Shih Tzu
Like all other breeds have a few common issues that can occur in our breed.
** I have put this page together to help answer your questions and ease you mind. **
Like all other breeds have a few common issues that can occur in our breed.
** I have put this page together to help answer your questions and ease you mind. **
Delayed Closure or Hernia?
Most "hernias" found in Shih Tzu are delayed closures. These can be found on the umbilical or inguinal (groin) area. We call it a hernia, because at that time, that is what it is. Most will close as their abdominal muscles get stronger. I will let you know if one is detected and won't be closed when the puppy is old enough to go home, Sometimes with the smaller one it just takes a little longer for those muscles to strengthen. It is not uncommon for some Umbilical Hernia to not close, almost all involve just the outer muscle wall and are purely cosmetic and do not effect the health of the puppy. If they are not closed by the time the puppy is spayed/neuter they can easily be closed with a few stitches at at that time. Most vet will do this for a small fee if done at the same time as the spay/neuter.
Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias are the most common type of hernias in the Shih Tzu breed. They usually start to show up when the puppy is around 5 weeks old and has just started walking. Most of the small bubbles will close on their own by around 6 mos of age (delayed closure). If it is a large protrusion then it probably should be closed up when the puppy is spayed/neutered. If it is very large they and we feel it necessary we will have it repaired before the puppy leaves. It is very rare to have a umbilical hernia that is large enough to become strangulated or harm the dog. Many Vets will repair it or for a small fee as long as they are already spaying or neutering the dog. This is why for the smaller ones we recommend waiting until the time of spay/neuter to get it repaired.
What is an Umbilical hernia? It is usually a small soft bump/bubble where your puppies umbilical cord was (their belly button) and for some reason the muscle failed to close up. There are many theory's as to why they are common in Shih Tzu. One reason could be the fact that shih tzu's have uneven bite, sometimes the moms tend to have a harder time "cutting the cord" and will tug, pull or even chew to close to the skin or sometimes a difficult delivery and the puppy had to be pulled out. I assist with all of our puppy deliveries and cut the cord, but some moms are a little aggressive with cleaning and care when the puppies are first born. Sometimes they just simply pop up out of nowhere. Some are genetic and if a dog continuously produces them then it more then likely has a genetic component. It is very rare that umbilical hernia will cause any health concern.
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias are skin-covered bulges in the groin area. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, and unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. Most all inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia. I recommend you push the tissue back into the cavity a couple of times a day or whenever you notice it "sticking out" (if it is on the larger side). Small Inguinal hernias are of little concern and do generally close up on their own, but I recommend to have it fixed when the puppy is spay/neutered if you are at all concerned about it. If it is a Large inguinal hernias and could potentially cause a heath concern, our vet will close it before the puppy leaves for it new home. Inguinal hernia are considered genetic and if the puppy is found to have them then they should not be bred due to the fact that is may cause complication during pregnancy, and possible pass on this flaw to the puppies. We rarely have these show up and do not breed dogs that have inguinal hernias.
Tight Nostrils or Stenotic Nares?
Tight nostrils and Stenotic Nares (pinched nostrils) are not the same thing. Tight Nostrils usually show up when the puppy is teething. They will open as the puppy grows and the inflammation from teething goes away, they may get tight again as the adult teeth come in. Sometimes this can last until the are up to a year old. With some puppies it make is so that they can hardly breathe out of their noses at all during this time. As long as the puppy is still active and eating and drinking normally it is not a concern. We recommend pure saline nasal drops to help elevate the dryness and help them breath better. Please do not have surgery done on a puppy that just simply has tight nostrils as it will eventually go away, I always recommend waiting until the puppy is through teething. Some Shih Tzu will have tighter nostrils than others and some will snore and snort more than others during their entire life.
