What to do if my Shih Tzu is not feeling well?

When the lovely Shih Tzu at home looks listless, only the owner can empathize with the distress. When facing the physical discomfort of the beloved dog, we should not only stay calm, but also master scientific coping methods to protect their health.

Under the soft and fluffy hair of the Shih Tzu, there is a sensitive and delicate heart. As pet owners, the last thing we want to see is that the little guy who is always lively and always loves to look at us with wet eyes suddenly becomes droopy. When Shih Tzus are ill, they can't speak, and can only convey pain with subtle changes, and these changes need us to capture them carefully.

The first thing that attracts attention is often the change in behavior. It was originally lively and active, always loved to circle around you and chase toys, but suddenly became lazy, lying in the nest all day and unwilling to move; or it was uncharacteristically, pacing back and forth anxiously, which may be a sign of physical discomfort. Abnormal diet should not be ignored. Shih Tzus, who usually accept all kinds of food, begin to lose interest in delicious dog food and snacks, and even vomit or have diarrhea. At this time, we should be vigilant. There is also sleep. If it wakes up frequently, tosses and turns, and no longer sleeps as peacefully as before, it also means that there may be something wrong with its body.

Once we find that there are these things wrong with Shih Tzus, the first thing we should do is to stay calm. Panic will not only fail to solve the problem, but may also make the dog feel your uneasiness and increase its tension. Hold it gently in your arms, soothe it with a gentle voice, let it feel your care, and observe its symptoms carefully. Check its body surface to see if there are any injuries or lumps, pay attention to whether its eyes are clear and bright, and whether its nose is moist and slightly cool. These details can provide clues to judge the condition.

If the Shih Tzu only has a slight loss of appetite or poor spirits, and there are no other obvious symptoms, you can try to adjust its diet first. Prepare some light and easily digestible food for it, such as boiled chicken and rice porridge in plain water, to see if it is willing to eat. At the same time, make sure it has plenty of clean drinking water to prevent dehydration. In the next few hours, continue to closely monitor its condition. If the situation does not improve, or even symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath appear, you must take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Veterinarians are professionals who protect the health of dogs. They have rich experience and professional equipment to accurately diagnose the condition. On the way to the hospital, try to keep the Shih Tzu comfortable and wrap it with a soft cushion. When you arrive at the hospital, describe the dog's symptoms to the veterinarian in detail, including the time of onset, specific manifestations, diet and defecation, etc. This information is crucial for the veterinarian to make an accurate judgment.

Due to its special physiological structure, Shih Tzus are prone to some common health problems. For example, their big and round eyes, although cute and charming, are prone to infection and eye diseases. If you find that it frequently sheds tears, has red eyes, and has secretions, it may be an inflammation of the eye, which needs timely treatment. There are also their spines and joints. Due to their small size, they may be injured if they are not careful in daily activities. Once they walk lamely and are unwilling to jump, they should consider problems with their joints or spine. In addition, the Shih Tzu has a relatively short respiratory tract and is prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or after strenuous exercise. You should pay more attention to its breathing condition.

While waiting for the diagnosis, our hearts are often full of torment. Seeing the dog in the hospital looking scared and helpless, we wish we could bear the pain for it. But we must believe in the professional ability of the veterinarian and actively cooperate with the treatment. Whether it is an injection or medication, or hospitalization for observation, the Shih Tzu must be given enough company and encouragement. When it is receiving treatment, hold its paw tightly and whisper to it, "Don't be afraid, I'm here," so that it knows that it is not alone.

When the Shih Tzu is sick, nursing work is equally important. In terms of diet, follow the veterinarian's advice and provide it with nutritionally balanced food to help the body recover. If it resists eating because of illness, you can try to eat small meals and feed it little by little by hand to let it feel your care. In terms of rest, prepare a warm, quiet and comfortable space for it to avoid being disturbed. At the same time, pay attention to keeping its living environment clean and hygienic, regularly change the mat and clean the tableware to prevent secondary infection.

As the treatment progresses, when we see the Shih Tzu gradually regain its former vitality and rush towards us again with its tail wagging, the joy and relief are beyond words. However, the post-recovery care should not be taken lightly. We should follow the veterinarian's instructions, give it medication and follow-up visits on time to ensure complete recovery.

Caring for a sick Shih Tzu is like a challenging journey of love. In this process, we will be anxious and distressed, but as long as we can see them recover, everything is worth it. Every Shih Tzu is an indispensable member of the family. They bring us endless joy with their lifelong companionship. When they are sick, we should also use all our love and patience to support a healthy sky for them and accompany them through every difficulty.