Shih Tzu Colds and Flu

Overview

Shih Tzu dogs, just like other canines, can catch colds and flus. It’s important to note that if a Shih Tzu has a cold or flu, this is very different than having a condition that falls under Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS), which is an umbrella term that encompasses breathing issues related to body structure (trachea issues, soft palate, stenotic nares, and collapsed larynx).

However, given that Shih Tzu dogs are prone to breathing issues, providing proper care during a cold or flu is crucial. Let's delve into essential knowledge for preparing for or managing a Shih Tzu's cold or flu effectively.

Symptoms of Colds or Flu with Shih Tzu Dogs

While at first, symptoms may seem to be the same across all types of canine colds and flus, there are a few differences with some viruses and how it affects dogs. First, let’s look at the general symptoms. Coming up, we will discuss the signs of specific types of colds or flu, which can help you diagnose what may be ailing your Shih Tzu.

In general, colds and flus in Shih Tzu will cause: Coughing (dry or wet), sneezing, nasal discharge and/or congestion, watery eyes, fever and changes in appetite or behavior. There may also be: sore throat, lethargy and/or body aches.

If left untreated, or particularly with younger or senior dogs, colds or flus can progress into bronchitis, pneumonia or kennel cough.

Types of Colds and Flu Seen with Shih Tzu Dogs

The most common colds and flus that affect Shih Tzu dogs and their symptoms:

1) Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV). The most common symptoms are congested nasal passages, throat (pharynx), and bronchial tubes; this does not typically advance into the lungs. Coughs can be dry or wet. Fever is typically low grade (103 F / 39.4 C). There may be lethargy and reduced appetite. Symptoms usually resolve in 6 to 14 days. It is highly contagious between dogs. It can lead to tracheobronchitis (aka kennel cough), especially when coupled with bordetella bronchiseptica or canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2).

2) Canine influenza virus (CIV), also known as dog flu. In North American, this is most often caused by 1 of 2 viruses: H3N8 or H3N2. The most common symptoms are thick nasal congestion, chronic cough, runny eyes, lethargy, and reduced appetite. Fever is typically high (104 F / 40 C to 105 F / 40.5 C). Symptoms usually resolve in 14 to 21 days, but dogs can spread this up to 2 weeks after symptoms go away. It is highly contagious between dogs. This also can lead to tracheobronchitis (aka kennel cough).

3) Canine adenovirus virus-2 (CAV-2). The most common symptoms are nasal discharge, a dry cough, retching or gagging sometimes along with coughing up white foam (usually seen at the end of a coughing fit), and possible conjunctivitis. Fever can range from low to high (103 F / 39.4 C and up).

4) Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis). Most Shih Tzu dogs with kennel cough have had a history of respiratory infections. If their condition evolves into tracheobronchitis, characterized by inflamed bronchial walls, prompt veterinary attention is crucial, especially given this breed's susceptibility to bronchial issues due to their brachycephalic nature.

The primary symptom of kennel cough is spasmodic coughing, which can be dry and honking or accompanied by mucus. Coughing often worsens post-rest due to mucus buildup and may lead to retching or gagging, sometimes producing white foam. Other signs include a runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and usually a low-grade fever (around 103 F/39.4 C).

Other Possible Issues Related to Colds or Flus: These are many other less common issues that could be at play if your suspect your Shih Tzu has a cold. While rare, this includes bordetella bronchiseptica and canine distemper (there are vaccines for these; more ahead), streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (also known as Strep zoo), and canine coronavirus (this is believed to primarily induce gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs, although it may also play a role in upper respiratory problems in certain instances).

It is also possible that what seems to be a cold is actually allergies, which can develop at any age.

How High of a Fever is Too High?

The normal body temperature of Shih Tzu dogs, and other canines, is 101 to 102.5 F (38 to 39 C). Anything over 102.5 F (39 C) means that your Shih Tzu has a fever. And if it reaches 106 F (41 C) this is considered an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Diagnosing Colds or the Flu

If your Shih Tzu has severe cold and symptoms, symptoms that do not clear up after 5 to 10 days, has troubling breathing or has stopped eating, bring them in for a vet check asap. The vet will most likely perform a physical exam, run a complete blood count (CBC) and may take a chest x-ray. In some cases, a mucus sample will be taken to help diagnose the exact virus or bacteria that may be at play.

Treatment of Colds and Flu with Shih Tzu Dogs

Depending on the exact type of cold or flu a Shih Tzu has, treatment will vary.

Veterinary treatment: For fever, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) may be recommended or prescribed. Antibiotics will be given if there is a secondary bacterial infection. Depending on the severity of a cough, cough suppressants may be needed, as well as bronchodilator treatments.

At home care: If your Shih Tzu has a cold or flu and symptoms are mild or the veterinarian has cleared your puppy or dog from more serious illness as listed earlier (and thus ruled out the need for antibiotics, cough suppressants, bronchodilator treatments, and other prescribed treatments), there are several things you can do at home to help your Shih Tzu feel better.

A cool-mist humidifier. Running this near your Shih Tzu can help alleviate nasal congestion. It can also help ease a sore throat.
Warm steam can help if the bronchial tubes are affected (have your Shih Tzu breathe in the steam from the shower).
Offer lots of water. It’s important to help keep your Shih Tzu hydrated.
Remove mucus from the facial hairs and nostrils by using a soft, damp washcloth or canine facial wipes.
Allow for plenty of rest. Take a pause on long walks until your Shih Tzu’s energy level has returned and their breathing is back to normal.
Keep your Shih Tzu from other dogs for 2 to 4 weeks after symptoms have resolved.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine for the canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8 and H3N2, though this is not recommended for all dogs; you will want to check with your Shih Tzu’s vet. There is also a vaccine for canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV). Sometimes this is given alone or alongside the vaccine for Canine adenovirus virus-2 (CAV-2) and/or bordetella bronchiseptica. And sometimes it is given as part of the DHPP vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) which is given in intervals during a pup’s first 16 months.

Which vaccines are given often depend on your Shih Tzu’s age and risk level to exposure, among other things, so you will want to check with the veterinarian.

Can Shih Tzu Dogs Catch Colds from Humans?

The short answer is, it’s very unlikely. If you have a cold and are caring for a Shih Tzu, chances are very low that you can pass it on. This is because the viruses that cause colds in humans are different from those that cause colds and flus in canines. The most common cold virus seen with people, rhinovirus, cannot spread to dogs. And per the CDC, COVID-19 can spread from people to animals, but is almost always very mild in pets.

Can Shih Tzu Dogs Spread their Colds to Humans?

The (very) short answer is no. Canine colds and flus are not zoonotic, meaning they cannot spread to humans.

A Final Note

If your Shih Tzu has a cold or flu, chances are that it will be mild enough to treat at home by offering at-home care such as humidifiers, steam, lots of water and rest. But, if your Shih Tzu breathing is moderately affected, it is best to have them examined by the vet, as brachycephalic breeds are more prone to cold and flu complications that may require antibiotics and other treatments.

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