If your Shih Tzu has started to hesitate before the stairs, or takes a moment to get going after a nap, it is easy to put it down to age. Sometimes that is part of it. But small dogs with long backs can feel discomfort quietly, and it often shows up as small changes in behaviour rather than obvious limping.
This guide is for owners of senior Shih Tzus, or Shih Tzus heading that way. We cover why the breed's build matters, what to look out for, the everyday changes that help most, and where a joint supplement fits in. We will also be honest about what a supplement cannot do.
Throughout, the principle is simple. A supplement sits alongside good care and your vet's advice, never in place of them.
Choosing a joint supplement for an older Shih Tzu
An older Shih Tzu carries a long back and a sturdy frame on small joints, so what goes into a daily supplement matters more than the label on the front. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is our product, and the table below shows how it compares with five well-known UK options.
Start with the first row, which counts how many of six key joint actives each product lists. Then look at format, because a soft chew can suit a senior dog who is fussy about tablets.
UK dog joint supplements compared, ingredient by ingredient
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA | Nutraquin+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Glucosamine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chondroitin | ✓ | ✗ | Via mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MSM | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green-lipped mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boswellia | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Omega-3 | Mussel, flax | Mussel | Mussel, fish oil | ✗ | Krill oil | ✗ |
| Turmeric | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Collagen | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Antioxidants | Vit C, Vit E, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule | Capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 90 days | 6 weeks | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ = included, ✗ = not listed. Key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. Taken from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026.
MedPaw is the only product in the table with all six key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. NutraPaw lists four, YuMOVE and Nutraquin+ three each, and Seraquin and Synoquin EFA two. For a breed built like a Shih Tzu, covering more of those actives in one daily chew keeps things simple.
Our soft chew also brings omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, plus vitamins C and E and zinc. Joints take time, so plan on 2-3 months of daily use, with the amount doubled for the first three weeks. It is a complementary feed that supports mobility and comfort alongside your vet's care.
If you would like to try it, there is a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save helps keep the daily routine steady for an older dog.
See MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max Read the full ingredient list and feeding guide for your senior Shih Tzu on the product page.
Why Shih Tzus put extra strain on joints and backs
The Shih Tzu has a fairly long back for its height, a shape it shares with Dachshunds and Corgis. That length puts more stress on the discs that cushion the vertebrae. The breed is also sturdy for its size, so quite a lot of body weight sits on small joints.
The breed is known to be prone to three things: intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), hip dysplasia and slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation). That does not mean your dog will develop any of them. It does mean small changes in how your dog moves are worth taking seriously.
Is it just old age? Signs worth noticing
Joint and back discomfort can look a lot like "just getting older". Hesitating at the bottom of the stairs, yelping when you pick your dog up, or stiffness after resting can all be signs of discomfort. They deserve a vet check rather than a shrug.
The table below sets out the three conditions the breed is known for, in plain terms. It is a guide to what you might see, not a way to diagnose your dog.
Common joint and back concerns in Shih Tzus, and what owners may notice
| Concern | What is happening | What you might see |
|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | A disc between the vertebrae bulges or ruptures and presses on the spinal cord | Arched back, reluctance to move, crying out when picked up, weak back legs |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip socket is too shallow, so the ball of the thigh bone does not sit properly | "Bunny hopping" gait, difficulty rising, reluctance on stairs, stiffness after rest |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of its normal groove, common in small breeds | Skipping on a back leg, occasional lameness, kicking the leg out to pop the kneecap back |
For guidance only, not a diagnosis.
IVDD in its more serious forms is a veterinary emergency. If your dog is in obvious pain or struggling to use their back legs, please do not wait and see. Phone your vet straight away.
Looking after a long back at home
For a breed with this build, the most useful changes are often the simplest ones. Reducing jumping and lifting your dog properly takes strain off the spine every single day.
- Use pet stairs or ramps for the sofa and bed.
- Do not let your Shih Tzu jump down from furniture or other heights.
- Block access to high furniture if your dog will not use steps.
- Support both the front and back end when you lift, and never let the back sag unsupported.
- Show children how to hold a small dog correctly.
None of this means wrapping your dog in cotton wool. It is simply about removing the repeated small impacts that add up over the years.
Weight: the simplest thing you can do
Extra weight adds stress to the spine and joints, and for a small dog even a little extra makes a difference. Every dog is different, so your vet can confirm the right weight for yours.
A quick home check is the rib check. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard. If you cannot, have a chat with your vet about portions and treats. Small adjustments to treats often go a long way with a small breed.
Making the home easier to move around
Smooth floors can be tricky for stiff dogs, and a slip can jolt a sore back or knee. A few practical tweaks can help your senior Shih Tzu feel steadier.
- Put non-slip rugs or mats on laminate, tiles and wooden floors.
- Keep food, water and beds at easy-to-reach levels.
- Offer a supportive, warm bed away from draughts.
- Choose shorter, steady walks over rough play or repeated jumping.
Short, regular walks usually suit a stiff senior better than one long outing. Watch how your dog is after exercise as well as during it, since stiffness often shows up later that evening or the next morning.
What a joint supplement can and cannot do
A joint supplement is a complementary feed. It can provide nutrients that support joint comfort and mobility as part of a daily routine, alongside good care.
It cannot diagnose or treat a condition, reverse existing structural damage, or replace surgery or veterinary treatment. It also cannot guarantee that disc or joint problems will not happen. IVDD, in particular, has genetic and structural components that no supplement changes.
Most joint supplements are well tolerated, though some dogs may have mild digestive upset. Introduce anything new with your vet's agreement, particularly if your dog has other health conditions or takes medication. Stick to products made for dogs, as human joint supplements are not formulated for them.
When to start a joint supplement
There is no single agreed age. Some sources suggest considering a supplement earlier for a breed with this build, especially for active or overweight dogs. Others suggest starting when you first notice stiffness, or in the senior years as a general approach.
Your vet is the best person to help you decide, especially if your Shih Tzu has had back problems or surgery. If your dog has had an IVDD episode, even one managed without an operation, ask about timing before adding anything new.
Choosing a joint supplement: what to look at on the label
Start by thinking about what will work for your daily routine. Ingredients that commonly appear in UK dog joint products include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia serrata, turmeric, collagen and omega-3 sources. Formats include chews, tablets and capsules.
These are the points that help you compare products fairly:
- Which actives are listed, and whether they are named individually or only present within another ingredient.
- The format your dog will actually take. A soft chew can suit dogs who dislike tablets, but check your dog is happy with whichever form you pick.
- The feeding guidance by weight, and how long the product is meant to be used.
- Any guarantee on offer, and how long it lasts.
What other products list
Based on each manufacturer's published information in September 2026, here is how some well-known UK options differ.
- NutraPaw Joint Support is a tablet with glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, turmeric and collagen. It does not list chondroitin or Boswellia, and it has a 90-day guarantee.
- YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max is a tablet with glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and fish oil, with chondroitin only via the mussel. It also contains vitamins C and E and manganese, and has a 6-week guarantee.
- Seraquin Joint is a chewable tablet with glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric.
- Synoquin EFA is a tablet or capsule with glucosamine, chondroitin, krill oil, vitamin C and zinc.
- Nutraquin+ is a capsule with glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, vitamin C and zinc.
Where MedPaw fits
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew and a complementary feed for dogs. Its key joint actives are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. It also provides omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, vitamins C and E, and zinc, and is made with rapeseed oil and glycerine.
The feeding guide is 1 chew a day up to 4kg, 2 chews for 5 to 17kg, and 2 to 3 chews for 18kg and over, doubled for the first three weeks. We recommend daily use for 2 to 3 months. There is a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available.
