The bond between a pet owner and their beloved Shih Tzu is a special one, so it can be heartbreaking when you suspect that your Shih Tzu may be dying.
While it’s never easy to accept that your furry friend may soon leave you, understanding the common signs of an illness in the later stages of their life can help you make sure they are as comfortable as possible.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss 11 common signs your Shih Tzu is dying and ways to comfort them in the end.
Signs Your Shih Tzu Is Dying
There are a few signs your Shih Tzu may be dying. If your Shih Tzu is not eating or drinking, lying down or having difficulty walking, or if it is having seizures, these are all indications that your Shih Tzu may be in trouble.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to get your Shih Tzu to a vet as soon as possible.
The following are Symptoms of a Shih Tzu’s Dying Process
1. Loss of appetite
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to recognize the signs, so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying is a loss of appetite.
If they are no longer interested in their food or treats, it could be an indication that something is wrong.
2. Inability to move
If you’re a proud owner of a Shih Tzu, then you know how much joy and love they bring to your life.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and it can be heartbreaking when your beloved pup is nearing the end of their life.
Knowing what signs to look for can help you prepare and make the most of your time together.
One of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying is inability to move.
If your Shih Tzu is having difficulty getting up, walking, or even standing still, it could be a sign that their body is shutting down.
Other signs to look for include loss of appetite and energy, changes in breathing patterns, and excessive sleeping.
3. Sleeplessness
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to know the signs, so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the most common signs your Shih Tzu is dying is sleeplessness.
If your pup is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign that their body is shutting down, and they are preparing for the end of their life.
4. Lethargy
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to know what signs to look out for so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the most common signs your Shih Tzu is dying is lethargy.
If your Shih Tzu is suddenly sleeping more than usual, not wanting to go for walks or play with their favorite toys, and generally just seems less active than normal, it could be a sign that they are nearing the end of their life.
Other signs include loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and changes in behavior.
If your pup is no longer interested in their food, or if they are having difficulty breathing, it could be a sign that something is wrong and you should take them to the vet right away.
Additionally, changes in behavior such as becoming more clingy than usual or being uncharacteristically aggressive can also indicate that they are nearing the end of their lives.
5. Decreased interest in food and water
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to recognize the signs so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying is decreased interest in food and water.
If your Shih Tzu has always been a voracious eater and suddenly stops eating, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Similarly, if they’re not drinking as much water as usual or seem to have lost their thirst altogether, this could also indicate that they are in the final stages of life.
It’s important to note that a decrease in appetite and thirst can also be caused by other health issues, so it’s best to take your pup to the vet for an examination if you notice any changes in their eating habits.
6. Decreased energy
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to recognize the signs so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying is decreased energy.
If your Shih Tzu is usually full of energy and suddenly seems lethargic, it could be a sign that their health is declining.
Another common sign to look out for is changes in appetite.
If your Shih Tzu has stopped eating or drinking as much as they used to, this could be an indication that something is wrong.
It’s important to take them to the vet if you notice any changes in their eating habits.
You should also be on the lookout for signs of pain or discomfort.
If your Shih Tzu seems to be having difficulty moving around, or they seem uncomfortable when you touch them, it could be a sign that they’re in pain.
It’s important to take them to the vet right away if you notice any of these signs.
7. Decreased respiration rate
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to know the signs so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying decreased respiration rate.
If you notice that your Shih Tzu is breathing more slowly than usual, it could be a sign that their body is shutting down.
This can happen when the heart rate slows and the lungs are not able to take in enough oxygen.
If you notice this happening, it’s important to take your pet to the vet right away.
Other signs that your Shih Tzu may be dying include decreased appetite, lethargy, and difficulty walking.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s important to get them checked out by a vet.
8. Weakness
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to know the signs so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying is weakness.
If your Shih Tzu is having difficulty standing, walking, or even getting up from a lying position, this could be an indication that their health is declining.
They may also appear to have less energy than usual and seem more lethargic than normal.
9. Change in behavior
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to recognize the signs, so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the most common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying is a change in behavior.
If your Shih Tzu has been a happy, active pup their whole life and suddenly becomes lethargic or uninterested in activities they used to love, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
They may also become more clingy than usual and want to spend all of their time with you.
This could be a sign that they are trying to tell you something is wrong, and they need your help.
Another common sign of a dying Shih Tzu is loss of appetite. If your pup has stopped eating or drinking, it’s important to take them to the vet
10. Seizures
Are you worried that your beloved Shih Tzu may be nearing the end of their life?
It can be heartbreaking to think about, but it’s important to know the signs, so you can provide them with the best care possible.
One of the common signs that your Shih Tzu is dying is seizures.
Seizures can be caused by a variety of things, including old age, illness, or injury.
If your Shih Tzu is having seizures, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for an evaluation and treatment plan.
11. Death
It’s heartbreaking to think about, but at some point in your Shih Tzu’s life, they will pass away.
Knowing the signs of a dying Shih Tzu can help you prepare for this difficult time and make sure that your beloved pet is comfortable and well taken care of until their last days.
As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of the common signs that your Shih Tzu is nearing the end of their life.
Read more; How Long Do Shih Tzus Live: Practical Tips to Maximize Their Lifespan
Treatment Options For A Dying Shih Tzu
There are several options available for treating a dying Shih Tzu.
If the dog is near death, the veterinarian may opt to put the dog to sleep to avoid further pain and distress.
If the dog is not in imminent danger of dying, the veterinarian may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to help the dog fight off infection.
Other treatment options include:
- Hospice: This is the most common and natural way to treat a dying shih tzu. Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and eased pain for your pet until they pass away. There are many hospice programs across the United States and they will always work with you to find the best care for your pet.
- Veterinary Medicine: There are many veterinary options for treating a dying shih tzu. Some common treatments include antibiotics, pain relief, and hospice care. Your veterinarian will work with you to find the best treatment for your pet based on their health and age.
- Home Care: If your pet is not able to receive hospice care or veterinary care, you may want to consider home care. This option allows you to care for your pet at home while they receive treatments and care. There are many resources and support groups available to help you care for your Shih Tzu at home.
How To Comfort A Dying Shih Tzu
Here are ways you can comfort your pet in the end:
- Make sure the dog is comfortable and well-hydrated.
- Provide lots of soft, cuddly objects to snuggle with.
- Talk to the dog soothingly and encourage it to stay with you.
- Make sure the dog has plenty of food and water.
- Try to keep the dog calm and relaxed.
- Wrap the dog in a warm blanket or towel.
- Give the dog a final hug.
Conclusion
The Shih Tzu is a popular breed of dog, and like all dogs, they will eventually die.
However, there are various things that can be done to make their death as comfortable as possible.
One important thing to remember is that a Shih Tzu’s life is finite, and they should not be treated as if they will live forever.
