Shih Tzu Depression
Dogs are very attached to humans. You can feel this all the way more if you have a Shih Tzu back at home. They love to get cozy and constantly crave for your attention. This is because Shih Tzus are cuddlers!
If you think your munchkin will bark, hunt and scare people, then you are wrong. But when it comes to being playful and adorable, they will top in that.
Shih Tzus, they need constant attention and care. If that is not enough, they can easily get into depression. So if you notice some change in your loving pet’s behaviour, then do not take it lightly.
Rather, try to see if those are the signs and symptoms of your Shih Tzu depression.
Shih Tzu depression 6 Warning Signs
If you have a pet Shih Tzu, even the slightest change in their nature will not go unnoticed. But that is not the point.
Do not confuse your dog being tired or sick with depression. See the signs and decode the emotion. Here you go with some more help –
1. Oversleeping
Shih Tzu is known for being playful. Give them anything, and they will spend hours exploring it in every way.
Moreover, if they see anything new, they will bring it to the owner and try to show tricks with that. And after so much in a day, they finally sleep but will wake up as soon as hears even the slightest noise.
So playing and fidgeting in the middle of the night is quite usual for them.
But when they replace all of it just by sleeping, and it is happening for days, there is something certainly wrong. This is when you need to feel alarmed that your Shih Tzu is suffering from depression.
2. Saying NO to treats and food
There is a reason why people call them ‘Munchkin’ and ‘Munchie.’ They love to eat! Yes, they will keep on eating whatever you give. And with those ‘extra’ treats, you will always see the sparkling happiness in their eyes.
Now, if they are refusing food and treat or losing their appetite, you should be worried!
3. Not spending time with You
This is bad! They love spending time and having people around them. There is nothing more that they love.
Every time you enter the door, you will see how they wag their tail and jump or do tricks.
When your Shih Tzu is depressed, the first thing they will do is stop interacting, and that is exactly when you should call for help. Support them emotionally as they do to you.
4. Constantly licking paws
When something is wrong with us, we shake our legs or fidget with something. It is similar when a Shih Tzu is suffering from depression, they constantly lick their paws, and in severe cases, they start chewing themselves.
So, if you see your loving canine is doing something similar, take notice and do something about it.
5. Suddenly losing temper
The things they used to like doing are now that agitates them. This happens because your fur baby is not able to deal with the turmoil and they tend to lose their temper very easily.
So, if you see this happening, don’t show a blind eye, rather just give them loads and loads of love.
6. Finding a dark corner to hide
This is a very general thing. Dogs don’t like to be in the dark. The only time they try to do it is when they are depressed.
You will see that they are trying to hide under bed or tables, trying to find a dark corner, refusing to go out or sheltering under the staircase. Know that these are not very healthy signs.
So, if you see these signs, then know that your Shih Tzu is suffering from depression. So, don’t take it lightly before things get worse, show them ample love and affection, just like they do!