The American Shih Tzu Club has a thorough section on Health issues in Shih Tzu. Click the link below for more information.
Shivering and constant panting...
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Common Shih Tzu Issues
HERNIAS
Hernias, in toy breeds, are very common, and are not usually a serious medical condition or cause for immediate concern. Please be completely informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your Shih Tzu puppy.
A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.
A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which cannot be considered reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia becomes restricted, the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is a true emergency situation and must be brought to the attention of your veterinarian.
The most common types of hernias in shih tzu puppies are:
Umbilical hernias are the most common type of hernia found in puppies. If a puppy has an umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, can be caused by birth trauma, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias are small and resolve themselves as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old, the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own.
Inguinal hernias are the result of abdominal organs, fat, or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring or canal, an opening which occurs in the muscle wall in the groin area. Inguinal hernias can be seen or felt as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bi-lateral, involving both sides or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias, most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows. Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy.
PINCHED NOSTRILS -VS.- STENOTIC NARES
Shih Tzu puppies often suffer from pinched and tight nasal passages when they are teething. This can occur from about six weeks until approximately six months. Stenotic Nares is simply a term used when the nostrils are pinched upon examination. This term is used VERY frequently by vets and clients are frequently encouraged, by vets, to do surgery to open the nasal passages. A sure sign of an inexperienced vet is one who examines a brachycephalic breed and observes pinched nostrils during the teething stage and states the puppy needs surgery.
Shih Tzu are bred to have flat faces and therefore the flatter the face the more likely your new puppy will suffer from pinched nostrils when he or she is teething. Just like human babies swelling takes place as the puppy teethes. Swelling of the bronchial tubes, gums, ear canals, and nostrils as well as a low grade fever, are all common. Snorting, snoring, and stuffy sounds accompanied by tearful eyes and a clear runny nose with the occasional bubble are common when a Shih Tzu puppy is teething. Again, the flatter the face the more likely your puppy will have extreme symptoms.
So how do you know a Shih Tzu is suffering from teething and not a genetic issue that will require surgery? You have to find a breeder you can TRUST!! An adult Shih Tzu with tight nostrils, or one who has undergone surgery to correct tight nostrils should not be used to breed! This is a genetic issue that will be carried into future generations of Shih Tzu. A Shih Tzu that is born with Stenotic nares is not a Shih Tzu who suffers from pinched nostrils while teething only. This puppy will most likely require surgery. Look at the nostrils of the puppy's parents, it can be a good indicator of the adult look of your puppy's nose. See the pictures below that shows how nares (nostrils) are graded from open to severe stenosis.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF SHIH TZU TEETHING
Things to be concerned about -
- Nostrils will be "pinched" together to varying degrees. It is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu puppy to have to breath through its mouth during this phase of teething.
- A clear discharge from the nostrils and/or little bubbles.
- Eyes will tear and face may seem constantly wet.
- Opening mouth to take a deep breath.
- Chewing on things brings comfort to the gums as new teeth take their place in the mouth.
Things to be concerned about -
- Lethargic, listless, or excessively sleepy puppy who does not play.
- Green discharge from the nostrils.
- Puppy who is not interested in food and does not take treats, (this is normal the first week in a new home as they are stressed, but not normal later.)
- Puppy who never wags his or her tail.
REVERSE SNEEZING
Reverse sneezing is not a health issue, per say, but it is something we all deal with from time to time with these short nosed dogs.
Reverse sneezing (also called backwards sneezing) or inspiratory paroxysmal respiration is a phenomenon observed in dogs, particularly in those with brachycephalic skulls.
Although it can be alarming to witness a dog having a reverse sneezing episode, it is not a harmful condition and there are no ill effects. The dog displays a loud snorting sound, making long rapid grunting, (almost honking) breathing sounds. Usually a dog who is reverse sneezing will stand still and extend the neck and head. The dog is visibly stressed and does not know what to do. Try to remain calm and gently place your thumb over the dog's nostrils forcing the dog to breath through its mouth. This is not a normal way of breathing for them, so they may fight your help a bit. Sometimes it is also helpful to rub the throat with short, soft, upward strokes. This breaks the cycle and the dog returns to a normal breathing pattern. Is is not uncommon for the dog to have another fit immediately following. Just repeat the process.
The exact cause of a reverse sneeze is unknown. Any irritation to the nose, sinuses, or back of the throat can trigger an episode of reverse sneezing. Irritants can include nasal mites, secretions, foreign bodies such as seeds, pollens, or grasses, allergies, smoke, odors, masses or an elongated soft palate. It is characterized by rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds. Though it may be distressing to the animal, it is not known to be harmful. Most dogs are completely normal before and after episodes. In addition, most dogs will have repeat episodes of reverse sneezing throughout their lives.
Reverse sneezing is not a health issue, per say, but it is something we all deal with from time to time with these short nosed dogs.
Reverse sneezing (also called backwards sneezing) or inspiratory paroxysmal respiration is a phenomenon observed in dogs, particularly in those with brachycephalic skulls.
Although it can be alarming to witness a dog having a reverse sneezing episode, it is not a harmful condition and there are no ill effects. The dog displays a loud snorting sound, making long rapid grunting, (almost honking) breathing sounds. Usually a dog who is reverse sneezing will stand still and extend the neck and head. The dog is visibly stressed and does not know what to do. Try to remain calm and gently place your thumb over the dog's nostrils forcing the dog to breath through its mouth. This is not a normal way of breathing for them, so they may fight your help a bit. Sometimes it is also helpful to rub the throat with short, soft, upward strokes. This breaks the cycle and the dog returns to a normal breathing pattern. Is is not uncommon for the dog to have another fit immediately following. Just repeat the process.
The exact cause of a reverse sneeze is unknown. Any irritation to the nose, sinuses, or back of the throat can trigger an episode of reverse sneezing. Irritants can include nasal mites, secretions, foreign bodies such as seeds, pollens, or grasses, allergies, smoke, odors, masses or an elongated soft palate. It is characterized by rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds. Though it may be distressing to the animal, it is not known to be harmful. Most dogs are completely normal before and after episodes. In addition, most dogs will have repeat episodes of reverse sneezing throughout their lives.
SHIH TZU ALLERGIES
Allergies can manifest themselves in many ways. Constant itching, skin infections, chewing and licking, eye and nose discharge, vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, ear infections, rubbing back on the floor, face rubbing, and paw chewing.
Dogs can develop allergies at any age and can be allergic to more than one thing at a time. Types of allergies they can have are contact, inhalant, food, flea and bacterial. Seek out help from your veterinarian to determine the cause and help with symptoms.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease of dogs which is caused by immunological hypersensitivity to common substances in the environment such as house dust mites.
Usually, a Shih Tzu is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitis when the Shih Tzu begins to excessively lick and chew its paws, licking the abdomen and its rear feet.
Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in the armpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin. In light-colored dogs, atopic dermatitis can be seen as a red-brown stain found on these same body parts.
A variety of drugs are now available for treatment. Generally they are used in combination rather than alone.
Essential fatty acids are now widely used for skin conditions. They are known to have few side effects and will significantly help about 25% of allergic dogs . Antihistamines increase the power of essential fatty acids (synergy) and so combination therapy would appear to be valuable. I have seen many dogs get relief just from this method. (fish oil capsules and Benadryl tablets - don't use children's liquid - it commonly has xylitol in it)
Hyposensitizing Vaccines ( also known as desensitizing vaccines) are prepared from the allergens identified as important at skin test. By administering these allergens subcutaneously over a long period the immune response to them is modified and itching is reduced. They are seen to be beneficial in about 60% of dogs, and take up to nine months to have effect.
BACTERIAL ALLERGIES
There are few non-harmful bacteria on the body of a Shih Tzu. Most of these bacteria come from Staphylococcus family. However, only a few harmful bacteria may affect Shih Tzu leading to a bacterial allergy. If you find your Shih Tzu is lacking hair unusually and some ringworm type of markings appear all over its body, it is quite possible that the Shih Tzu may have developed a bacterial allergy on the skin.
SHIH TZU & FLEAS
It only takes 1 flea that you may never see on your dog, to drive it bonkers if it has a sensitivity to flea bites. Just because you do not see them does not mean they are not feeding on your baby.
If your dog currently has fleas you need to address the fleas on the skin immediately. Frontline and Advantix II can only be used 24 hours before or after a bath. I suggest giving your Shih Tzu a bath with a really good flea shampoo. If you live in a no-freeze state it is better to give flea prevention orally.
Talk to your vet about what kind of oral flea medications they recommend.
Once the fleas are under control you can begin using a shampoo to help your Shih Tzu skin recuperate. A very good shampoo for this is Micro-Tek shampoo by Eqyss. If you are having problems with lesions and large patches of sores you can use Chris Christensen Peace and Kindness Skin Spray.
Many vets will recommend a Benadryl tablet once a day.
SHIH TZU FOOD ALLERGIES
Low quality brands of dog foods are loaded with allergy causing ingredients, typically - peas, oats, corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers. If you're buying your dog's food at the grocery store or discount store, it's a low quality brand. It can be as simple as switching to high quality brand of food to stop the itching.
Limited ingredient foods are best if your dog has allergies to foods. Use a protein source you have never used before. Only give kibble. No snacks of any other kind. Use kibble for a treat. After a couple months you can slowly start adding treats if you like. One at a time, giving weeks in between to ensure no reaction. Ask your veterinarian for more help if your initial attempts to figure things out on your own do not help.
CONTACT & INHALANT
Any dog can get allergies, just like humans. Outside allergens such as pollens, grasses, and weeds. They can be allergic to things in the home, cigarette smoke, cleaners, dust mites, molds, mildews, insect spray, etc.
At different times of the year you may notice your Shih Tzu has runny eyes and maybe a little runny nose, he or she may be scratching more than usual. If you notice this to be around the same time allergy season is high in your area, it is very likely your Shih Tzu is suffering from the same type of allergy symptoms people do. Try treating the symptoms to make your dog more comfortable just as humans do. It should go away once the pollens and molds go down. If this is not seasonal you may need to see your vet to have your dog tested to see what is triggering his or her symptoms.
Allergy testing, by far, is the best way to find the allergens. There's 2 types, skin testing and serum testing. The serum testing which is the less expensive of the 2 tests for 40+ known allergens. Finding the allergen and totally eliminating it from the diet or environment is the best way to combat allergies.
It's not an uncommon practice for a vet to only treat the symptoms of allergies by prescribing antihistamines and steroids shots which only last a short time. Prolonged use of steroids can be damaging to a dog's organs, and make their bones brittle. Steroids should only be used on a brief and intermittent basis. Plus over the dogs life time, you'll spend hundreds of dollars in vet visits and medications with that type of treatment so allergy testing is more cost effective in the long run.
Any and all advice on this page is only my opinion.
Please see your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
Allergies can manifest themselves in many ways. Constant itching, skin infections, chewing and licking, eye and nose discharge, vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, ear infections, rubbing back on the floor, face rubbing, and paw chewing.
Dogs can develop allergies at any age and can be allergic to more than one thing at a time. Types of allergies they can have are contact, inhalant, food, flea and bacterial. Seek out help from your veterinarian to determine the cause and help with symptoms.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease of dogs which is caused by immunological hypersensitivity to common substances in the environment such as house dust mites.
Usually, a Shih Tzu is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitis when the Shih Tzu begins to excessively lick and chew its paws, licking the abdomen and its rear feet.
Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in the armpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin. In light-colored dogs, atopic dermatitis can be seen as a red-brown stain found on these same body parts.
A variety of drugs are now available for treatment. Generally they are used in combination rather than alone.
