One of the best ways to identify health problems in your dog is to pay attention to the signals the body sends out, right? The same goes for our Shih Tzus.
Since Shih Tzu doesn’t talk, the best way to tell if your dog is having problems is to observe him.
The Little Things website talked to experts who pointed out 11 signs your Shih Tzu shows that you shouldn’t ignore.
Let’s check what they are, but we leave the alert: if your Shih Tzu shows one or more of the signs below, seek help from a veterinarian.
Shih Tzu with unexplained weight loss
The Shih Tzu’s weight loss, for no apparent reason, is a sign that he needs to visit the vet. If your dog has lost 1 or 2 kg in a reasonable amount of time, there is probably nothing to worry about.
However, if at some point in his life, he unexpectedly loses 10% of his normal weight, there could be a bigger problem going on with him.
Among the causes that generate weight loss are: metabolism failures, neuromuscular diseases, cancer, and heart problems. Sudden weight loss can also indicate a loss of appetite for your Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu with fever
One of the best ways to identify health problems in your dog is to pay attention to the signals the body sends out, right? The same goes for our Shih Tzus.
Since Shih Tzu doesn’t talk, the best way to tell if your dog is having problems is to observe him.
The Little Things website talked to experts who pointed out 11 signs your Shih Tzu shows that you shouldn’t ignore.
Let’s check what they are, but we leave the alert: if your Shih Tzu shows one or more of the signs below, seek help from a veterinarian.
Shih Tzu with unexplained weight loss
The Shih Tzu’s weight loss, for no apparent reason, is a sign that he needs to visit the vet. If your dog has lost 1 or 2 kg in a reasonable amount of time, there is probably nothing to worry about.
However, if at some point in his life, he unexpectedly loses 10% of his normal weight, there could be a bigger problem going on with him.
Among the causes that generate weight loss are: metabolism failures, neuromuscular diseases, cancer, and heart problems. Sudden weight loss can also indicate a loss of appetite for your Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu with a fever
If your Shih Tzu has a high fever or has been feverish for a long time, it is a sign that something serious is going on in its furry body.
If the fever quickly peaks, for example, your dog may be fighting an infection.
The normal temperature of dogs is between 38.5º and 39.5º. If your Shih Tzu is hotter than usual, take him to the vet.
Shih Tzu having trouble making stools
Diarrhea or blood in the Shih Tzu’s stool is a clear indication that something is wrong. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and even cause the death of small dogs.
Blood in the stool can be a sign of an ulcer, parasites, colon inflammation, or anal gland problems.
Shih Tzu with a persistent cough
A persistent cough, whether in people or pets, is never normal. Shih Tzus do not suffer from asthma, so coughing can be a symptom of bronchitis, pneumonia, heart problems, or even a collapsed trachea when the weakening of the cartilaginous rings that form the trachea causes it to collapse, obstruct or narrow the space of the trachea. air passage. Treatment includes taking anti-inflammatories and corrective surgery.
Shih Tzu with fatigue or fainting
If your Shih Tzu appears to be very tired or suffers from sudden fainting, it is advisable to take him to the vet immediately.
Some dogs, after suffering a collapse, recover quickly and appear to be back to normal in a few seconds, while others remain in the same position until rescued. In both cases, the causes must be investigated.
If your Shih Tzu appears to be unusually tired, a visit to the vet can be crucial in determining the cause, which can include cancer, kidney problems, and pancreatitis.
See also: How To Help Old Shih Tzu Enjoy Life And Feel Young Again?
Shih Tzu with a swollen belly
Many of the causes of a distended abdomen can be life-threatening. If you notice that your Shih Tzu’s stomach is swollen, take him to the vet.
The swelling could be caused by a hormonal disorder or it could be bleeding internally. In addition, the swelling itself can compress the animal’s chest, making it difficult to breathe.
Shih Tzu having trouble peeing
There are many causes that can be responsible for a Shih Tzu’s difficulty urinating. If it’s a male, for example, he may be suffering from bladder stones or other obstructions.
Another thing to look out for is whether there is blood in the urine, which could be an indication of stones, cancer, or an infection.
Shih Tzu having trouble breathing
Just like in humans, difficulty breathing is a symptom that requires immediate attention. If your Shih Tzu is panting more than usual, if he gets tired more quickly or starts to make noises when breathing, the vet should be called.
Difficulty in breathing can be caused by heart or lung problems, infections, and obstructions, and can lead to a lack of oxygen to the animal’s organs and tissues, causing heart failure.
Shih Tzu with red eyes
Redness in your Shih Tzu’s eyes can signal much bigger problems. If the white area of your Shih Tzu’s eyes is bright red, it is a sign of inflammation or infection.
Another possibility is the development of glaucoma or disorders in the eye socket. As some diseases can lead to blindness, any changes should be investigated.
restless Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu who won’t sit still may be trying to tell his owner he’s in trouble. If your dog is sly, very scared, or constantly pacing or shaking, keep an eye out.
Although restlessness itself is not caused by illness, it is the dog’s way of saying that he is not feeling normal and that he is anxious about some pain or discomfort he is feeling. A visit to the vet will do you good.
Shih Tzu with vomiting
Those who have Shih Tzu must be used to vomiting, as they happen to dogs from time to time, and it’s normal. Now, if vomiting becomes frequent, like three or more times a day, for example, it’s time to go to the vet.
The symptom may indicate bowel obstruction, infection, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, hormonal imbalance, or worse. In any case, it is important to always be attentive to your dog, as his health depends on you.
Signs for if your Shih Tzu has an earache:
1- Shih Tzu’s ear scratching: Shih Tzu has several ways to scratch their ears. They can shake their heads a lot, scratch with their paws, or even rub on furniture or the floor.
2- Brown, yellow or bloody discharge: Whenever I notice one of the signs I described above, I clean her ears with cotton. Never use cotton swabs, you can even pierce your Shih Tzu’s eardrum. Wrap your fingers with cotton and wipe it on the ear. If the cotton turns brown, danger! Yellow also needs care. Blood then! Make an appointment with your trusted veterinarian immediately.
3- Shih Tzu with ear odor: Often the ear infection exudes a bad odor! Some people notice that their dog has started to smell, but they don’t associate it with an ear problem. If you notice that your dog is giving off a bad smell, take a look at his ears! He may be in need of treatment!!
4- Redness, Swelling, and/or loss of hair around the ear: Many times from scratching and hitting the ears in places, my Gisele got super swollen ears!!! And the treatment for this swelling was super complicated!! If you notice redness and loss of hair around the ear, it’s time to look for a vet!
5- Other signs of otitis in Shih Tzu are: shaking the head or tilting it to one side only. Loss of balance and walking in circles can also be an indication of earache. It is important not to medicate your Shih Tzu alone, as poorly cared-for infections can lead to chronic pain or deafness in dogs. Always consult a veterinarian.
Tips: Shih Tzu in pain, can also get more aggressive. Sudden aggression can be an indication that he is in pain! Report any changes in behavior to your veterinarian.
Therefore, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments on Facebook.