Dogs are naturally curious and Shih Tzus are certainly no different. That is why when you leave food or beverages out, they tend to consume them. While most food and drinks are harmless, what happens when your Shih Tzu consumes alcohol?
The discovery of your Shih Tzu having consumed an alcoholic beverage may induce panic as many do not know the effects that alcohol has on dogs. If you find yourself in this situation, here is what you can do.
Alcohol is Poison to Dogs
Just like onions and chocolate, alcohol is poisonous to dogs and that includes your Shih Tzu. While a small amount of alcohol, such as a sip may not have any noticeable effects, you should look for signs that your dog is intoxicated.
- Disorientation
- Excessive Panting
- High Temperature
- Muscle Tremors
- Restless
- Vomiting
If the poisoning is serious, it may lead to the failure of organs and in rare cases, death. You should look for the signs of alcohol poisoning if you find that some of your leftover drinks are missing. Check for the signs that your Shih Tzu has alcohol poisoning and do the following.
Go to the Vet: If you see any of the signs or strongly suspect that your Shih Tzu has consumed alcohol, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. If the vet is closed, take your dog to an emergency veterinarian center. The faster you get your Shih Tzu treatment, the less the damage will be to their systems.
It’s best if you call ahead and let them know you are arriving, so they can be ready to issue treatment right away.
Prevention
The best way to avoid such a situation is never to allow alcohol anywhere near your Shih Tzu. That is not always possible of course, especially if you are entertaining guests. But there are some things you can do to help ensure that your dog never consumes alcohol.
Put It Out of Reach: Just like if you have children, keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach of your Shih Tzu. This means putting such beverages in high places from your refrigerator to your top-shelf. You do not want any accidental spillage to hit the floor.
Tell Guests: Be sure to tell your guests not to give your Shih Tzu any alcohol. Plus, remind them to be mindful of their drinks. A little prevention can go a long way.
Drink It Up or Toss It Out: In other words, do not leave any alcoholic beverage unattended. If you do need to leave, then either finish the drink or throw it away. Do not leave any behind for your Shih Tzu to discover.
Any spills should be cleaned up quickly, but it’s best to ensure that your Shih Tzu is safely out of the room or area of the spill. That should be your first concern. Once you have the Shih Tzu protected, then you can address the spill.
A little work goes a long way towards protecting your Shih Tzu from alcohol poisoning.
