Why My Shih Tzu Is Vomiting: A Complete Guide

If you have a Shih Tzu, you know that they are prone to getting into mischief and trying to eat things that they shouldn’t. But when your furry friend starts vomiting, it can be a cause for concern.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to find the answer to why my Shih Tzu is vomiting, understand the potential causes of vomiting in Shih Tzus, and how to address the issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various reasons why your Shih Tzu may be vomiting, as well as how to determine the severity of the issue and what steps you should take. From diet and nutrition to medical conditions, many factors can contribute to vomiting in Shih Tzus.

By understanding more about this common but potentially serious issue, you can take the necessary steps to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

What are the Signs that Shih Tzu is going to Throw up?

1. Excessive drooling

One of the first signs that your Shih Tzu may be about to vomit is excessive drooling. This is usually accompanied by an increase in licking, as your dog tries to get rid of the unpleasant taste in its mouth. If your dog is drooling more than usual, it’s important to take notice and be prepared for vomiting to occur.

2. Lip-smacking

Another early sign of vomiting in Shih Tzus is lip-smacking. Your dog may start to smack its lips repeatedly as it feels the urge to vomit coming on. This is often accompanied by other signs, such as drooling and licking.

3. Retching and heaving

If your Shih Tzu is retching and heaving, it’s a sure sign that vomiting is about to occur. Retching is the act of trying to vomit without actually doing so while heaving is the forceful expulsion of air from the lungs. It’s important to be prepared for vomiting to occur because both of these activities can be quite distressing for your dog.

4. Abdominal contractions

Another sign that your Shih Tzu is about to vomit is abdominal contractions. You may notice your dog’s abdomen start to tighten and contract as it feels the need to vomit. This is often accompanied by other signs, such as retching and heaving.

5. Vomiting

The final sign that your Shih Tzu is about to vomit is, of course, vomiting itself. This may happen suddenly and without any warning, so it’s important to be prepared for it. After your dog has vomited, it’s important to clean up the mess immediately and make sure your dog has access to fresh water

What are the Types of Vomiting in Shih Tzus?

1. Acute Vomiting

Think of acute vomiting like a sudden storm on a sunny day. It comes out of nowhere! This type of vomiting happens fast and doesn’t last long. It’s like your Shih Tzu’s body says, “I found something bad, and I need to get it out now!” Maybe they ate something weird, like that piece of old sandwich they found under the couch, or they gobbled down their food too quickly.

Sometimes, it can be because of an infection or even some medicines. If your furry friend throws up once and then seems fine, it’s probably acute vomiting. But if they keep doing it for more than a day, it’s time to ring up the vet to be safe.

2. Chronic Vomiting

This one is like a long, rainy season that doesn’t want to end. It’s when your Shih Tzu keeps vomiting over and over for a long time, maybe weeks or even months. This isn’t just about eating something wrong. It could mean there’s a more significant health issue, like liver or kidney problems, or something really serious like cancer. It’s important to watch for signs like losing weight, seeming tired, or not wanting to eat. If your buddy has these symptoms, they need to see the vet as soon as possible. The vet is like a detective who can figure out what’s causing all this trouble and how to make your Shih Tzu feel better.

What are the Medical Reasons for Vomiting in Shih Tzus?

1. Infections

Imagine tiny invaders in your Shih Tzu’s body, like little bugs that cause trouble. These are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They can make your dog feel sick and throw up. Common culprits are kennel cough, parvovirus, and distemper. If your dog plays with other dogs a lot or hasn’t had all their shots, they might catch these. Keep an eye out for other signs like fever, coughing, or looking tired. It’s like your Shih Tzu is saying, “I feel yucky!” A trip to the vet can help kick these invaders out.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Sometimes, a Shih Tzu’s stomach and intestines get inflamed. That’s what IBD is. It’s like their tummy is angry and upset. Dogs with IBD might throw up, lose weight, or have diarrhea. They might even eat weird stuff like dirt or their poop! If your pup is doing this, it’s not just being naughty. They need to see a vet who can help calm their grumpy tummy down.

3. Intestinal Obstruction

Think of this as a roadblock in your Shih Tzu’s intestines. Something is stuck, like a piece of a toy or a big chunk of food, causing a traffic jam in their belly. This can be serious. Your dog might try to vomit, have a hard time pooping, or look uncomfortable. If you think there’s a blockage, it’s emergency time – get to the vet fast!

4. Gastroenteritis

This is when your dog’s stomach and intestines get swollen and irritated. It can be from eating bad food, allergies, or stress. Your Shih Tzu might vomit, have diarrhea, or not want to eat. It’s like their whole digestive system is having a bad day. The vet can help find out what’s bothering them and make them feel better.

5. Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a part of your dog’s body that helps break down food. But sometimes, it gets inflamed. That’s pancreatitis. It can happen if they eat too much fatty food or take certain medicines. Your dog will feel sick, might vomit, or have belly pain. Their body is saying, “Something’s wrong here!” The vet will need to help with this one.

6. Liver Disease

The liver is super important. It cleans the blood and helps with digestion. But sometimes, it gets sick from infections, toxins, or cancer. Your Shih Tzu might vomit, look yellow (like jaundice), or drink lots of water. It’s like a warning sign flashing, saying, “I need help!” Liver problems are severe, so a vet visit is a must.

7. Kidney Disease

Kidneys are like the body’s cleaning crew. But they don’t work right when they get sick from infections, not enough water, or other health issues. Your dog might throw up, drink lots of water, or pee a lot. They’re trying to tell you, “My body can’t clean itself properly!” This is serious stuff, so seeing a vet is important.

8. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

This one is a big emergency! GDV happens when a dog’s stomach twists and fills with gas. It’s like a balloon ready to pop. It usually happens after eating a lot or gulping too much water down. If your dog’s belly looks swollen and they’re in pain, don’t wait – get to the vet immediately!

9. Parvovirus

Parvo is a really bad virus, especially for puppies. It hits their stomach and intestines hard. They might vomit, have diarrhea, and feel awful. It’s super contagious and can be dangerous. If you think it’s parvo, your dog needs a vet ASAP. It’s like a red alert for puppy health!

What are the Common Causes of Vomiting in Shih Tzus?

There are many potential causes of vomiting in Shih Tzus, including dietary indiscretion, infections, parasites, organ disease, and cancer. In some cases, the cause of vomiting may be unknown. If your dog is vomiting, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation so that the cause can be determined and treated appropriately. Following are some common causes of vomiting in Shih Tzus:

1. Eating too fast

The common cause of vomiting in Shih Tzus is eating too fast, swallowing without chewing, or gulping down large amounts of air. This can lead to an upset stomach and vomiting. To help prevent your Shih Tzu from vomiting, feed him small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. Be sure to monitor his food intake and avoid overfeeding. Also, Encourage your Shih Tzu to eat slowly by breaking his food into smaller pieces or offering him a puzzle toy that dispenses food as he plays.

Lastly, take your Shih Tzu for regular walks to help him maintain a healthy appetite. By following these simple tips, you can help prevent your Shih Tzu from vomiting.

2. Diet change

Imagine eating the same breakfast every day, and suddenly, it’s something different? Your stomach might say, “Wait, what’s this?” That’s how your Shih Tzu feels when their diet changes suddenly. Their digestive system can get a bit shocked, leading to vomiting. If you need to change their food, do it gradually over a week or so. Mix a little bit of the new food with the old, slowly increasing the fresh food each day. It’s like slowly and nicely introducing your tummy to a new friend.

3. Eating spoiled food

Just like we humans can’t eat spoiled or rotten food, neither can Shih Tzus. If they eat something bad, like trash or old food, their stomach will be upset, leading to vomiting. It’s their body’s way of saying, “This food is not good for me!” Always check their food for freshness and keep the trash can out of reach. It’s like ensuring you don’t eat something yucky from the fridge.

4. Food Allergy

Some Shih Tzus are allergic to certain foods, just like some people are allergic to peanuts or dairy. Common dog food allergens include beef, chicken, corn, or wheat. Signs of a food allergy can include vomiting, itchy skin, or ear infections. Imagine your dog’s body saying, “I don’t like this food; it makes me feel sick!” If you suspect a food allergy, your vet can help determine which food is the problem and suggest a special diet.

5. Overeating

Sometimes, Shih Tzus vomit simply because they’ve overeaten. It’s like overeating at a party and feeling sick. Their little stomachs get too full, and can’t handle it. To prevent this, measure their food and stick to a feeding schedule. It’s like using a measuring cup for your cereal so you don’t eat the whole box!

6. Eating Toxic plants or grass

Dogs are curious and sometimes eat plants or grass, but some can be toxic. Plants like lilies or certain types of grass can make your dog sick. If you see your Shih Tzu munching on a plant or grass and then vomiting, it’s a sign that the plant might be harmful. Keep an eye on what they eat during walks or in the garden. It’s like keeping a little brother away from eating crayonns.

