Don’t you think that the lifespan or life expectancy of any breed depends on the care they received for the lifetime? Of course, besides care, their genes are another factor that affects the lifespan of a Shih Tzu.
For instance- 10 to 16 years is recorded as the average lifespan of Shih Tzu. On the same token, the oldest Shih Tzu lived for 23 years. Finally, for this, the credit goes to lifetime care provided to him.
What is the lifespan of a Shih Tzu dog?
Your lion dog ‘Shih Tzu’ is a watchdog by nature. No doubt that you will try your best to enjoy its company for a lifetime. Isn’t so? Excellent care and a healthy lifestyle can make your dream comes true. In brief, it may increase life expectancy beyond the projected average age. Following efforts are to be made for the same-
A good, fresh, and healthy diet-
Dry food will be recommended for the removal of plaque. In addition to it, don’t forget to regulate the food for avoiding obesity. Food that contains corn, wheat is also suggested harmful as they are hard to digest, and can cause allergic reactions. Meat is the preference for increasing the lifespan of a Shih Tzu. Nevertheless, age matters, so more calcium is to be added to the food of senior Shih Tzu dogs.
Daily exercise to protect your buddy from stressing the heart-
Heat disease affects the lifespan of Shih Tzu to a great extent. Daily exercise is essential for protecting Shih Tzu from pilling on the pounds. However, the exercise is to be minimal, as they overheat easily. 20 minutes walk or playtime is sufficient for increasing the lifespan of your buddy. Don’t forget to decrease the length of exercise, when the Shih Tzu enters its senior years.
Dental diseases are not to be avoided for life expectancy-
Her needs will change, as she ages. Due to its crowded teeth, your playing dog is prone to dental disease. Chewing, and biting is also affected as they have a slight underbite, or undershot. Dental infections are the primary reason that impacts the lifespan of a Shih Tzu.
The bacteria of a Shih Tzu travel throughout the blood and affect valuable organs like kidney, liver, and heart. For maintaining a healthy mouth of your pooch, visit the clinic at regular intervals, and brush her teeth twice a day.
Not a big issue, as a smart pet owner, you can do this much for your sweetheart. You are suggested to keep the utmost care that they require from you. For helping your ageing loyal dog, you are required to understand the symptoms, and to put all the efforts needed into increasing the span of your pet. Not an optional task for you, and you can’t run off from your responsibilities.
Common health issues that affect the lifespan of a Shih Tzu-
Bringing home, a loyal pet is similar to bringing home a family member. Isn’t it? A member with whom you will share your next decade. You wish to stay with him as long as possible. Not an issue, as the lifespan of some breeds, is longer than others. For instance- the lifespan of Shih Tzu (10 to 16 years) is longer than the lifespan of other breeds.
Shih Tzu, on the one hand, is treated as a pretty healthy breed. On the same token, prone to a few health issues. Consequently, that affects the lifespan of a Shih Tzu. Have a look at some common health issues–
Heatstroke and overheating-
Your puppy looks good with a flat face and a short nose. However, have you noticed that this affects their lifespan? Such dogs are at the risk of overheating in warm weather as they fail to cool them on their own. The issue reduces the lifespan and can kill her. For the life-expectancy, it will be a good idea if you keep them in an air-conditioned room when the temperature rises.
Eye problems-
The breed of Shih Tzu has large eyes with shallow eye sockets. The large eyes of the pet are the reason for the overflow of their tears. Cataract, eye-infection, and retinal dysplasia are other common health eye issues in Shih Tzu, that affects their lifespan. If you notice that your Shih Tzu is rubbing his or her eyes several times, it would be recommended to go for a physical examination as soon as possible.
Breathing and back problems-
The short face of Shih Tzu gives birth to various health and respiratory problems. The Shih Tzu could be at a higher risk during humid, and hot days. I repeat, that as a smart pet owner if you notice any of such problem, consult the veterinarian right away before it cost you.
Back and neck problems are quite common in Shih Tzu due to their long neck. The problem seems easy, but if not treated properly, then it is powerful enough to lead to paralysis and chronicle weakness.
A comprehensive list of health concerns is available in a Shih Tzu. However, we discussed the most common ones. Remember, as a pet owner, the earlier you identify these health issues, the sooner you can manage these health implications. The efforts will help you in increasing the lifespan of a Shih Tzu.
Final words for the lifespan of a Shih Tzu
No doubt that your efforts can increase the lifespan of a Shih Tzu. Be honest, when you buy a pet, the first thing which comes in your mind is its lifespan. Isn’t so? The reality is that the lifespan of a Shih Tzu is just an approximation, and there are always exceptions. The lifespan of a Shih Tzu is a range from 10 to 16 years, and the average lifespan is 13 years. But, some live until their early-teens, some live until their mid-teens.
The oldest lifespan of a Shih Tzu was recorded as 23 years. Hence proved, that answering a specific lifespan of a Shih Tzu is an impossible task. The breed usually dies of heart failure, and several signs are available for an indication that your dog is in the last stage. The signs include-
- Depression
- Loss of co-ordination
- Loss of interest
The lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 10-16 years. The average lifespan is 13 years. However, don’t forget that it is only an average figure for you. In brief, the future is uncertain, and we all are unaware of the lifespan of a Shih Tzu.
