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Acting Strange

Shih Tzu Strange and Odd Behavior

Overview

Is your Shih Tzu acting strange, odd or otherwise out of sorts? If so, you're come to the right place. This article covers strange behavior that is actually normal for this breed, behaviors that do point to there being an issue, and possible causes.

Seemingly Strange Things a Shih Tzu May Do That Are Actually Normal

#1 Sniffing Everything in Sight

Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, estimated to be tens of thousands of times more acute than ours. This olfactory prowess can drive a Shih Tzu to sniff almost everything they encounter. It's a Shih Tzu’s way of understanding the world, akin to how humans use their eyes. Sniffing allows dogs to detect pheromones, understand social hierarchies, and even sense emotional states or illnesses.

#2 Chasing Their Tails

Often perceived as a comical or neurotic act, tail chasing is a normal behavior, especially in Shih Tzu puppies. It can be a form of play or a way to expend excess energy. However, if this is excessively repetitive for your Shih Tzu, it might indicate boredom or a health issue, necessitating a vet checkup.

#3 Digging Holes

Many dog breeds have a strong instinct to dig, a trait inherited from their ancestors who dug for various reasons - to find food, create a shelter, or hide their valuables. And while the Shih Tzu is not a classic digging dog, this behavior can sometimes be seen.

#4 Zoomies (running wildly)

Zoomies, formally known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are bursts of energy that dogs exhibit, often running wildly in circles or back and forth in an energetic display. This behavior is entirely normal and common among canines, serving as a way for them to release pent-up energy. Zoomies are especially prevalent in puppies and young dogs, though a Shih Tzu of any age can partake in this spirited activity. Witnessing your little guy or gal engage in zoomies is not only amusing but also a healthy indication that they are happy and physically active.

#5 Circling Before Lying Down

Canines circle before settling down as a remnant of their wild ancestry from very long ago, where circling was a way to flatten grass or snow and drive away pests before lying down. It is also a way to find the most comfortable position, ensuring safety and security.

#6 Burying Toys or Treats

Burying is an instinctual behavior for all dogs, including the Shih Tzu breed. They may desire to hide their favorite toys or treats (to eat later). This seemingly odd behavior can happen even if no one normally goes near a Shih Tzu’s most prized toys; they may simply prefer to stash them away. And a Shih Tzu’s choice of hiding areas may be odd in itself!

#7 Shaking Off Without Being Wet

Shih Tzu dogs may shake off even when they're not wet. This behavior is a stress reliever and a way to reset their system, similar to how humans might take a deep breath or stretch.

#8 Rolling in Smelly Things

Dogs seem to have a bizarre penchant for rolling in smelly substances. Some believe this canine behavior has roots in their hunting past, where masking their scent with environmental odors was a strategy to go undetected by prey. And while the Shih Tzu breed is far removed from those wild dogs from ages ago, and spent centuries being developed as a spoiled and revered lap dog, don’t be surprised if your little guy or gal heads for sticky things to check them out or roll in them. This said, if your Shih Tzu likes to roll in feces, this is something that should be addressed.

#9 Leaning on People

Some Shih Tzu dogs lean on their owners or other humans as a sign of affection or a request for attention. It can also be a sign of anxiety or a desire for reassurance. This is part of a Shih Tzu’s unspoken body language.

#10 Staring at a Wall.

Staring at a wall is a strange behavior that might catch a pet parent's attention, yet it can be a part of normal canine curiosity. Dogs have keen senses and may detect sounds or smells that are not apparent to humans, such as the presence of an animal outside the house or even inside a wall, like rodents. This acute sensory perception can lead them to focus intently on a specific spot as they try to discern the source of their interest.

Strange Things a Shih Tzu May Do that Are Indeed Odd and Should be Addressed

Shih Tzu dogs, with their varied personalities and habits, can sometimes exhibit behaviors that are out of the ordinary. While certain strange actions are harmless, others can be indicators of underlying physical or emotional issues. Let’s see what could be a cause for concern.

#1 Excessive Licking or Chewing

Dogs naturally engage in licking or chewing themselves as part of their grooming routine, a behavior that helps them stay clean. However, when these actions escalate to excessive or obsessive levels, it's a signal that should not be ignored. Excessive licking or chewing can point to underlying issues such as skin conditions triggered by allergies or infestations, discomfort from conditions like arthritis, or emotional distress manifesting from stress and anxiety.

#2 Pacing and Restlessness

Constant pacing or restlessness with a Shih Tzu sometimes signals discomfort or pain, reflecting physical issues that need addressing. This behavior can also stem from psychological distress, such as separation anxiety, which becomes particularly evident when behaviors like whining or barking occur as soon as a Shih Tzu is left alone. Additionally, such restlessness may point to a need for more mental stimulation or physical exercise.

