Shih Tzu health guide
Also known as: Chrysanthemum Dog, Lion Dog
About this breed
The Shih Tzu is a calm, affectionate lap dog that suits Macau apartment life perfectly. Its flat face and prominent eyes, however, make eye and airway problems the breed's biggest health themes.
Living in Macau's climate
Flat-faced dogs overheat fast in Macau's humid summers, so walk before 9am or after sunset and never leave them in unventilated spaces. Keep facial folds clean and dry in the wet season to stop yeast and bacterial skin infections.
Common health conditions
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
Signs: Loud snoring, noisy breathing, gagging and tiring quickly in warm weather.
Prevention: Keep weight lean, use a harness instead of a collar, and ask us to assess the nostrils and palate; early surgery can transform breathing.
Corneal ulcers
Signs: Squinting, tearing, pawing at one eye or a bluish haze on the eye surface.
Prevention: Trim hair away from the eyes, keep nails short, and treat any squinting as same-day urgent; ulcers deepen within hours.
Skin fold dermatitis
Signs: Redness, odour and moist discharge in the facial and tail folds.
Prevention: Wipe and dry the folds daily, especially in humid months, and treat flare-ups before they deepen.
Patellar luxation
Signs: Intermittent skipping on a hind leg, often after excitement.
Prevention: Maintain lean weight and have both knees checked at every annual visit.
Daily care tips
- Clean and dry facial folds and around the eyes every day.
- Keep the coat in a short puppy cut through the hot season unless you can brush daily.
- Walk with a harness to keep pressure off the short airway.
- Treat any eye squinting as an emergency, not a wait-and-see problem.
Screening schedule
8 to 16 weeks
Vaccination course plus airway, eye and knee assessment.
1 to 6 years
Annual exam with eye check, dental scoring and weight review.
7 years and up
Twice-yearly senior checks with blood work and tear-film testing.
Book a breed-savvy check-up
Our vets see Shih Tzu patients every week and know exactly what to screen for. Call +853 6677 6611 or book online.
Book a check-upRelated breeds
This guide is general information for the breed as a whole and does not replace an examination of your individual pet. When in doubt, always call the clinic.
Reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center veterinary team.