The tiny Shih Tzu---an intelligent and energetic dog---requires sufficient quantities of exercise, a proper diet, and daily exercise and affection to support its physical and emotional health.
Emotional Health
Health involves more than just food and water. As a lap dog, the Shih Tzu depends on love and attention from family members to maintain its emotional health, according to the website All Shih Tzu.
Diet
An adult Shih Tzu should consume 1/2 oz. of food per pound of body weight, avoiding grapes, chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts, and most fruit pits and seeds.
Activity
A healthy Shih Tzu requires up to an hour of daily exercise. Shih Tzus that fail to burn off excess energy on a daily basis may exhibit emotional problems.
Congenital Illnesses
Shih Tzus can inherit breed-specific diseases such as patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), a back condition called intervertebral disk disease and an eyelid-gland irritation known as renal cortical hypoplasia (or "cherry eye"), according to GoPetsAmerica.com.
Small Dog Issues
As a small breed of dog Shih Tzus may face dental problems, while their more delicate fluid balance makes diarrhea a potential health hazard as well. Hot or cold environments may also cause illness in small dogs.
Tags: Shih Tzus, daily exercise, emotional health