Shih Tzu dogs don’t show pain like 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 treat and love our shih tzus well. We can give them 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 tzus can’t tell us when they’re in pain. So how can we know? The six most common signs that your shih tzu is in pain:
1- Heavy or labored breathing
Many shih tzus pant sometimes because they are stressed or excited, but when they pant apparently for no reason and this type of breathing becomes excessive, this can definitely be a sign that your shih tzu is in pain.
2- Excessive licking
Shih tzus that lick or bite excessively in a certain area of their own bodies may be doing so because they are feeling pain in that area. Shih tzus may lick or bite broken nails, open wounds, irritated paws, or even tumors under the skin.
3- Lack of appetite
Shih tzus usually don’t eat when they are sick or injured, so if they ate normally one day and the next they refuse to eat, 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 him pain.
Lack of appetite: one of the symptoms that your shih tzu is in pain.
4- Limping
When a shih tzu limps it is an obvious sign that he is feeling pain or something is bothering him. Shih tzus may limp due to arthritis, muscle strain, torn ligament, spinal or neck injury, joint stiffness, or broken bones. Shih tzus who don’t want to climb stairs, for example, may be feeling pain for one of these reasons mentioned.
5- Drooling a lot
Excessive drooling can also be a sign of stomach pain or nausea. When a shih tzu drools or chokes too much it may mean that he is feeling a lot of pain or even be at risk. Bloating can be a serious situation that can cause very strong stomach pains. These types of stomach swellings are very serious, requiring urgent veterinarian care.
6- Change in behavior
Shih tzus that are in 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.
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 strangely and showing some of the signs mentioned, then he is in pain, and it is essential to consult a veterinarian. Under no circumstances is any medication recommended without the approval or recommendation of a veterinarian. Some pain medications can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs, so specialized help is necessary.