Almost everything worth checking on a Shih Tzu is hidden — by a floor-length coat, by facial folds, and by hair growing where you would least expect it. Work on a raised, non-slip surface with good light, move the hair aside deliberately at every stage, and keep the session cheerful and short, because a dog who is groomed this often will tell you quickly when he has had enough.
Eyes and Face First on This Breed
Start with the large, prominent eyes, which sit exposed in a flat face and pick up trouble easily. Look for cloudiness, redness, discharge, squinting, pawing at the face, or one eye looking different from the other — any of those deserves a prompt vet call rather than monitoring, because eye problems in this breed can worsen quickly. Wipe away tear staining below each eye, then check the skin folds across the nose and muzzle: lift and look inside every fold, and dry them thoroughly, since moisture trapped there leaves skin sore and smelly. Check the nostrils and his resting breathing as well, and learn his normal snuffle so you can recognise breathing that has become noisier or more effortful than his usual.
Teeth, Ears, and Hair in Unexpected Places
Lift the lip and look at the small, crowded teeth typical of the breed's short jaw. Check for tartar packed at the gum line, red gums, a wobbly tooth, or breath that has become noticeably worse — dental discomfort in a small mouth often shows first as slower eating or dropping kibble. Then lift each long ear flap and look inside: Shih Tzu ears are covered and hairy, which keeps the canal warm and poorly aired, so note redness, dark build-up, a strong smell, or hair matting at the canal opening. Run your fingers over the skin of the ear edge too, where crusting can hide under the long hair.
Under the Coat: Skin, Mats, and Paws
Now part the coat down to skin along the back, belly, and chest rather than admiring the top layer. Feel, don't just look: mats form tight against the skin behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and along the belly, and the skin beneath a tight mat can be bruised or sore. Feel for lumps and scabs, look for flaky or red patches, and check the rear end for matting that traps mess. Work through each paw, trimming your attention to the hair between the pads, which mats and collects grit, and to nails that curl quickly on a dog who walks gently. Finish by feeling rib coverage under the coat — the hair makes a Shih Tzu look rounder than he is, so judge by touch — and watch him walk for any change in his rolling, confident gait.
Thresholds for Calling the Vet
Eye changes, breathing that becomes laboured, and a fold that smells or looks raw all merit a same-day call; a growing lump, persistent scratching, head shaking, dental pain signs, or a sore under a mat should be booked in promptly rather than watched for weeks. Small findings noted early are this breed's best protection. Recording each check in KinsLe's Pet Passport keeps your Shih Tzu's eye, skin, and dental notes together where his vet can use them.