Shih Tzu Health Problems
Shih Tzus are flat-faced, so eye and breathing problems are common alongside dental disease. As a small breed, Shih Tzus typically live 10 to 16 years.
Common conditions in Shih Tzus
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS)
$500 to $3,000 for corrective surgeryBreathing trouble in flat-faced breeds from narrow airways, causing snoring, snorting, and heat intolerance.
Dental disease
$300 to $1,200 per cleaning, more with extractionsTartar, gum disease, and crowded teeth, especially common in small breeds, that need regular cleanings.
Entropion
$500 to $2,500 for surgeryEyelids that roll inward so the lashes rub the eye, causing pain and damage. Corrected with surgery.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
$3,000 to $8,000 for surgerySlipped or ruptured discs in the spine that cause pain, weakness, and sometimes paralysis. Common in long-backed breeds.
Skin allergies
$200 to $1,000+ a year to manageItchy, inflamed skin from environmental or food allergies, often leading to repeated infections.
Several of these are inherited or chronic, and treatment can run into the thousands. Pet insurance only covers them if you enroll before the condition shows up, since pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Get an insurance quote →Frequently asked questions
What health problems are Shih Tzus prone to?
Shih Tzus are flat-faced, so eye and breathing problems are common alongside dental disease. The most common include brachycephalic airway syndrome (boas), dental disease, entropion, intervertebral disc disease (ivdd).
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus typically live 10 to 16 years. Regular vet checkups, a healthy weight, dental care, and knowing your breed's risks all help them live longer.
Does pet insurance cover Shih Tzu health problems?
Most accident and illness plans help with inherited and chronic conditions, but only if you enroll before the condition appears. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, so insuring a Shih Tzu while young and healthy gives the best coverage.
This shows conditions a Shih Tzu is statistically more prone to, not a diagnosis or a certainty. Costs are educational estimates. Always talk to your vet about your individual dog.
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