5 Outdoor Elements that are Dangerous

for a Shih Tzu to Lick

Overview

Getting your Shih Tzu outside for some fresh air and activity is an essential part of maintaining good health. But, as pet parents, we must be vigilant about the diverse and sometimes hidden dangers that our sweet Shih Tzu puppies and dogs may encounter during their outdoor explorations. This article covers the top 5 things that can pose a danger to a Shih Tzu if merely licked, even if they are not ingested. 

Please note: AllShihTzu is reader-supported. Some links below may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission on products through these, at no extra cost to you.

How to Stop a Shih Tzu from Licking or Touching Dangerous Things

Before we dive in, it’s important to understand how to prevent and respond to potentially risky encounters. While avoiding all outdoor threats is challenging, here are some effective strategies:

1. Use a Harness Vest: Ensure your Shih Tzu wears a harness vest, such as the EcoBark Adjustable Halter Vest. This is particularly important for brachycephalic breeds like the Shih Tzu, as harnesses help prevent breathing impairments that collars can cause. In the context of preventing risky licking, a harness allows you to quickly pull your dog back to safety or even lift them without causing injury. 
2. Close Supervision: Watch your Shih Tzu closely during walks or outdoor play and be ready to intervene promptly if necessary. 
3. Training and Commands: Teach your Shih Tzu basic commands like "leave it" or "no." 
4. Regular Yard Checks: If you have a yard, routinely inspect it to ensure it is free from risky elements. 
5. Safe Play Areas: Designate specific safe areas for play and exploration free from known hazards. These can include fenced-in sections of your yard or specific well-maintained parks. 

Now, let’s see the 5 things a Shih Tzu should never lick, to ensure their safety during your outdoor adventures.

#1 Certain Toads

This is one of the top things a dog should not lick, and for good reason. Certain toad species can excrete toxins through their skin, posing a serious threat to our canine friends, even from just a lick or mouthing.

Cane Toad and Colorado River Toad: 

These toads are found primarily in the southern United States and are known for their highly toxic secretions. The Cane Toad, prevalent in areas like Florida and Texas, has a distinctive cream-to-grey coloration and a robust, warty body. The Colorado River Toad, or the Sonoran Desert Toad, is primarily found in the southwestern United States, including Arizona and California.

If licked or mouthed, both species pose serious risks due to their potent toxins, which can cause severe symptoms in dogs, such as drooling, head shaking, loss of coordination, convulsions, and, in severe cases, death. These toads are most active during the warmer months, especially at night and after rainfall, when it's crucial to be extra vigilant. 

Lesser-Known Toads:

Beyond the well-known dangers of the Cane Toad and Colorado River Toad, other species such as the American Toad and the Giant Toad (also known as the Marine Toad) present their own unique risks. The American Toad, found in the Eastern and Central U.S., is generally brown or olive with a bumpy texture and can secrete a milder toxin that causes symptoms like vomiting and drooling if licked or mouthed.

In contrast, the Giant Toad, prevalent in Florida and Texas, is notably larger and has a stocky build with dry, warty skin. This toad is extremely dangerous due to the large amount of potent toxin it can release if licked or mouthed, leading to more severe reactions in dogs. 

Immediate Actions If a Shih Tzu Licks or Mouths a Poisonous Toad:

If your little guy or gal does encounter a toxic toad, immediate action is crucial.

1. Gently rinse your Shih Tzu’s mouth with water, using a slow stream from a hose or a turkey baster filled with water, to flush out the toxin. Carefully angle the stream to the sides of the mouth to avoid sending water down the throat, which could cause aspiration. 
2. After rinsing, seek veterinary care without delay, even if no symptoms are apparent initially.

Preventive Measures:

Learning about the local wildlife in your area and taking preventive measures during active toad seasons can significantly reduce the risks these amphibians pose to your Shih Tzu. And always supervise closely when outdoors, especially in regions where these toxic toads are prevalent.

