As a long-time companion and beloved family pet, the Shih Tzu is an endearing and loyal furry friend.
But as they age, they may start to experience common issues related to their age.
As a Shih Tzu parent, it’s important to be aware of these common problems in order to provide the best care for your senior Shih Tzu.
Read on to learn more about the most common Shih Tzu old age problems and how you can care for your Shih Tzu in his golden years.
Shih Tzu Old Age Problems
As a Shih Tzu owner, one of the most important things you need to keep in mind is the health and well-being of your Shih Tzu. Unfortunately, as your Shih Tzu age, they can experience a number of health problems. Some of the most common problems that can affect elderly Shih Tzu include frailty, arthritis, and dementia.
One of the best ways to keep your elderly Shih Tzu healthy and happy is to make sure that he receives the proper care and attention.
Let’s read on to learn more about the most common Shih Tzu old age problems and how you can care for your Shih Tzu in his golden years!
1. Shih Tzus experiences age-related health problems such as joint pain, arthritis, and urinary problems. As our beloved Shih Tzus age, they may experience a variety of health problems.
While these issues can be difficult to deal with, it’s important to remember that your Shih Tzu is still the same loving companion you’ve always known and loved.
With proper care and attention, you can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy in their golden years.
One of the most common age-related issues for Shih Tzus is joint pain and arthritis.
As your Shih Tzu gets older, they may start to experience stiffness or difficulty getting up from a lying position.
This can be caused by wear and tear on the joints, as well as a decrease in muscle mass.
To help alleviate joint pain and stiffness, you can provide your Shih Tzu with glucosamine supplements or anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your vet.
Additionally, regular exercise is important to keep their joints healthy and strong.
2. Shih Tzus often have difficulty coping with changes in their environment, such as increased noise or crowds. If you’re the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, then you know that these little dogs are full of life and love.
But as they age, there can be some issues that arise due to their old age.
It’s important to be aware of these problems so that you can help your Shih Tzu stay healthy and happy.
One of the most common issues that Shih Tzus face as they age is difficulty coping with changes in their environment.
This can include increased noise or crowds, which can be overwhelming for them.
If you notice your Shih Tzu becoming anxious or stressed when exposed to these types of situations, it’s important to take steps to help them cope.
This can include providing a quiet space for them to retreat to or taking extra time when introducing them to new people and places.
3. Shih Tzus may become less active as they age and may need more attention and care. As your beloved Shih Tzu ages, you may notice some changes in their behavior and physical health.
While it’s normal for any pet to slow down as they age, there are certain issues that can arise with a Shih Tzu specifically.
It’s important to be aware of these issues so that you can provide your pet with the best care possible.
One of the most common problems associated with aging Shih Tzus is a decrease in activity levels.
As they age, their energy levels may drop and they may become less interested in playing or going for walks.
This doesn’t mean that they don’t still need exercise, however.
It’s important to keep your Shih Tzu active and engaged in order to maintain their health and well-being.
4. Shih Tzus may lose their sense of smell or their ability to see in low light. If you’re the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, then you know that these little dogs are full of life and energy.
But as they age, there are some common problems that can arise.
Knowing what to look out for can help ensure your pup stays healthy and happy in its golden years.
One of the most common issues that Shih Tzus face as they age is a decrease in their sense of smell or vision.
This can be caused by cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye problems.
Your Shih Tzu may also lose their ability to see in low light or have difficulty focusing on objects.
If you notice any changes in your pup’s vision, it’s important to take them to the vet for a checkup.
5. Shih Tzus may have trouble hearing or walking and may need help with these activities. If you’re the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, then you know that these little dogs are full of life and energy.
But as they age, there may be some issues that arise due to their old age.
It’s important to be aware of these problems so that you can help your Shih Tzu stay healthy and happy.
One of the most common problems that Shih Tzus face as they age is hearing loss.
This can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics or environmental noise exposure.
If you notice that your Shih Tzu isn’t responding to sounds like it used to, it’s important to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Another issue that Shih Tzus may face as they age is mobility problems.
This can be caused by arthritis or other joint issues and can make it difficult for your Shih Tzu to walk or climb stairs.
If you notice that your pup is having trouble getting around, it’s important to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Your vet may recommend supplements or medications that can help with joint pain and mobility issues.
Finally, Shih Tzus may also have trouble seeing as they age.
6. Shih Tzus may have trouble eating or drinking and may need to be fed through a tube. If you’re a proud owner of a Shih Tzu, then you know that these little dogs are full of life and energy.
But as they age, there can be some health issues that arise.
It’s important to be aware of the potential problems so that you can take steps to keep your pup healthy and happy.
One of the most common issues that Shih Tzus face as they age is difficulty eating or drinking.
This can be caused by a number of things, including dental problems, arthritis, or even just old age.
If your Shih Tzu is having trouble eating or drinking on their own, you may need to consider feeding them through a tube.
