5 Shih Tzu Breathing Problems, Symptoms & Cure - Expert Tips

Written By: Ethan Anderson

Team My Angel Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a cute Chinese toy breed. They look small and beautiful, so their organs are compact. Along with many skin allergies, 25% of these dogs also suffer acute to chronic respiratory problems. Shih tzu breathing problems are common in small dogs because their airways are so narrow that any allergen quickly impacts them.

Furthermore, these flat-face dogs are called brachycephalic because of their small mouths. Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome is very common in them, in which dogs have many breathing problems and their airways become very narrow. If you feel wheezing or congestion in your dog’s breath, you should see a veterinary doctor as soon as possible instead of becoming a doctor at home.

Dog breathing issues are complicated to eliminate, but yes, the symptoms of the disease can be reduced by reducing exercise and improving the furry fellow’s diet. Let’s learn what shih tzu breathing difficulties actually are and how they can be cured!

Why toy breed suffer more from shih tzu breathing issues?

Picture Credit: Be.chewy – Yandex

Shih tzu dogs are more prone to shih tzu breathing attacks:

  •  They are a Brachycephalic breed with a flat face and very narrow airways, which can make breathing more difficult.
  •  Additionally, dogs of this breed have a very elongated soft palate that almost touches the airway, causing breathing congestion. 
  • Obesity is common in dogs of this breed. Because even walking makes them short of breath, and breathing problems are directly related to obesity. 
  • According to research, these dogs carry the breathing disorder from their womb because genetically, their anatomy is such that their nostrils are narrow, due to which tracheal collapse and bronchitis are widespread in them.
  •  Further, if we consider the environmental factor, about 25 percent of allergies in these dogs can be caused only by the environment.

These are some of the reasons why these shih tzus have trouble breathing.

Some Common Breathing Problems in Shih Tzu along with symptoms and cure

If you opt to adopt a shih tzu, complete knowledge of the breed’s breathing problems is essential. There are a few basic respiratory disorders in this breed!

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS):

This breathing problem is widespread in Shih Tzu. It causes severe snoring, sound in breathing, mouth breathing and extreme nasal congestion. Try to avoid exercise and heat when your canine has BOAS.

Cure:

Picture Credit: Medpi – Yandex

Reverse sneezing:

This is an alarming respiratory issue found in Shih Tzus. The dogs breathe reversely, and their breath makes very loud noises, or the dogs themselves suffer from irritation. This phenomenon should be cured as soon as possible because it is the cause of a significant disease. Normal reverse sniffing can be caused by allergies or a foreign particle inside the nasal cavity.

Cure:

  • Anti-allergy medicines are given.
  • Avoid food that worsens the lung allergy.

Picture Credit: iheartdogs – Yandex

Tracheal collapse:

Picture Credit: Commons Wikipedia – Yandex

This is a life-threatening situation in which the trachea collapses during chronic coughing and bronchitis. Obesity and heart disease may lead to Tracheal collapse in Shih Tzu.

Cure:

  • Weight management
  • Medications
  • Respiratory therapy

Allergies:

Picture Credit: Pet net – Yandex

Dust and smoke allergies, pollen allergies, and fume allergies are widespread in small-breed canines. Allergy is a common Shih Tzu disease that badly affects their lives.

Cure:

  • Avoid contact with allergen
  • Promote a safe living environment for dogs.

Respiratory infections:

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Lung infections of many types may occur due to bacteria or viruses in dogs’ nasal passages. The symptoms of Shih Tzu pulmonary infection vary depending on the type of microorganism affecting the lungs.

Cure:

  • Medications
  • Loss of weight
  • Promote healthy diet

What are the Causes Of Shih Tzu Respiratory Disorders

The toy breed is so charming that every pet parent like me dreams of having a little companion at home. Unfortunately, these lovely dogs have many respiratory problems, and shih tzus have common health problems. Let’s look at the causes of respiratory disorders in Shih Tzu dogs!

Genetic predispositionGenetically, Shih Tzu has narrow airways that lead to breathing problems.
Environmental FactorDifferent types of allergies, like dust and smoke, cause the narrowing of airways and lead to nasal congestion.
ObesityToy breeds gain weight quickly and, therefore, have more chances of pulmonary issues.
Physical ExtensionExtreme physical activity and exercise also cause many breathing disorders in Shih Tzu.

