About the Health of Shih Tzu Dogs

The tiny Shih Tzu---an intelligent and energetic dog---requires sufficient quantities of exercise, a proper diet, and daily exercise and affection to support its physical and emotional health.

  1. Emotional Health

    • Health involves more than just food and water. As a lap dog, the Shih Tzu depends on love and attention from family members to maintain its emotional health, according to the website All Shih Tzu.

    Diet

    • An adult Shih Tzu should consume 1/2 oz. of food per pound of body weight, avoiding grapes, chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts, and most fruit pits and seeds.

    Activity

    • A healthy Shih Tzu requires up to an hour of daily exercise. Shih Tzus that fail to burn off excess energy on a daily basis may exhibit emotional problems.

    Congenital Illnesses

    • Shih Tzus can inherit breed-specific diseases such as patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), a back condition called intervertebral disk disease and an eyelid-gland irritation known as renal cortical hypoplasia (or "cherry eye"), according to GoPetsAmerica.com.

    Small Dog Issues

    • As a small breed of dog Shih Tzus may face dental problems, while their more delicate fluid balance makes diarrhea a potential health hazard as well. Hot or cold environments may also cause illness in small dogs.