My 1 1/2 female shih tzu grunts and snorts constantly. very...

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Answer by shihtzu mommy
Submitted on 9/7/2004
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Shih Tzus should not have breathing problems. It may seem cute, but it can have severe consequences for the doge. A well bred dog will have clear breathing, well developed and open nostrils and a short (not mashed) muzzle. Breathing problems are very common in the breed because of the extremely short muzzle and very small nose. The soft palate can get in the way of breathing as well. Hence the snorting, snoring and other funny noises the breed can produce. Sinus problems can occur because of the small sinus cavities. Allergies can make breathing even harder. When looking for a healthy shih tzu, look for open nostrils and a short, but defined muzzle. Shih Tzus DO NOT have the flat face of a pug. The vomit could be from breathing problems like excess mucus being swallowed from congested sinuses or it could be an allergy to food or something else in the home. Vomiting is not normal and should be looked at by a vet. Breathing problems can be fixed by a good vet. Laser surgery can open the nostrils and shorten the soft palate. This can make a huge difference in breathing. Laser surgery lessens bleeding, swelling and discomfort for the dog.

Answer by xeno & zeus' mommy
Submitted on 4/22/2005
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we have 2 shih tzus and the snorting that one of them does is definitely his way of talking to us. when he decides he wants a "cookie" he will approach one of us, begin to stare until we notice him and then the soft snorting/sniffing starts. if you do it back to him, he gets very excited and starts his little dance toward the pantry, with the the other pup in tow. he also snorts when he wants us to let him out. it sounds like we're lucky there's no snoring though! wouldn't trade hearing those cute little "puppy dreams" for the world, especially when they both get going at the same time! TO Shih Tzu Mom - don't worry about the yellow spit up. it's merely their way of cleaning out their tummies when they get upset. if you are really concerned you may want to keep a little log of when your baby does this and see if there is a pattern, especially if your baby gets people food. generally there's not, sometimes their little tummies get upset just like ours do! my oldest baby is 7 and he does it occasionally, no worries!

Answer by junglejill
Submitted on 11/17/2005
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i thought i'd respond to the vomitting question-i had the same problem with my female shih tzu-pebbles. i was getting very worried-it wasn't all the time but enough that it bothered me. my vet explained to me that if "pebbles' was throwing up yellow bile that i should try giving her a small biscuit or cookie at night (pebbles threw up in the morning-so i gave it to her at night), or if she threw up in the evening to make sure to give her a biscuit later in the day so that she had something in her stomach.. told me that shih tzu'scan have gas problems, and vomitting, occassionaly, is a way of excreting the gas-making sure she has a little in her tummy may help the problem- worked like a charm-it has completely stopped, i swear to gawd!!

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Question by Julie
Submitted on 7/9/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Shih Tzus Breed-FAQ
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My 1 1/2 female shih tzu grunts and snorts constantly. very loud. Any reason and is there a procedure to help it?

Answer by carol
Submitted on 7/16/2003
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My dog snorts too. It is probably an allergic reaction or a response to cold.

Answer by Rachel
Submitted on 8/1/2003
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My vet tells me this a very common trait in Shih-tzu's. My little Zoe makes all kinds of snorty noises.He said that Shih-tzu's are well known for little grunts snorts and even a strange sound he calls the reverse sneeze in which they sneeze inward instead of outward.If you find it to be constant or uncharacteristically loud for your dog,you might want your vet to check her for any respiratory problems.Other than that, you can just chalk it up to a delightful little character trait.

Answer by me
Submitted on 9/7/2003
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Some times my dog makes a bark in to an err bark do your dogs do that

Answer by hi
Submitted on 9/8/2003
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my little Teddy makes a err a bark do your dogs do that to?

Answer by KIZZY
Submitted on 10/3/2003
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THIS IS NORMAL, IT IS A CHARMING AND DELIGHTFUL TRAIT. MY MALE 4 YEAR OLD DOES IT OCCASIONALLY, BUT MY TWO YEAR OLD IS ALWAYS CHATTING AWAY, AND IS HE FEELS HE IS BEING IGNORED HE RINGS LIKE A TELEPHONE, THIS IS ALL CARRIED OUT WITH A TWINKLE IN HIS EYES AND A SMILE ON HIS FACE.

Answer by hi
Submitted on 10/25/2003
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Thank you KIZZY

Answer by j holloway
Submitted on 11/29/2003
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I have six Shih Tzu that all talk to us. That is what they do if their mother Shih Tzu talked to them when she nursed. I have one that screams like a baby..really scarry when it is frightened or locked out. When they can they try to out talk each other..."grunt" each other.

