A pet owner must understand the personality of their dog to identify when they may not be feeling well. It is easy to take a dog's health for granted because dogs tend to be playful all the time, even when they are sick. Illness is uncomfortable for your pet, even if they cannot verbalize it. While some ailments require treatment from a vet, there are some common problems that you may be able to identify or treat at home. Here is how to offer some relief for common conditions, as well as signs that indicate you should seek emergency help. Remember, you will typically only be able to identify that there is something amiss with your dog if you have taken the time to study them when they are healthy and happy.

Breathing difficulties

If a pet has trouble breathing, it means that the brain may not be getting enough oxygen, which could lead to shock. If the tongue starts to turn blue, there is heavy gasping and fast paced breathing, consult a vet immediately. Serious breathing issues should not be treated at home.

Heatstroke

It is common for Shih Tzus to suffer from this condition during the hotter months of summer or after prolonged exercise or activity in any weather. Heatstroke is often characterized by heavy panting with the tongue sticking out, drooling and an increase in body temperature. You can address this condition by wrapping the dog in a damp cold cloth, taking them to a cold area or offering cold drinking water. The fact that Shih Tzus are short snouted makes then intolerable to extreme body temperature changes. If your dog seems to be in distress or symptoms are not alleviated when brought indoors, make a trip to the vet as soon as possible.

Bleeding

Bleeding or bubbling from the mouth is often an indication that a frog has been ingested or poison consumed. Take the dog to the vet immediately and carry the poison container with you, if applicable. If there is bleeding from any area of the skin, wipe if off and apply a cold compress to stop the flow. The same should be done when there has been an accident that resulted in bleeding. In such a case, however, the Shih Tzu should be taken to the vet but carried in a crate to prevent further injury.

Allergies

An allergic reaction involves release of histamine into the bloodstream, and this can be fatal to a dog. To control the release of the histamine, anti-allergy drugs must be given immediately as the body temperature is monitored. Consider it a medical emergency if the Shih Tzu has a distended abdomen and bloody diarrhea as well as vomiting blood or yellow stomach juices.

Conclusion

If you have lived with your dog for a while, you must have identified some aspects of behavior that indicate normalcy. Any behavior or appearance that falls short of what you consider normal must be taken seriously. To avoid panicking when faced with an emergency, have a basic first aid guide. You should also keep your vet's number stored in your phone for fast, emergency phone calls when needed. Acting fast during an emergency could be the difference between life and death.

How to know Shih Tzu medical emergency?

Allergies