Pinched Nostrils and Teething
Shih Tzu puppies often have slightly pinched nostrils that generally open with time. Bubbly clear watery discharge from a Shih Tzu puppy’s nose is very common and is caused by the inflammation in their sinuses. This problem is most acute during the teething stage. Even the nostrils of a dog that has difficulty simultaneously eating and breathing or is lethargic at this time may open satisfactorily as the dog matures. This will go away usually around 12-16 weeks of age sometimes longer.
♥ Pinched Nostrils and Teething go together ♥
TEETHING PROBLEMS : Some puppies in this breed experience teething trouble. The noses swell and pinch off some and they may have a little clear discharge. They make some snorting and snuffling sounds. They will usually outgrow this after the adult teeth come in. As long as they are playful and active and eating and drinking well, they are okay. If they cant eat or drink well and are lethargic or the discharge changes color, they may have developed infection and need to be checked and treated. Most Shih tzu pups are fine after teething, and it is recommended not letting any surgery be done until after adult teeth are in.
Stenotic Nares are usually detected at at birth. From the time the puppy is born it will difficulty breathing through his nose and struggles with nursing from early on due to the inability to breath and eat at the same time. It may be recommend to have surgery done to open the Stenotic Nares, if they are severe they may cause other health concerns to develop over time. Some puppies will outgrow the condition. On most puppies with this condition I prefer the wait and see approach until the puppy is over a year old as it is a possibility as they mature that they could outgrow the condition. Many Vets are way to eager to perform surgery, when it may not be needed, many vets will confuse teething inflammation with Stenotic Nares. I am not a Vet, but have found over the years most will not need surgery.
Reverse sneezing
Reverse sneezing describes a condition in which the dog seems to be unable to get its breath and begins to honk or snort. It is most often caused by a slightly elongated soft palate that “sticks” until the dog takes a deep breath through its mouth. The most effective way to stop this is to put a finger over the dog’s nostrils, thereby forcing it to breathe through its mouth. Sometimes just a hug and some reassurance will do the trick! Unlike more serious problems found in brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs, reverse sneezing in Shih Tzu is quite common and is not life-threatening.
Open Fontanel
An open Fontanel is the puppies soft spot on the top of the head. Typically soft spots close by the time the puppy reaches 2-3 months of age and some close right away. Sometimes you will have a puppy that the skull never quite closes all the way or takes a little longer. If the soft spot does not full close as they grow then you need to be cautious with the puppy to avoid injury. Some times there may still be a soft spot maybe felt when the puppy first goes home. This may cause a concern with some Veterinaries, but remember that most will close as the puppy grows and develops.
Understanding Heatstroke
A Shih Tzu is very sensitive the heat. Some owners may be surprised just how dangerous this is, until it happens. Most people know to never keep their dog in the car when parked; however your Shih Tzu can get heatstroke if:
This must be done by applying cool towels to your dog's body, running a fan over him or her if possible and supplying water. Only after your have your dog stabilized should you then rush to the vet.
Hypoglycemia
Shih-tzu puppies do not have a large fat reserve, so it is essential that these puppies eat small meals frequently. Missing a meal, change their environment, vacationing/travel, parties, excessive play, and stress, can cause these puppies to have dangerously low glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Once a puppy’s glucose levels are low, he might become too confused to eat and could refuse food even though it is the only thing that will help him. Even a brief period of fasting in a toy breed puppy can trigger a hypoglycemic “attack”. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are weakness, confusion, excessive drinking with vomiting, listless, or wobbly gait. We recommend giving 1/2 tsp of Karo syrup, maple syrup, or honey all work quickly, and followed with softened solid food. If the puppy doesn't immediately receive treatment in the form of sugar the puppy will progress to having seizures and will eventually be comatose will occur if a puppy’s glucose levels are allowed to drop too low. This is why it is so critical that your new puppy has consent access to food and water. Although hypoglycemia does not occur frequently, it could happen and early detection is the key to preventing any serious problems.
