Shih Tzu Being Sick: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A Shih Tzu being sick can be a worrying experience for any pet owner. Shih Tzus are prone to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems.

Their flat face and short nose can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot or humid weather. This can lead to symptoms like panting, wheezing, and even blue-tinged lips.

Infections like bronchitis and pneumonia are also common in Shih Tzus, often caused by bacteria or viruses. These infections can be serious and require prompt veterinary attention.

If your Shih Tzu is showing signs of illness, it's essential to monitor their behavior and watch for changes in their appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.

On a similar theme: Ear Infections in Goldendoodles

Shih Tzus can be prone to vomiting with bile due to various health issues. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can disrupt digestive enzymes and lead to vomiting with bile.

Some possible causes of vomiting in Shih Tzus include pancreatitis, acute gastritis, intestinal blockage, parasitic illnesses like Giardia, and bilious vomiting syndrome. These conditions can be serious and require veterinary attention.

Here are some potential causes of vomiting in Shih Tzus:

It's also worth noting that dietary indiscretion, such as eating something they shouldn't, can cause vomiting in Shih Tzus.

Diarrhea in Shih Tzus can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary indiscretion, which means eating something they shouldn't. A change of diet or poor quality food can also lead to diarrhea.

Dietary indiscretion is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs, and it can happen when a Shih Tzu eats something they're not supposed to, like a sock or a toxic substance.

Parasites, such as Giardia, can also cause diarrhea in Shih Tzus. These parasites can be ingested through contaminated food or water, or by coming into contact with an infected animal.

Other causes of diarrhea in Shih Tzus include viral infections, such as parvovirus, and bacterial infections. These can be serious and require veterinary attention.

Here are some common causes of diarrhea in Shih Tzus:

It's worth noting that some of these causes can be prevented by keeping your Shih Tzu up to date on their worming control treatment and feeding a high-quality, balanced diet.

Toxin exposure is a serious concern for Shih Tzu owners, and it's essential to recognize the signs of poisoning. A dog that ate something toxic, including some foods, medications, cleaning supplies, or toxic plants, might vomit white foam.

You'll often observe other symptoms alongside vomiting, such as weakness or trembling. These symptoms require immediate attention from your veterinarian.

Bloat is a medical emergency that can happen to Shih Tzus, causing their belly to fill with gas, fluid, or food.

Vomiting white foam can be an early symptom of bloat, so it's essential to keep an eye out for this sign.

If your Shih Tzu's belly is extended, it's likely in pain, and they may not be able to pass stool, which means you need to call your veterinarian immediately.

If this happens after-hours, head to the nearest open emergency veterinary facility right away, as bloat can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

For more insights, see: Yorkshire Terrier Not Eating

Vomiting with bile in Shih Tzus can be a serious issue that requires prompt attention from a veterinarian. Healthy dogs may occasionally vomit without an identifiable cause, but cases of acute or chronic vomiting should always be discussed with the vet.

Bile plays a crucial role in digestion, but vomiting bile can be hard on the stomach and esophagus, potentially leading to further complications. Absolutely do not attempt to remedy the condition or situation at home, as there may be a serious reason for the vomiting with bile.

If your Shih Tzu is feeling under the weather, it's essential to be aware of the symptoms and know when to seek veterinary help.

A Shih Tzu's vomiting can be a sign of an underlying issue, and it's crucial to monitor their behavior and physical condition. They may exhibit behaviors such as stomach heaves, drooling, excessive swallowing, nausea, retching, depression, lack of appetite, and coughing before and after vomiting.

It's not uncommon for Shih Tzus to vomit white foam, which can be a sign of a serious condition like bloat. If you suspect bloat, it's an emergency situation, and you should seek veterinary help immediately.

To help your vet diagnose the issue, keep a record of your Shih Tzu's vomiting episodes, including the frequency, time of day, and any other symptoms they may be experiencing. This information can help your vet determine the cause of the vomiting and recommend the best course of treatment.

Some common symptoms of a Shih Tzu being sick include eating less or refusing food, swallowing or licking excessively, drooling, vomiting, attempting to eat grass (to make themselves sick), reduced appetite, increased drinking or no drinking, lethargy, painful abdomen, change in behavior/temperament, absence of feces, and nausea.

Here are some potential causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, including Shih Tzus:

If your Shih Tzu is vomiting chronically and/or showing any of the following symptoms, consult your local veterinary surgery as soon as possible for advice:

Your vet will perform a thorough examination, ask questions about your Shih Tzu's history, and may order diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds to determine the cause of the vomiting and recommend the best course of treatment.

If your Shih Tzu is vomiting, the first step is to take them to the vet to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the reason for the vomiting, but it may involve a fasting approach, where food is withheld for 24 hours and then reintroduced in small amounts.

Anti-nausea medications and gastric protectants may be prescribed to help manage the vomiting. If your vet suspects a GI obstruction, endoscopy or surgery may be needed to remove the cause of the blockage.

Preventing vomiting in your Shih Tzu is key, and this can be achieved by keeping them away from things they shouldn't eat, lick, or chew. This includes toxic substances, human food, and other items that can cause harm.

To prevent vomiting, it's essential to bring your dog to the vet for routine wellness check-ups every year, feed a healthy diet, and keep treats to a minimum. You should also prevent your dog from chewing on grass, plants, and sticks, and keep objects that may become foreign bodies out of reach.

Here's an interesting read: Signs of Food Sensitivity in Dogs

Here are some tips to help prevent vomiting in your Shih Tzu:

Remember, if your dog is vomiting, it's essential to contact your vet for advice and to determine the underlying cause of the vomiting.

A change in your Shih Tzu's diet might be in order if they're vomiting bile regularly. According to Kellogg, you should avoid fatty foods, especially fat trimmings from your dinner meat.

Increasing the frequency of feedings can help lower the frequency of bilious vomiting, as this will ensure your dog doesn't have an empty stomach. However, make sure to give your pet the same amount of food overall to avoid overfeeding.

Providing your Shih Tzu with a nutritious diet is crucial for their health. At least 75% of their intake should be balanced and complete food certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

You might enjoy: Shih Tzu Diet

Providing your dog with fresh water is crucial, especially after they've vomited to prevent dehydration. Fresh water should be made available immediately.

If your dog starts drinking more or less water than usual, it's a good idea to consult a vet as soon as possible.

You should consider changing your dog's diet if they're vomiting bile regularly. A fatty diet might be the root cause of the problem.

Avoid feeding your dog fatty foods like meat fat trimmings, as they can make the situation worse. Fatty foods can be particularly problematic if your dog is prone to vomiting.

Increasing the frequency of feedings may help lower the frequency of bilious vomiting. This allows you to ensure your dog's stomach is never empty.

It's essential to maintain the same overall amount of food, so you don't overfeed your pet. If you're away during the day, consider hiring a pet sitter to provide small meals.

Feeding your dog their normal food before bedtime and again in the morning can help prevent morning vomiting episodes. This is especially important if your dog tends to vomit first thing in the morning.

A balanced and complete dog food certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) should make up at least 75% of your dog's diet.