Many Shih Tzus are small enough that the weight bands matter, so check the pack guide against your dog's exact weight. If your dog sits between bands, ask your vet what is right for them.
If your dog is fussy, and how to track progress
Introduce any new supplement gradually and watch for tummy upset. If your dog is picky, a soft chew can be easier than a tablet, but the best format is simply the one your dog takes happily every day.
Keep a short diary of mobility, stiffness after rest, stairs and walks. It helps you judge changes over the first weeks, and it gives your vet useful information. Owners may notice gradual changes over several weeks, such as easier rising or more willingness to walk and play. These are general expectations rather than promises, and every dog is different.
When to see a vet
Because Shih Tzus can hide discomfort, it helps to know which signs mean act today and which mean book a visit. This is a general guide, and if you are ever unsure, phone your vet.
How quickly to seek veterinary advice
Speak to your vet before starting or changing anything
Before any supplement if your dog has existing conditions, takes medication or is due surgery. Also if you have seen no change after consistent use over the period suggested on the pack.
Book an appointment
Stiffness after rest that is getting worse, hesitating on stairs or jumps they used to manage, a bunny-hopping gait, skipping or kicking out a back leg, lameness lasting more than a day or two, licking or chewing at a joint, becoming quieter or irritable, or gaining weight and moving less.
Urgent veterinary attention
Crying out in pain, sudden weakness or wobbliness in the back legs, dragging or knuckling the back feet, being unable to get up or walk, losing control of bladder or bowels, or a rigid, arched back with refusal to move.
Putting it together for your senior Shih Tzu
For a long-backed little dog, the foundations are the same at any age: a healthy weight, a home that spares the spine, sensible exercise and regular vet checks. A supplement can be one part of that daily routine, supporting joint comfort and mobility alongside everything else.
If something about the way your Shih Tzu moves has changed, trust your instinct and have it looked at. Your vet can tell you what is going on, and what will help your dog stay comfortable for as long as possible.
What is the best joint supplement for a senior Shih Tzu?
There is no single best option for every dog, so it depends on which actives you want, the format your dog will take happily, and how the daily amount suits a small weight. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a soft chew that lists glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata in one product. Whichever you consider, check the label and talk to your vet first, especially for an older dog.
How many MedPaw chews does a 6kg Shih Tzu need each day?
At 6kg the printed label guide is 2 chews a day, which falls in the 5 to 17kg band. For the first three weeks the amount is doubled, so that is 4 chews a day, then back to 2 chews a day. A tub holds 60 chews, so it lasts about 30 days at the standard amount. If your dog sits close to a weight band, ask your vet what suits them.
How long does a joint supplement take to work in an older Shih Tzu?
Joint supplements are not a quick fix, and the pack guidance for MedPaw is daily use for 2 to 3 months for optimal results. That is why the first three weeks use a higher loading amount. Every dog is different, so keep a short diary of stairs, rising and walks to see how your dog is getting on.
Can my senior Shih Tzu take a joint supplement alongside medication?
Older dogs are more likely to be on regular medication, so please speak to your vet before adding any supplement. They can check it suits your dog's health and any treatment already in place. A supplement is a complementary feed and never replaces veterinary treatment or a medicine your vet has prescribed.
What else helps an older Shih Tzu with stiff joints besides a supplement?
Everyday care makes a real difference. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, choosing shorter and more frequent walks, using non-slip rugs and offering a warm, supportive bed all help a long-backed senior feel steadier. Pet stairs or ramps for the sofa also reduce repeated jumping.
When should I see a vet about my Shih Tzu's mobility rather than try a supplement?
Book a vet visit if you notice stiffness that is getting worse, hesitating on stairs, a bunny-hopping gait, skipping on a back leg or lameness lasting more than a day or two. Crying out in pain, sudden weakness in the back legs or being unable to get up needs urgent attention the same day. A supplement is not a substitute for finding out what is going on.
