Why Your Shih Tzu Keeps Sneezing: Solving the Mystery

Are you looking for the answer to why your Shih Tzu keeps sneezing? Or is your pup sneezing more often than usual? If so, you’re not alone. Many Shih Tzu owners have issues with their beloved pups constantly sneezing.

If your Shih Tzu is frequently sneezing, it’s crucial to determine the cause so that you can prevent or treat the problem. Sneezing in dogs can have various reasons, ranging from benign to severe. In some cases, sneezing may be a sign of a simple upper respiratory infection; in others, it may be a symptom of a more severe health issue.

Luckily, you can do a few things to help stop or reduce the frequency of your pup’s sneezes. Let’s look at why this might happen and how you can help.

What are the causes of Shih Tzu sneezing?

There are several common causes of sneezing in Shih Tzus and other breeds of dogs. Let’s take a look at some of the most likely culprits:

1. Allergies

Shih Tzus can suffer from allergies just like humans do. Allergy symptoms may include sneezing, watery eyes, and even itchiness around the face or other body parts. If your dog is showing signs of allergies, it might be due to something they’ve been exposed to, such as dust mites, pollen, or certain food ingredients, which are all potential allergens. Changing your dog’s diet may help alleviate allergy symptoms if the cause is food-related. If not, you should consult a veterinarian to discuss possible treatments for environmental allergies.

2. Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

Upper respiratory infections (URI) are another common cause of sneezing in Shih Tzus. URI is an inflammation in the upper respiratory tract caused by bacteria or viruses such as parainfluenza virus, adenovirus type-2, and Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough). Symptoms may include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and more severe cases, which can lead to pneumonia. Treatment usually involves antibiotics prescribed by a vet, which can help clear up the infection quickly and effectively.

3. Foreign Bodies 

Sometimes, dogs sneeze when inhaling a foreign body, such as dust particles or grass seeds that get stuck in their nose or throat. It can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to frequent sneezing until the foreign body is removed from the nasal passage or throat area.

4. Brachycephalic Syndrome

Brachycephalic syndrome is a condition that affects dogs with short noses, such as Shih Tzus. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome often have trouble breathing and are more prone to snorting and sneezing, and they may need to be treated with medication or surgery.

How can we manage if Shih Tzu keeps sneezing?

Suppose your dog suffers from allergies or another environmental cause for sneezing. In that case, the best way to address the issue is by avoiding exposure to whatever is causing the reaction.

1. Check for Allergies

One of the first things you should do if your Shih Tzu sneezes frequently is check for allergies. Many dogs are allergic to pollen, dust, or other airborne allergens. If your dog is sneezing and has other symptoms such as itchiness, watery eyes, or runny nose, allergies are likely the cause.

2. Keep Their Environment Clean

Another way to reduce your Shih Tzu’s sneezing is to keep their environment clean. It means regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing their bedding frequently. It’s also important to avoid using strong cleaning chemicals around your dog, as these can irritate its respiratory system.

3. Change Their Diet

If you’ve ruled out allergies and kept their environment clean, but your Shih Tzu is still sneezing frequently, changing their diet may help. Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients in commercial dog food, such as corn or soy. There are also special hypoallergenic dog foods available that are designed for dogs with allergies.

4. Use a Humidifier

Dry air can also cause sneezing in dogs, so using a humidifier in your home may help to reduce your Shih Tzu’s sneezing. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, which can worsen respiratory problems.

5. Give Them Regular Baths

Bathing your Shih Tzu regularly can also help reduce sneezing by removing allergens from their coat. It’s essential to use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that won’t irritate their skin or respiratory system. You should also avoid bathing them too often, which can dry their skin and make them more susceptible to allergens.

Conclusion 

Sneezing in Shih Tzus is quite common and usually not something to worry about too much. Still, suppose symptoms persist for more than 24 hours. In that case, it’s undoubtedly time to consult with a vet who can determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide appropriate treatment options for both short-term relief and long-term prevention of further sneezing episodes in your pup! With some simple precautions and treatments at home or through veterinary care, you should have no problem getting rid of Fido’s constant sneeze attack soon enough!

FAQs