How much does a Shih Tzu cost at the vet each year?

A Shih Tzu costs $380–$900 per year at the vet on average. Costs vary by age: the first year (puppy vaccines, spay/neuter) typically runs $1,472–$2,070. Senior shih tzus (age 8+) average $992–$1,395/year.

What is the lifetime vet cost of a Shih Tzu?

Total lifetime vet costs for a Shih Tzu range from $8,189 to $19,395 over a typical 14-year lifespan. This includes preventive care, dental cleanings, annual exams, and an allowance for breed-specific health conditions. Pet insurance ($25–$50/mo) can reduce out-of-pocket costs for major procedures by 70–90%.

What health problems do shih tzus commonly have?

Eye problems (proptosis, ulcers, dry eye) (15-25%): Those big, protruding eyes are vulnerable. Corneal ulcers from trauma, dry eye (KCS), and even eye proptosis (eye pops out of socket) from rough handling or play. | Dental disease (25-35%): Small mouth, crowded teeth, early decay. Aggressive home dental care and annual professional cleanings are the norm. | Patellar luxation (10-15%): Common toy breed kneecap issue. Mild cases managed conservatively; surgery for severe grades. | Brachycephalic airway issues (10-20%): Shih Tzus have a flat face, though milder than Bulldogs. Some need nostril widening surgery. Heat sensitivity is real but less extreme. | Ear infections (15-20%): Hairy ear canals trap moisture and debris. Regular cleaning and plucking help, but infections still happen.

Moderate health risk Dog · small · 9-16 lbs · 14-yr lifespan

Shih Tzu Vet Cost by Age: Year-by-Year Projection

Q: Is pet insurance worth it for a Shih Tzu?

Pet insurance for a Shih Tzu runs $25–$50/month ($300–$600/year). For a moderate health risk breed like the Shih Tzu, insurance makes most sense if purchased young (before age 2) when premiums are lowest and no pre-existing conditions exist.

Annual vet costs for a shih tzu run $380–$900/year. But that’s an average — costs spike in the puppy year and again in the senior years. Enter your dog’s age below to see what you’ll actually spend.

Annual Range

$380–$900

per year

Lifetime Total

$8,189–$19,395

14-year lifespan

Insurance

$25–$50/mo

typical range

Health Risk

Moderate

2-3 visits/year average

Your Shih Tzu’s Projected Vet Costs

Enter your dog’s current age and your location type to see what you’ll pay each year.

Current age (years)

0 = puppy year

Location cost level

Urban vets cost 30–60% more

Existing condition?

Conditions raise ongoing costs

Show with pet insurance

$25–$50/mo • Covers 70–90% of major procedures

Common Shih Tzu Health Issues

These conditions drive vet costs most. Prevalence from AVMA surveys and breed club health studies.

Eye problems (proptosis, ulcers, dry eye)

Prevalence: 15-25% $300–$3,000 if treated

Those big, protruding eyes are vulnerable. Corneal ulcers from trauma, dry eye (KCS), and even eye proptosis (eye pops out of socket) from rough handling or play.

Dental disease

Prevalence: 25-35% $400–$1,200 if treated

Small mouth, crowded teeth, early decay. Aggressive home dental care and annual professional cleanings are the norm.

Patellar luxation

Prevalence: 10-15% $1,500–$4,000 if treated

Common toy breed kneecap issue. Mild cases managed conservatively; surgery for severe grades.

Brachycephalic airway issues

Prevalence: 10-20% $1,000–$4,000 if treated

Shih Tzus have a flat face, though milder than Bulldogs. Some need nostril widening surgery. Heat sensitivity is real but less extreme.

Ear infections

Prevalence: 15-20% $100–$300 if treated

Hairy ear canals trap moisture and debris. Regular cleaning and plucking help, but infections still happen.

How Costs Change With Age

Vet spending is not flat. The first year is the most expensive. Ages 1–2 are cheapest. Senior years climb as monitoring and chronic conditions increase.

Age 0

$874–$2,070 Puppy (Year 1)

Age 1

$285–$675 Young Adult

Age 2

$285–$675 Young Adult

Age 3

$380–$900 Adult

Age 4

$380–$900 Adult

Age 5

$380–$900 Adult

Age 6

$475–$1,125 Mature Adult

Age 7

$475–$1,125 Mature Adult

Age 8

$589–$1,395 Senior

Age 9

$589–$1,395 Senior

Age 10

$589–$1,395 Senior

Age 11

$722–$1,710 Geriatric

Age 12

$722–$1,710 Geriatric

Age 13

$722–$1,710 Geriatric

Age 14

$722–$1,710 Geriatric

National averages. Your location, care level, and individual health will shift these figures.

Shih Tzu-Specific Procedures

Routine and breed-specific procedures that affect your budget.

Eye exam

Annual

$50–$150

Dental cleaning

Annual

$350–$700

Patellar evaluation

Annual

$50–$100

Ear cleaning/treatment

Monthly

$20–$80

Wellness exam + vaccines

Annual

$130–$260

What Vets Say About Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are a moderate-cost breed with death by a thousand paper cuts. No single catastrophic condition, but the eyes, teeth, ears, and knees all need ongoing attention. The 14-year lifespan means a lot of dental cleanings add up. Eye protection is underrated — a scratched cornea at the dog park is a common $500 vet visit.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for a Shih Tzu?

Insurance for a shih tzu runs $25–$50/month ($300–$600/year). For a moderate risk breed, insurance pays off most when purchased young — premiums are 40–60% lower before age 3.

→ See the pet insurance calculator

Compare Other Dog Breeds

Australian Shepherd → Beagle → Bernese Mountain Dog → Border Collie → Boxer → Bulldog →

More Vet Cost Tools

→ Vet Cost Estimator — by procedure → Pet Insurance Calculator → Lifetime Pet Care Cost Calculator → All Breeds — Cost Projector