Almost everyone has a pet, and while they make great life companions, we can’t communicate verbally with them, leaving us virtually blind to many things happening to them.
This is also true for shih-tzus; despite being intelligent, they cannot verbalize what’s happening to them, and in some cases, it may be too late when we notice a problem.
Because we love our pets, it’s our responsibility to observe if they exhibit any of the behaviors listed below to ensure our inseparable companions are not facing any issues.
- Chasing the Tail:
If you had a tail, wouldn’t you chase it too? This behavior is simply a fun way for your shih-tzu to expend excess energy. However, it’s essential to pay attention if they do it excessively, as it may indicate issues with anal glands or flea allergy dermatitis. In some cases, persistent tail chasing could be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and if repetitive, a vet visit is recommended.
- Head Tilting:
Whistling, speaking in a high-pitched voice, or making strange noises can result in one of the cutest and funniest behaviors of shih-tzus: they tilt their heads to one side. While the exact reason for this behavior is unknown, canine behavior experts speculate that they are trying to make sense of what they hear. If the head tilting becomes repetitive without an obvious trigger, it could indicate a medical issue, and a visit to the vet is advised.
- Coughing:
If a shih-tzu’s cough is persistent, it is one of the clearest symptoms that it needs to be evaluated by a vet. Chronic coughing may be related to heart diseases, heartworm, or lung conditions. It could also be a case of “kennel cough,” an infectious tracheobronchitis that causes a strong dry cough. While these episodes usually last about two weeks for most shih-tzus and then disappear, for some, it may lead to fatal pneumonia.
- Sleeping Too Much:
While all shih-tzus naturally calm down and rest more as they age, there are some medical conditions that can also cause shih-tzus to sleep more than usual. One reason veterinarians believe is depression, which can occur due to abrupt changes in routine, such as adoption or the loss of a long-term living partner. Another cause for this behavior could be hypothyroidism, which decreases metabolic function and increases sleepiness.
- Head Pressing:
When a shih-tzu owner first sees this behavior, they may not know how to interpret it. Initially, without understanding the potential danger of the meaning behind pressing their head against something, the first thought might be that the shih-tzu is being silly or doing it for fun. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and that’s why it’s crucial to recognize this behavior before it’s too late.
The answer to why they do this is not simple, but the causes can include tumors located near the skull and brain of the animal, toxins like lead entering the body, a metabolic disorder, or acute head trauma. Given the severity of the case, it is important to identify it as quickly as possible to take them to a professional.”