My Shih Tzu Seems Sad: 10 Sad Shih Tzu Causes & Solutions

Shih Tzu owners always think of my Shih Tzu seems sad because of the begging looks of a Shih Tzu when they demand attention from their owners.

In this post, we will outline and discuss things that make Shih Tzus sad and also outline some signs of a sad Shih Tzus.

Finally, we will outline what makes Shih Tzus happy, so sit tight and let’s look at why your Shih Tzu seems sad.

Feeling sad can also be one of the reasons why Shih Tzus cry and whine when they don’t get the needed attention.

My Shih Tzu Seems Sad

Shih Tzus are tiny breeds of dogs that have been carefully developed to thrive on human company, therefore, sickness, injury, boredom, a change in your dog’s food or daily routine, separation anxiety, and mistreatment are all potential reasons why Shih Tzus might suddenly seem sad.

When your Shih Tzu starts feeling sad, you will definitely know because Shih Tzus are lively dogs that are always seeking the owner’s attention.

Let’s now go into details on what makes Shih Tzus sad or depressed, which can lead to unnecessary Shih Tzu behavior problems.

Why Shih Tzus feel sad

Here are some common reasons why Shih Tzus feel sad and maybe depressed, if not given attention:

Shih Tzus feel sad when they don’t get owners attention

The compelling reason Shih Tzus grieve or feel sad is a need for the owner’s undivided attention.

Your Shih Tzu adores you and craves your attention at all hours of the day and night. Getting your attention is Shih Tzu’s first goal.

Your Shih Tzu may try to get your attention by giving you a wired look with bulge eyes, crying, barking, whining, or howling.

Shih Tzus may act out in an attempt to attract their human’s attention when they are bored or feel ignored.

Shih Tzus want attention more than other dog breeds since they were selectively and intentionally bred to be a human friend.

Shih Tzus feel sad when they are in pains

Surprisingly, smaller breed dogs such as Shih Tzus that suffer from chronic pain seldom moan or howl in anguish.

Acute discomfort, such as the acute agony associated with rising in an arthritic dog, may cause them to express their dissatisfaction.

Shih Tzus are sad because of a painful injury that is not open or obvious to the owner.

Please don’t neglect or overlook your Shih Tzu if you suspect he or she is experiencing distress or feeling sad.

If your Shih Tzu is acting out, appearing weary, or whining out of nowhere, a trip to the vet may be the best approach to discover out what’s wrong.

Shih Tzus feel sad when stressed out

Shih Tzus are little dogs that are prone to becoming anxious and uneasy. This might be related to their size or the reason for which they were developed.

Knowing the indications that your dog is sad, afraid, concerned, or unhappy may help you prevent unwanted behavior and offer a happy and healthy life for your dog.

Stress causes Shih Tzus to feel unhappy, although your dog’s stress communication might be subtle and surprising at times.

When a Shih Tzu is overwhelmed and anxious, he or she may weep to convey his or her feelings to the owner.

Here are some signs your Shih Tzu is feeling stressed:

• Crying
• Cowering
• Loss of Appetite
• Aggression
• Excessive licking lips
• Excessive Sleeping
• Dropping their tail
• Isolation or hiding
• Whining
• Pacing
• Panting

Shih Tzus feel sad when hungry

When a child gets hungry, he or she begins to feel sad and cry, and this applies to smaller breeds of dogs such as Shih Tzus.

When a Shih Tzu is hungry, he or she becomes unhappy, aggressive, and may bite or nip its owners; they may even cry if no one is home to feed them.

Shih Tzus feel sad when bored

Shih Tzus like spending time with their owners, but they grow bored when they are separated from their owners or a partner.

If your Shih Tzu does not receive enough regular exercise and does not have enough stimulation at home, he or she may become bored.

If your Shih Tzu is bored, their melancholy might lead to destructive or other undesirable behavior.

Any Shih Tzu that is bored is always sad, you can observe how happy they will become if you show them some attention.

Shih Tzus feel sad when their owners are leaving

One of the apparent reasons Shih Tzus feel unhappy, whine, and bark when their owners wish to leave them at home for work is that they have to leave them at home every day.

Shih Tzus will never be thrilled to see their humans go, even with thorough crate training and socializing.

