Why Do Shih Tzus Cry: 7 Reasons Shih Tzus Cry & Solutions

Shih Tzu owners always ask why do Shih Tzus cry, in this post, we will be discussing some common reasons why Shih Tzus cry and possible ways to keep your Shih Tzu happy.

Shih Tzus are one of the most popular breeds in America because they are so cute and easy to take care of.

Shih Tzus need to be groomed regularly to keep their coats healthy and clean. Their fur can also become matted if it’s not brushed.

There are many reasons why Shih Tzus may cry, like when they’re feeling sick or hurt or when they’re stressed or frustrated about something.

Here, we’ll explore some of those reasons and how you can help your Shih Tzu feel better

Table of Contents show

Why Do Shih Tzus Cry

Shih Tzus crying is typically a sign of emotional stress, loneliness, boredom, pain, hunger, need for love, or tension, separation anxiety, seeking owners’ attention, or a reaction to allergies.

There must be a reason for all that crying that the owner can’t just see because Shih Tzus where bred to stay close to their owners always.

It turns out that it is possible what we think of as “cute,” might actually be an indication of pain in Shih Tzus and other breeds with small snouts and protruding eyes.

It’s possible that the tears are coming from his sinuses to help wash away allergens or irritants. It could also be due to eye strain.

Shih Tzus are known for the way their eyes bulge when they get angry or sad. They also have a reputation for being stubborn and sometimes barky.

However, this breed has been known to cry or howl when they’re left alone for too long.

This is often due to separation anxiety, which can also lead to destructive behavior if not addressed.

Common reasons why Shih Tzus cry

Here are some common reasons why Shih Tzus cry:

Shih Tzus cry out of separation anxiety

Shih Tzus are very clever dogs who demand mental stimulation; they are not the type of dogs to keep if you work 9 to 5 daily.

They like having human or animal companions, so adopting one and leaving it at home alone is a bad idea.

If left alone for more than 6 hours, they may develop separation anxiety, and some may become violent and destructive.

Separation anxiety is generally known to be one of the top reasons why Shih Tzus cry, this is because they were selectively bred to be a human companion.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in Shih Tzus

Here are some common signs of separation anxiety in Shih Tzus:

Excessive whining
Destructive and excessive scratching
Excessive barking
Destructive chewing
Shaking and shivering
Excessive sleeping
Continues tucking tail
Excessive licking
Excessive Growling
Unnecessary freezing
Aggression
Excessive pacing
Cowering
Unnecessary hiding

How to fix separation anxiety in Shih Tzus

Here are some common ways you can help a Shih Tzu with separation anxiety:

Create a regular schedule for your Shih Tzu and stick to it.
Increase the amount of time you spend exercising and playing with your Shih Tzu.
Make your Shih Tzu’s environment stress-free.
Your Shih Tzu should be desensitized.
Your Shih Tzu’s conditioning should be reversed.
More snacks and interactive toys for your Shih Tzu are a good investment.
Make an anti-anxiety purchase for your Shih Tzu.
Get your Shih Tzu a companion.
Consult a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.
If you are frequently gone, hire a Shih Tzu pet sitter.
Hide food in toys that force them to work for it to promote their mental stimulation instincts.
Start by taking shorter time alone, even if you are at home.
While you’re there, set the radio or television to a station that you regularly listen to.

Find out more about Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms and how to fix them!!!

Shih Tzus cry when they are in pains

Surprisingly, small breeds dogs like Shih Tzus suffering from chronic discomfort rarely whimper or scream in pains.

Acute pain, such as the intense pain that comes with rising for an arthritic dog, might make them vocalize their displeasure.

Shih Tzu can be crying due to and injury that is painful, which is not open or visible to the owner.

Please don’t forget or ignore your Shih Tzu when you are sure your Shih Tzu is passing through any form of anxiety.

A trip to the vet can be the best way to figure out what’s wrong if your dog is acting out, looking tired, or whining out of nowhere.

Shih Tzus cry to get owner’s attention

Another strong reason why Shih Tzus cry is simply seeking the owner’s attention at all costs.

Your Shih Tzu adores you and wants your attention at all times of the day and night getting your attention is always your Shih Tzu priority.

Crying, barking, whining, or howling are some of the ways your Shih Tzu may try to gain your attention.

