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7 Signs Your Shih Tzu Needs Medical Attention

There will be times when you will notice that your beloved Shih Tzu has loose or watery stools.  When this occurs, there can be a number of contributory factors such as exposure to too much heat or a gastrointestinal upset. Whilst not all episodes of diarrhoea require going to the vets, it is important to know when it is best to seek out immediate treatment.

Here are some of the signs that your Shih Tzu needs medical attention:-

1. Black Stools

If your Shih Tzu’ diarrhoea is black and not the usual color, it might be that he has internal bleeding that has led to the black stools.  It is best to immediately consult with your veterinarian so that he can have a stool examination and any other tests done to ensure that he is given the proper medical attention as quickly as possible.

2. Diarrhoea with Lethargy and Loss of Appetite

Although diarrhoea can often simply be a reaction to a sudden change in diet, loose stools accompanied with lethargy and a loss of appetite is not a good sign and requires treatment. If your Shih Tzu is presenting with diarrhoea, refuses to eat and is lethargic it is important to have him checked over by your veterinarian.

3. Diarrhoea Exceeding 48 Hours

If your Shih Tzu has been having loose stools for two days and is refusing to drink water, this is an indication that he needs to be taken to your veterinarian and treated as soon as possible. Diarrhoea that is ongoing for more than 48 hours will dehydrate him and the immediate treatment for this is rehydration which only a veterinarian can provide. Dehydration can put your Shih Tzu in danger and not treating it can worsen his condition drastically.

4. Vomiting and Diarrhoea

Vomiting, along with diarrhoea and a fever can be a sign of a parvovirus infection. This happens especially in young puppies that have not been immunised yet.  Your Shih Tzu can be suffering from this potentially fatal condition if you have recently acquired him from a puppy farm or if you are not sure if the right vaccinations have already been given. This is why it is not advisable to buy dogs from puppy farms and breeders that you are not familiar with.

5. Presence of Hookworm in the Stool

If you notice hookworms in the loose stool of your Shih Tzu or any other parasites, for that matter, it is a sign that your Shih Tzu is not well.  Parasites in dogs can lead to nasty infections or even worse if left untreated. If you notice a hookworm, roundworm or any parasite in your Shih Tzu’s stool which is also accompanied with diarrhoea, do not delay and take him to your veterinarian for tests and treatment.

6. Presence of Blood in the Stool

Some traces of blood in your Shih Tzu’s stool might not be a real cause for alarm but as a loving furry parent, getting worried is not surprising.  However, if there is a large amount of blood in your Shih Tzu’s stool, this can be caused by bleeding or worse, organ failure. This is a very serious matter and urgent medical treatment is required.

7. Accompanied with Abdominal Pain

If your Shih Tzu is having diarrhoea and there are other signs such as excessive panting, pain in his stomach and you hear him cry out in pain when you touch him, chances are, he is not in good shape and needs to be taken to the veterinarian straight away.