Arthritis can affect Shih Tzus just like any other dog or human for that matter. What they experience if your Shih Tzu contracts arthritis is an abnormal change in the joint. This is when the cartilage is worn away at a rate faster than it is being replaced. When it goes away, the joint can become painful and swollen.
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are ways to treat the condition especially if caught in the early stages. For your Shih Tzu, it means that you need to recognize the signs early on before they need serious treatment such as surgery.
Causes
There are two main causes of arthritis, although even the healthiest of Shih Tzus may still get the condition.
- Age
- Obesity
Because of their small size, Shih Tzus are less likely to develop arthritis compared to larger dogs such as German shepherds or Golden retrievers. But just because they are less likely does not mean that they cannot develop arthritis. There are other factors as well.
- Hereditary or Congenital Defects
- Infection
- Trauma
Symptoms of Arthritis
There are the obvious signs of something wrong with your Shih Tzu that starts with favoring one leg over the others, having difficulty moving, and not wanting to walk, run, or jump. If you touch the area with arthritis, they may cry out in pain. But some symptoms are subtler such as their behavior or mood which may lead you to take them to the vet.
- Stiffness
- Would rather lie down that sit
- Doesn’t like climbing the stairs
- Tires easily when on walks or slow down
- Whimpers or cries out when you touch the area affected
If you should see any of the symptoms or suspect that your Shih Tzu might be developing arthritis, a trip to the vet is going to be necessary. Your vet can provide the best guidance on what to do with your Shih Tzu to minimize the effects. The process will start with their recommendations.
Nutrition: This will become more important as the food they will consume will not only sustain them but also help lower the inflammation so they feel less pain.
Weight: If your Shih Tzu is overweight, you will need to put them on a diet. This is especially true if obesity was the key factor in developing arthritis. Proper nutrition and good exercise will help lower their body weight.
Improvement: While the arthritis is most likely here to stay, the pain and discomfort can be lowered significantly the earlier you treat the condition. This means staying on top of their diet, making sure they move around enough to get good exercise, and keeping their mood up if possible.
Your vet will provide the guidance needed to help your Shih Tzu get better. Be sure to follow their advice and ask questions when they arise. The sooner you can treat arthritis, the better your Shih Tzu will be in the long run.
