Shih Tzu Care: Eyes, Breathing, Grooming and Dental Health
In this article
By Dr Duncan Houston
A Shih Tzu can be a lively little companion, but that short face and long coat bring practical care needs. Eye comfort, easy breathing and a healthy mouth deserve attention alongside grooming.
A dog who snores, rubs the face or avoids a walk is giving useful information. Those signs should not be dismissed because they seem common in the breed.
Quick Answer
Shih Tzus need regular coat care, daily dental care, comfortable exercise and protection from heat. Check eyes and breathing every day, and seek same-day care for squinting, redness or a painful eye. Struggling to breathe, collapse or severe overheating requires emergency veterinary help.
Protect the eyes without over-treating them
Prominent eyes can be vulnerable to injury and irritation. Keep hair from rubbing the surface, using a professional groomer when trimming close to the eyes. Gently remove ordinary debris with a damp cloth.
Persistent discharge may involve dry eye, eyelid problems, infection or other disease. Squinting, rubbing, cloudiness or holding an eye closed can indicate a painful ulcer or another urgent problem. Do not wait several days to see whether cleaning fixes it.
A vet may check tear production, stain the cornea and assess eyelids and eye pressure as appropriate. Avoid leftover eye drops, especially steroid-containing products, unless the current eye has been examined and the medicine prescribed.
What breathing is normal?
Breathing should be comfortable at rest and during suitable activity. Cornell's BOAS guidance explains how shortened-face anatomy can obstruct airflow.
Persistent noisy breathing, disturbed sleep, repeated gagging or poor exercise tolerance deserves assessment. Keeping the dog lean and cool helps, but some airway problems need additional treatment.
Use short, comfortable outings and sniffing games, adjusting for weather and health. Stop when breathing becomes harsh or the dog falls behind. Never force activity to meet a breed-based minute target.
Grooming should preserve comfort
A long coat may need daily combing down to the skin. Check behind ears, under legs and beneath equipment. A shorter pet trim can make maintenance easier without changing the dog's need for skin checks.
Introduce brushing, drying and paw handling gradually with rewards. Painful mats need professional attention, not forceful pulling or scissors beside skin. Bathe when required and dry thoroughly.
Inspect ears for redness, odour and discharge. Ear problems can involve allergy, infection or anatomy; they are not simply evidence of inadequate cleaning. Ask your vet when and how to clean.
Dental care is a central health priority
RVC research on Shih Tzus in UK veterinary care identified periodontal disease among their most commonly recorded conditions. Begin daily brushing with dog toothpaste and have retained baby teeth or crowding assessed.
Bad breath, red gums, dropping food or a change in chewing deserves an examination. A dog can continue eating despite dental pain. Chews and biscuits do not replace necessary professional treatment.
Food, training and routine checks
- Feed measured portions of complete life-stage food and monitor body condition.
- Provide walks, play, sniffing and rest suited to the individual.
- Reward toilet success and teach calm handling in brief sessions.
- Build comfortable time alone gradually rather than assuming a companion dog can sleep through any absence.
- Keep vaccination, parasite prevention and routine examinations current.
Ask breeders about parental health, breathing, eyes and any diagnosed family conditions. There is no universal requirement for annual liver testing or joint X-rays in every apparently healthy Shih Tzu; your vet should tailor investigations.
When should you seek help?
| Sign | Action |
|---|---|
| Comfortable dog with manageable coat growth | Continue preventive care. |
| Persistent bad breath, ear trouble or reduced stamina | Arrange a prompt examination. |
| Squinting, a closed eye or sudden eye cloudiness | Seek same-day veterinary care. |
| Laboured breathing, blue or grey gums, collapse or severe overheating | Contact an emergency vet immediately. |
Common mistakes
- Accepting difficult breathing as normal for the breed.
- Using leftover drops for a painful eye.
- Letting coat appearance take priority over skin comfort.
- Assuming appetite excludes dental pain.
Frequently asked questions
Are Shih Tzus low-maintenance dogs?
They may suit smaller homes, but grooming, dental care and health monitoring require time.
Is tear staining always a cosmetic issue?
No. Stable staining differs from new discharge, redness or pain, which needs examination.
Can Shih Tzus go on long walks?
Some healthy, conditioned individuals can, but breathing, weather and recovery should guide distance.
Are they automatically good with children?
No breed guarantees compatibility. Supervise and teach respectful handling.
Comfortable eyes, easy breathing and a healthy mouth are more useful care goals than a perfect hairstyle. Respond early to changes and adapt the routine to the dog.
For help preparing everyday care questions, visit ASK A VET™. Eye pain or breathing trouble needs direct veterinary attention.
