Shih Tzu Sneezing: What You Need to Know

Shih Tzus are prone to sneezing due to their flat face and long, narrow nasal passages.

Sneezing is a common issue in Shih Tzus, with some dogs sneezing up to 20 times a day.

The American Kennel Club notes that Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their short, compact skull can lead to breathing difficulties and sneezing.

Their short muzzle can cause their nasal passages to become congested, leading to sneezing fits.

If this caught your attention, see: Shih Tzu Reverse Sneezing

Shih Tzus are prone to sneezing due to their flat face, which can cause their nasal passages to become narrow and congested.

Their short nasal passages can also make it difficult for them to breathe, leading to frequent sneezing.

Shih Tzus often sneeze due to allergies, which can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Their small size and delicate features can make them more susceptible to sneezing fits.

Sneezing can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, such as a respiratory infection, so it's essential to monitor your Shih Tzu's sneezing and consult a veterinarian if it persists.

Their brachycephalic skull structure can also contribute to their sneezing, as it can cause their airways to become restricted.

In some cases, Shih Tzus may sneeze due to a foreign object or irritant in their nasal passages.

Their sensitive skin and delicate nasal membranes can make them more prone to sneezing and irritation.

Sneezing in Shih Tzus can be caused by allergies, which often manifest as sneezing along with watery eyes or itchiness.

Dogs often sneeze while playing as a sign of happiness, but if your Shih Tzu is sneezing during a playdate, it's likely just a normal behavior.

Brachycephalic breeds like Shih Tzus are more prone to sneezing due to the anatomical compression of their nasal passages.

Common causes of dog sneezing include irritants, rhinitis and sinusitis, infections, nasal mites, tumours, foreign bodies, and dental disease.

Some possible causes of sneezing in Shih Tzus include:

Sneezing in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, and it's essential to identify the underlying reason to provide the best care for your furry friend.

Allergies can trigger sneezing in dogs, often accompanied by other symptoms like watery eyes or itchy skin.

Play sneezing is a common phenomenon, especially during playdates, and is usually a sign of happiness and excitement.

Reverse sneezing, which sounds like honking, can occur due to excitement, irritants, or inflammation, and is often resolved by calming your dog down.

Airborne irritants like pollen, dust, or scented candles can cause sneezing in sensitive dogs.

Foreign bodies like blades of grass, foxtails, or sticks can get stuck in your dog's nasal passages, leading to severe irritation and sneezing.

Nasal infections, often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, can also result in sneezing, along with other symptoms like bloody discharge or lack of appetite.

Here are some common causes of dog sneezing:

Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs are more prone to sneezing due to their anatomical compression of nasal passages.

Dogs often reverse sneeze to expel irritants from their soft palate or throat, similar to how they sneeze to remove irritants from their noses.

Anything that irritates the soft palate can lead to a reverse sneezing episode, including allergies, household products, or even pulling on the leash while attached to a collar.

If your dog is sneezing excessively, it's essential to rule out serious causes that require immediate veterinary attention. Nasal infections can cause dogs to sneeze, and they can be fungal or bacterial in nature. These infections can even originate from an infected tooth root.

Brachycephalic dogs, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs, are more prone to sneezing due to their anatomical compression of the nasal passages. This can lead to breathing difficulties and sneezing.

Older dogs are more susceptible to developing nasal growths or tumors, which can cause excessive sneezing. Tumors often affect one side of the nose, causing one-sided discharge.

Foreign bodies, such as grass blades or sticks, can get stuck in your dog's nasal passages, causing severe irritation and continuous sneezing. Nasal mites are another common cause of sneezing in dogs, often resulting in a bloody or thick discharge.

If you suspect a nasal growth, tumor, or foreign body in your dog's nose, make an appointment with your vet immediately.

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If your Shih Tzu is experiencing sneezing episodes, it's essential to understand the symptoms and diagnosis process. Your veterinarian will likely ask about exposure to respiratory irritants, seasonal allergies, or ingested foreign objects.

They'll also perform a physical examination to assess your pet's heart and lungs, looking for signs like nasal discharge or an increased respiratory rate or effort. A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will be recommended for a baseline evaluation.

Additional tests may be necessary to rule out other causes of similar snorting noises, such as a chest X-ray or a sedated oral and nasal exam. These tests can help identify potential issues like collapsing trachea, nasal tumors or polyps, or upper respiratory tract infections.

If your dog is sneezing and showing other symptoms, it's essential to take a closer look. Sneezing blood is a sign that something serious is going on with your dog's nasal passages, and possible causes include foreign bodies, nasal tumors, and bacterial or fungal infections.

For more insights, see: Characteristics of a Shih Tzu

Dog sneezing and coughing can be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. Possible causes of these symptoms include severe bacterial or fungal infections, kennel cough, canine influenza, or respiratory parasites.

If your dog is wheezing in addition to sneezing, it may indicate a problem with their lungs that needs to be further investigated. Wheezing can be caused by asthma or other respiratory issues.

Here are some possible combinations of symptoms to watch out for:

Your veterinarian will ask about any potential respiratory irritants or allergens your dog may have been exposed to. They'll also want to know if your dog has ingested any foreign objects.

If you have video footage of the sneezing episode, that can be super helpful in diagnosing the issue. Your veterinarian can review it to see if it's a classic case of reverse sneezing.

A physical examination will be performed to check your dog's heart and lungs for any signs of trouble. Your vet will also look for nasal discharge, an increased respiratory rate, or effort.

A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended to establish a baseline evaluation. These tests will help your vet rule out other potential causes of the sneezing.

Additional tests may be needed to investigate further, such as a chest X-ray, a sedated oral and nasal exam, or a rhinoscopy.