It must be concerning to see your 5-year-old Shih Tzu experiencing heavy breathing. There are several possible causes for this behavior, and I’ll go over some common ones along with suggested actions.
1.Stress or Anxiety: Dogs can hyperventilate due to stress or anxiety triggered by environmental changes, loud noises, moving to a new home, or the addition of new family members.
2.Overheating: Brachycephalic breeds like Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat, which can cause heavy breathing. It’s important to keep them in cool environments on hot days and ensure they have access to plenty of water.
3.Pain or Illness: Hyperventilation can also be a sign of pain or other health issues. Internal diseases or cardiac problems might be underlying issues that need a veterinarian’s diagnosis.
4.Excitement: Sometimes, dogs hyperventilate due to excitement or after physical activity. Although this can be temporary, it’s worth monitoring if it persists.