Shih Tzu Puppy Eye Cleaning

A Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic dog, which means its face is as wide as it is long. This physical feature can attract severe eye problems, some of which are caused by its shallow eye sockets. But other problems can arise by neglecting to keep its eyes and the surrounding area clean. Keep your Shih Tzu's eyes clean and its face well groomed, not only to prevent health problems, but also to avoid exposing it to any ailments that require medical intervention.

  1. Anatomy of Eye Problems

    • Since the bones that form dogs' snouts and nasal cavities are highly compressed in a Shih Tzu, this breed's skull has less room for other anatomical features, such as eyes. Its eye sockets have less depth than other breeds of dogs. This causes the Shih Tzu's eyes to protrude, and while this is the reason its eyes are so large, warm and expressive enough to break your heart, this also causes your Shih Tzu's eyes to be vulnerable to injury and infection.

    Common Eye Problems

    • Shih Tzu's often suffer from distichiasis. This, according to veterinarian Denise Lindley, is when an eyelash is "abnormally located at the eyelid margin." This eyelash can rub against the cornea, causing inflammation that, if not treated, can scar the cornea, diminishing the dog's ability to see, or even causing blindness. Another common problem is dry eye, a condition in which the tears do not contain enough water. Dry eye can cause corneal scarring.

    Symptoms of Eye Problems

    • Noticing symptoms during your Shih Tzu's weekly eye cleaning can save its vision. Look for any damage to the cornea, which is front part of the eye. Any rips or punctures of the cornea can be hard to see, so also look for whitish or grayish discoloration that a subsequent infection causes. Dry, firm discharge present on the eyelids is a symptom of dry eye. Also look for any excessive wetness below the eyes, any swelling around the eye and any extreme redness.

    How to Clean the Eyes

    • Place your Shih Tzu on a high surface like a table or kitchen counter -- your dog will be less jumpy. Firmly hold the dog's head, usually gripping its beard, and trim the hairs right around the eyes with snub-nosed -- not sharp-pointed -- scissors. Clean the eyes with a soft cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water or a saline solution. Dry the area around and under your Shih Tzu's eye completely. Wipe any moisture out of any folds of skin as these areas, when wet, are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria.