7 Year Old Shih Tzu Losing Weight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately 56 percent of adult dogs are clinically overweight. It’s easy to spot the signs of obesity in some breeds, but in others, like the small, long-haired Shih Tzu, it can be a challenge.

This is why Shih Tzu owners need to put on their detective caps to tell whether their dogs need to shed a few pounds or not. But thankfully, some signs can help Shih Tzu owners make an informed decision and kickstart a routine that will lead to a healthier pup. What are these signs that help us know when a Shih Tzu is overweight?

Although it may appear that all Shih Tzu have the same anatomy, most people can't tell the difference between an average and overweight Shih Tzu. Because Shih Tzu’ bodies are hidden under layers of hair, a visual inspection is not often adequate to ascertain their shape.

Weight Loss Benefits For Shih Tzus

This is why owners need to examine their Shih Tzus physically. Ribs should be felt underneath a Shih Tzu’s coat. If an owner can’t feel any ribs, this is an indication that the Shih Tzu may be overweight. However, the ribs should not protrude. If they do, this could be a sign that the Shih Tzu is underweight. 

Since hypothyroidism cannot be diagnosed with a visual examination, this is a sign that must be determined by a healthcare professional. Shih Tzu are frequent victims of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough of the hormone that regulates metabolism.

This can cause weight gain and other symptoms. Owners of affected Shih Tzu need to be extra attentive to their dogs’ weight. Thyroid medication should normalize hormone production, so if a Shih Tzu remains overweight even with proper treatment, this can indicate that other factors are at play.

Shih Tzu: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

A Shih Tzu, like all dogs, has to rely on its limberness to take care of basic physical needs, of which scratching is included. If an owner notices that their Shih Tzu has difficulty scratching or performing other acts that are universal to all canines, the Shih Tzu might be overweight.

Because Shih Tzu are small and compact, to begin with, gaining a few extra pounds can make life much harder for them than say a Great Dane or greyhound. These breeds have length on their side. Shih Tzus need all the help they can get.  

The saying goes that pets tend to look like their owners — and this applies both to aesthetics and size. It’s no coincidence that the rate of obesity in dogs has risen alongside the rate of obesity in humans.

Most Common Shih Tzu Behavior Problems And Solutions

The percentage of overweight adults in both species is a similar number. This should come as no surprise to Shih Tzu owners. If a Shih Tzu’s owner is overweight thanks to an inactive lifestyle,  the Shih Tzu’s size and lifestyle will likely be the same. After all, the only chance that a Shih Tzu has of being active has an owner that is also active.   

When we slow down, they have no other choice but to slow down too.  As dogs gain weight, the burden of those extra pounds put more pressure on vital organs.  This, in turn, makes it more difficult to tolerate the usual activities and daily exercise routine. 

Shih Tzu dogs already have the additional handicap of being a brachycephalic breed.  Elongated palates and stenotic nares can any type of movement difficult.

Shih Tzu Weight

Shih Tzu, like other breeds, are opportunists.  If allowed a treat, few dogs will turn it down because they worry it will ruin their lovely waste line.  We can only blame ourselves for this situation. Too many high caloric treats can add up quickly.  

Dog foods rich in fats and carbohydrates may win the taste test, but add calories that may not be helpful to the dog's nutritional needs.

The last sign of an overweight Shih Tzu is the propensity to pant during mild exercise. If a Shih Tzu gets exhausted too early or too frequently while going for walks, this could mean that it’s out of shape.

Shih Tzu Health Problems

An out of shape Shih Tzu is a walking health problem, so its owner should decide upon a diet or exercise regimen to increase its stamina and reduce excess fat.

If an owner has concluded that their Shih Tzu is overweight, the first step is to consult a veterinarian for verification. The vet will be able to determine if the problem exists in the first place, its seriousness if it does exist, and the best course of treatment. The vet will likely weigh the Shih Tzu.

According to the American Kennel Club, 9 to 16 pounds is the healthy weight range for this breed, although there are many exceptions. For instance, an 18-pound Shih Tzu can be in the healthy weight range if it has a larger frame and higher muscle density. Since a scale is not the sole judge of canine health, the vet will do a physical examination of the Shih Tzu and ask its owner questions about its lifestyle.

Learn About The Shih Tzu Dog Breed From A Trusted Veterinarian

Most dog nutritionists and vets recommend that dogs eat two meals a day.  If the food is high in calories or carbohydrate-rich, even the recommended quantities may be too much.

Thus, the vet might advocate for smaller portions or a complete change of diet. Depending on the Shih Tzu’s owner, table scraps and treats might make up a sizable percentage of the pet’s diet. In this case, the vet may advise against giving the dog these indulgences.

Table scraps are a particularly slippery slope that ends in obesity. If lack of exercise, not diet, is the issue, the veterinarian will suggest increasing the Shih Tzu’s activity. Going for a walk every day is generally recommended for Shih Tzus and virtually every other breed. Shih Tzu owners should aim to walk their pet for at least 30 minutes per day, although this may need to be broken down into two 15-minute walks if the Shih Tzu finds exercise tough.

Most Common Shih Tzu Health Problems

Either increase the length or duration of the daily walks if your Shih Tzu is eating a balanced diet but still not losing weight. It’s important to note that this increase should be slight and gradual. An overweight Shih Tzu is already under physical strain, so too much activity can be just as bad for its health.  

Most importantly, owners need to determine if their dog is mirroring their body size and lifestyle choices.  Consult a vet if any of these signs point to an overweight pooch. Keeping a Shih Tzu healthy is as easy as being an attentive owner.

Karol is an animal lover who has dedicated her life to helping dogs to find a safe and happy home. She now works as a freelance writer, which is her passion, and has the freedom to spend more time at home with her wonderful family.

Shih Tzu Who Weighed Over 2st And Could Barely Walk Sheds More Than A Third Of Her Body Weight

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In some of the articles on this site, I make recommendations on products that have been helpful to me. If you buy something through a  link, I receive a small commission with no additional cost to you.  Thank you for help supporting this site.  It is much appreciated.There's no doubt that if you've been blessed with a Shih Tzu companion then you spend each day gazing into those big, beautiful eyes and enjoying the antics of your playful pup.

One day, however, you realize those eyes appear a little cloudier than usual, and your canine pal has a little less pep in her step.

Diet & Nutrition Guide: Shih Tzus

A Shih Tzu is considered a senior dog between 9 and 10 years of age.  An aging Shih Tzu requires special care and has unique needs, including vet visits every 6 months.

It is important to pay close attention to your Shih Tzu's weight, diet and exercise habits, as well as any changes in behavior that may occur.

No one wants to see his best friend slow down, and as the aging process begins, you probably can’t help but think about how your time together is growing shorter and more precious.

Shih Tzu Lifespan (and How To Increase It)

It’s essential, however, to view this period of your dog entering her senior years as one where things need to be done a little differently, instead of as one where time is short.

Remember, the top end of a Shih Tzu’s lifespan is approximately 16 years, so your pup and you can still make many memories together; you just need to know how to properly care for your Shih Tzu as he grows older.

Not all senior pups will display every sign of aging, and the change is more of a slow transition, but it's a safe bet that as your Shih Tzu gets up in years, you'll start to notice some of the following indicators:

Imperial Shih Tzu

Do you notice that your dog doesn’t seem to listen to you anymore? Once upon a time, you may have delivered a command and your faithful pup obeyed immediately, but now you notice that he seems less than interested.

The issue here is not necessarily one of defiance or the fact that your dog thinks he’s too old for this sort