We will be discussing the most common Shih Tzu stress symptoms you should know as a Shih Tzu owner, so sit tight and read through.
To deal with Shih Tzu’s stress at any point in time, the best technique is to avoid all activities that lead to it.
Shih Tzus are small breeds of dogs that are easily frightened and stressed out, and in this post, we will outline and discuss signs of stress you can see on your Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu Stress Symptoms
When your dog gets stressed, it’s typically a reaction to something specific that will go away after the stressor has been eliminated.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a persistent emotion that does not go away quickly, even when it is alleviated.
If the difficulties in your Shih Tzu’s life aren’t addressed, it might develop into a serious long-term ailment.
Here are some of the most typical Shih Tzu stress signs to be aware of:
1. Destructive chewing
Despite their small size, Shih Tzus chew stuff as a sign of stress more than most large dogs.
Chewing is a normal habit in Shih Tzus of all ages; however, what they chew and why they chew are two different things.
Chewing for Shih Tzu can aid with moderate tension, stress, and boredom.
Keep an eye on your Shih Tzu’s stress level if they start chewing on stuff that isn’t meant to be chewed.
Rather than yelling at your Shih Tzu for chewing on your belongings, attempt to figure out why they’re chewing and remedy it; yelling will just make matters worse.
2. Hiding behavior
If your Shih Tzu starts running away from you and hides somewhere to be alone, it’s either sick or stressed out.
Shih Tzus are social and lively canines. If your pet withdraws suddenly, it’s probable that it’s a concern or anxiety which you should definitely look into.
Although many smaller dog breeds like being alone, too much of it might indicate a problem, such as excessive stress.
Before deciding what to do, keep an eye on your pet for any more symptoms to determine the specific problem.
3. Growling
Because it can’t tell you if it’s sad or uncomfortable with words, your Shih Tzu uses growling as a way of communication.
Growling is a common way for your Shih Tzu to express how disturbed he or she is over time.
It might indicate that someone is invading their personal space, that they are fearful, or that something is bothering them.
If your cheerful Shih Tzu starts growling more than usual, don’t ignore it and figure out what’s wrong.
4. Whining
Your Shih Tzu may whimper at any time if he is stressed.
If the stressor is anything like loud noises from which your dog is unable to flee, whimpering is frequently followed by pacing.
Otherwise, your Shih Tzu can be whimpering and pacing around aimlessly.
It’s most likely stress if your Shih Tzu isn’t whimpering because he has to go outside or is in discomfort.
When dogs are agitated, they usually lose control of their natural response of whimpering.
It is, however, a sign that something is bothering your Shih Tzu’s surroundings. Which you should fix.
5. Shivering
The Shih Tzu, like many other little dog breeds or pets, shivers when worried or terrified when their owners leave.
This trembling is frequently accompanied by a tucked tail, cowering, and other stress-related actions, which are all stress indicators.
If your Shih Tzu is shivering despite the fact that it isn’t chilly outside or indoors, it might be due to anxiety or stress. Shih Tzus tremble for a variety of causes.
Similarly, if any medical conditions have been ruled out, your Shih Tzu is most likely worried or agitated.
It’s either separation anxiety or stress if your Shih Tzu begins to tremble or shiver as you leave for work.
6. Tucking of tail
Once your Shih Tzu’s tail is dragged down, it means she’s nervous, worried, uncertain, or afraid.
Your Shih Tzu may seem perplexed and agitated if the tail is kept just below the topline, which implies you should pay attention to your Shih Tzu.
How far the tail is tucked is determined by the amount of fear and reinforcement shown by the body language.
Keep in mind that if your Shih Tzu’s tail is always tucked behind its abdomen, it indicates that your Shih Tzu is fearful, nervous, or anxious.
7. Freezing
When your Shih Tzu freezes or goes rigid around you, it means he’s concerned or disturbed about something.
It’s possible that freezing your Shih Tzu for no apparent reason is detrimental to both you and your dog. You must intervene before the issue grows out of hand.
It’s a sign that your Shih Tzu is agitated and won’t be able to handle the situation, which might lead to a bite.
Prolonged freezing in little dogs, such as Shih Tzus, is a common indicator of stress that should not be ignored in real life.
8. Pacing
As your Shih Tzu begins to pace back and forth when you arrive home or prepare to leave, it implies something is bothering them, and they are unable to sleep.
It might not be a big deal if your Shih Tzu paces back and forth at mealtimes or for short periods when you’re out on a walk.
You might be able to find out what’s bothering your Shih Tzu if they do this on a frequent basis.
Remember to take care of your Shih Tzu. Figure out what’s going on and fix it if the tempo continues to rise. The main reasons are usually stress or separation anxiety.
9. Excessive sleeping
When your Shih Tzu, who normally sleeps for 8 hours at a time, sleeps for extended lengths of time, such as 12 hours in a row, something is amiss.
Maybe your dog is just tired, but if he or she is sleeping a lot more than usual, stress might be at blame.
Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to ensure he isn’t suffering from any health issues.
It’s a clue that something is awry if your dog’s behavior has suddenly changed.
They’re either not feeling well or are dealing with stress or worry.
If your dog is completely sluggish or shows additional symptoms for a lengthy period of time, contact your veterinarian.
10. Licking of lips and paws
Whereas Shih Tzus lick almost everything, excessive licking of the lips and paws is sometimes thought to be a sign of stress in the breed.
If your Shih Tzu licks his lips and front paws a lot, it’s probable that he’s worried.
Your dog may also try to relax by licking its lips or yawning, both of which are indicators of agitation.
Your Shih Tzu may lick her lips and yawn when she is nervous. When they’re savoring a nice reward, it’s usually a slower lick.
11. Irregular appetite
If your Shih Tzu has a regular appetite but suddenly stops eating, it might be an indication of stress.
While Shih Tzus are prone to becoming hungry for brief periods of time, a persistent loss of appetite, especially when accompanied by weight loss, is a clear indicator of stress or a serious health problem that should be investigated by a veterinarian.
Loss of appetite can indicate that your dog is ill, so be on the lookout for any unfavorable reactions and, if required, see your veterinarian.
Read more: 9 Top Reasons Shih Tzu Refuses To Walk.
Fixing a stressed Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu owners should assess their activities to see whether they are contributing to their Shih Tzu stress.
By neglecting to offer explicit orders, staring directly at their Shih Tzus, starving them, yelling at them, or scolding them excessively, Shih Tzu parents may stress their Shih Tzus.
Finding out what’s hurting your Shih Tzu and then removing the cause of anxiety is the simplest way to calm them down.
Finding out what’s hurting your Shih Tzu and then removing the cause of anxiety is the simplest way to calm them down.
To assist them to become less reactive to the trigger, work with a professional trainer or your veterinarian.
Here are some typical strategies to help Shih Tzus cope with or prevent unneeded stress:
- Make a daily working schedule and stick to it.
- More treats and engaging toys should be purchased.
- Invest in anti-anxiety products.
- Your Shih Tzus should be desensitized.
- Keep your Shih Tzu occupied at all times.
- Create a stress-free atmosphere.
- Make time for your Shih Tzu to exercise and play.
- Take your Shih Tzu for walks, read more.
Conclusion
The term “stress” is used to describe feelings of pressure in dogs, and smaller breeds of dogs tend to be easily stressed than bog dogs.
A variety of variables can contribute to stress. Perhaps your Shih Tzu becomes anxious when meeting new people or when its normal routine is disrupted.
The best way to keep your Shih Tzu away from stress is to avoid all activities that lead to stress.
Read more: 10 Signs That Your Shih Tzu Is Dying.
