Shih Tzu Heat Stroke: Understanding Their Prone Nature

are shih tzu prone to heat stroke

Shih Tzus are prone to heat stroke due to their short noses, thick fur, and brachycephalic skulls. Brachycephalic dogs have compressed skulls, which means their internal breathing passages are much more compact than those of long-snouted dogs, making it harder for them to breathe deeply or quickly. This is a problem because dogs expel heat through panting, and when it's hot, they need to pant more. Shih Tzus also tend to have pinched nostrils, which further restricts their breathing. Their thick fur traps heat in warm and humid environments, causing a rise in body temperature that can lead to heat stroke. As such, it is imperative that owners take steps to prevent heat stroke in their Shih Tzus, such as providing shade, water, and cooling pads, and avoiding outdoor exercise in hot weather.

Characteristics Values
Brachycephalic Flat face, short nose, short snout
Stenotic nares Pinched nostrils
Elongated soft palate Extra tissue at the back of the throat
Long coat Traps heat
Dark coat Absorbs heat
Overweight Insulation impedes ability to cool down
Senior Less able to regulate temperature
Young Less able to regulate temperature
Heart or lung problems Impedes ability to cool down
Dehydration Lack of water intake
Exposure to hot conditions Humid weather, direct sunlight

medshun

Brachycephalic breeds

Brachycephalic dogs are prone to a range of health issues, including breathing problems, digestive issues, eye diseases, spinal malformations, exercise intolerance, and heat intolerance. Their shortened skulls and flattened faces result in narrowed airways, making it difficult for them to breathe and cool down effectively. Brachycephalic dogs are therefore at a higher risk of heat stroke, especially in hot weather.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a common disorder in these breeds, causing breathing difficulties and significantly impacting their quality of life. BOAS affects a dog's ability to breathe, exercise, eat, play, and sleep normally. The syndrome is often characterised by unprovoked coughing, sneezing, and snoring. Brachycephalic dogs may also experience eye issues, such as Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome, due to their shallow eye sockets.

Additionally, brachycephalic dogs are prone to weight gain, which can further exacerbate their breathing and heat intolerance. It is crucial for owners of these breeds to maintain their dog's weight and be cautious during exercise, especially in warm temperatures. Brachycephalic dogs should be kept cool, well-hydrated, and monitored for signs of heat stroke.

medshun

Thick coats

Shih Tzus have long, thick coats that can store heat well, which is not ideal when they live in locations with extreme heat. Their fur traps in the heat and keeps them warm in cold climates. While this is great in cold climates, it can be deadly in warm and humid environments. In those environments, the trapped heat causes a rise in temperature and heat stroke.

Shih Tzus are one of the only brachycephalic breeds of dogs. Brachycephalic breeds have stenotic nares, an elongated soft palate, and laryngeal saccules. This can cause multiple health problems. Shih Tzus cannot breathe easily because they have a short snout due to years of breeding. The development of their short nose is because of their compressed skulls, which allow less room for air circulation. This is a problem because dogs expel heat through their panting, and Shih Tzus struggle to pant quickly and efficiently.

Shih Tzus are also born with stenotic nares, known as pinched nostrils. They struggle to breathe deeply because of their stenotic nares, causing the snorting sounds. These pinched nostrils also mean that Shih Tzus have narrow breathing pathways in their nostrils and throat. Shih Tzu dogs breathe sharply because of their narrow breathing pathways and cannot do so quickly as there is limited room for the air to travel.

Shih Tzus are susceptible to heatstroke and heat exhaustion through overheating. Their long, thick coats can trap heat, causing overheating, especially on hot and humid days. Wind may help decrease the chances of overheating, but even a breeze may not be enough.

To prevent overheating, owners should regularly groom their Shih Tzu dogs with proper brushing, cutting, and bathing techniques. Shih Tzus should undergo misting at least once every 1-3 weeks. The less hair trapping heat, the less chance of overheating.

medshun

Panting and breathing issues

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning they have flat faces and short noses. This makes them prone to breathing problems and unable to pant and breathe efficiently to cool themselves down. Their compressed skulls mean their internal breathing passages are much more compact than those of long-snouted dogs, making it difficult to take deep or quick breaths.