Common symptoms of Respiratory problems in toy breed

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Shih tzu illnesses badly affect their health. The symptoms of pulmonary infection are different depending on the age and type of Shih Tzu health concerns. Here are the few common symptoms of breathing disorders in Shih Tzus!

Symptoms:

  • Snorting 
  • Labored breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Mouth breathing
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Coughing
  • Gagging
  • Blue or pale gums
  • Excessive panting
  •  Exercise intolerance
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Yellowing of teeth

Note:

If you notice any of the above symptoms in your Shih Tzu’s breath, just visit the vet for inspection. Never compromise on the health of your furry fellow!

How Diagnosis and Veterinary Care Of Shih Tzu with Lugs Disease should be done?

Vet check-ups:

If you feel that your beloved dog is going through a respiratory issue, you should take him for a veterinary check-up and take him for check-ups as often as the doctor prescribes. Don’t be a workaholic because your dog’s health is more important than work.

Diagnostic tests:

Different types of tests are done in the laboratory to diagnose respiratory issues:

Assessment of severity:

If your dog is very emaciated and has difficulty eating, take him for a veterinary check-up and have the vet perform various tests, including surgery, to determine the disease.

Treatment the plans:

Follow all the medication and treatment plans that your veterinarian recommends because some dog respiratory diseases take months and some years to cure. Shih Tzu breed problems like lung disorders cannot be eliminated, but their severity can be reduced by following a doctor’s recommended precautions.

Basic Treatment and Management of Shih Tzu Pulmonary Issues

Picture Credit: Pupvine – Yandex

The common problem with Shih Tzu dogs is Respiratory issues. The toy breed suffers significantly due to a compact skull and narrow air passage. But, no need to worry. There are few treatments for Shih Tzu to cure breathing illness!

MedicationAnti-allergy or Antihistamines or painkillers are prescribed for lung disease in Shih Tzu.
Weight managementObesity means heart and lung disease, so try to give your pal scheduled diets so he can’t get extra calories and become obese.
Environmental ModificationAfter diagnosing respiratory problems, the canine tries to modify his living space by using an air filtration pump to remove all allergens.
Breathing aidsAlways keep a dog inhaler if your furry fellow has asthma, bronchitis or chronic breathing issues.

Top Preventive Measures to avoid Breathing issues in Tzu

Of course, we can’t eradicate  respiratory issues in this miniature breed of dog. Still, by taking Shih Tzu Difficulty Breathing Remedy and some preventive measures, we can protect these dogs from respiratory diseases; if they are prone to these diseases, you can reduce their symptoms. Moreover, allow your dog to spend the remaining moments of his life in the best possible way with some precautions!

  • Avoid strenuous exercise and play activities with an ill pal.
  • Promote Healthy weight maintenance and diet.
  • Make an effort to purify the environment of the canine, which will minimize exposure to allergens for canines.
  • Follow the Regular grooming tips.

Keep a Cool and calm environment so Shih Tzu can’t get stressed or excited.

How do Respiratory Problems Impact Quality of Life?

Picture Credit: Pupvine – Yandex

Respiratory disorders in Shih Tzu not only damage the dog’s health but also destroy his mental peace because the dog is mentally stressed, anxious, and worried. Of course, we can protect our dogs from these respiratory diseases if we can improve their quality of life by focusing on the long-term Management of dog Habits. By monitoring care routines and balancing activity and rest time for canines, we can protect our dogs from many diseases.

Conclusion:

Finally, there are many dog ​​health issues (like upset stomach & more), but the shih tzu disease that affects toy breeds badly is definitely the shih tzu breathing attack. This problem cannot be eliminated, but we can protect our beloved companion from this genetic disorder by giving anti-allergy antihistamine medication, following a proper care routine, and taking care of our dog’s health. To know more about Shih Tzu, visit our official website!

Reviewed By: Jason Reynolds

Team My Angel Shih Tzu

References

Research By: Brian Mitchell

Team My Angel Shih Tzu

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