A routine wellness check for a Shih Tzu should be built around this breed's flat face, prominent eyes, long coat, and small mouth. Expect weighing, listening to heart and lungs, checking breathing effort, examining eyes and ears closely, lifting the lips to assess teeth, feeling joints and the belly, and reviewing skin under the coat. The most useful visits pair that hands-on exam with your report on snoring, eye wetness, chewing, itching, and energy at home, because several Shih Tzu issues develop gradually between appointments.
Breathing and airway comfort come first for a Shih Tzu
Breathing assessment opens a Shih Tzu wellness check because a short muzzle changes how air moves. The vet will watch your dog breathe at rest, listen for noisy breathing, and ask about snoring, gagging, coughing, fainting episodes, or trouble settling after a short walk. Report heat sensitivity directly, including any panting that seems excessive indoors.
If your Shih Tzu has started sleeping sitting up, avoids play sooner than before, or makes a new honking sound, say so even if it seems minor. Those home details help the vet judge whether the airway needs closer attention now or simple monitoring with clear return signs.
Prominent eyes need a careful look
Eye examination is central in a Shih Tzu because the eyes sit forward in shallow sockets and are easily irritated or injured. The vet will check for redness, cloudiness, dryness, discharge, eyelashes rubbing the surface, and whether both eyes look equally comfortable. Mention squinting, pawing at the face, a blue or white haze, or one eye held partly closed.
Ask what eye change should be treated as urgent for your Shih Tzu rather than waiting for the next visit. A scratch or sudden pain in this breed can worsen quickly, so knowing the threshold before you leave is part of a good wellness visit, not extra worry.
Crowded teeth, ears, and skin under the coat
Dental checking matters in a Shih Tzu because teeth are packed into a small jaw, making plaque and gum inflammation easy to miss under the lip line. The vet should look at the back teeth, smell the breath, and check for loose or retained teeth in younger dogs. Tell them if your dog drops kibble, chews on one side, or has stopped enjoying chew toys.
Ears are examined for redness and discharge, especially if hair and moisture collect in the canal. Skin is checked under the long coat and in folds for redness, odor, or itching. Describe where your Shih Tzu scratches and whether grooming, a new shampoo, or a food change came just before it started.
Weight, joints, and staying comfortable
Weight and joint review in a Shih Tzu visit should include body-condition scoring and gentle checking of knees and back. Extra weight makes breathing harder and adds strain for a small companion dog, so ask for a clear target range you can use at home. Mention difficulty with stairs, jumping onto furniture, or lagging on walks.
As your Shih Tzu ages, the vet may suggest blood work or more frequent visits to track internal health alongside the eyes and teeth. Bring a list of foods, treats, and any supplements so the conversation is based on what your dog actually eats each day.
Keeping breathing notes, eye findings, dental plans, and weights for your Shih Tzu together in KinsLe using Pet Passport gives every future vet and groomer one consistent record to work from.