7. Drinking excessive water after eating

Drinking too much water, especially after eating, can upset your dog’s stomach. Imagine drinking a whole water bottle in one go – you’d feel full and uncomfortable, right? The same goes for your Shih Tzu. To avoid this, give them small amounts of water throughout the day instead of letting them gulp a lot at once. It’s like sipping a drink slowly rather than chugging it.

8. Exercise after eating

Exercising right after eating can cause vomiting in Shih Tzus. It’s like running around right after you eat a big meal – not a good idea! Give your furry friend time to digest their food before playtime or a walk. Waiting about an hour should do the trick. It’s like taking a little break after lunch before going back to play.

9. Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is another type of vomiting that can occur in Shih Tzus. It is caused by the movement of the car or other vehicle in which your dog is riding. It can also be caused by turbulence during air travel. If your dog experiences motion sickness, it is important to keep them calm and still during travel and to contact your veterinarian if the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours.

10. Stress and anxiety

Just like us, Shih Tzus can feel stressed or anxious. This can happen when there’s a change in their routine, loud noises, or new people around. Imagine feeling nervous on the first day of school – that’s how your Shih Tzu might feel in stressful situations. This anxiety can make their stomach upset and cause vomiting. It could be stress if you notice your Shih Tzu seems worried or scared before throwing up. Helping them feel safe, like giving them a quiet space or spending extra time with them, can help calm their nerves.

How to Treat if your Shih Tzu is Vomiting?

Some cases of vomiting may resolve on their own with rest and home care. However, it is important to monitor your Shih Tzu closely and contact your veterinarian if their condition worsens or they do not start to feel better after a day or two.

Step # 1

If your Shih Tzu starts vomiting, don’t panic! Think of it as a detective on a mission to help your furry friend. First, remove their food and water to give their stomach a break. It’s like pressing a pause on eating and drinking to let their tummy settle. Keep a close eye on them – if they seem okay and it was just a one-time thing, you might just need to wait it out.

Step # 2

Watch your Shih Tzu closely after they vomit. Are they acting normally otherwise, or do they seem sick? Look for signs like more vomiting, looking really tired, or not acting like their usual self. It’s like being a detective looking for clues to solve a mystery. These clues will tell you if your dog is just having a little tummy trouble or something more serious.

Step # 3

If your vet says it’s okay to treat your Shih Tzu at home, give them small sips of water after a few hours. Think of it like giving a baby small amounts of food when sick. If they keep the water down, you can try a bland diet – like boiled chicken and rice. This is easy on their stomach, kind of like chicken soup when you’re sick.

Step # 4

Sometimes, vomiting can be a sign of something serious. If your Shih Tzu keeps throwing up, acts really tired has a swollen belly, or you think they ate something toxic, call the vet right away. It’s like knowing when to call a doctor when a little brother or sister is sick. The vet is like a doctor for pets; they know what to do.

Step # 5

If the vomiting is due to a viral infection, such as parvovirus or distemper, there is no specific treatment that can be given. Treatment will focus on supportive care, such as providing fluids to prevent dehydration and controlling nausea.

Step # 6

If the vomiting is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed in order to clear the infection.

Step # 7

If the vomiting is due to a gastrointestinal disorder, such as gastritis or pancreatitis, treatment will focus on managing the symptoms and supporting the digestive system. This may include medications such as antacids or anti-nausea drugs as well as a special diet.

Step # 8

In some cases, surgery may be required to treat a gastrointestinal disorder or remove an obstruction from the digestive tract.

Step # 9

When you go to the vet, they might do some tests like blood work or X-rays to find out what’s wrong. They’re like detectives using tools to solve why your Shih Tzu is sick. The vet will figure out the best way to make your dog feel better, whether it’s medicine, a special diet, or sometimes even surgery.

Home-based Treatments for Shih Tzu Vomiting?

If your dog is vomiting and otherwise healthy, there are a few things you can do at home to help them feel better. First, withhold food for 12-24 hours and offer small amounts of water frequently. You can then start feeding your dog small meals of bland food (boiled chicken and rice is a good option) every 4-6 hours. If your dog continues to vomit or has any other symptoms, such as diarrhea or lethargy, please see your vet immediately

Final Thoughts

If your Shih Tzu starts vomiting, it’s important to pay attention. You know your furry friend best, so watch for signs that something’s not right. Remember, sometimes vomiting is just a small upset, but other times it can be a clue to a bigger health issue. Keep an eye on what they eat, make sure they’re not stressed, and always have fresh water available. Regular vet check-ups and a safe, loving home go a long way in keeping your Shih Tzu healthy. And if you’re ever in doubt or worried, don’t hesitate to call your vet. They’re like health heroes for our pets. Your care and attention are what make you the best pet parent for your Shih Tzu!

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