While your Shih Tzu can't just speak up and tell you when they aren't feeling well, there are still signs and symptons that you can watch for to determine if your pet is ill. These four symptoms may be indications that your pet is sick and needs to visit the vet.

1) Eating Grass:

Does your Shih Tzu eat grass? While it's not usually normal for pets to eat or nibble grass, a small percentage may actually just enjoy the taste. If you witness your pet eating grass, watch for other symptoms to accompany this action. Are they eating normally? Have they been vomiting? Do they seem to be acting differently? If your pet continues to consume grass and shows other symptoms, a trip to the vet may be necessary.

2) Loss of appetite:

Although a lot of pets can go without food or water for a couple of days and not display any significant side effects, it is best to address the problem behind a lack of appetite. Watch for any other symptoms, including pain, vomiting, or restlesness. If the condition persists, other symptoms are observed, or your pet begins to lose weight, it is time to take your friend to the doctor.

3) Lethargy:

Lethargy is displayed by drowsiness, inactivity, or indifference displayed by your pet. Your Shih Tzu may show slow responses to external stimuli including sound, sight, and touch. If your pet is lethargic, exhibits other symptoms including lack of appetite or vomiting, or just doesn't recover quickly, a vet examination is in order.

4) Vomiting:

Pets vomiting occasionally can happen for a variety of relatively innocuous reasons. Grazing and vomiting will help expel unwanted food or objects from their stomach. Continued vomiting or regurgitation, however, can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Note any other symptoms and if vomiting persists, make a trip to the vet. Even if it doesn't a serious illness, your Shih Tzu is at risk for dehydration.

5) Diarrhea:

Diarrhea occurs when your Shih Tzu has loose or liquid bowel movements regularly. It can be caused by a change in diet or a more severe illness or infection. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and when this symptom is combined with grazing the pet’s owner needs to see a vet immediately. If bloody or black stools accompany your pet's diarrhea, the pet could be undergoing internal bleeding in the stomach or small intestine and should be checked out by a vet at once.

If your pet displays an unusual appetite for eating grass or non-food items frequently- called a pica disorder- or recurrent vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea and loss of appetite, it is advisable to visit your vet immediately. These symptoms are all supposed to guide you, but the absence or presence of these or any other symptoms should not deter you from getting your pet the medical attention needed.

Five Symptoms That Indicate Illness In Your Shih Tzu

2) Loss of appetite: