If you have a Shih Tzu, you know that they are a special breed of dog who bring lots of love and joy to your life. But, like all dogs, they can get sick too.
To help you keep your beloved Shih Tzu feeling their best, we’ve broken down the ten most common Shih Tzu sick symptoms so you can recognize them early and get them the help they need.
Shih Tzu Sick Symptoms
However, like all dogs, Shih Tzu can get sick. In fact, Shih Tzu is particularly prone to a number of health problems, including.
If your Shih Tzu is displaying one or more of the following common symptoms, it may be time to take him to the vet:
1. Panting, increased drinking, or difficulty breathing. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu might be sick?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, but there are some common signs and symptoms of illness in Shih Tzus.
Knowing what to look out for can help you get your Shih Tzu the care they need as soon as possible.
One of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu might be sick is panting.
Panting can indicate a number of things, from stress to pain or even fever.
If you notice your Shih Tzu panting more than usual, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Another symptom to watch out for is increased drinking.
If your Shih Tzu is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as diabetes or kidney disease.
It’s important to get them checked out by a vet if you notice this symptom.
Finally, difficulty breathing is another sign that your Shih Tzu might be sick.
If you notice your Shih Tzu struggling to breathe or wheezing, it’s important to get them checked out right away as this could indicate a serious health issue such as pneumonia or heart disease
2. Increased appetite or panting, restless behavior, or vomiting. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu might be sick?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, but there are some common signs and symptoms of illness in Shih Tzus.
Knowing what to look out for can help you get your Shih Tzu the care they need as soon as possible.
One of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu might be sick is an increase in appetite or panting.
If you notice that your Shih Tzu is eating more than usual, it could be a sign of illness. Panting can also indicate something isn’t quite right.
Restless behavior is another symptom to watch out for, as it could be a sign of pain or discomfort.
If your Shih Tzu seems agitated and can’t settle down, it might be time to take them to the vet.
Vomiting is also an indication that something isn’t right.
If your Shih Tzu is vomiting, it could be a sign of an infection or even something more serious like pancreatitis.
It’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any signs of vomiting.
3. Swelling or redness of the head, face, or neck. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be sick?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, but there are some common signs and symptoms of illness in Shih Tzus.
One of the most obvious is swelling or redness of the head, face, or neck.
If you notice that your Shih Tzu’s head, face, or neck is swollen or redder than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
This symptom can indicate anything from allergies to infection and should not be ignored.
It’s important to take your pup to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs.
Other symptoms that may indicate your Shih Tzu is sick include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
If you observe any of these behaviors in your Shih Tzu it’s important to take your Shih Tzu to the vet.
4. Lethargy or restlessness. If you have a Shih Tzu, then you know how important it is to keep an eye on their health.
Unfortunately, sometimes our furry friends can get sick and it’s up to us as pet owners to recognize the signs of illness in order to provide them with the best care possible.
One of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu may be feeling under the weather is lethargy or restlessness.
Lethargy in a Shih Tzu can manifest itself in several ways, including sleeping more than usual, being less active and playful than normal, and not wanting to eat as much as usual.
If your Shih Tzu is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for a checkup.
On the other hand, restlessness can also be a sign that something isn’t quite right with your pup.
5. Diarrhea or constipation. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu might be sick?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, but there are some common symptoms of illness in Shih Tzus that you should look out for.
One of the most common signs is diarrhea or constipation.
Diarrhea in Shih Tzus can be caused by a variety of things, including dietary changes, parasites, or even stress.
If your Shih Tzu has had an upset stomach for more than 24 hours and is having loose stools with mucous or blood present, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
Constipation is another common symptom of illness in Shih Tzus.
If your Shih Tzu has not had a bowel movement for more than 24 hours, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Constipation can be caused by dehydration, a lack of fiber in the diet, or even an obstruction.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your Shih Tzu, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious illnesses from developing. Your vet will be able to help.
6. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be sick?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, but there are some common signs and symptoms of illness in Shih Tzus.
One of the most obvious is jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down in the liver.
It can be a sign of several different illnesses, including liver disease, infection, or even cancer.
If your Shih Tzu is exhibiting jaundice, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for a proper diagnosis.
7. Depression or lack of energy. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be feeling under the weather?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are not feeling their best, but there are some common signs and symptoms of illness in Shih Tzus that you should look out for.