When Shih Tzus are bored or feel ignored, they may act out in order to get their human’s attention.

Shih Tzus are always seeking attention more than most breeds of dogs because they were selectively and specifically breed to be a human companion.

Shih Tzus cry out of stress

Shih Tzus are tiny canines that are prone to being agitated and nervous this may be due to their size or purpose of bred.

Knowing the signs that your dog is frightened, worried, or unhappy may help you prevent undesired behavior and provide your dog with a happy and healthy life.

The signs of stress are often obvious, but your dog’s stress communication can be subtle and surprising at times.

When a Shih Tzu is overwhelmed and stressed out such Shih Tzus may cry as a way to express its emotions to the owner.

Signs of stress in Shih Tzus

Here are signs of a stressed Shih Tzus:

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

Shih Tzus cry in reaction to allergies

Shih Tzus are notorious for having sensitive stomachs, which means they’re fussy about what they eat and have lots of eating problems.

Dental issues, internal blockages, bad medication responses, changes in their surroundings, allergies, improper meal composition, and other issues affect Shih Tzus’ eating habits.

Shih Tzus are very small breeds of dogs with low enduring strength which means the can easily cry when the feel uneasy or uncomfortable.

Symptoms of allergic reactions in Shih Tzus

Here are some common symptoms of allergic reactions in Shih Tzus:

Crying and tearing
Itchy skin
Poor skin and coat
Chronic ear or foot scratching
Hyperactivity
Scratches, bites, and licks at his skin,
Aggression
Diarrhea
Lack of energy
Vomiting

Causes of allergic reactions in Shih Tzus

Here are some common causes of allergic reactions in Shih Tzus:

Cigarette smoke
Some medicines
Pests
Toxic chemicals
Dust mites
Certain grasses
Feathers
Pollen
Mold
Onions
Garlic

Shih Tzus cry out of hunger and boredom

Even in humans, when a kid is hungry he or she starts to cry, these apples to small breeds of dogs like Shih Tzus.

When a Shih Tzu is bored or hungry they become very aggressive and can bite or nip its owners, they can also cry if no one is at home to feed them.

Always provide a good source of mental stimulation for your Shih Tzu to keep them busy from getting bored or lonely.

Shih Tzu cry when their owners are leaving them at home

This is one of the obvious reasons why Shih Tzus cries, whines, barks, and even bite when their owners want to leave them at home for work.

Even with proper crate training and socialization, Shih Tzus will never be happy to see their owners leave.

Getting a second pet makes things easier for their owners when they want to leave home, at least your Shih Tzu will have a companion pet.

Shih Tzus are not your typical breed of dog you leave at home for too long, because they may develop unnecessary behaviors like biting, destructive chewing, pacing, nipping, and more.

Read more about the 11 Most Common Shih Tzu Behavior Problems & Solutions!!!

Let’s now look at some solutions on how to keep Shih Tzus happy and stop them from crying!

How to make Shih Tzus happy and not crying

Here are some common ways to keep a Shih Tzu happy and healthy:

Give your Shih Tzu lots of mental stimulation exercises.
Create and stick to regular daily schedules.
Create stress-free environment for your Shih Tzu.
Provide lots of music/video games as a therapy.
Provide more time and physical contact for your Shih Tzu.
Provide different forms of exercises
Invest in calming coats/T-Shirts
Provide alternative therapies
Pay attention to your Shih Tzu needs
Get a second companion pet.
Get a pet sitter if you are always away.
Provide lots of interesting and interactive toys
Take your Shih Tzu for a walk when you are less busy.
Provide lots of affection
Reward good behaviors
Always keep your Shih Tzu busy
Invest in some antianxiety products.

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.

Wrap up

Shih Tzu dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. This type of dog is often considered good with children because they are small and don’t require much exercise.

But, why do these beautiful little creatures cry so often? It turns out that crying is just a characteristic of this breed.

The Shih Tzu can be vocal because their ancestors were bred to be watchdogs for Chinese royalty.

They would bark when any strangers came near.

Today, it’s not uncommon for these types of dogs to cry or howl when they sense something unusual like thunderstorms, fireworks, or people they don’t recognize.

I hope your question about why do Shih Tzus cry was answered!!! Read more here.