Common Shih Poo Health Problems – Everything You Need to Know!

Shih Poos enjoy being the center of attention. They can adapt to any household reasonably well, they’re smart, and they have friendliness to spare. However, they also need help to remain in tip-top shape. Sadly, common Shih Poo health problems can be severe, especially without proper care.

To ensure your family Shih Poo receives proper care, you must first learn about the health problems Shih Poos may face. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your companion healthy.

Before reading this guide, “Common Shih Poo Health Problems – Everything You Need to Know,” check out: When Is a Shih Poo Full-Grown? (In Both Weight and Length) (2023).

Table of Contents

What Is a Shih Poo?

The Shih Poo is a mixed-breed dog — a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Toy Poodle. The Toy Poodle parent is from Germany, and the Shih Tzu parent is from China.

Shih Poos inherited the cutest traits of their parent breeds, including the Shih Tzu’s loyalty and the Toy Poodle’s affectionate, attention-seeking personality.

Personality

The Shih Poo breed is an indoor dog with a lot of love and energy to spare. They are kind and enjoy being active, whether socializing or training, which they require daily.

They can’t stay inside all day, so be sure they go out on walks and engage in fun activities with people and other dogs. When it comes to playtime, they typically favor older children, adults, and seniors.

Shih Poos are vulnerable and can be hurt by rough play from younger children, so supervision may be necessary if you have a young family.

Size

Shih Poos are well known for being small dogs. Most Shih Poos range in height from eight to 18 inches and weigh anywhere from eight to 18 lbs. The size of the Shih Poo will vary, just as it can with Shih Tzus and Toy Poodles.

Coat

The Shih Poo’s coat can differ depending on whether it inherited the straight hair from its Shih Tzu parent or the curly hair from its Toy Poodle parent. Their coat color can vary, appearing in either black, white, brown, or another variation entirely.

Shih Poo Health Problems

Unfortunately, the Shih Poo didn’t only inherit the cute traits of their parent breeds; they also inherited their health problems. The Shih Poo health problems like patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, and more from Toy Poodles.

They also inherit oral diseases, breathing issues, and vision problems from Shih Tzus.

As such, the Shih Poo requires attention and care in the form of regular vet check-ups, dental cleanings, and grooming. Learn more about the health problems they may face below.

Oral Diseases

To protect your Shih Poo’s general health, dental care is necessary. Without the right maintenance, plaque can build up into tartar, which can cause gingivitis and gum inflammation.

You should be aware of the various symptoms of oral diseases, including oral health issues like bad breath, gum inflammation, excessive drooling, loose teeth, and even tongue cysts.

Your dog may have periodontal disease if you notice any of these symptoms. This is a chronic condition that erodes the gums and bone as a result of oral bacteria. These illnesses may even affect a dog’s heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, later developing into serious medical conditions.

Vision Problems

Shih Poos may also inherit the Shih Tzu’s susceptibility to vision problems. A Shih Tzu’s decreased corneal sensitivity can cause several eye conditions, including corneal dryness, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

Sebaceous Adenitis

Shih Poos are susceptible to sebaceous adenitis, a rare skin condition they can inherit from their Poodle parents. This skin condition develops when the sebaceous glands, which produce natural skin oils, are affected by an inflammatory disease, resulting in hair loss, dandruff, and skin lesions.

Hypothyroidism

If your dog stops producing the thyroid hormones needed to regulate its metabolism, then it may have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism slows your dog’s metabolism, which results in weight gain, problems with their coat, behavioral changes, and low energy.

As a result, nearly every organ in your dog’s body is affected. This condition is inherited from Toy Poodles.

Patellar Luxation

Due to their small size, Shih Poos are susceptible to patellar luxation, which happens when a dog’s kneecap slips out of place from its normal position. The dog may hold its hind legs for a few minutes until it returns to its normal position.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease develops when the adrenal glands are unable to produce the hormones. The adrenal glands produce two of the most important steroids: aldosterone and cortisol. Without them, your dog could experience life-threatening complications.

Cushing’s Disease

When the adrenal gland secretes an excessive amount of stress hormones, Cushing’s disease develops. Usually, middle-aged to older dogs develop Cushing’s disease.

If you ignore the illness’s early symptoms, it will eventually result in symptoms like hair loss, fragile skin, increased appetite and thirst, decreased activity, and excessive panting.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a skeletal disease that Shih Poos can inherit from their Poodle parents, and it typically occurs due to the malfunction of the dog’s hip joint. This skeletal disease is known for developing in large-sized dogs, but, as you can see, it can also appear in smaller dogs.

Hip dysplasia is a painful condition, so if your dog refuses to exercise or walk, urgently seek a vet.

How Do I Keep My Shih Poo Healthy?

With all these health problems, you’re probably wondering, “How long do Shih Poos usually live?” Thankfully, with the proper care, Shih Poos can live for 15 years or more.

As long as you continue to groom them, brush their teeth, and take them to the veterinarian regularly, you are golden. Here are the steps required to keep your Shih Poo healthy.

Care

Your Shih Poo requires care just like any other dog. To stay healthy, they need frequent potty breaks, two daily 10-minute walks, a bath every three weeks, and regular checkups. Getting your Shih Poo checked regularly is necessary to help you identify any health issues as soon as possible or treat ongoing issues.

Additionally, remember to thoroughly wash and dry your Shih Poo’s ears during every bath; nobody wants a dog with infected ears. To keep your dog’s coat in top condition, don’t forget to brush them daily and give them monthly grooming.

Furthermore, to avoid any dental problems, you should also take good care of your Shih Poo’s teeth. Routine dental cleaning is advised, which you can start by visiting your veterinarian.

Feeding

Maintaining a healthy diet for your Shih Poo is another way to ensure they are well taken care of. For dietary advice tailored specifically for your Shih Poo, ask your veterinarian. Their dietary needs can change as they develop as well, so it is always good to have a professional’s opinion.

Also, Shih Poos have dental problems, so make sure they eat nutritious, high-quality foods. Free eating is prohibited since this generally results in overeating and gaining weight.