Do Shih Tzu breed like cold weather? Well, the truth is Shih Tzus aren’t big fans of cold weather. As Shih Tzus are small and tiny breeds, therefore it’s tough to keep them warm.
The major part that plays in this situation is nature. Shih Tzus get to be known as brachycephalic breeds, which means they are more prone to respiratory issues. It’s not just this. If you need all the ins and outs of this, read the whole article.
Shih Tzus don’t really like cold weather and get cold in low temperatures. This breed is sensitive to cold weather and gets ill when temperatures drop. In fact, Shih Tzus can never bear cold temperatures. These mini breeds’ coats don’t have thick fur, but they can manage both hot and cold weather conditions.
To know more about Shih Tzu and coldness, keep reading the article!
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Why Don’t Shih Tzu Tolerate Cold Weather?
You might wonder if Shih Tzu gets cold. Yes, Shih Tzu does get cold. This dog breed is brachycephalic, which is more sensitive to cold temperatures. The Shih Tzus body quickly loses heat as compared to other dogs. Also, these dogs get breathing issues due to the elongated soft palate.
As they have short coats it doesn’t help them which means they feel cold more because they don’t have as much protection from their skin as long-haired dogs.
Shih Tzu does not breed to be outdoor dogs. Because they are sensitive to cold temperatures, they suffer from hypothermia and become dehydrated in low temperatures. These dogs get bred. You really need to take care of dogs in low temperatures.
Signs Of Shih Tzu Getting Cold
Here I’m listing some common symptoms of your dog suffering from a cold. If you see your Shih Tzu suffering from these symptoms you can make your Shih Tzu warm, and in some cases, you need professional advice from your vet.
If your dog is going through a cold, these are the symptoms:
- If your dog refuses to go out.
- If your dog makes a nest, like pulling at blankets or hiding under the bed.
- If your dog shivers.
- Your Shih Tzu becomes lethargic.
- Lifting off his paws when going outside.
- If your Shih Tzu barks.
During low temperatures, Shih Tzu may get hypothermia and frostbite. The latter is a deadly condition that results in no longer blood circulation around the Shih Tzus body weakness, stiff muscles, and slow heartbeat, which can result in kidney failure.
Here I’m going to list some of the signs of hypothermia that your dog may face:
- If a Shih Tzu is shivering and trembling.
- If your dog slows down, lacks movement, and has trouble walking.
- Having Cold skin and coat.
- Lowered heart rate.
- If they have blue or pale gums or inner eyelids.
- Facing breathing problems.
Now you’ll be worrying, but providing your Shih Tzu a look in cold temperatures is essential. If you follow these steps, you don’t have to worry about Shih Tzu.
If you take special care of your dog, it may face serious symptoms. Like your Shih Tzu may catch a cold immediately. I have described the dog’s cold symptoms below, so you know what you are looking for.
How Is Cold Too Cold For Shih Tzu?
There comes the point when winters get too cold for a Shih Tzu to survive. The temperature considered too cold for a Shih Tzu is around 4 degrees Celsius. It is the coldest weather for a Shih Tzu compared to wet weather and old dog breeds; the danger has increased.
If your Shih Tzu takes their paws off the ground, it’s cold for them.
How To Keep Shih Tzu Warm In Winter?
Here I’m mentioning some top-notch trips for you when temperatures get low and how your Shih Tzu can stay warm this winter. It includes all the suggestions you need for a Shih Tzu dog in winter.
Maintaining Winters Health:
Elder dogs suffer more as compared to young puppies in cold weather. Cold temperature can bring illness quickly and targets an existing medical condition.
When winter is coming, and temperatures start to get low, make sure to take your Shih Tzu to a vet for a regular health checkup. The vet identifies any health concern which worsens after getting a cold.
Change Their Bed Position And Supply More Bedding:
The temperature starts getting colder at night, which is when your Shih Tzu gets a cold. Make sure their bed is in the right and warm place, like behind the door or a window.
Your Shih Tzu can make a warm nest and get cozy at night. But ensuring they don’t get too warm can lead to adverse effects.
Avoid Overfeeding Shih Tzu In Winter:
People usually prefer to avoid walking with dogs in the winter as temperatures are low and wet, which makes people off. It means that Shih Tzu will not get that much workout in low temperatures so you need to keep a look on how much you feed them to avoid weight gain. Make sure your Shih Tzus weight is stable.
Their Water Must Not Be Cold:
Check your Shih Tzu water before they drink. Cold water makes your dog ill, including symptoms like exacerbating and a sore throat.
Ensure their water is not kept in the freezer or outside in the cold, and place the water bowl at a warm temperature.
Also, check your tap water. If pipes get frozen, the water will be too cold for them. So instead of bowl water, run tepid water for them.
Don’t Take Your Shih Tzu For Walks When It’s Too Cold:
Your Shih Tzu may want to go outside but don’t take them out for walks in the cold. If it’s too cold outside, make them consume some of their energy inside.
Let him play inside with a pen or a ball so that he runs inside and their energy gets consumed. Keep their fitness and weight in check, and don’t take them out when it’s too cold.
Using Potty Training Pads Inside:
When temperatures get low outside, your Shih Tzu even goes out and pees; you need a solution. The puppy pad is the best option. They work amazingly for puppies and adult dogs. You can train your dog to use them and live an easy life.
How You Can Keep A Shih Tzu Warm/Cozy At Night?
I have already listed a few ideas on how to keep your Shih Tzu warm, some of which get used for the night too. I wanted to list a few more tips used at night when temperatures get low:
- Make sure their beds get placed away from the doors and windows of cold rooms.
- Use a hot water bottle.
- Choose a bed above the floor so they won’t get cold.
- Make them sleep with you in your bed.
- Give them more than one blanket.
- Put their bedding in a ring shape, so they stay warm in it.
- Don’t let them sleep close to a heater.
Shih Tzu Cold Symptoms
As I mentioned, Shih Tzu can get cold anytime. If you see your Shih Tzu is ill during cold weather and low temperatures, it could be slightly cold.
Like us, the first sign of getting cold is a little sniffle and sneezing. But still, the symptoms can develop into a severe illness if you have not treated it accurately.
Cold temperatures have not made for Shih Tzus. As they are brachycephalic breeds, Shih Tzus have cavities in their skulls, and it’s smaller than other dog breeds because mucus blocks the cavity.
If that happens, Shih Tzu could get a more severe illness like dehydration, hypothermia, and pneumonia. Keeping that in mind, it’s essential to determine cold and fever symptoms in your Shih Tzu before it gets serious.
Here’s what you should look for while checking your Shih Tzus cold:
- If the nose is runny and has nasal discharge.
- Having runny and watery eyes.
- Constant sneezing.
- Wet-sounding cough.
- Less food eating.
- Constant shivering.
- Having Warm ears.
- Having Breathing trouble.
- General lethargy.
How To Treat A Shih Tzu With Cold?
Here I have listed how to treat Shih Tzu with cold. It should be different from a professional vet’s advice.
Encourage Fluid Intake:
Dehydration is risky in cold weather, so your Shih Tzu needs enough liquids to stave off risk. But when your Shih Tzu is sick, making them drink is challenging, so you can try adding chicken broth to the water bowl.
Adding Extra Nutrition To the food:
Your Shih Tzu might lessen their diet due to cold and can quickly lose strength. Try adding some nutrients to their diet, like brown rice with boiled chicken.
Extra Dietary Supplements:
Different Supplements can get included in the Shih Tzus diet to overcome colds. It includes several items like coconut oil, cinnamon, and honey. Experts say these supplements can help dogs recover from a cold as they improve their immune system and work as a cough medicine.
Love and Affection:
Is there a thing you remember that you loved when you were a kid and got a cold? It was love and affection from your parents and loved ones. Shih Tzus acts the same. You can see if they want cuddles or some space to be alone. In both situations, they will react differently.
Hot Water Bottles:
If they do not like you to get near them, you can heat a water bottle and put it in your Shih Tzus bed. It needs to be warmer but perfect for raising their temperatures.
Dog Nebuliser:
Before writing this article on Shih Tzu, I learned that you could use nebulizers on dogs. However, vets stated that some owners do use nebulizers for Shih Tzus.
Steam Vaporiser:
Like humans, a steam vaporizer helps clean the bronchial tubes of Shih Tzus and helps overcome many cold symptoms, making them breathe easily. Make sure to Put it close to their bed but not so they can knock it over.
Limit Outdoors Time and Maximize Rest Time:
Limit their physical activities and don’t let them go out in cold temperatures. The time when they can go outside is for toilet breaks. But not this time, if you can switch to potty pads indoors.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you when Shih Tzu gets cold. Cold weather is not made for Shih Tzus. These babies need warmth in winter, so please be careful when snow, ice, and cold temperatures become normal at this time of the year.
As a dog breed, these Shih Tzus are the riskiest breeds regarding cold temperature tolerance. Due to their breed, these Shih Tzus are more susceptible to cold temperatures like the winter.
There are several ways to make it manageable, like wearing a winter jacket. Or you can better stay inside. I hope all your queries got cleared. Was this guide helpful to you? Please Leave comments below.