How to Take Care of a Pregnant Shih Tzu?

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!

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.