Siamese Apso Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?

One: How Long Do Shih Tzu Dogs Live?

1. Shih Tzu dogs are a beloved breed, often hailed as the perfect apartment pet. Known for their cheerful and lively nature, they are full of energy at all times. Despite their delicate appearance, Shih Tzus can be surprisingly brave and fearless, displaying a bold and fierce demeanor when faced with danger or emergencies.

2. When choosing a pet, many owners consider the dog's lifespan. How long do Shih Tzus typically live? Generally, a healthy Shih Tzu can live between 10 to 15 years, with some exceptional cases reaching 16 to 18 years. With the advancement of pet care and the improvement of living standards, it is believed that the lifespan of Shih Tzus is largely influenced by proper care and management by their owners, which can lead to longer and healthier lives for these dogs.

Shih Tzus begin to enter their senior years around the age of 8. As they age, it's important to pay close attention to their diet, as their outward appearance may not change much, but their internal physiological functions may decline, making them more susceptible to kidney, eye, and joint issues. As their owners, we must keep a close eye on their health to prevent unnecessary diseases!

Two: Care Tips for Shih Tzu Dogs

1. Shih Tzus are sociable and affectionate, making them ideal for both urban and rural living. Due to their long, flowing coat, daily grooming is essential, especially around the head, which should be tied up to prevent hair from getting into their eyes and causing discomfort.

2. It's generally not recommended to feed pets bones, as some may not have the strength to chew them properly, leading to potential choking hazards. If you want to help them with dental hygiene, opt for a large pork bone, which can aid in teeth cleaning without the risk of ingestion.

Training a Shih Tzu may be challenging, but owners must be patient and confident, as these dogs are intelligent and can be trained effectively. With perseverance, a welltrained Shih Tzu can become a cherished companion, bringing joy and entertainment to everyday life. Remember to encourage more than punish during training sessions.

Three: Important Considerations When Feeding Shih Tzu Dogs

1. First and foremost, choose the right food for your Shih Tzu based on their growth stage. A young Shih Tzu should be fed with puppyspecific food, while an adult should have adultspecific food. For overweight Shih Tzus, there are also specialized weight management formulas. Additionally, you can prepare homemade meals with fresh ingredients, but never feed adult Shih Tzus puppy food, as this is incorrect and can harm them.

2. Be aware of what your Shih Tzu can and cannot eat. Suitable foods include commercial dog food, cooked meats, and fresh vegetables. However, avoid highsodium foods, spicy and刺激性 dishes, raw or frozen foods, garlic, scallions, small bones, grapes, and raisins, which can be harmful to your dog.

3. Feeding should be regular and portioncontrolled, with different feeding methods for each stage of growth. Young Shih Tzus may need to be fed 3 to 5 times a day, and their kibble should be softened and mixed. Adult Shih Tzus can eat dry kibble, typically once or twice a day. Older Shih Tzus may require smaller, more frequent meals, possibly up to 3 to 4 times a day. The key to raising a healthy Shih Tzu is to tailor their feeding plan to their specific developmental needs.

Tip: For more information on extending your dog's lifespan, check out our article "How to Enhance Your Dog's Lifespan."