Essential fatty acids are now widely used for skin conditions. They are known to have few side effects and will significantly help about 25% of allergic dogs . Antihistamines increase the power of essential fatty acids (synergy) and so combination therapy would appear to be valuable. I have seen many dogs get relief just from this method. (fish oil capsules and Benadryl tablets - don't use children's liquid - it commonly has xylitol in it)
Hyposensitizing Vaccines ( also known as desensitizing vaccines) are prepared from the allergens identified as important at skin test. By administering these allergens subcutaneously over a long period the immune response to them is modified and itching is reduced. They are seen to be beneficial in about 60% of dogs, and take up to nine months to have effect.
BACTERIAL ALLERGIES
There are few non-harmful bacteria on the body of a Shih Tzu. Most of these bacteria come from Staphylococcus family. However, only a few harmful bacteria may affect Shih Tzu leading to a bacterial allergy. If you find your Shih Tzu is lacking hair unusually and some ringworm type of markings appear all over its body, it is quite possible that the Shih Tzu may have developed a bacterial allergy on the skin.
SHIH TZU & FLEAS
It only takes 1 flea that you may never see on your dog, to drive it bonkers if it has a sensitivity to flea bites. Just because you do not see them does not mean they are not feeding on your baby.
If your dog currently has fleas you need to address the fleas on the skin immediately. Frontline and Advantix II can only be used 24 hours before or after a bath. I suggest giving your Shih Tzu a bath with a really good flea shampoo. If you live in a no-freeze state it is better to give flea prevention orally.
Talk to your vet about what kind of oral flea medications they recommend.
Once the fleas are under control you can begin using a shampoo to help your Shih Tzu skin recuperate. A very good shampoo for this is Micro-Tek shampoo by Eqyss. If you are having problems with lesions and large patches of sores you can use Chris Christensen Peace and Kindness Skin Spray.
Many vets will recommend a Benadryl tablet once a day.
SHIH TZU FOOD ALLERGIES
Low quality brands of dog foods are loaded with allergy causing ingredients, typically - peas, oats, corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers. If you're buying your dog's food at the grocery store or discount store, it's a low quality brand. It can be as simple as switching to high quality brand of food to stop the itching.
Limited ingredient foods are best if your dog has allergies to foods. Use a protein source you have never used before. Only give kibble. No snacks of any other kind. Use kibble for a treat. After a couple months you can slowly start adding treats if you like. One at a time, giving weeks in between to ensure no reaction. Ask your veterinarian for more help if your initial attempts to figure things out on your own do not help.
CONTACT & INHALANT
Any dog can get allergies, just like humans. Outside allergens such as pollens, grasses, and weeds. They can be allergic to things in the home, cigarette smoke, cleaners, dust mites, molds, mildews, insect spray, etc.
At different times of the year you may notice your Shih Tzu has runny eyes and maybe a little runny nose, he or she may be scratching more than usual. If you notice this to be around the same time allergy season is high in your area, it is very likely your Shih Tzu is suffering from the same type of allergy symptoms people do. Try treating the symptoms to make your dog more comfortable just as humans do. It should go away once the pollens and molds go down. If this is not seasonal you may need to see your vet to have your dog tested to see what is triggering his or her symptoms.
Allergy testing, by far, is the best way to find the allergens. There's 2 types, skin testing and serum testing. The serum testing which is the less expensive of the 2 tests for 40+ known allergens. Finding the allergen and totally eliminating it from the diet or environment is the best way to combat allergies.
It's not an uncommon practice for a vet to only treat the symptoms of allergies by prescribing antihistamines and steroids shots which only last a short time. Prolonged use of steroids can be damaging to a dog's organs, and make their bones brittle. Steroids should only be used on a brief and intermittent basis. Plus over the dogs life time, you'll spend hundreds of dollars in vet visits and medications with that type of treatment so allergy testing is more cost effective in the long run.
Any and all advice on this page is only my opinion.
Please see your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.