Shih Tzu Nose Problems: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Care

Shih Tzus are prone to nose problems due to their flat face and short nasal passage, which can lead to breathing difficulties and increased risk of respiratory infections.

Their long, narrow nose can also make them more susceptible to dry air, which can cause irritation and discomfort.

Regular cleaning of the nasal passage is essential to prevent the buildup of debris and bacteria.

A daily inspection of the nose and face can help identify any potential issues early on.

A fresh viewpoint: Shih Tzu Smelly Face

Causes of Shih Tzu nose problems can be congenital, meaning they're present at birth. This is due to the underdevelopment and reduced rigidity of the nose cartilages, which can lead to stenotic nares.

Stenotic nares is a condition where the nostrils are narrowed or closed, causing impaired nasal airflow and increased airway resistance. It's often observed in brachycephalic dog breeds like the Shih Tzu, English Bulldog, and Pug.

The condition can be caused by the displacement of the alar folds, which can narrow the nasal openings and cause difficulty breathing.

Dogs with stenotic nares may show signs of upper airway obstruction, such as exercise intolerance, stertorous breathing, and snoring.

Some common symptoms of stenotic nares include noisy breathing, inability to exercise for very long, blue or pale-colored gums, fainting, and lethargy.

Here are some common symptoms of stenotic nares in Shih Tzus:

Stenotic nares in dogs is a congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment and reduced rigidity of the nose cartilages, resulting in closed or narrow nostrils. This condition is often observed in brachycephalic dog breeds.

Stenotic nares occur when the external nares, or nostrils, are composed of three cartilages and their associated alar folds become displaced medially, causing the nasal openings to be narrowed.

The condition is hereditary and occurs more often in certain breeds of dogs, such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, and Boston Terrier.

Stenotic nares can affect dogs at any age, but is usually seen in puppies or young adults.

If your dog's runny nose is accompanied by thick discharge, a strong odor, or discoloration with blood or pus, it's essential to investigate further. This could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue.

A thorough examination by your veterinarian will involve reviewing your dog's recent history, including any exposure to other dogs, boarding, grooming, or dog parks. They'll also check your dog's vaccination status to ensure they're up to date.

If both nostrils are involved, it often points to a more generalized cause, whereas if only one nostril is affected, the cause is likely localized. In cases of unilateral discharge, potential causes include an inhaled foreign body, a fungal infection, or a nasal tumor.

If your dog's discharge persists or worsens, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostics, such as a rhinoscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the nostril to examine the area and take samples for culture and biopsy.

Consider reading: Shih Tzu Breed Traits

Stenotic nares in Shih Tzus are diagnosed primarily through physical examination by your veterinarian, who will look for signs of narrowed external nares, such as nostrils that appear slightly narrowed.

Your veterinarian will grade the severity of the stenosis, ranging from mild to severe, based on the degree of narrowing. The severity of stenotic nares can be graded as follows: mild, moderate, or severe.

Mild stenotic nares may not require immediate treatment, but your veterinarian may recommend a wait-and-see approach or suggest some lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight through mild exercise and a proper diet, avoiding high heat or humidity, using a harness instead of a collar, and using a water bottle instead of a bowl.

For more severe cases, surgery is the only way to correct stenotic nares and relieve upper airway obstruction. The primary goal of treatment is to improve the dog's breathing by widening the nasal opening.

Your veterinarian will diagnose stenotic nares in dogs through a physical examination, looking for narrowed external nares.

They'll also provide a grade of severity based on the nostrils' appearance, ranging from mild to severe.

Mild stenotic nares appear as slightly narrowed nostrils, with the lateral wall not making contact with the medial nostril wall.

Moderate stenotic nares may have the lateral nostril wall touching the medial nostril wall near the top.

Severe stenotic nares are nearly completely blocked near the top and bottom.

Your veterinarian may perform additional tests, such as a sedated laryngeal exam and/or exercise tolerance test, to assess the severity of stenotic nares and any other associated conditions.

If your dog's snoring isn't resolving or they seem to be having difficulty breathing, it's essential to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and advise on a course of action.

Dogs with stenotic nares can benefit from surgical treatment to correct the condition and improve breathing. The most common surgical technique is the Alar Fold Resection or Alaplasty, which involves removing a wedge of tissue from the outer edge of each nostril.

