Senior Shih Tzu Care: Health, Comfort, and Checkups for Older Dogs
How we researched this guide: This article is based on the 2023 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats and UK VetCompass lifespan data. It is not a substitute for an exam. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Shih Tzus are one of the longer-lived breeds, so many owners get to enjoy their dog well into the senior years. Aging brings changes, but good care can keep an older Shih Tzu comfortable, happy, and engaged.
When Is a Shih Tzu a Senior?
AAHA defines a senior dog as one in the last 25 percent of its expected lifespan. A large UK study found a median age at death of about 12.7 years for Shih Tzus. That means many Shih Tzus reach their senior stage at around 9 to 10 years old, although every dog is different. Our Shih Tzu lifespan guide explains the data.
Common Changes in Older Shih Tzus
- Less energy and more sleep. AAHA notes that energy needs usually drop with age, so weight gain is easy.
- Stiffness and arthritis. Slowness on stairs, trouble jumping, or reluctance to walk can signal pain. AAHA stresses that owners often miss signs of pain in older pets.
- Dental disease. AAHA notes that treating dental problems can greatly improve quality of life.
- Changes in eyes and hearing.
- Changes in thinking and behavior (see below).
Cognitive Dysfunction: Canine “Dementia”
AAHA describes six signs of cognitive dysfunction in dogs, remembered with the letters DISHAA:
| Letter | Sign | What you may notice |
|---|---|---|
| D | Disorientation | Getting stuck in corners or seeming lost at home |
| I | Interaction changes | Less interest in family, or new irritability |
| S | Sleep-wake changes | Restless at night, sleeping more by day |
| H | House training loss | Accidents after years of good habits |
| A | Activity changes | Aimless pacing or less play |
| A | Anxiety | New fears or distress when alone |
AAHA notes that early treatment works better, so tell your vet about these changes early. Treatment may include diet changes, mental enrichment, and medicine.
Senior Health Checkups
AAHA recommends a full medical checkup for senior pets once or twice a year. Checkups often include:
- A full physical and dental exam
- Blood and urine tests to screen for kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions
- Blood pressure checks
- Body weight and muscle condition scoring
- A pain assessment. AAHA suggests taking short videos of how your dog moves at home to show your vet.
Read our guides to kidney disease and diabetes for two conditions that are more common with age.
Making Home Comfortable for a Senior Shih Tzu
AAHA recommends simple changes that make life easier for older pets:
- Non-slip flooring. Add rugs or mats on slippery floors.
- Ramps or steps for sofas, beds, and outdoor steps.
- Extra padding in beds and resting spots.
- A quieter environment with less noise and fewer changes.
- Shorter, more frequent walks.
- Easy grooming. A shorter puppy cut keeps an older dog cleaner and more comfortable. See our grooming guide.
Feeding an Older Shih Tzu
AAHA notes that energy needs generally decrease with age in dogs. Watch your dog’s weight and muscle, and ask your vet whether a senior diet or a change in portion size makes sense. Sudden weight loss or refusing food always needs a vet check.
See your vet promptly if your senior Shih Tzu: stops eating, loses weight, drinks much more than usual, has trouble breathing, collapses, or seems to be in pain. For guidance on emergency signs and end-of-life care, read our guide to emergency and end-of-life signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is a Shih Tzu considered a senior?
AAHA defines senior dogs as those in the last 25 percent of their expected lifespan. With a median lifespan of about 12.7 years in a large UK study, many Shih Tzus reach their senior years at around 9 to 10.
How often should a senior Shih Tzu see the vet?
AAHA recommends a full checkup once or twice a year for senior pets, with blood and urine tests, a dental exam, and a pain assessment.
What are signs of dementia in older dogs?
AAHA uses the letters DISHAA: disorientation, interaction changes, sleep-wake changes, house training loss, activity changes, and anxiety. Early treatment works best.
How can I make my old Shih Tzu more comfortable?
Add non-slip rugs, ramps, and soft bedding, keep walks short and regular, keep the coat short and clean, and work with your vet on pain control.
Should I change my senior Shih Tzu’s food?
Energy needs usually drop with age. Monitor weight and muscle, and ask your vet whether a senior diet or smaller portions are right for your dog.
Sources
- American Animal Hospital Association: 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
- AAHA: Defining the senior patient
- Dale F, Brodbelt DC, West G, Church DB, Lee YH, O’Neill DG. Demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzu dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Companion Animal Health and Genetics, 2024
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