Shih Tzus also have stenotic nares (pinched nostrils), which can prevent long and deep inhalations. This, combined with their short noses, means they struggle to breathe deeply and can only take in small amounts of air with each breath. This is further exacerbated by their elongated soft palate, which involves extra tissue at the back of the throat that can become inflamed during hot weather, causing increased snorting sounds and interfering with their ability to cool off.

As a result of these physical characteristics, Shih Tzus are highly susceptible to overheating and heat stroke, especially in hot and humid weather. Their thick, long coats can trap heat, causing a rise in body temperature that can lead to heat stroke. This is made worse if they are exposed directly to the sun or left in a hot car, even if not in direct sunlight.

To prevent overheating and heat stroke, it is crucial to keep Shih Tzus cool and hydrated. They should be provided with ample shade and water, and their coats should be kept trimmed short during warm months. Owners should also be mindful of the temperature and avoid taking them out for walks or exercise when it is too hot. Using cooling pads, wet towels, or a kiddie pool can help regulate their body temperature.

medshun

Dehydration

Shih Tzus are prone to heat stroke because they are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have flat faces and short noses, which make them prone to breathing problems. Their short snouts make it difficult for them to pant and breathe efficiently to cool themselves down. This breed also typically has thick, long coats that store heat well, making them more susceptible to overheating in hot and humid weather.

To prevent dehydration and heat stroke, it is important to always keep your Shih Tzu hydrated. Don't rely on your dog to self-regulate their water intake, especially in the summer. Proactively encourage them to drink water throughout the day, not just after exercising. Clean their water bowl at least once a day, refill it often, and bring water with you when going on walks. You can also offer water-rich fruits like blueberries and strawberries.

In addition to proper hydration, there are several other measures you can take to prevent heat stroke in your Shih Tzu:

  • Provide access to cool air, such as air conditioning or fans.
  • Use cooling pads, wet towels, or wet blankets to help lower their body temperature.
  • Invest in a doggy pool or kiddie pool for them to cool off in.
  • Provide shaded areas and plenty of drinking water during outdoor play.
  • Keep their fur well-groomed and consider a shorter haircut in the warmer months.
  • Avoid exercising or playing outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.

By following these precautions, you can help prevent dehydration and heat stroke in your Shih Tzu, ensuring they stay happy, comfortable, and safe during the warmer months.

medshun

Heat stroke prevention

Due to their short, flat faces, Shih Tzus are prone to breathing problems and are susceptible to heat stroke. Here are some tips to prevent heat stroke in your Shih Tzu:

Keep Them Indoors in Cool Rooms

Shih Tzus should be kept indoors in rooms with access to air conditioning or fans. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider using a cooling pad, which can provide cooling relief in hot weather.

Exercise Indoors or During Cooler Hours

Avoid exercising your Shih Tzu outdoors during hot weather. Instead, play indoor games or engage in indoor activities. If you do take them for a walk, go during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

Provide Trimmed Hair Styles and Canine Sunscreen

Consider giving your Shih Tzu a summer trim to help them stay cool. However, be mindful that shorter hair increases the risk of sunburn, so use canine sunscreen if your dog has a light coat, a very close haircut, or likes to lie belly-up outside.

Protect Their Paws

Walking surfaces such as cement, brick, and pavement can reach extremely high temperatures, causing burns to your dog's paw pads. To protect your Shih Tzu's paws, walk them in shaded areas or on grass, and avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day. You can also use paw wax to add a layer of protection and prevent dryness.

Keep Them Hydrated

Shih Tzus may not self-regulate their water intake in the summer, so it is important to proactively encourage them to drink water throughout the day, not just after exercising. Bring water with you on walks, and offer water-rich fruits like blueberries and strawberries.

Never Leave Them in a Hot Car

Under no circumstances should you leave your Shih Tzu in a hot car, even if the windows are partially open. Dogs can quickly overheat and die in hot cars.

Stroke Risk: Is It In Your Genes?

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment