Shih Tzu dogs don’t express pain the way humans do, so it’s very important for owners to know the most common signs when their Shih Tzu is in pain.
As Shih Tzu owners, we do everything to ensure that our Shih Tzu are well-treated and loved. We can provide the best food, toys, and treatments – we can spoil them as much as we can.
And the last thing we want is to see them suffer or feel pain, right? But Shih Tzu can’t tell us they’re in pain. So how can we know?
The six most common signs that your Shih Tzu is feeling pain:
- Heavy or labored breathing: Many Shih Tzu pant sometimes because they’re stressed or excited, but when they pant seemingly for no reason and this type of breathing becomes excessive, it can definitely be a sign that your Shih Tzu is feeling pain.
- Excessive licking or chewing: Shih Tzu that excessively lick or chew a particular area of their own bodies may be doing so because they’re feeling pain in that area. Shih Tzu can lick or chew on broken nails, open wounds, irritated paws, or even tumors under the skin.
- Loss of appetite: Shih Tzu usually don’t eat when they’re sick or injured, so if they ate normally one day and refuse to eat the next, they may be feeling some pain. A Shih Tzu with a sore neck may not be able to bend down to eat because it causes them pain.
- Limping: When a Shih Tzu limps, it’s an obvious sign that they’re feeling pain or something is bothering them. Shih Tzu can limp due to arthritis, a muscle strain, a torn ligament, spinal or neck injury, joint stiffness, or broken bones. Shih Tzu that don’t want to climb stairs, for example, may be feeling pain for one of these reasons mentioned.
- Excessive drooling: Excessive drooling can also be a sign of stomach pain or nausea. When a Shih Tzu drools or gags too much, it may mean they’re feeling a lot of pain or even be at risk. Swelling can be a serious situation that can cause very strong stomach pains. These types of stomach swellings are very serious, requiring urgent veterinary care.
- Change in behavior: Shih Tzu that are feeling pain can become aggressive. They tend to growl or lunge when approached or also become sad and depressed, which can lead to a lack of appetite, sleeping more than usual, lack of interest in playing or walking.
More information: Being able to recognize when your Shih Tzu is in pain comes down to really knowing the characteristics of your Shih Tzu’s normal behavior. If your Shih Tzu is acting strange and showing some of the signs mentioned, then they’re in pain, and it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. Under no circumstances is any medication recommended without the approval or recommendation of a veterinarian. Some of the special pain medications for dogs can cause gastrointestinal problems, so specialized help is required.