Answer by le_gizmo
Submitted on 12/24/2003
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My little shih tzu reverse sneezes which is quite disturbing, but he also vomits a lot and sometimes the vomit is a yellow bile-like fluid. I dont believe this to be normal. Is it time for a check up? anybody?

Answer by Cassie
Submitted on 12/27/2003
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My 3 year old female shih tzu grunts very loud too, and I think I know the reason of why they do it. Well whenever I came back from school,sitted with her on the couch, rubbed her tummy, or bought a nice yummy bone from petsmart for her she would always start grunting. I think grunting is a sign of happiness or a way of saying "I'm glad your here I am very comterable."

Answer by shortstuff
Submitted on 1/4/2004
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i have 2 shih-tzu'sand i think it is cute when they start with the noises. I laugh sometimes. They do it more when they are playing with each other or excited. I think that they are talking to each other or to me. I just talk back to them.

Answer by LAVKA
Submitted on 1/7/2004
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WE JUST PURCHASED OUR FIRST SHIH TZU. I THOUGHT THAT THE GRUNTS OR SOUNDS ARE UNUSAL SINCE I PREVIOUSLY HAD WIRE AND SMOOTH FOX TERRIERS. YOU CAN SEE IN JUST 1 SHORT WEEK THAT IT IS CHLOE'S WAY OF TALKING. SHE WILL BARK ON COMMAND, BUT LOVES TO "TALK" TO US. THE NIGHT TIME SNORING IS SOFT SO IT DOESN'T BOTHER ANYONE'S SLEEP.

Answer by shortstuff
Submitted on 1/12/2004
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Lavka you are lucky that you are dog doesn't snore loud. Both of my dogs snore so loud that you can hear them from other rooms. :)

Answer by sandy
Submitted on 1/20/2004
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my little female zoey, just started the snorting. took her to the vet, because i had never heard her do it before, and was concerned. vet told me it was common to the breed, and that heart and lungs were fine. gave me some nose drops. i haven't decided whether or not they make a difference. her sister does not make the snorting noises.

Answer by stacy
Submitted on 2/23/2004
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I have read that many shih tzus "snort" due to some extra skin or cartilage in their nose. If you look at your shih tzus nose, the nostrils curl around, some too far, causing the snorting. Most of the time the snorting is harmless, but you should have it checked out by your vet because sometimes it may cause your shih tzu to not get enough air. This happend especially when the dogs are excited (from attention or playing). If you notice, they snort most often when getting attention or playing. The extra skin can be removed with a simple operation by your vet. Hope this helps.

Answer by Ann
Submitted on 7/11/2006
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WE HAVE A 18 MONTH OLD SHIH TZU WHO IS A DELIGHT. LATELY, HOWEVER, SHE HAS STARTED TO SNORT ONCE IN A WHILE AND SOMETIMES IT IS A WET ONE. OUR VET SAYS THAT SOMETIMES, DUE TO THEIR SHORT NOSE AND POSSIBLE ELONGATED UVULA, SHIH TZU'S CAN DEVELOP POST NASAL DRIP. THAT CAN BE A CAUSE OF THE SNORTING TO CLEAR THIS OUT. SHE HAS PRESCRIBED CLOROPHEN MALEATE TABLETS TO HELP THIS. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS WILL WORK OR IS EVEN THE BEST TREATMENT. WE WILL GIVE IT A TRY, HOWEVER. ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON THIS ??? PLEASE POST AN ANSWER FOR ABPAYNEFLA@AOL.COM THANK YOU.

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Answer by zach
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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i want to train my shih tzu to not snort or bark cuz i take it to class with me and put it in my locker and my girlfriend carries it in her purse around school so we don wan people to know about it what should we do

Answer by shih tzu mom
Submitted on 6/2/2004
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i have a pure bred shih tzu and a shih tzu/pug mix and both of them always snorts and grunts especially the mix. they also snore really loudly when they sleep. i was always told shih tzu do these because of their flat noses. anyone know why my shih tzu vomits? its always yellow in color. i dont feed him anything unusual and the others dont,its just always him.

Answer by lntmyh
Submitted on 6/10/2004
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I have a 13 week old Shih Tzu who does the snort thing & funny clicking sounds & I too was worried the vet says it is because of the whole short nose thing as well He sounds like a snot box sometimes.

Answer by morganazul
Submitted on 9/9/2004
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My vet told me little Mindy's snorting may be related to somekind of flap they have (throats?) I didnt quite understand but he said that although is not unusual in this breed it has to be kept in check or it has the potential to asphisxiate the dog if not taken care of in time.Also to check the thyroid.Mindy snorts all the time.She also vomits -just little bits at times.But she is half piggie and eats too much.

