Shih Tzu are brachycephalic (short‑nosed) dogs; owners may describe stress or symptoms as snoring/snorting, “choking,” gagging, or sudden collapse after excitement, heat, or tight spaces, and breathing sounds can worsen with neck pressure or agitation. A calm, cool, quiet environment and minimal crowding often reduce distress during check‑in and handling, and gentle approaches around the face help because this breed’s prominent eyes can be easily irritated—owners may report squinting or rubbing after wind, debris, or grooming. If a caller reports open‑mouth breathing at rest, blue/gray gums or tongue, collapse, or a painful eye held closed, escalate immediately as a potential emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Shih Tzu—short‑nosed breeds can be sensitive to heat, excitement, and busy spaces. Is your dog currently open‑mouth breathing at rest, showing blue/gray gums or tongue, collapsed, or keeping an eye tightly closed? If yes, this may be life‑threatening—please come in immediately or go to the nearest emergency hospital. For visits, we’ll place you in a cool, quiet room and use gentle handling around the face; does your dog do best with you present and minimal restraint?
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic toy dogs with higher risk for breathing/heat-intolerance issues (BOAS), prominent-eye problems (dry eye, exposure injuries and corneal ulcers), spinal disc disease (IVDD) typical of chondrodystrophic breeds, urinary stones—especially calcium oxalate—and dental crowding/periodontal disease in small mouths. Escalate immediately if you see labored or noisy breathing, heat distress, blue/gray gums, or collapse; a painful, reddened, suddenly cloudy or bulging/protruding eye or the eye won’t open; repeated straining to urinate with little or no urine; or sudden hind-limb weakness/paralysis or severe back pain.
Front desk script: For Shih Tzus, we pay extra attention to breathing/heat tolerance, eye comfort, spine health, urinary stone tendency, and dental crowding. If you’re noticing breathing trouble, heat stress, a painful or bulging eye, straining to urinate, or sudden hind-limb weakness, please tell us now—these can be emergencies. Otherwise, we’ll note any concerns so the doctor can review them during today’s exam.
Shih Tzus are small, long‑haired, low‑shedding companions that need frequent brushing and regular professional grooming; typical lifespan is about 11–14 years. As a flat‑faced (brachycephalic) breed, they can overheat and have breathing difficulty—keep exercise modest, avoid hot/humid times, and use a harness instead of a neck collar. They’re prone to eye issues (dry eye, corneal injury) and dental disease, so routine preventive checks are important. Book a same‑day visit for new eye redness, squinting, thick discharge, or frequent rubbing. This is an emergency—go to an ER now—if there’s open‑mouth/struggling breathing at rest, blue or pale gums, collapse/overheating, or a bulging/injured eye.
Front desk script: For Shih Tzus, we recommend short, cooler‑time walks and consistent grooming since they’re flat‑faced and can overheat. If you notice eye squinting, redness, thick discharge, or constant rubbing, we should see your pet today. If your dog is breathing hard at rest, has blue/pale gums, collapses, or if an eye looks bulging or injured, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. I can schedule a checkup and note any eye or dental concerns for the doctor.
Shih Tzus (brachycephalic toy dogs) commonly trigger calls for: noisy/snoring breathing, heat or exercise intolerance; eye issues such as redness, thick discharge, squinting, or rubbing; itchy skin and recurrent ear complaints (scratching, head‑shaking, odor) linked to allergies; dental concerns like halitosis and tartar common in small/short‑muzzled dogs; anal‑sac signs (scooting, licking) seen more in small breeds; and occasional sudden back or neck pain/reluctance to jump due to disc disease risk. Escalate immediately if there is labored or open‑mouth breathing at rest, blue/gray gums, collapse, a very painful/closed or visibly injured eye, or sudden hind‑limb weakness/paralysis or loss of bladder/bowel control—these are emergencies.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Shih Tzu. If your pet has hard/labored breathing at rest, blue/gray gums, collapse, a very painful/closed or injured eye, or sudden back‑leg weakness, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now. Otherwise, we can book a same‑day exam; I’ll note whether the concern is eyes, ears/itching, scooting, dental odor, or noisy breathing and any photos/videos so the care team is ready.