If your shih-tzu puppy does not seem to be interested in eating then he must be coaxed to eat. If he doesn't show interest in the dry food then there are several different foods we recommend to stimulate their appetite: Soft can puppy food, chicken baby food, 1 raw egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of Karo syrup, cottage cheese, cooked diced chicken breast, all will work well and entice them to eat. If your shih-tzu puppy is not interested in eating this from the bowl, try putting the food on your finger for the puppy to lick off, or place the food in the puppy’s mouth with a syringe or medicine dropper.
Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias are the most common type of hernias in the Shih Tzu breed. They usually start to show up when the puppy is around 5 weeks old and has just started walking. Most of the small bubbles will close on their own by around 6 mos of age (delayed closure). If it is a large protrusion then it probably should be closed up when the puppy is spayed/neutered. If it is very large they and we feel it necessary we will have it repaired before the puppy leaves. It is very rare to have a umbilical hernia that is large enough to become strangulated or harm the dog. Many Vets will repair it or for a small fee as long as they are already spaying or neutering the dog. This is why for the smaller ones we recommend waiting until the time of spay/neuter to get it repaired.
What is an Umbilical hernia? It is usually a small soft bump/bubble where your puppies umbilical cord was (their belly button) and for some reason the muscle failed to close up. There are many theory's as to why they are common in Shih Tzu. One reason could be the fact that shih tzu's have uneven bite, sometimes the moms tend to have a harder time "cutting the cord" and will tug, pull or even chew to close to the skin or sometimes a difficult delivery and the puppy had to be pulled out. I assist with all of our puppy deliveries and cut the cord, but some moms are a little aggressive with cleaning and care when the puppies are first born. Sometimes they just simply pop up out of nowhere. Some are genetic and if a dog continuously produces them then it more then likely has a genetic component. It is very rare that umbilical hernia will cause any health concern.
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias are skin-covered bulges in the groin area. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, and unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. Most all inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia. I recommend you push the tissue back into the cavity a couple of times a day or whenever you notice it "sticking out" (if it is on the larger side). Small Inguinal hernias are of little concern and do generally close up on their own, but I recommend to have it fixed when the puppy is spay/neutered if you are at all concerned about it. If it is a Large inguinal hernias and could potentially cause a heath concern, our vet will close it before the puppy leaves for it new home. Inguinal hernia are considered genetic and if the puppy is found to have them then they should not be bred due to the fact that is may cause complication during pregnancy, and possible pass on this flaw to the puppies. We rarely have these show up and do not breed dogs that have inguinal hernias.
Tight Nostrils or Stenotic Nares?
Tight nostrils and Stenotic Nares (pinched nostrils) are not the same thing. Tight Nostrils usually show up when the puppy is teething. They will open as the puppy grows and the inflammation from teething goes away, they may get tight again as the adult teeth come in. Sometimes this can last until the are up to a year old. With some puppies it make is so that they can hardly breathe out of their noses at all during this time. As long as the puppy is still active and eating and drinking normally it is not a concern. We recommend pure saline nasal drops to help elevate the dryness and help them breath better. Please do not have surgery done on a puppy that just simply has tight nostrils as it will eventually go away, I always recommend waiting until the puppy is through teething. Some Shih Tzu will have tighter nostrils than others and some will snore and snort more than others during their entire life.
Pinched Nostrils and Teething
Shih Tzu puppies often have slightly pinched nostrils that generally open with time. Bubbly clear watery discharge from a Shih Tzu puppy’s nose is very common and is caused by the inflammation in their sinuses. This problem is most acute during the teething stage. Even the nostrils of a dog that has difficulty simultaneously eating and breathing or is lethargic at this time may open satisfactorily as the dog matures. This will go away usually around 12-16 weeks of age sometimes longer.
♥ Pinched Nostrils and Teething go together ♥
TEETHING PROBLEMS : Some puppies in this breed experience teething trouble. The noses swell and pinch off some and they may have a little clear discharge. They make some snorting and snuffling sounds. They will usually outgrow this after the adult teeth come in. As long as they are playful and active and eating and drinking well, they are okay. If they cant eat or drink well and are lethargic or the discharge changes color, they may have developed infection and need to be checked and treated. Most Shih tzu pups are fine after teething, and it is recommended not letting any surgery be done until after adult teeth are in.
