Understanding Shih Tzu Coughing Symptoms and Diagnosis

Shih Tzus are prone to coughing due to their flat face, which can cause breathing difficulties. This can lead to chronic coughing.

Coughing in Shih Tzus can be caused by various factors, including respiratory infections, allergies, and even dental problems.

Common symptoms of coughing in Shih Tzus include a persistent cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

In some cases, coughing in Shih Tzus can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as heart disease or bronchitis.

For your interest: Shih Tzu Difficulty Breathing

Shih Tzus are prone to coughing due to their small size and narrow trachea, which can easily collapse. This condition, known as tracheal collapse, is more common in Shih Tzus and other small breed dogs.

Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilage rings that support the trachea weaken and flatten, causing a narrowing of the airway. This can lead to a persistent cough, exercise intolerance, and respiratory distress.

Other possible causes of coughing in Shih Tzus include respiratory infections, such as kennel cough, and inflammation of the airways, also known as bronchitis.

Some common signs of tracheal collapse in Shih Tzus include a honking cough, exercise intolerance, and gagging while eating or drinking.

Here are some possible reasons why your Shih Tzu is coughing:

If you suspect that your Shih Tzu has tracheal collapse, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to discuss treatment options, which may include inhaled medications, weight control, and using a harness instead of a collar.

Your vet will perform a physical and may ask some of these common questions: How long have the symptoms been present? Is the cough wet or dry? Have you noticed any other symptoms besides the cough? Has your Shih Tzu been around other dogs who have a cough? Is your Shih Tzu more lethargic than usual?

Further evaluation may include some combination of the following diagnostic tests depending on the specific situation: Blood work, Urinalysis, Fecal examination, Chest x-rays (CT scan), An examination of fluid samples taken from the airways, Echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart), Measurement of blood pressure, An electrocardiogram (ECG).

If your Shih Tzu's cough lasts for more than 48 hours or they show signs of gastric distress like loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should consult your vet immediately.

Chronic bronchitis is a common condition in dogs that can cause a persistent, dry cough. This cough worsens with exercise and excitement, making it a challenge for dog owners to manage. Chronic bronchitis is a progressive disease that will worsen with time if left unmanaged.

Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred anti-inflammatory format for long-term management of chronic bronchitis. These medications target the lungs directly, reducing the risk of side effects. Fluticasone proprionate, also known as Flovent HFA and Flixotide HFA, is a common inhaled steroid prescribed for this condition.

In addition to inhaled steroids, inhaled bronchodilators may also be prescribed to help open constricted airways. Short-acting bronchodilators like salbutamol and albuterol are used in cases of respiratory distress, but they should not be used as the only therapy. Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators like salmeterol can be combined with inhaled steroids for more effective management.

To administer inhaled medications, a device like the AeroDawg Chamber can be used to capture and hold the medication until the dog is ready to inhale. It's essential to keep administering medication as prescribed by your veterinarian, even in the absence of symptoms, to keep inflammation down and prevent progressive lung damage.

If your Shih Tzu is coughing, it's essential to consider the possibility of heart disease. Heart disease can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing, especially at night.

Some types of heart disease, such as mitral valve disease and heartworm disease, are common in dogs and can cause these symptoms. If your Shih Tzu is already diagnosed with heart disease, pay attention to when your dog is coughing, as it could be a sign of a worsening condition.

If your Shih Tzu is coughing when resting, lying down, or asleep, take it to the vet immediately. This could be a sign that the heart disease is progressing.

A blue-tinged tongue is another symptom of heart disease in dogs, so keep an eye out for this as well. Other signs include reduced appetite, tiredness, weakness, lower endurance, rapid or depressed heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.

Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood work, or an electrocardiogram (ECG), to help diagnose the reason for the coughing.

Worth a look: Shih Tzu Heart Murmur

Diagnosing a dog can be a bit of a process, but it's essential to get to the bottom of what's causing your Shih Tzu's cough.

