dogs for good kidney function. A kidney tissue biopsy is the best way to know if the kidneys on breeding dogs are normal. Even then, a Shih Tzu can still develop renal dysplasia, so watch for excessive thirst and inability to gain weight.

#3 – Patellar Luxation

Shih Tzus’ kneecaps are not very strong and can easily be jarred out of position – basically the kneecap is knocked out its normal place against the femur. Poor conformation can make the chance of patellar luxation greater, which is another reason to choose a reputable breeder.

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