What should you know about having a Pregnant Shih Tzu?
One of the most common questions a Shih Tzu owner may have is about pregnancy. There are many things to consider with your pregnant Shih Tzu dog, and it’s important to make sure she has everything she needs to keep her healthy for both her and the baby. This blog post will cover some of the basics that every pregnant shih tzu owner should know.
What Can You Expect from a pregnant Shih Tzu?
Your dog will need to see the vet at least once during her pregnancy, so it is a good idea to get in touch with a veterinary clinic near you and ask them how they would like you to proceed.
If your Shih Tzu does happen to experience complications such as vomiting or diarrhea then contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on what treatment they recommend if any. If your doggie has trouble breathing or shows signs of dehydration (such as lethargy, weakness and depression), seek medical attention immediately from your vet.
Also, pay close attention to a change in their appetite or if their nipples are bloody; these could be symptoms of cholestasis, which can lead to liver damage and death if not treated properly.
How Can You Tell If you have a Pregnant Shih Tzu
The symptoms of Shih Tzu pregnancy are different from those experienced by other breed of dogs and will vary depending on the following:
– The stage of pregnancy your dog is in. – Your dog’s health. – How active your dog has been before she became pregnant, for example, if she was very tired or sickly before then chances are her symptoms will be noticed earlier than those that are otherwise healthy.
As the first few weeks go by you should notice a slight swelling around your furry friend’s tummy area as this indicates that her milk glands have started to increase in size due to them producing colostrum which is essential for helping her puppies (a Shih Tzu litter) to gain strength.
During the first week or two with a pregnant Shih Tzu, you will likely notice her nipples becoming more pronounced as they fill with milk and start to stretch with each passing day. You may also take note that your dog is suffering from an increase in urination throughout the night, which could be a result of a larger appetite. This increased hunger is due to your doggie needing additional nutrients for all those little pups she’ll soon be feeding!
How Can You Provide Proper Nutrition and Exercise for Your Pregnant Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are fairly inactive dogs so you may not notice much activity from them until the day they lay their pups and in turn, after that first week or so.
If your dog usually engages in a lot of exercise then it is important to keep this up because it will help her stay healthy throughout her pregnancy. However, if she was previously quite unfit then try to keep her as active as possible without putting too much stress on her body, especially around the last few weeks of your Shih Tzu pregnancy.
This increased level of activity means that she’ll need more food than usual because puppies aren’t developed enough yet to gain all the nourishment they need from milk alone. You’ll have to make sure she gets the right amount of calories and nutrients so consult your vet on what they recommend.
TIP: Make sure you keep a close eye on your dog’s condition during this time because in some cases, being active can lead to a misaligned uterus, which is an abnormal growth that occurs within the uterus area of the female reproductive system. This doesn’t always affect your dog but if it does then seek medical attention immediately as there are surgical treatments available for fixing this problem. By feeding Shih Tzu puppies with proper instructions, they will grow up into strong adult dogs.
What are the Signs that Your pregnant Shih Tzu is Ready to Give Birth?
When labor in dogs begins, your furry friend’s body will start to produce more than usual which can lead to her being a little confused and disorientate at first. The most common signs that indicate imminent labor are:
– Swelling of the vulva (inner lips)
– Discomfort while urinating or defecating
– Licking the area excessively, especially around her genitalia.
– Excessive panting
If you notice any of these signs then consult your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice on what treatment they recommend if any. You’ll also need to look out for other symptoms such as uterine contractions, abdominal pains, and vaginal discharges.
TIP: Watch out for any changes in your doggie’s behavior because if she starts to become agitated, restless, or cranky then this could indicate that labor is starting soon. Also, watch out for a change in behavior towards you too – sometimes dogs who are about to give birth will often be irritated by their owners and may even start snapping at them repeatedly.
However, it’s important not to punish your furry friend as the reason why she’s behaving like this is because her body has started its process of going into labor so just be patient until it passes.
When Should You Take Your Pregnant Shih Tzu to the Vet?
While most pregnant Shih Tzu births will go by without any complications, it is still important to take your dog to see a vet so they can check how far along she is in terms of her pregnancy. During this time, the vet will also be able to thoroughly examine your doggie and confirm that everything is going well with the pregnancy or if there are any problems happening from within.
What Can You Do if Your Pregnant Shih Tzu Has Problems Giving Birth?
If your furry friend has problems giving birth then it’ll be up to a veterinarian whether they need to perform a c-section (an operation using surgical equipment) on her body for them to remove the puppies safely by cutting open her stomach. If this is something your vet recommends then make sure that you follow their instructions carefully and also, try to rest as much as possible while you’re waiting for labor to start again.
Pregnant Shih Tzu – Conclusion:
After reading this post, you should have a better understanding of the Shih Tzu pregnancy and what to expect. If you have any questions or concerns about your own dog’s pregnancy, please consult with your veterinarian for advice on how to care for them during their time before motherhood. We hope that by now we’ve answered some of the most pressing questions surrounding this adorable breed’s maternity period!
All in all, it can be an overwhelming process but one which is hugely rewarding when complete successfully. With good preparation and commitment from both parties involved (owner and pet), there are many happy years ahead waiting at home!
