Why do shih tzus puke

The presence of intestinal parasites such as tapeworms or roundworms can cause gastrointestinal irregularity which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite. Serious viral illnesses such as parvovirus or distemper can cause vomiting. Puppies are more susceptible to these types of infections and both are very contagious and potentially deadly if discovered too late. If you suspect that your Shih Tzu is experiencing any of these viral infections, you must immediately take them to the vet.

Some plants or foods can be toxic and can cause indigestion to your Shih Tzu, as well as eating spoiled food from the garbage. Similarly, a food allergy will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

It is also common to observe inflammation in the mouth and hair loss. Older Shih Tzus are more prone to having tumors. In cases like these, there would be vomiting and other symptoms that indicate the presence of a disease. However, some tumors are only detectable after some lab exams so it would be best to consult your veterinarian about this matter.

This chronic disease causes inflammation of the intestines, it results in vomiting after meals. With a special diet and controlled exercise, your Shih Tzu will be able to beat this. A sudden change in diet can cause intestinal problems and eventually, vomiting. It is important that you introduce a change in food gradually, whether your Shih Tzu is on a homemade or commercial diet.

In these cases, you just have to be patient in helping your Shih Tzu adapt to their new diet. Because of this, they experience vomiting accompanied by a white foamy substance.

There are also slow feeders that you can buy in the market to help your Shih Tzu eat slowly. The side effects of vaccines and antiparasitic products include vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies, especially, tend to experience vomiting after receiving their first doses. It is a totally normal situation that does not last more than hours. If after this specified time the vomiting still persists, you have to make it a point to visit the veterinarian.

In the previous section, we have already discussed some of the most common causes of vomiting in Shih Tzus. However, we want to mention those that are most common in Shih Tzu puppies if ever you have one. A yellow vomit in Shih Tzus is a type of bile vomit since the yellowish liquid that comes out is none other than the bile itself. This happens when your Shih Tzu has already vomited several times and their stomach is already empty, causing the only thing available to be expelled which is the bile fluid.

Although bile vomits are usually yellow in color, it is also common to see them in a greenish or brownish tone. In any case, the most common causes of these types of vomiting in Shih Tzus are usually the presence of infectious diseases, the development of an allergy, food intolerance, the consumption of objects or toxic substances, or being in a situation that causes great stress.

This may be due to stomach acid building up which creates a foamy appearance as soon as it meets the air. Consistently vomiting up foam can be a cause for concern and you should take your Shih Tzu to the vet. Keep an eye on your Shih Tzu for 24 hours and evaluate if they need to be taken to the vet. If they are acting differently than they usually act, like being lethargic and avoiding food, bring them in.

Otherwise, monitor their symptoms and make sure they are hydrated. Some instances of brown vomit is due to a dog eating their own poop. This may be common but pay close attention to what your dog is eating.

They should not be eating their own poop! If it is red, it usually has blood in the vomit. This is the most common for a Shih Tzu that is throwing up. It could cause their stomach to be upset and too empty when they eat.

Diarrhea may accompany vomiting. It may also point to a gastrointestinal virus. If they have consistent symptoms, bring them to a vet immediately. Green often indicates your dog was eating grass. This may be a regurgitation of water. Throwing up undigested food hours after eating may be caused by vigorous exercise or too much water before they digest their food. If this happens often it may be dangerous. It could also indicate a food allergy or sensitivity. Take notes on what your dog was doing and eating when this occurs.

A mucusy vomit may point to acid reflux, AKA gastritis. Hold off on feeding your Shih Tzu for 12 hours and allow only water to see if it calms their stomach. This probably indicates roundworms.

This is treatable but you must talk to a professional. Take your Shih Tzu to the vet if they are projectile vomiting as it can be serious.

They need to be checked out right away. Your Shiz Tzu may be shivering and shaking when they throw up. As they have a small frame, sometimes their bodies feel the strain of vomiting and they shiver. Respiratory Infections And Kennel Cough Sometimes, Kennel cough in dogs can be caused by multiple different viruses or bacteria.

Dogs with Kennel cough tend to have a deep, dry, hacking cough along with possible sneezing, snorting, gagging and in some cases, vomiting. Taking small sips of water or drinks containing electrolytes can help to reduce dehydration caused by vomiting. Bile reflux occurs when bile — a digestive liquid produced in your liver — backs up refluxes into your stomach and, in some cases, into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach esophagus.

Bile reflux may accompany the reflux of stomach acid gastric acid into your esophagus. Such foods include high-fat foods, caffeine, vinegar, onions, chocolate, citrus, carbonated drinks, tomatoes, spicy foods, and mint. Limit or avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol irritates the esophagus and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, predisposing the body to acid reflux. When you take your dog to the vet, in the first place he will discard a possible gastric torsion.

Kennel cough can be contracted when your Shih Tzu has been exposed to other dogs, usually in kennels as the name suggests. It is an upper respiratory infection that your vet can treat, typically being treated in a week to 10 days. Handy Hint: Here are all the things that young puppies can get sick from when they stay in boarding kennels for the first time.

Bloat gastric dilatation-volvulus is one of the most serious reasons for Shih Tzus puking up white foam and slime. They can become sick very quickly and will need to be seen by a vet quickly. It occurs when their stomach becomes twisted after expanding.

The stomach can expand when filled with food, fluid, or gas which then puts pressure on their internal organs. Some vets recommend you wait a good 30 minutes after their meal, even with light walks. Another serious health condition that results in your Shih Tzu throwing up white foam is pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ that aids digestion of food. Your vet will need to diagnose this condition, but other signs to look out for include your Shih Tzu hunching his back up, being in obvious pain around their abdomen, having diarrhoea, not eating properly, being listless, and becoming dehydrated due to not drinking enough.

Another serious possibility related to white foam vomit can be kidney disease. Other symptoms to look out for can include increased urination or pooping the house when your Shih Tzu was previously house-trained. White foam puking can be an early indicator of the disease.

However, with early treatment, Shih Tzus can go on to have a good life with a reduced chance of any further complications. Parvovirus can be contracted through exposure to other dogs, in particular contact with faeces.

It is a fatal disease but should be rare as long as your Shih Tzu has had the correct vaccinations as a puppy. Another unlikely reason for white slimy foam can be rabies.