3. Weight gain/loss
Is your Shih Tzu becoming fatter? Well, that might be because they are becoming old. As a dog’s age, their metabolism slows down and are less prone to exercise. Hence, they put on weight. Also, they might lose weight as well because of oral problems. As they grow old, Shih Tzu’s develop a dental problem which makes them reluctant to eat.
4. Slowing down
As the dog’s age, they tend to slow down, just like humans. They develop thyroid and arthritis which are the main reasons for the slowing down. They might experience pain in their joints while moving around, climbing the stairs, running uphill, or running, in general.
5. Increased urination
The Shih Tzu will ask for more bathroom breaks as they age. You will need to walk them a bit more often. They might even have some accidents. However, be careful not to scold them too harshly. Moreover, you can buy pee pads to help out their situation or talk to the vet about it.
6. Difficulty while moving around
Just like other dogs, Shih Tzu’s too will face difficulty in moving around. This is again attributed to joint diseases like dysplasia and so on. They will face difficulty getting up when they sit down or moving around in general. Talk to the vet about it and discuss whether you need to implement any dietary changes. You can install ramps in your house to allow them to walk up to the other level, instead of climbing stairs.
7. Change in the texture of the coat
Hair loss and change in the texture of coat are common aging signs in a Shih Tzu. They lose a lot of their fur and the shine as well. To preserve the texture and shine of the coat, you need to groom them properly. However, if you see that their skin is drying up or is dark, then go to the vet immediately.
8. Sleeping heavily
Your Shih Tzu will be sleeping more often and will be less active. As they age, they become tired easily and require sleep. However, do remember to walk him regularly.
So, look for these signs and address any ailments that trouble them. Good luck!