#2 Some Marine Life Common on Shorelines

For those living near the coast, the allure of the ocean can bring unexpected risks from marine life such as jellyfish, pufferfish, and other hazardous creatures that may wash up on the shoreline. These animals can be toxic or cause physical harm if licked by our canine family members, without the need for ingestion. It is important to note that some of these animals can remain dangerous even after they are dead.

Jellyfish:

These creatures can be found along many coastlines, including the east, west, and southern coasts of the United States. They come in various sizes and colors, but many are translucent with bell-shaped bodies. Not all jellyfish are highly toxic, but many species have stinging cells (nematocysts) that can inject toxins, causing a range of pain and health issues. This can happen even after they are dead and washed up on the beach.

Jellyfish are more prevalent during certain times of the year, often referred to as "jellyfish season," which typically occurs in the warmer spring, summer and early autumn months. If a dog licks or mouths a jellyfish, it can lead to symptoms including extreme pain, drooling, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing and shock. 

Portuguese Man O' War: 

Often mistaken for jellyfish, Portuguese Man O' War are actually siphonophores and can be found along the east and southern coasts of the United States. Like jellyfish, these creatures have long tentacles that can deliver painful stings by releasing toxins. The Portuguese Man O' War has a blue, pink, or purple balloon-like float and long, trailing tentacles. They can wash up on beaches after storms or strong winds and pose a significant sting hazard even when dead. Contact can cause severe pain, welts, and in some cases, systemic reactions. 

Pufferfish:

Pufferfish can be found on both the east and west coasts of the United States, possibly washing up on shore, and can be particularly intriguing to a curious dog. These fish have a distinctive, bloated appearance with spines and can be yellow, brown, or gray. They contain a potent toxin called tetrodotoxin in their skin and organs, which is highly toxic. This toxin remains potent even after the fish is dead. If a dog just licks or mouths a pufferfish, it can cause symptoms including drooling, tremors, vomiting, paralysis, and in severe cases, death. The toxin acts quickly, so immediate action is critical.

Sea Urchins: 

Sea urchins can be found along the east and west coasts of the United States, particularly in rocky areas and tide pools. Sea urchins are usually round and covered in long, sharp spines that can be black, purple, or red. The sharp spines can inject venom and cause severe pain, swelling, and potential infection if licked or mouthed. Sea urchins can still be dangerous after they are dead because their spines can remain sharp and venomous.

Immediate Actions If a Shih Tzu Licks, Sniffs, or Mouths Dangerous Marine Life: 

1. Keep Calm and Restrict Movement: Keeping your dog calm and still can help prevent the spread of toxins.
2. Rinse the Affected Area: If your Shih Tzu has come into contact with a jellyfish or Portuguese Man O' War, gently rinse the area with seawater (not freshwater) to remove any tentacles. Do not rub the area as this can release more venom.
3. Seek Veterinary Care Without Delay: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Quickly transporting your Shih Tzu to a veterinary hospital is critical for managing marine life toxin exposure. If possible, inform them in advance that you are coming with a potential marine toxin case.
4. Identification: If it can be done safely, try to identify the marine creature for the veterinarian. Take note of its appearance, but do not attempt to handle it if it poses any danger.

Preventive Measures:

Understanding the appearance and habitats of these marine creatures can help prevent dangerous encounters. Always supervise your Shih Tzu closely when at the beach, and keep them on a harness and leash to help avoid potential risks. Avoid allowing your Shih Tzu to investigate washed-up marine life, and be cautious of the areas you visit during jellyfish season or in regions where other hazardous marine life are common.

#3 Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails can be found in various environments, often around houses, near doorways, on sidewalks, and in gardens, especially in damp and shaded areas. These mollusks are particularly prevalent in moist climates and can be found across different parts of the United States, though they are more common in the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, and other areas with high humidity. Both slugs and snails have soft, elongated bodies. Snails have a hard, coiled shell on their back, while slugs lack this shell and have a more exposed, slimy appearance.

Lungworm Parasite:

The primary danger of dogs coming into contact with slugs and snails comes from the lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus vasorum). The prevalence of lungworm in slugs and snails can range from about 5% to 30%, depending on the region. This parasite can be transmitted to dogs if they lick or ingest these creatures, as the lungworm larvae are present in the mucus secreted by slugs and snails. Even after these mollusks are dead, the lungworm larvae can still be present on their bodies, posing a risk to dogs.

Lungworm Infection:

If a dog ingests lungworm larvae, whether by licking or eating a slug or snail, the parasites migrate through the dog's body and settle in the blood vessels of the lungs and heart. This can lead to symptoms including coughing, breathing difficulties, lethargy, weight loss, and in severe cases, heart failure. Early detection and treatment by a veterinarian are crucial to managing a lungworm infection. 

Immediate Actions If a Shih Tzu Licks, Mouths or Tries to Eat a Slug or Snail: 

1. Seek Veterinary Care Without Delay: If you suspect your dog has licked or mouthed a slug or snail, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Early intervention is essential to manage any potential lungworm infection.
2. Monitor for Symptoms While Awaiting Veterinary Advice: While waiting for veterinary care, observe your Shih Tzu closely for any signs of lungworm infection, such as coughing, breathing difficulties, or lethargy.

Preventive Measures:

Understanding the habitats of slugs and snails can help prevent dangerous encounters. Always supervise your Shih Tzu closely when they are outdoors, especially in damp areas where slugs and snails are likely to be found. To keep slugs and snails out of your garden and nearby areas, consistently clear away debris like fallen leaves and plant material.

Additionally, watering plants in the morning rather than the evening can make the environment less favorable for slugs. You may also wish to consider using pet-safe slug repellents and/or barriers to reduce their presence; some ethical options include copper tape, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth placed around plants to create barriers that slugs are reluctant to cross. 

#4 Mushrooms (Certain Wild Species)

Taking your Shih Tzu for some adventures in forests, parks or other outdoor areas is great way to have some fun, but please be aware of the risks some wild mushrooms present. Certain species can be toxic or cause physical harm if licked by a dog, even without ingestion. The toxins can be absorbed through the mucous membranes in a dog's mouth, leading to serious health issues.

It's important to note that some of these mushrooms can remain toxic and dangerous to canines even after they have been picked or have died, whether they are still attached to the ground or lying detached and loose on the ground.

The Most Common Dangerous Mushrooms for a Dog to Lick:

• Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric): Found in wooded areas across North America, particularly near birch, pine, spruce, fir, and cedar trees. Recognizable by their bright red or orange caps with white spots, these mushrooms can cause toxin absorption through a dog's mucous membranes just by licking. The isoxazole toxins induce severe neurological symptoms, including confusion, visual distortions, muscle tremors, seizures, and can be fatal.
• Amanita Pantherina (Panther Cap): These mushrooms have brown caps with white spots and grow near coniferous and deciduous trees, especially oaks and pines. Licking or mouthing these can lead to toxin absorption through mucous membranes. The isoxazole toxins can cause excessive sedation, trouble walking, disorientation, seizures, and potentially fatal respiratory depression.
• Amanita Phalloides (Death Cap): Common in California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northeast. These mushrooms, with smooth greenish caps, are often found near oak and pine trees, in grassy fields, urban areas, and possibly backyards. Amatoxins in Death Caps primarily affect the liver, causing liver failure. Toxin absorption through skin or mucous membranes leads to vomiting, loose stools or diarrhea, lethargy, and jaundice.
• Galerina Marginata: Found on decaying wood throughout the U.S., these small brown mushrooms contain amatoxins similar to Death Caps. They grow in forests, gardens, and urban areas with decaying wood. Licking or mouthing these mushrooms can cause severe liver damage, leading to liver failure and death if not treated promptly.

Immediate Actions If a Shih Tzu Licks, Mouths or Eats Toxic Mushrooms:

1. Keep Calm and Restrict Movement: Keeping your dog calm and still can help prevent the spread of toxins.
2. Seek Veterinary Care Without Delay: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Quickly transporting your Shih Tzu to a veterinary hospital is critical for managing mushroom toxin exposure. If possible, inform them in advance that you are coming with a potential mushroom toxin case.
3. Identification: If it can be done safely, try to identify the mushroom for the veterinarian. Take note of its appearance, but do not attempt to handle it if it poses any danger.
   