One of the most common signs of illness in Shih Tzus is a lack of energy or depression.
If your pup seems to be sleeping more than usual, not wanting to play, or just generally seeming down, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
8. Pale gums or sunken eyes. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu might be sick?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, but there are some key symptoms to look out for.
One of the most common signs of illness in a Shih Tzu is pale gums or sunken eyes.
Pale gums and sunken eyes are a sign that your pup is not getting enough oxygen in their blood, which can be caused by anemia or other underlying health issues.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to take your Shih Tzu to the vet as soon as possible.
9. Swelling of the eyelids. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be sick?
It can be difficult to tell when our furry friends are feeling under the weather, but there are some common signs and symptoms of illness in Shih Tzus.
One of the most obvious is swelling of the eyelids. If you notice that your Shih Tzu’s eyelids are swollen, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Swelling can occur due to allergies, infections, or even eye trauma.
It is important to take your Shih Tzu to the vet if you suspect any kind of illness so they can get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to swollen eyelids, other signs of illness in Shih Tzus include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, coughing or sneezing, and changes in behavior.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your Shih Tzu it is important to take them to a vet.
10. Death. Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu might be sick?
It can be a scary thought, but it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of illness in order to keep your pup healthy.
One of the most serious illnesses that can affect a Shih Tzu is death.
Death is a natural part of life, and unfortunately, it can affect our beloved pets too.
If your Shih Tzu has passed away, you may be feeling overwhelmed with grief and sadness.
It’s important to remember that death is a normal part of life and that your pup had a wonderful time with you while they were here.
If your Shih Tzu is showing signs of illness, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
It is important to keep your Shih Tzu healthy by regularly checking their health and taking appropriate action when they start to exhibit any of these symptoms.
Causes Of Shih Tzu Sickness
Shih Tzus are known for their cute, cuddly appearances, but they may also be prone to a number of health problems.
Here are eight causes of Shih Tzu sickness, plus tips on how to prevent them.
1. Shih Tzu overfeeding: A shih tzu’s natural diet consists of a small amount of grain, supplemented by a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit.
Overfeeding your shih tzu can lead to obesity and health problems, including pancreatitis, bloat and gastroenteritis.
2. Shih tzu breathing problems: Shih tzus are prone to breathing problems due to their flat faces and short noses.
This can cause them to overheat quickly and develop respiratory problems, including pneumonia.
3. Shih tzu heart disease: Shih tzus are known for their small hearts, which can lead to heart problems if they’re not exercised.
Obesity and inactivity can also contribute to heart disease in shih tzus.
4. Shih tzu skin problems: Shih tzus are prone to skin problems, including dry skin, oiliness, and yeast infections.
Taking your shih tzu to the vet for regular checkups can help prevent skin problems from becoming serious.
5. Shih tzu eye problems: Shih tzus are prone to eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and poor vision.
Regular eye exams can help identify and treat eye problems early before they become serious.
6. Shih tzu hip dysplasia: The hip dysplasia gene is found in a number of dog breeds, including the shih tzu.
This condition is a congenital disorder that affects the hip joint. It can cause lameness, arthritis, and death.
7. Shih tzu seizure disorder: seizures are a common occurrence in dogs, but they can be particularly dangerous in shih tzus.
If you notice that your shih tzu is having seizures, seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
8. Shih tzu aging: As shih tzus age, their joints become less flexible, which can lead to arthritis.
Regular physical therapy can help your shih tzu maintain flexibility in their joints throughout their lives.
Treatments For Shih Tzu Sickness
There are a number of treatments for shih tzu sickness that can be used at home.
If your shih tzu is displaying any of the following symptoms, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, panting, seizures, or difficulty breathing.
Some of the more common treatments for shih tzu sickness include giving your shih tzu fluids, electrolytes, and food; giving your shih tzu antibiotics; and giving your Shih Tzu pain relief medication.
Preventative Measures For Shih Tzu Sickness
Dogs are man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to sickness.
Shih Tzu are a breed of dog that is particularly susceptible to a variety of illnesses, which can be devastating to their health.
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your Shih Tzu from getting sick.
First, make sure they have access to plenty of clean water.
Second, keep them healthy by providing them with a balanced diet and enough exercise.
Finally, make sure to take them to see a veterinarian if they start to show any signs of illness, such as fever, coughing, or diarrhea