Having a second pet makes it simpler for their owners to leave the house; at the very least, your Shih Tzu will have a companion pet.

Shih Tzus are not the normal breed of dog that should be left alone for an extended period of time since they might acquire undesirable habits such as biting, destructive chewing, pacing, nipping, and more.

Shih Tzus feel sad due to separation anxiety

One of the most prevalent reasons Shih Tzus feel sad as a way of expressing themselves is separation anxiety.

Shih Tzus are companion dogs who can become anxious if left alone for more than eight hours, and some can become violent and destructive.

If you are a highly busy person who is not constantly at home, Shih Tzus are not the right dog for you since they thrive on human interaction.

Here are some common ways to tackle separation anxiety in Shih Tzus:

• Create and keep to a regular regimen for your Shih Tzu.
• Increase your time spent exercising and playing with your Shih Tzu.
• Make your Shih Tzu’s environment as stress-free as possible.
• Desensitization should be performed on your Shih Tzu.
• The conditioning of your Shih Tzu should be reversed.
• More food and engaging toys are a wonderful investment for your Shih Tzu.
• Purchase anti-anxiety medication for your Shih Tzu.
• Get a buddy for your Shih Tzu.
• Seek the advice of a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.
• If you are regularly absent, consider hiring a Shih Tzu pet sitter.
• Hide food in toys that require them to work for it in order to encourage their mental stimulation impulses.
• Begin by spending less time alone, even if you are at home.

Read more about Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms!!!

Shih Tzus feel sad when they are mistreated

Shih Tzus are a happy breed of dog that loves to follow their owners around all day, even sleep close to their owners.

They feel very sad and develop all forms of bad behaviors like excessive digging, excessive barking, biting, and more when they are mistreated by their owners.

Here are some common ways you are mistreating your Shih Tzu without knowing:

• Lack of play time for your Shih Tzu.
• Shouting at your Shih Tzu.
• Beating up your Shih Tzu
• Locking up your Shih Tzu on his crate all day long.
• Not providing lots of toys.
• Continues change of your Shih Tzu daily routine.
• Not taking your Shih Tzu for a walk, etc.

Shih Tzus feel sad when you keep changing their daily routine

Shih Tzus feel sad when their owners keep changing their daily routine on a daily basis, and this can cause your Shih Tzu lots of stress and depression.

Create a daily routine that works fine for you and your Shih Tzu and stick to it, you can change when it’s necessary.

For example, today you feed your Shih Tzu by 6:30 a.m, then tomorrow you feed your Shih Tzu by 10:30 a.m. That is pure stress and can make your Shih Tzu feel sad and mistreated.

Shih Tzus feel sad when changing in their food

Changing your Shih Tzu food whenever ever you want and not when necessary, causes stress to your Shih Tzu and makes them feel sad.

Stick to what is working for you and your Shih Tzu until it stops working, stop trying out new things unless approved by your vet.

Create a meal plan for your Shih Tzu with your vet and stick to it if it works fine for you and your pups.

Shih Tzus feel sad when they are not getting enough mental stimulation

Shih Tzus feel sad when they are not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation and this can lead to unnecessary behaviors.

Shih Tzus are prone to separation anxiety and can easily get bored, so try to provide lots of mental stimulation for your Shih Tzu on a daily basis.

Let’s look at some solutions to make or keep your Shih Tzu happy.

How to make a sad Shih Tzu happy

Here are some common ways to make a sad Shih Tzu happy:

• Provide your Shih Tzu with plenty of brain stimulation exercises.
• Make and follow a regular daily program.
• Make your Shih Tzu’s environment stress-free.
• As a kind of rehabilitation, provide a variety of music and video games.
• Give your Shih Tzu extra attention and physical contact.
• Provide a variety of workout options.
• Invest in soothing jackets and T-shirts.
• Pay close attention to your Shih Tzu’s requirements.
• Purchase a second companion animal.
• If you are frequently absent, hire a pet sitter.
• Provide a variety of fun and interactive toys.
• When you have more time, take your Shih Tzu for a stroll to a dog park.
• Provide a lot of love.
• Reward positive conduct.
• Keep your Shih Tzu active at all times.

To find out more ways to keep your Shih Tzu happy check this article on What Makes Shih Tzus Happy: 23 Shih Tzus happy Hacks.