If the opening in the nostrils is tiny, surgery may be necessary to improve airflow. The procedure involves removing a small wedge-shaped piece of the nose tissue.

In some cases, veterinarians may recommend postponing surgery until the dog is neutered or spayed at around 6 months old. This is because some breeds, like Shih Tzus, are prone to respiratory issues after spaying or neutering.

Maintaining a healthy weight through mild exercise and a proper diet can also help alleviate symptoms of stenotic nares. Avoiding high heat or humidity and using a harness instead of a collar can also make a difference.

In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, or oxygen therapy to relieve symptoms. It's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your dog.

Here are some general guidelines for managing stenotic nares:

If your dog's snoring isn't resolving or they seem to be having difficulty breathing, it's essential to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and advise on a course of action.

At Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic, you'll find a team that truly understands the unique needs of brachycephalic breeds like your Shih Tzu.

Led by Dr. Sam Kovac, a pioneer in minimally invasive BOAS surgery, they offer advanced surgical techniques to improve airflow without extensive procedures.

Their team has successfully performed hundreds of BOAS surgeries in Sydney, with excellent patient outcomes.

What sets them apart is their individualized approach, prioritizing your pet's well-being and developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to your Shih Tzu's specific needs.

A dedicated veterinary anaesthetist is present throughout your pet's surgery, ensuring their comfort and smooth recovery.

They go the extra mile to ensure your Shih Tzu recovers quickly and comfortably after surgery.

Allergies can cause snorting in Shih Tzus, as an allergic rhinitis may cause mucus to build up in their nasal passages. This can be triggered by environmental factors like pollen, dust, or smoke, so try to eliminate these triggers from your home.

A thin, watery discharge without color or odor may be a sign of mild irritation in the nasal cavities, which can be treated with antihistamines. Dogs can respond to environmental allergens just like humans do, with red, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.

If you suspect allergies are the cause of your Shih Tzu's snorting, take them to the vet to get checked. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine to clear up the issue.

Snorting can be a sign of allergies in your Shih Tzu. This is because an allergic rhinitis may cause mucus to build up in their nasal passages.

Allergies are usually caused by environmental factors such as pollen, dust, or smoke. You can try to eliminate these potential triggers from your home.

Seasonal changes in the weather and types of pollen around can also affect our dogs, just as it does us, and may cause snorting. This is because our dogs respond to environmental allergens just as humans do.

If you're concerned, you can take your dog to the vet to be checked. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine for your dog if allergies are the culprit of your Shih Tzu snorting.

Antihistamines can clear up the discharge without further incident in some cases. This is especially true if the discharge is a sign of mild irritation in the nasal cavities.

Explore further: Shih Tzu Eye Boogers

Nasal mites can be a real nuisance for dogs, causing nose bleeds, snorting, sneezing, or reverse sneezing. Nasal mites are a type of parasite that live in the nasal passages and sinuses of dogs.

They're passed from dog to dog, so if your furry friend has been around other dogs, it's possible they've picked up some unwanted guests. If your dog has nasal discharge or nose bleeds, it's essential to get them checked out by a veterinarian.

Nasal mites can cause some pretty uncomfortable symptoms, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious health issues.

For more insights, see: Shih Tzu Sneezing

If your dog's runny nose persists, it's essential to rule out more serious causes. Thick, odorous, or discolored discharge may indicate a serious issue, so it's crucial to consult your veterinarian right away.

Your veterinarian will investigate your dog's recent history, including any exposure to other dogs, kennel boarding, or dog park visits. They'll also review your dog's vaccination status to ensure it's up to date.

If both nostrils are involved, it points to a more generalized problem, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Dogs are prone to these infections, especially if they board at a kennel or visit dog parks.

A unilateral discharge, or one nostril involved, may be caused by an inhaled foreign body, a fungal infection, or a nasal tumor. Your veterinarian may try antibiotics first, but if there's no response, a rhinoscopy may be necessary.

Canine influenza is becoming more common, causing a runny nose, fever, sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Pneumonia is a possible side effect, and kennel cough can also cause a nasal discharge.

Your veterinarian will discuss possible causes of your dog's runny nose, considering factors like vaccination status, recent history, and physical exam results. They'll work with you to determine the best course of action.