Shih Tzus have a long, dense, low‑shedding coat that mats easily; schedule daily to every‑other‑day home brushing and professional grooming/bathing about every 6–8 weeks to prevent mats and keep face and sanitary areas tidy. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grooming-and-coat-care-for-your-dog)) Hair and limited air flow in the ear canals predispose to ear problems—ask about head shaking, odor, or discharge and arrange a same‑day exam if noted. ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/otitis-externa/otitis-externa-in-animals)) Their brachycephalic facial structure and periocular hair can irritate eyes; escalate urgently for eye redness, squinting, cloudiness, or excessive tearing. ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/en-us/veterinary/eye-diseases-and-disorders/ophthalmology/eyelids-in-animals)) Skin, ear, and eye issues are among the most common reasons Shih Tzus present to vets, so align wellness and grooming schedules and refer owners to experienced groomers; consider dermatology/ophthalmology referral if problems recur. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10807147/))
Front desk script: For Shih Tzus, we typically book routine grooming every 6–8 weeks and recommend frequent at‑home brushing; I can set up a recurring appointment and reminder. If you notice head shaking, ear odor/discharge, or any eye redness or squinting, please tell us—those need a same‑day doctor exam rather than a grooming visit. We can also refer you to a groomer experienced with brachycephalic breeds for face/ear/sanitary trims between vet visits.
Shih Tzu are brachycephalic toy dogs, so intake should screen first for breathing effort/noisy breathing, heat exposure, gagging/collapse, and gum color; any respiratory distress or cyanosis warrants immediate ER direction. Eye issues are common (prominent eyes; predisposition to corneal injury and dry eye/KCS), so squinting, eye held closed, sudden cloudiness, or new discharge should be routed for same‑day doctor evaluation. Ask about acute back/neck pain, reluctance to jump, hind‑limb weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control due to IVDD risk; inability to walk or urinary/fecal incontinence is an emergency. For non-urgent calls, route to wellness/dental consults (crowding/malocclusion common) and note brachycephalic considerations (avoid hot waiting areas, minimize stress); expect likely follow‑ups for ocular rechecks or airway/back assessments.
Front desk script: Because Shih Tzus are flat‑faced, if you’re seeing open‑mouth breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse, or heat exposure with labored breathing, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest ER now and we’ll alert them. If the eye is squinting, closed, red, suddenly cloudy, or there’s new discharge, we’ll schedule a same‑day doctor exam. Sudden back pain, hind‑leg weakness, or reluctance to jump needs prompt evaluation; if your dog can’t walk or can’t control urination/defecation, go to an ER immediately. Otherwise, I can book the next available appointment and add notes for dental and tear‑production checks.
Lifecycle overview for Shih Tzu: Puppies (to ~12 months) need a vaccine series every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks, plus deworming and early eye/dental checks; front-desk should coach owners on heat and breathing risks typical of brachycephalic breeds and set follow‑ups to complete the series. Adults (1–7 years) are usually booked for annual wellness, parasite prevention, and dental cleanings; flag caller concerns about noisy/labored breathing, exercise intolerance, coughing, or recurrent eye irritation for sooner appointments. Seniors (~8+ years for small breeds) are scheduled every 6 months with recommended screening labs per guidelines; staff should ask about changes in breathing or heat sensitivity, vision/eye pain, and sudden back pain or hind‑limb weakness (toy-breed IVDD risk). Escalate immediately if a caller reports labored/noisy breathing at rest, overheating, blue/pale gums, collapse, or a sudden eye injury.
Front desk script: To get the right visit, may I confirm your Shih Tzu’s age? Puppies under 16 weeks need vaccine boosters every 3–4 weeks; adults are seen yearly; seniors (about 8+ years) every 6 months with screening labs per guidelines. If you’re seeing labored or noisy breathing, heat exposure with distress, a sudden eye injury, collapse, or sudden inability to walk, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now—we can call ahead to alert them.
Shih Tzus are small, brachycephalic dogs; common owner concerns include dental disease and eye problems, plus ear and anal sac issues, so front desk teams should proactively ask about breathing effort at rest and heat sensitivity, snoring/exercise tolerance, eye rubbing/squinting/discharge or sudden cloudiness, mouth odor or reluctance to chew, and ear scratching. Set expectations that the doctor will prioritize checks of the eyes, teeth, and ears and may discuss preventive dental care. For arrivals on warm days, offer a quiet, cool wait and encourage use of a harness rather than a neck collar to reduce airway pressure. If a caller reports fast or labored breathing at rest, blue/gray gums, collapse, or a bulging/painful eye, advise immediate emergency care and to call en route.
Front desk script: Because Shih Tzus are flat‑faced, they can be sensitive to heat and are more prone to eye and dental issues. I’ll note any snoring, exercise intolerance, or eye rubbing you’ve seen so the doctor can focus on eyes, teeth, and ears today. If you ever notice difficult breathing at rest, blue or gray gums, collapse, or a suddenly bulging or very painful eye, that is an emergency—please come straight in or go to the nearest ER and call us on the way.
Shih Tzus are flat‑faced toy dogs prone to eye disease (dry eye/corneal ulcers), airway/heat intolerance, and early periodontal disease—so schedule annual ophthalmic checks (include tear testing at wellness), note harness use (avoid neck‑pressure collars), and plan an early dental evaluation/cleaning around 1 year with rechecks per doctor; triage calls for squinting, a closed/red eye, sudden cloudiness, or new discharge as same‑day; noisy or labored breathing, blue/pale gums, collapse, or heat exposure are emergencies—direct the client to an ER immediately.
