Senior Shih Tzus: 7 Best Ways to Help Them Age Gracefully

How should we take care of senior Shih Tzus?

Although no pet owner wants to think about their Shih Tzu aging as time passes by, it is absolutely something that should not be overlooked. As your Shih Tzu ages from adult to senior, it is essential for owners to understand how to take care of senior Shih Tzus, what to expect, and which typical age-related health problems and diseases that affect senior dogs to watch out for.

Wellness Checks for Senior Shih Tzus

Beginning at your Shih Tzu’s first year, throughout his adult life to the ninth-year mark, wellness checks must be scheduled on an annual basis. When your Shih Tzu becomes a senior, the checkup frequency should increase to twice per year or once every six months. This kind of visit to the veterinarian is usually called a geriatric visit.

With senior Shih Tzus, their immune system is not as strong as it used to be, and health issues can come on quickly. An examination every six months will help ensure that any problems are caught early for the best possible prognosis.

These checkups include comprehensive biochemistry profiles, blood testing, and urine and stool testing. These could also include ultrasounds and x-rays since a lot of diseases and health concerns involving your dog’s major organs could not be detected through blood work alone.

Caring for Older Shih Tzus

Keep your Shih Tzu Active

As expected, there would be gradual muscular degeneration as you Shih Tzu reaches his senior years and some level of osteoarthritis, as well, that might impede a senior Shih Tzu’s capacity to exercise as much as they did. Nevertheless, these are the same reasons why you must keep your Shih Tzu active.

When you let a senior dog become sedentary, it could be challenging to get him back to regular exercising. Thus, do not stop. Being active helps keep their joints lubricated, could loosen stiffness due to arthritis, reduces muscle atrophy due to aging, boosts the immune system, and is great for the heart.

Address Arthritis Concerns

A huge mistake in taking care of a senior Shih Tzu is thinking that the indications of arthritis, such as lethargy, difficulty getting up from a down position, trouble sleeping, and morning discomfort, among others, should be accepted and deemed as a normal part of aging.

Please keep in mind that there are many treatment options to help alleviate the inflammation, pain, and stiffness that comes with this degenerative disease that could gradually damage bones and joints.

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.