Your vet will perform a physical examination and may ask some common questions, such as how long the symptoms have been present, whether the cough is wet or dry, and if there are any other symptoms besides the cough.

A vet may also ask if your dog has been around other dogs who have a cough, if your dog is more lethargic than usual, and if there's a history of heart disease or asthma in your dog's family.

Diagnostic tests may include blood work, urinalysis, fecal examination, chest x-rays (CT scan), an examination of fluid samples taken from the airways, echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart), measurement of blood pressure, and an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Here are some diagnostic tests your vet may recommend:

Your vet will want to know as much as possible to properly diagnose and treat your pet. If possible, try to take a video of your dog coughing at home to show the vet.

To help minimize the risk of your Shih Tzu getting kennel cough, vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica is generally recommended.

Make sure to ask about vaccine requirements when looking for grooming facilities, daycare facilities, or general doggy play date partners to ensure the dogs your pup will be in contact with are also vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, but this preventative measure may help keep your pet protected.

For your interest: Shih Tzu Dogs Hypoallergenic

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your Shih Tzu healthy. To help minimize the risk of your pet getting kennel cough, vaccination against one of the common causes (Bordetella bronchiseptica) is generally recommended.

Fully vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough, but this preventative measure may help keep your pet protected.

During the recovery period, it's essential to create a calm and peaceful environment for your Shih Tzu. Avoid exposing your dog to household cleaners, cigarette smoke, and dust, as these irritants can prolong their recovery.

Keep your dog's walks comfortable and stress-free by switching to harnesses instead of collars with leashes. This simple change can help reduce the pressure on your dog's trachea and minimize coughing.

Expand your knowledge: Shih Tzu Information

If your Shih Tzu is coughing and it doesn't seem severe, there are some home remedies you may be able to help them with. Healthy dogs are less likely to get sick, and if they do, they usually feel better quicker.

Making sure your Shih Tzu's immune system is in good condition is a great way to keep them healthy. The natural remedies below can help boost their immune system to prevent illness.

Giving your dog cough medicine, especially if it wasn’t recommended by your vet, can be very dangerous. So, it's best to try natural alternatives that not only help reduce symptoms but also prevent infection in the first place.

Natural Remedies for Dog Colds are a great way to help your furry friend feel better without putting them at risk for side effects.

Healthy dogs are less likely to get sick, and if they do, they usually feel better quicker. Making sure your dog’s immune system is in good condition is a great way to keep him healthy.

Giving your dog cough medicine, especially if it wasn’t recommended by your vet, can be very dangerous. Even medicine that your vet does prescribe can have adverse side effects and risks you need to worry about.

Menthol is in mint plants and is often added to syrup and drops to help ease coughing, but it may add to your dog’s discomfort and irritate their lungs.

The two most common cough medicines prescribed by vets are dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, but just because they’re prescribed, doesn’t mean you want your dog to take them.

Antihistamines are often used in nighttime or PM medicines due to their sedative effects. They can be found in cough medicine, typically in the form of diphenhydramine or doxylamine.

Using antihistamines too often can disrupt sleep patterns, which I've experienced firsthand when taking them for allergies.

Antihistamines can also suppress your dog's natural healing process, which is a concern for pet owners.

If you use antihistamines regularly, you may be at risk of developing long-term health problems.

The most common antihistamines in cough medicine are diphenhydramine and doxylamine.

When you're dealing with a Shih Tzu's cough, it's essential to consider their age and health status.

Older Shih Tzus are more prone to chronic coughing due to their age-related health issues, such as heart disease and chronic bronchitis, which can be exacerbated by their flat face.

Their small size and short snout can make breathing more difficult, leading to coughing fits.

Shih Tzus with a history of allergies or respiratory issues may be more susceptible to coughing.

Coughing can be a sign of an underlying infection, such as kennel cough or pneumonia, which can be contagious to other dogs and even humans.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues early on, preventing coughing from becoming a chronic problem.

Shih Tzus are prone to obesity, which can put additional strain on their respiratory system, leading to coughing.

Here's an interesting read: Shih Tzu Age