The eyes of the Shih Tzu are very striking: they have a bulging appearance, similar to those of the Pug. This is not a mere coincidence, since both breeds are part of the brachycephalic group of dogs and have several other characteristics in common. But did you know that it is important to pay close attention to this region? As the eyes of the Shih Tzu are large and protrude outwards, this makes the breeddog vulnerable to eye irritations and infections.

For this reason, knowing how to clean the Shih Tzu's eyes makes all the difference in caring for this little dog. To clarify everything on the subject, just check below the article that the Paws of the House has prepared!

How to clean Shih Tzu's eyes?

Learning how to clean the eyes of brachycephalic dogs - such as Shih Tzu - doesn't take much effort. In fact, the whole process is quite simple and all you'll need is saline solution, absorbent cotton and gauze. Follow the step-by-step below:

Step 1 : Choose a time when the dog is calm and relaxed.

Step 2 : Place him on your lap and gently lift his head.

Step 3 Wet the cotton with a little saline solution and wipe the Shih Tzu's eyes with subtle movements.

Step 4 After removing the dirt, use a clean gauze to dry the area. Avoid cotton at this time to avoid shedding hair.

In addition to knowing how to clean the eyes of the Shih Tzu, pay attention to the frequency of care: the ideal is that hygiene is done daily. The Shih Tzu's grooming should also be done with some regularity, as direct contact with the eye area causes discomfort and irritation.

Why is it important to take care of your Shih Tzu's eyes?

Shih Tzu eyes are more exposed than normal, which makes the breed more prone to developing a number of eye problems. Corneal ulcers in dogs, for example, are often triggered by the bulging eyes. Shih Tzu can also suffer from various irritations in the area, especially if they have very long hair. Another common situation is tearingacid in dogs.

In this sense, it is essential that the guardian always check how the region is and learn how to clean the Shih Tzu's eyes to prevent further problems from happening. If there is any change, such as the Shih Tzu's eye red and reddening, be sure to seek help from a specialized veterinarian.

Shih Tzu's eye red and reddening: what can it be?

Shih Tzu eyes can suffer from a number of different problems. In addition to corneal ulcer and acid tear, other possibilities that need attention are dry eye syndrome, distichiasis (poor positioning of the eyelashes), cataracts and conjunctivitis in dogs (the latter usually deriving from some allergy or dry eye syndrome).

All these situations can lead to a Shih Tzu with a reddened eye. As they are very different, the best thing to do is to consult a veterinary ophthalmologist to correctly diagnose and treat the animal's condition (probably with the use of eye drops). Self-medication should not be taken into account, as it can worsen the dog's condition.