Why Do Shih Tzus Cry All The Time? (Solutions)

Small, adorable, and easy to care for, Shih Tzus are one of America’s most popular breeds. With their floppy ears and endearing doggy eyes, they are one of the world’s favorite companion dogs.

But anyone that has owned a Shih Tzu knows, man, they sure like to whine! Nothing is more agonizing than listening to your Shih Tzu’s mournful howls become louder and louder. 

It may become very stressful not knowing what your dog is trying to tell you and you not being able to figure out what’s wrong with them. We get it.

Because it is uncomfortable to witness a dog sobbing or whining, the owners frequently ask questions about their Shih Tzu crying. Like, when and for what reason does a Shih Tzu cry? 

In this blog post, we will talk about the reasons Shih Tzus cry so much, as well as offer some solutions to help allay your Shih Tzu’s crying. 

Why Is My Shih Tzu Crying So Much?

When you see your Shih Tzu crying, it is an obvious sign of emotional or physical distress. They whine or cry to catch your attention or to express anything to you, such as hunger, excitement, illness, phobias, separation anxiety, stress, frustration, or a desire to play.

Shih Tzus are susceptible to stress, although it almost usually comes from people. The bond between a dog and its owner is important in any family, but it is particularly important with dogs as extroverted as the Shih Tzu breed. 

They just can’t stand living alone and, if left alone for more than six hours, are prone to worry and can develop separation anxiety. Dogs are social animals, and they thrive on companionship. When their human companions leave them alone, it’s not unusual for dogs to experience separation anxiety. 

Symptoms of separation anxiety can include pacing, drooling, barking, whining, destructive chewing, and urinating or defecating inside the house, even when completely housetrained. In severe cases, dogs may try to escape from their homes or yards in an attempt to find their owners. 

While separation anxiety is most commonly seen in puppies and young dogs, Shih Tzus are particularly prone to this. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to help your dog overcome separation anxiety. With patience and consistency, you can help your furry friend feel more relaxed and comfortable when you’re not around.

How To Stop Your Shih Tzu From Crying?

Dogs require both physical and cognitive activity to be happy and well. If your dog isn’t receiving enough physical and mental engagement, it might be contributing to his or her crying. Some dog parents don’t mind a little pup complaining now and then, whilst others find any amount of crying to be bothersome and unpleasant.

The good news is that you can cope with your dog’s crying by identifying the cause, then implementing measures to cope with them. 

1. Make Sure Your Shih Tzu Has His Or Her Needs Met 

The first step is to ensure that your Shih Tzu’s necessities are met. You should offer a pleasant location to relax and feel safe and peaceful, in addition to keeping him well nourished.

It’s also a good idea to leave him with an interactive toy to keep him entertained while you’re gone and to keep him from crying. If his necessities are met, the root of his crying will most likely disappear as soon as you pay attention to him.

2. Pay More Attention 

Shih Tzu is a breed that adores humans. The first thing Shih Tzu wants to do is get your attention. At all hours of the day and night, your Shih Tzu longs for your company.

When you ignore them, they complain loudly.

The essential thing to remember in this case is to pay utmost attention to your pup. So, staying with them is the simplest method to make them happier and get back on track.

But attention-seeking whining can be upsetting at times, and it can be difficult to deal with since owners may unknowingly promote the habit. If your dog whines to get attention more often, you should teach him that being silent is a preferable tactic. Only pay attention to your Shih Tzu when he or she is being quiet.

Also, if your Shih Tzu is motivated by food, only treat him when he is quiet, and never offer a treat when your Shih Tzu is crying. 

3. Increase Mental Stimulation

If your dog whines because he’s bored, increase the mental stimulation. Give them a fun new toy to play with, work on their training, or teach them some new tricks.

Over the last decade, dog toys have come a long way. Not only can you find toys in a variety of textures, colors, and shapes, but you can also get toys designed to provide mental stimulation for dogs. Dog treat puzzles, tug gadgets, toss toys, and toys that allow your dog to play freely are all good options. 

Keep in mind, do not leave all of their toys out all of the time. They will become tired of playing with the same stuff. Your Shih Tzu won’t get bored too quickly if you keep all but 2 or 3 of them away and switch them out regularly.

4. Increase The Exercise 

Another technique to foster boredom and keep dogs physically engaged is to schedule time for your dog to interact with other canines. This can be accomplished simply by taking it for a walk or participating in well-organized dog events. It can encourage them to engage with their environment more broadly and find better entertainment.

Going for walks in nature not only helps to boost your dog’s health, but also allows helps them with cognitive development by interacting with new things, sniffing new odors, and listening to the world around them. 

5. Go To A Dog Park

Dog parks are another wonderful way to exercise and socialize your Shih Tzu. It’s also an opportunity for you to meet other dog owners and form new friendships. If you’re not sure whether or not the dog park is right for your pup, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

First, make sure that your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations. This is important for their health as well as the health of other dogs at the park.

Second, choose a time when the park isn’t too crowded. This will help your dog feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed.

Lastly, be sure to pack some water and some treats for your furry friend. 

6. Set A Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine. Your Shih Tzu understands and looks forward to the times set for a walk, play, meal, and sleep. Sticking to a consistent routine is vital for dogs, just as it is for humans, to avoid stress.

Making sure your Shih Tzu’s routine isn’t changed too much is one of the best methods to help with the tension that causes them to freak out and even cry. Maintain as much consistency as possible with your regular schedules. 

7. Consider A Dog Sitter 

When a dog is emotionally bonded to someone and that person leaves or is out for an extended period, it can produce dread, irritation, and worry. In addition, if they have previously experienced something terrible when left alone, this can generate fear and anxiety about spending time alone in the future.

Whether you are preoccupied with work or planning a vacation, one option is to hire a dog sitter. A dog sitter can pop in for a few minutes several times a day to check on your Shih Tzu, take him for a walk, and otherwise, be there. Shih Tzus severely dislike being left alone and a new person in the day, while you are at work, might be just the thing. 

8. Get Another Dog

If this is an option, you can think about getting your Shih Tzu a companion. Two dogs are less easily bored and anxious than one that’s left alone all day. Getting another dog will help them keep each other company when you’re at work, school, or out doing chores, making them less likely to engage in boredom-induced trouble around the house. 

9. Rule Out Medical Conditions

If you think your dog is crying because of physical discomfort, take it to the vet immediately. Shih Tzus are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, brachycephalic airway syndrome, and intervertebral disk disease. Some of these health issues can be causing pain, like hip dysplasia. 

Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint in dogs. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, and in healthy dogs, the ball fits snugly into the socket.

However, in dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket are malformed, causing the joint to slip out of place. This can lead to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. 

Final Thoughts 

We love our dogs and don’t like to see them in distress. Shih Tzus are particularly prone to whining and crying excessively, so you need to take some special care in raising your Shih Tzu to be a calm, confident dog. Good luck!