Answer by ZyKotik
Submitted on 10/9/2004
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My 2 yr old Staffi grunts all the time. When she stands at bottom of stairs, looks up and grunts she looks like a worthog, so we call her Wortdog :D

Answer by lolo
Submitted on 11/8/2004
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My dog use to do this all the time and so my dad. Gave it some of this stuff that u spray up its nose. And my dog hasn't snorted since! It work good. Try it u will like the resorts

Answer by Max
Submitted on 2/28/2005
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We just got a 1 1/2 month old Shih Tzu. Last night he developed a stuffy nose. He blows out whatever discharge he has. Do I need to take him immediately to the vet, is there something I can get at a pet store. What symtoms shall I look for? Thank you.

Answer by lulu
Submitted on 4/3/2005
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My 3 year old shih tzu has started sneezing alot lately and he has never done it before. i have heard they have very sensitive respatory systems so could it just be allergies or do you think something is seriously wrong??

Answer by zabrina1248
Submitted on 4/26/2005
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Dogs do not eat very often, and sometimes when their stomachs are empty, digestive juices can build up and they will throw up to get rid of the extra digestive fluid. This is why they sometimes throw up some yellow liquid.

Answer by Diana
Submitted on 5/18/2005
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I was told by my vet that my shih tzu puppy will have to have the nose operation done has anyone else had to have this done and if so were they up and running in no time?

Answer by Otis
Submitted on 8/14/2005
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I have recently adopted a 5yr old Shih Tzu. He does the grunting sounds, he also sighs and makes baby sounds. Once in awhile he makes a deep grunting sound and it sounds as if he can't catch his breath, mostly when he is excited. He has also vomited a yellow/green foamy liquid. I wonder if this is common. He is the sweetest thing ever!

Answer by breezie
Submitted on 10/7/2005
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the yellow vomit is bile. it may be a sign of kidney trouble common to the breed. the horrible snorting spasms are also common but disturbing when they occur. when daisy does it she's usually over excited. i find that holding her and rubbing her ears releives it. daisy also sleeps so hard you can't wake her. i'veheard that about alot of shih tzus'

Answer by myrtle wisely
Submitted on 11/5/2005
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all shih tzu'ssnore to some extinct and I think it is cute. They snore because thier snout is short and nubby, the nostrils are not very big that is why they snore, nothing serious. Mikki

Answer by ladynichele
Submitted on 1/1/2006
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I have a five year old shih tzu that does not bark why is that

Answer by cookie
Submitted on 3/5/2006
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to try and train your shih tzu to not snort is stupid. they can not help it, it is just the way the nose is formed and the way they breath. i think it would rather be at home or in a garden than being locked in a locker!!!! it is a dog, it is going to bark. it is not a fun toy that can be carried around all day under a jumper and be expected to just sit there quietly!

Answer by southernbelle10
Submitted on 8/23/2006
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my shih tzu dodger constantly snorts it is so funny but i dont get why they reverse sneeze

Answer by Cecy
Submitted on 3/2/2007
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I have a 7 month year old female shih tzu and she got get period. Is she going to have it every month or is just one time? Thank you.

Answer by kacey
Submitted on 3/4/2007
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My shi-tzu is around 9 years old. She snorts so loud it's embarrassing to us when we walk her..she is the center of attention. At night, she snores very loudly also. The vet says it is the elongated palate and surgery is needed to correct it. Just my input but it makes sense to me.

Answer by Prest
Submitted on 3/14/2007
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Zach, If you want a dog that will be alright in a locker, you probably want to get one of the plush ones. Putting a dog in a locker is cruel. Now, if you want a dog that you or your girlfriend can bring around, a Shih Tzu is a great choice. However, EVERYBODY will know that he or she is there. I have a Shih Tzu named Toto. She goes everywhere with me, and everyone loves her, but I have tried hiding her and it is no use. Shih Tzu dogs like to be noticed and will do anything and everything to make sure their presence is known. Hope I helped you come to your senses and I also hope I have given you some good advice. Justin

Answer by Autie
Submitted on 7/6/2007
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Hey, i have a 1 yr old shih-tzu, and she is my baby!!! never thought you could spoil a dog... oh was i wrong, everytime we go to the store she gets a bone or a toy. it's like having a child. my shih-tzu has never snorted or grunted. she does vomit. sometimes it's the yellowish color, and i read that when it's like yellow and filmy looking it's because they don't have any food in their stomach so you might try giving it a small amount of food if this happens. if sugar does'nt eat before 11am she gets sick. it may cause them to gain a little weight, but it's better then watching them get sick all the time. hope this helps. i love my shih-tzu.