Front desk script: For Shih Tzus, we recommend a yearly eye screening with a tear test and an early dental plan around 1 year because small, flat‑faced breeds develop issues sooner. If you’re seeing squinting, a closed or red eye, cloudiness, or new discharge, we’d like to see your dog today. If breathing is noisy or labored, gums look blue/pale, your pet collapses, or is overheated, please head to the nearest emergency hospital now—we can alert them you’re on the way.
Companion-oriented toy breed; usually friendly and tolerant with a calm, low‑to‑moderate energy level. Handle gently and keep stress/heat low—this brachycephalic breed can overheat or struggle to breathe under excitement or neck pressure; prefer harness control and quiet, cool rooms. Protect eyes during face handling/grooming (prominent eyes are injury‑prone). What most often matters at intake: recent breathing/noise/heat intolerance, any squinting/red or painful eye, and common primary‑care issues for Shih Tzu—dental disease, ear problems, and anal sac impaction.
Front desk script: Hi—thanks for bringing your Shih Tzu in. We’ll keep them cool and handle with a harness or gentle hold; please let us know about any noisy/open‑mouth breathing, heat intolerance, or recent eye squinting/redness. We often see this breed for dental, ear, or anal sac concerns—have you noticed mouth odor, head shaking/ear debris, or scooting? If you’re seeing open‑mouth breathing at rest, blue/pale gums, collapse, or a bulging/suddenly painful eye, please tell me now—we will treat that as an emergency and get immediate help.
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic (short‑nosed) dogs that can struggle with heat and stress, so keep them cool during transport/intake, use a harness (not a neck collar), and monitor closely for noisy/effortful breathing, cyanotic (blue/gray) gums, collapse, or heat exposure—treat these as emergencies. Their prominent eyes are injury‑prone and predisposed to conditions like dry eye; same‑day evaluation is warranted for squinting, redness, cloudiness, discharge, or a suddenly bulging/protruding eye. Expect higher grooming needs (facial/coat/ears) and dental crowding that may require follow‑up planning post‑adoption. Flag potential airway/eye concerns during matchmaking and advise adopters on calm exercise, cool environments, and early wellness scheduling.
Front desk script: This breed has a short nose and can overheat or breathe poorly under stress—if you ever notice noisy or labored breathing, blue gums, collapse, or heat exposure, please tell us immediately; that is an emergency. Their eyes are delicate—if you see squinting, redness, cloudiness, discharge, or a suddenly bulging eye, we recommend a same‑day exam. We’ll note grooming and dental needs and set up an early post‑adoption check. We also suggest a harness instead of a neck collar for walks.
Shih Tzus are typically affectionate, people‑oriented, and tolerant with handling, though some can be a bit stubborn; many are friendly with strangers and other pets. As a small, brachycephalic breed, they can overheat or become short of breath when stressed—seat in a cool, quiet area away from rowdy dogs, minimize lobby time, and prefer a harness over neck pressure. At check‑in and handoff, note any noisy breathing/snorting, gagging or reverse sneezing, and heat/exercise intolerance. If you observe open‑mouth breathing at rest, loud stridor, gray/blue gums, weakness, or collapse, alert the medical team and move the pet to a treatment area immediately (treat as an emergency).
Front desk script: Hi [Client], since Shih Tzus can get warm or short of breath more easily, we’ll seat you in a cooler, quieter spot and bring you back as soon as a room is ready. If you notice loud snorting or open‑mouth breathing, blue‑tinged gums, or weakness, please tell me right away so we can alert the medical team immediately. If you have a harness, please keep it on and avoid tight collar pressure at the neck.
Shih Tzus (a brachycephalic breed) warrant same‑day or emergency escalation for: any labored/noisy breathing, open‑mouth breathing at rest, blue/pale gums, collapse, or heat exposure with heavy panting/drooling/confusion/seizures (treat as emergency); sudden eye issues—squinting or holding an eye closed, marked redness/cloudiness, a noticeably bulging/protruding eye, the eye out of the socket, or any eye trauma (emergency); a persistent honking cough with respiratory distress or cyanosis (same‑day/ER); and repeated straining to urinate with little or no urine produced, especially in males (emergency). When in doubt, advise immediate in‑person triage.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this can be an emergency for Shih Tzus. If your dog has labored or noisy breathing, blue/pale gums, collapses, or shows overheating signs, please go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now—I can call ahead. If the eye is bulging, held shut, suddenly very red/cloudy, or there’s eye trauma, we’ll escalate you for immediate same‑day evaluation; if the eyeball looks out of the socket, proceed straight to the ER. If he is straining and not producing urine, that is an emergency—head to the ER now.