Shih Tzu Health - Emergencies

Whether you are looking at getting a Shih Tzu or have owned them all your life, you know the importance of knowing all the angles of Shih Tzu health. Unfortunately, emergencies are possible when you own a Shih Tzu and knowing how to handle them will serve you well. Here are a few tips for handling specific emergencies.

Bleeding

If the bleeding is serious from a cut pad, etc., use any sort of available clean cloth to form a tight bandage. If possible, use a plastic bag between the layers of bandage to contain the blood. If bandaging is impossible or impractical, use your fingers or hand to try and control the bleeding. Try to have a clean cloth between your hand and the wound. Get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible and try to prevent the blood loss as much as possible. If you have applied a very tight bandage to the limb, be sure that it is not left on for more than 15-20 minutes without changing the bandage.

Burns

Cool the burn with cold water as soon as possible and keep covered with damp towels. If the burn was caused by a caustic or chemical substance, try and wash as much of it away as possible with cool water. If the burn is in the mouth, press cloths soaked in cool water between your dog's jaws and hold in place. If a vet is needed, try to get your dog there as soon as you can.

Eye Injuries

Breed standards for the Shih Tzu breed wants the dogs to have large, round eyes and consequently, their eyes can be injured quite easily. Grass seeds, bits of dust or dirt or even scratches from cats' claws or sticks can cause such injuries. Cover the injured eye with a pad that has been soaked in saline solution or cold water. Contact your veterinarian.

Try to review emergency plans and first aid information often to be ready when those unexpected things occur. "Be prepared" is a good motto when dealing with Shih Tzu health emergencies.