Stenotic Nares are usually detected at at birth. From the time the puppy is born it will difficulty breathing through his nose and struggles with nursing from early on due to the inability to breath and eat at the same time. It may be recommend to have surgery done to open the Stenotic Nares, if they are severe they may cause other health concerns to develop over time. Some puppies will outgrow the condition. On most puppies with this condition I prefer the wait and see approach until the puppy is over a year old as it is a possibility as they mature that they could outgrow the condition. Many Vets are way to eager to perform surgery, when it may not be needed, many vets will confuse teething inflammation with Stenotic Nares. I am not a Vet, but have found over the years most will not need surgery.
Reverse sneezing
Reverse sneezing describes a condition in which the dog seems to be unable to get its breath and begins to honk or snort. It is most often caused by a slightly elongated soft palate that “sticks” until the dog takes a deep breath through its mouth. The most effective way to stop this is to put a finger over the dog’s nostrils, thereby forcing it to breathe through its mouth. Sometimes just a hug and some reassurance will do the trick! Unlike more serious problems found in brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs, reverse sneezing in Shih Tzu is quite common and is not life-threatening.
Open Fontanel
An open Fontanel is the puppies soft spot on the top of the head. Typically soft spots close by the time the puppy reaches 2-3 months of age and some close right away. Sometimes you will have a puppy that the skull never quite closes all the way or takes a little longer. If the soft spot does not full close as they grow then you need to be cautious with the puppy to avoid injury. Some times there may still be a soft spot maybe felt when the puppy first goes home. This may cause a concern with some Veterinaries, but remember that most will close as the puppy grows and develops.
Understanding Heatstroke
A Shih Tzu is very sensitive the heat. Some owners may be surprised just how dangerous this is, until it happens. Most people know to never keep their dog in the car when parked; however your Shih Tzu can get heatstroke if:
- They run around too much if the temperature is over 85 degrees F (29.4 C) (Whether inside or outside)
- Your dog walks for over an hour without water
- You have your Shih Tzu in your car and are driving, but the car heats up inside
This must be done by applying cool towels to your dog's body, running a fan over him or her if possible and supplying water. Only after your have your dog stabilized should you then rush to the vet.
Hypoglycemia
Shih-tzu puppies do not have a large fat reserve, so it is essential that these puppies eat small meals frequently. Missing a meal, change their environment, vacationing/travel, parties, excessive play, and stress, can cause these puppies to have dangerously low glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Once a puppy’s glucose levels are low, he might become too confused to eat and could refuse food even though it is the only thing that will help him. Even a brief period of fasting in a toy breed puppy can trigger a hypoglycemic “attack”. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are weakness, confusion, excessive drinking with vomiting, listless, or wobbly gait. We recommend giving 1/2 tsp of Karo syrup, maple syrup, or honey all work quickly, and followed with softened solid food. If the puppy doesn't immediately receive treatment in the form of sugar the puppy will progress to having seizures and will eventually be comatose will occur if a puppy’s glucose levels are allowed to drop too low. This is why it is so critical that your new puppy has consent access to food and water. Although hypoglycemia does not occur frequently, it could happen and early detection is the key to preventing any serious problems.
If your shih-tzu puppy does not seem to be interested in eating then he must be coaxed to eat. If he doesn't show interest in the dry food then there are several different foods we recommend to stimulate their appetite: Soft can puppy food, chicken baby food, 1 raw egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of Karo syrup, cottage cheese, cooked diced chicken breast, all will work well and entice them to eat. If your shih-tzu puppy is not interested in eating this from the bowl, try putting the food on your finger for the puppy to lick off, or place the food in the puppy’s mouth with a syringe or medicine dropper.