John Lewis Pet Insurance for your Shih Tzu

• Choose from six levels of vet-fee cover, up to £12,000

• Lifetime cover, when you renew your policy with no break in cover

• 24/7 access to vetfone™ helpline

John Lewis Pet Insurance is arranged, administrated and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

Terms, policy limits, exclusions and conditions apply.

Why we love Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus can be an excellent addition to a family with children. They're very adaptable, making them a great fit for owners who live in a flat or don't have access to a large green space.

• Favoured among Chinese royalty during the Ming dynasty

• Their name translates to “Little Lions” in Mandarin

• Originated in Tibet as early as 1000 BC

• The oldest Shih Tzu lived to be 23 years old!

Shih Tzu facts

Common health problems for Shih Tzus

Like every other breed, Shih Tzus have their own distinct look, personality. However, they also come with their own set of potential health problems.

We hope that your friend doesn’t experience any of these conditions. But by knowing what health issues might develop, you can catch them early.

This list is not exhaustive, and any concerns you have for your pet's health should always be raised with a vet.

Ear infections

Shih Tzus can suffer from ear infections, which are most commonly caused by allergic disease. This can cause inflammation of the ears, allowing bacteria and/or yeasts to overrun them and cause infections. Swimming can make infections worse, allowing bacteria and yeasts to grow faster.

Signs to look for:

• Excessively scratching their ears

• Redness around their ears

What to do:
Treating them can be fairly straightforward and is rarely serious if caught early. In most cases, a vet should be able to give you some ear drops or medicine to help treat the infection.

Breathing issues

Shih Tzus have short, flat faces and small windpipes. This can make them susceptible to breathing problems. Serious breathing problems or respiratory distress syndrome can be caused by a defect in the nose or windpipe.

Signs to look for:

• Wheezing

• Panting heavily

• Loud snores

• Coughing

What to do:
Speak to your vet if your dog is having difficulty breathing. Depending on the direct cause, a vet may need to perform surgery. However, they may recommend loosening their collar and adjusting their sleeping positions.

They may also recommend avoiding exercise during especially humid or cold weather.

Eye problems

The most common health concern for Shih Tzus you may need to look out for is an issue with their eyes. Because of their shallow sockets, their large eyes are vulnerable to diseases and injuries. Eye problems could be the following:

• Pigmentary keratitis: an inflammation in the cornea caused by excessive tears, lack of tears or an inability to blink correctly.

• Cataracts: a change in a lens's water or protein balance.

• Ocular proptosis: an unfortunate condition where the eyeball becomes dislodged from the socket.

• Corneal ulcers: their bulging eyes make them prone to injuries to the surface of the eye, and also to drying out.

Signs to look for:

• Irritation

• Discolouration

• Swollenness

• Dry eye

What to do:
If you notice anything unusual with your Shih Tzu’s eyes, take them to the vet. Some cases may be treated with eye drops, oral antibiotics and steroids. However, surgery may also be recommended by a vet, especially in severe cases.

¹ As long as you renew your policy with us and there is no break in cover
² Cover forms part of vet fees
³ Covered if you cannot look after your dog or cat due to personal injury or illness that results in a hospital stay for more than 48 hours

What's not included with John Lewis Pet Insurance?

• Treatment for any pre-existing medical conditions

• Vet fees following an accident in the first 3 days of your cover start date

• Any new illnesses or symptoms that occur in the first 14 days of your cover start date
  

Pet insurance with six levels of vet fee cover

We understand that every owner’s situation is different. But this shouldn’t affect the quality of care for your pet. You can choose a level of vet fee cover that suits your budget — when you get a quote.

There are six levels of vet fee cover options available under lifetime insurance:

• up to £2,000

• up to £3,000

• up to £5,000

• up to £7,500

• up to £9,000

• up to £12,000

If you’re looking to reduce your premium costs, you can choose an excess fee to pay each time you claim. Choosing a higher excess means you will pay a lower monthly or yearly price, but you will need to pay the higher excess amount if you need to claim for Vet Fees. If you choose a lower excess, you will pay a higher monthly or yearly price, but you will pay the lower excess amount if you need to claim for Vet Fees. You will need to consider if a lower price would benefit you more than having to pay more towards the cost of a claim.

Average treatment costs for Shih Tzus

The price of treatment for unwell Shih Tzus can vary. Factors like the severity of your dog’s condition and the vet you visit can affect the total bill. If you know the amount you may have to make a claim for, it can help you work out the level of pet insurance you could need.

Looking for insurance for your Shih Tzu?

Pet insurance could help if your furry friend were to become unwell. John Lewis Pet Insurance offers six different vet fee cover levels, ranging from £2,000 - £12,000 per policy year.

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This article is for promotion or information purposes only. You must not rely on it for advice.