This is a relatively simple procedure that can be done at home or by your vet.
7. Shih Tzus may experience depression or anxiety as they age. As our beloved Shih Tzus age, they may experience a variety of health issues.
While some of these problems are common to all dogs, there are certain conditions that can be more prevalent in older Shih Tzus. One such condition is depression or anxiety.
Depression and anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways. Your Shih Tzu may become more withdrawn, less active, or even start to bark excessively.
They may also experience changes in their eating and sleeping habits.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your pet to the vet for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for depression and anxiety in older Shih Tzus.
Your vet may recommend medications to help manage the symptoms, or they may suggest lifestyle changes such as increased exercise or more social interaction with other pets and people.
8. Shih Tzus may eventually die from age-related causes. As a Shih Tzu owner, you know that your beloved pup is going to age eventually.
But did you know that there are certain health issues associated with old age in Shih Tzus?
It’s important to be aware of these problems so that you can take steps to keep your pet healthy and happy for as long as possible.
As your Shih Tzu ages, they may start to experience a variety of age-related health issues.
These can include arthritis, heart disease, kidney failure, vision problems, hearing loss, dental problems, and more.
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of these issues and to take your Shih Tzu to the vet if you notice anything unusual.
9. Shih Tzu owners may start to experience thinning hair and a decrease in coat quality as the dog ages. As a Shih Tzu owner, you know that your pup is full of life and energy.
But as they age, there are some common problems that can arise.
One of the most noticeable changes in an older Shih Tzu is thinning hair and a decrease in coat quality.
This is a natural part of the aging process, and it’s important to understand what you can do to help your Shih Tzu stay comfortable.
Here are some tips for managing Shih Tzu’s old age problems:
1. Regular Grooming: Regular grooming helps keep your pup’s coat healthy and looking its best.
Make sure to brush your pup’s coat at least once a week and bathe them every few weeks.
This will help keep their fur clean and free of tangles, which can lead to thinning hair.
2. Diet: As your Shih Tzu age, their dietary needs may change.
Make sure to feed them a high-quality diet that is specifically designed for senior dogs.
This will help ensure they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.
10. Shih Tzu owners may start to experience an increase in water consumption and a decrease in energy as the dog ages. As a Shih Tzu owner, you may have noticed that your pup is slowing down as they age.
While this can be heartbreaking to witness, it’s important to remember that old age comes with its own set of problems for our beloved furry friends.
One common issue associated with aging Shih Tzus is an increase in water consumption.
As your Shih Tzu gets older, they may start to drink more water than usual.
This can be a sign of kidney or bladder problems, so it’s important to take them to the vet if you notice this change in their drinking habits.
11. Shih Tzu owners may start to experience an increase in allergies as the dog ages. As a Shih Tzu owner, you know that your pup is one of the most loyal and loving companions around.
But as they age, there are some common problems that can arise. One of the most common issues for older Shih Tzus is allergies.
Allergies in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, including environmental allergens like pollen and dust mites, as well as food allergies.
In older Shih Tzus, the most common cause is usually an allergy to their own fur or skin cells.
This type of allergy is known as atopic dermatitis and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, redness, and hair loss.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage your Shih Tzu allergies as they age.
The first step is to identify the allergen that is causing the reaction. This can be done through skin tests.
12. Shih Tzu owners may start to experience an increase in urinary tract infections as the dog ages. As a Shih Tzu owner, you know that your pup is full of life and energy.
But as they age, there are certain health issues that can arise. One of the most common problems for older Shih Tzus is urinary tract infections (UTIs).
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor hygiene, not drinking enough water or even stress.
In older Shih Tzus, UTIs are more common due to their weakened immune systems and decreased ability to fight off infections.
How You Can Care For Your Shih Tzu In His Golden Years
Here are a few tips to help you take care of your Shih Tzu as he ages:
One common issue with Shih Tzu dogs is that they may start to experience age-related health problems.
These can include arthritis, hip dysplasia, heart disease, and even blindness.
It is important to keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy throughout their old age, by providing them with the right diet and plenty of exercise.
If your Shih Tzu begins to experience any of the above age-related health problems, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Make sure to keep your Shih Tzu environment clean and free of clutter, as this can help to keep them comfortable and healthy.
Finally, be sure to provide your Shih Tzu with plenty of love and attention – they will appreciate it!
Just to list but few;
- Get your Shih Tzu vaccinated.
- Feed your Shih Tzu a balanced diet.
- Exercise your Shih Tzu regularly.
- Train your Shih Tzu.
- Crate train your Shih Tzu.
- Give your Shih Tzu plenty of toys to play with.
- Clean your dog’s ears regularly.
- Check for fleas and ticks on Shih Tzu regularly.
- Keep your Shih Tzu safe from other animals.
- Provide your Shih Tzu with plenty of fresh water.
- Protect your Shih Tzu from the sun.
- Provide your Shih Tzu with a comfortable bed.
