Have you ever wondered how to tell if your Shih Tzu is getting old? Shih Tzus need to reach 75% of their life expectancy to be considered ‘old’. Few people know, however, that it’s possible to detect some signs indicating that a Shih Tzu is entering old age. White fur, for example, is an indicator of approaching old age, but not the only one.
Did you know that elderly Shih Tzus, like humans, need to follow a healthy lifestyle routine in their later years to prolong their lives? This includes necessary care to prevent diseases, exercise routines, nutrition, and various other points of observation to take care of our elderly dogs, emphasizing the importance of taking them to the vet.
In their later years, Shih Tzus begin to have grayer fur, may develop lumps and wrinkles, show less enthusiasm for play and activities requiring physical effort, and become sleepier. Paying attention to these signs and taking care of your furry friend may require time, but it’s very rewarding to take care of those who have brought us so much joy while ensuring their well-being, quality of life, and good health in their later years.
Just like humans, elderly Shih Tzus also experience a slight change in fur color. The difference is that the white or gray fur affects specific parts of the Shih Tzu’s body, mainly appearing near the muzzle and around the eyes of the elderly Shih Tzu. Another observable sign is the dullness of the fur during this phase.
However, black spots on a Shih Tzu’s skin are not a typical sign of old age but something that can happen at any stage of the animal’s life due to various reasons. As a dog’s skin becomes thinner and more sensitive in old age, such problems can develop more easily, but seeking professional help is still valid. Warts also tend to be common in canine old age.
How old is a Shih Tzu considered elderly?
Shih Tzus can reach old age around 11 years old, while large breed dogs may reach old age from around 7 years old.
Due to this age difference, based on breed and size, it’s necessary to always be attentive to the behavioral signs that elderly Shih Tzus demonstrate so that proper care can be given to our companions.
When Shih Tzus reach advanced ages, they begin to show very clear signs in their bodies and behaviors.
The vision and hearing of elderly Shih Tzus are impaired.
Elderly Shih Tzus have difficulty seeing and hearing what is being said since, as they age, canine vision and hearing decrease. To identify if this is happening with your four-legged friend, a tip is to observe how the Shih Tzu walks and behaves at home. If he is bumping into things around him, it’s good to consult a veterinarian specialized in ophthalmology to determine if this is due to conditions like cataracts or glaucoma, which are very common eye problems in old age.
Elderly Shih Tzus have less enthusiasm for walks and play.
There’s no way around it: as age sets in, elderly Shih Tzus don’t have the same energy as before for walks and play. This doesn’t mean that physical activities should be excluded from the dog’s routine—quite the opposite! Even elderly Shih Tzus need to exercise and move regularly, mainly for health and well-being reasons. Short walks and outings help strengthen muscles and keep the Shih Tzu’s heart healthy. However, it’s important to consider your pet’s body limitations since he won’t have the same energy as before for some activities.
The appetite of Shih Tzus decreases.
Just like canine hearing and vision are impacted in old age, elderly Shih Tzus also suffer from a reduced sense of smell. Consequently, food becomes less appealing to the animal, and his interest in food decreases, so elderly Shih Tzus eat less than before and lose weight.
Changes in the urinary system of elderly Shih Tzus
Some problems are more frequent in the health of elderly Shih Tzus, such as urinary incontinence. The animal ends up losing control of its bladder and tends to urinate involuntarily in some situations, but always in small amounts. In addition, cardiac alterations, as well as renal problems, can also arise in canine old age. To prevent these conditions from establishing and evolving, medical monitoring is essential and should not be overlooked, with a visit to the veterinarian every six months recommended.
Do old Shih Tzu’s teeth fall out?
The teeth of elderly Shih Tzus become more fragile in old age, but that doesn’t mean they will fall out. What can happen is that the teeth break more easily, especially if the dog eats harder foods. Teeth can also become more yellowish and require more frequent dental care to maintain their health.