Preventive Measures:

Recognizing the appearance and habitats of toxic mushrooms can help you identify potential dangers in areas you and your Shih Tzu visit. Always supervise your little guy or gal closely when they are outdoors, especially in locations where mushrooms are likely to grow.

#5 Specific Outdoor Plants

Some common plants and shrubs found in gardens, parks and landscaped areas can pose risks to dogs, even with minimal contact such as licking. This can occur because toxins from some plants can swiftly enter a dog's system through the mucous membranes in their mouth, leading to a rapid onset of symptoms. These toxins may affect vital functions like heart rhythm, liver health, or the nervous system.

The Most Common Dangerous Plants for a Dog to Lick:

• Azalea: These have vibrant flowers in various colors such as pink, red, white, and purple. The leaves and flowers contain grayanotoxins. Licking can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, weakness, paralysis, and heart failure.
• Daffodils: These popular spring flowers have yellow or white trumpet-shaped blooms and long, slender green leaves. Daffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids that can be harmful if licked, causing drooling, vomiting, and more severe reactions like tremors and heart issues.
• Foxglove: This plant has tall spikes of tubular flowers that are usually purple, pink, or white. Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to dogs. Licking can result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart failure.
• Lily of the Valley: This plant has compact, bell-shaped white flowers and broad green leaves. Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a decrease in heart rate, and potentially severe cardiac arrhythmias if licked.
• Oleander: This is a shrub with long, narrow leaves and produces clusters of white, pink, red, or yellow flowers. Every part of this plant is highly toxic, and licking can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening heart abnormalities.
• Sago Palm: These are popular in landscaping, particularly in warmer regions. They have feathery leaves and a rough trunk. Every part of the Sago Palm is toxic, but the seeds (nuts) contain the highest concentration of cycasin. Licking the plant can cause drooling, vomiting, and even liver damage.
• Yew: This is a shrub with dark green needle-like leaves and red berries. All parts, except for the flesh of the berries, are toxic. Licking can result in symptoms like drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and potentially death.

Immediate Actions If a Shih Tzu Licks Toxic Plants: 

1. Keep Calm and Restrict Movement: Keeping your Shih Tzu calm and still can help reduce the chance of the toxins circulating quickly through their bloodstream.
2. Rinse the Mouth: If possible, gently rinse your dog's mouth with water to remove any plant residue. Use a slow stream of water and avoid forcing water down their throat to prevent aspiration. You can use a turkey baster or a cup for this. Try to direct the water to the sides of the mouth to encourage them to spit it out. If your Shih Tzu instinctively swallows some water, it should not cause additional harm, but the goal is to remove as much residue as possible.
3. Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unlike ingestion of some toxins where inducing vomiting might be recommended, licking toxic plants does not generally require this step and can be harmful without veterinary guidance.
4. Seek Veterinary Care Without Delay: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Quickly transporting your Shih Tzu to a veterinary hospital is important for managing plant toxin exposure. If possible, inform them in advance that you are coming with a potential plant toxin case. 
5. Identification: Bring a sample of the plant if you can safely do so, to help with identification and treatment.

Preventive Measures:

Knowing the appearance and habitats of these plants can help you identify and avoid them, keeping your Shih Tzu safe. Always supervise your little guy or gal closely when they are outdoors, especially in areas where these plants are likely to grow.

A Final Note

Spending time outside with your Shih Tzu can be a wonderful part of your daily routine, offering fresh air and enjoyable moments together. And physical activity certainly plays a big role in a dog's overall health and well-being. However, it's important to stay vigilant about the unexpected hazards that could pose a threat with just a lick. From toxic toads and stinging marine life to slugs, snails, mushrooms, and certain plants, being aware of these risks helps protect your sweet Shih Tzu.

Practical strategies like using a harness vest, close supervision, basic command training, and regular yard checks can make all the difference. These proactive steps ensure that your Shih Tzu remains healthy and happy during your outdoor escapades.