#3 Excessive Thirst or Urination

If a Shih Tzu has a sudden change in drinking and more frequent urination, this can be symptoms of various conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing's disease. Always consult a vet if you notice a marked increase in your little guy or gal’s water consumption or urination frequency.

#4 Aggression or Sudden Behavioral Changes

A friendly Shih Tzu (and most are!) suddenly displaying aggression or a change in behavior (like increased fearfulness or sudden shyness) could be experiencing pain, discomfort, or neurological issues. This shift could also result from environmental stressors or anxiety.

#5 Changes in Sleeping Patterns

A Shih Tzu's sleep patterns are crucial for gauging their health. Excessive sleep or lethargy may signal health problems like hypothyroidism or depression. Such conditions can lower their energy, causing unusual tiredness. On the flip side, if your Shih Tzu is experiencing insomnia or shows signs of restlessness at night, this too warrants attention. Such changes can be indicative of discomfort, anxiety, or other health concerns. Monitoring your Shih Tzu's sleep habits and consulting with the veterinarian if you notice significant deviations can help ensure that any potential health issues are addressed promptly, maintaining your little guy or gal's health and happiness.

#6 Scooting or Licking Rear End

Scooting occasionally reflects normal canine behavior, often a response to an itch. However, if your Shih Tzu frequently scoots across the floor or grass or excessively licks their rear end, it could indicate anal gland issues, such as impaction or infection, causing discomfort. This behavior might also suggest the presence of intestinal parasites or allergies, leading to irritation. Monitoring these signs and seeking veterinary consultation for diagnosis and treatment is crucial to address the underlying cause and ensure your little guy or gal's comfort and health.

#7 Excessive Drooling

An sudden increase in drooling, coupled with bad breath, might suggest dental issues, such as periodontal disease, oral infections like abscesses, or gastrointestinal disturbances, including obstructions or upset stomachs. For the Shih Tzu breed, it's crucial to recognize that excessive salivation can also be a symptom of heat stroke or exposure to poisonous substances, which requires urgent medical attention. Additionally, if drooling is accompanied by symptoms like loss of appetite, vomiting, or unusual lethargy, it could indicate more specific health problems, such as kidney disease or liver issues, necessitating prompt veterinary intervention to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

#8 Repetitive Behaviors

Repetitive behaviors such as tail chasing, spinning, or constant barking can signal compulsive disorders, which are frequently rooted in stress, anxiety, or boredom. These patterns of action might not only reflect psychological distress but could also suggest underlying neurological issues in certain situations. In addition, such compulsive behaviors, if left unaddressed, can escalate, leading to physical injuries or exacerbating the stress and anxiety levels in dogs, making early intervention crucial.

#9 Hiding or Withdrawal

Hiding during startling events like fireworks or thunderstorms is normal. But if a Shih Tzu suddenly starts hiding or becomes withdrawn for no apparent reason, this could indicate pain or feeling unwell. Emotional distress due to changes in the environment (like a new pet or a move) can also cause this behavior.

#10 Suddenly Eating Less

A sudden decrease in appetite in dogs warrants attention. Factors such as changes in environment, routine disruptions, mild tummy troubles, or pickiness can affect their willingness to eat. However, dental issues, while common, can lead to significant discomfort and should not be overlooked. Additionally, weight loss accompanying reduced appetite could signal serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or gastrointestinal issues, making it crucial to seek veterinary advice promptly.

#11 Eating Grass

Eating grass is a behavior often observed in dogs, including the Shih Tzu, and warrants attention. Various theories propose that dogs may eat grass to induce vomiting if they're feeling nauseous or uncomfortable, suggesting a self-soothing mechanism. In other instances, this behavior might indicate a nutritional deficiency, signaling that a dog's diet lacks specific essential nutrients. For this reason, this odd behavior warrants a closer examination of a Shih Tzu's dietary needs, making adjustments to ensure they are receiving a balanced and complete diet.

#12 Excessive Panting or Difficulty Breathing

While dogs pant to cool down, excessive panting, especially in cooler conditions, could be a sign of heatstroke, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular problems. And since the Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed, prone to breathing issues such as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) which encompasses trachea issues, elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and collapsed larynx, this odd behavior should not be ignored.

A Final Note

While some unusual and seemingly strange behaviors with a Shih Tzu may simply be quirks, others can be vital clues to underlying physical or emotional issues. Promptly addressing these signs and consulting with a veterinarian can ensure the well-being and happiness of our beloved Shih Tzu puppies and dogs, allowing them to lead a healthy, joyful life.