You should get your Shih Tzu spayed right away if you do not want them to breed. But if you want Shih Tzu puppies, then get prepared for a long, happy, tumultuous ride as this will change your life as much as theirs.
There are a few signs that your Shih Tzu may be pregnant. You should look for them if you suspect that your Shih Tzu will have puppies.
- Swollen teats
- Vaginal discharge one month after mating
- Swollen stomach
Some Shih Tzus may display a loss of appetite or symptoms that may resemble depression. If you see any of these signs and your Shih Tzu has not been spayed, take her to the vet. This will confirm that she is pregnant and help if any complications arise.
There are different methods your vet will use to determine pregnancy. One of the most common is to perform a test for the presence of relaxin. Relaxin is a hormone that is only produced by dogs that are pregnant. It will show up in the Shih Tzu after 21 to 25 days after mating. While this confirms pregnancy, it will not confirm the number of puppies.
Knowing how many puppies are inside is tricky and there is no sure way to determine unless there is just a single pup. A stethoscope will pick up the heartbeats of the puppies after 25 days, but there may be no way to determine how many apart from more than one. After 28 days, an ultrasound can be performed which will determine the presence of puppies. Although not as accurate as an x-ray, it is healthier for the Shih Tzu to avoid exposure to the radiation caused by an x-ray.
Getting Ready
Once you know a litter is on the way, you can do some things that will help make the arrival even more exciting. The first step is ensuring that your Shih Tzu gets plenty of water and healthy, nutritious food. In addition, exercise is a good option as well. You can take her on walks, but simple play may work as well. She will need the extra stamina that exercise provides when she is giving birth.
Create an Enclosure: As with most dogs, your Shih Tzu will start to get restless in the days just before she delivers the puppies. She will look for an out-of-the-way place to give birth. You can take a simple cardboard box and fill it will old towels, sheets, or blankets to help make the nest. Just do not expect to use the towels, blankets, or sheets again.
Going into Labor
You’ll see even more restlessness, panting, and the need to urinate from your Shih Tzu just before she gives birth. There will usually be a dark green discharge from her vagina which is the placenta. This detaches before the birthing process. If this occurs and the puppies do not follow in a few hours, you’ll need to take your Shih Tzu to the vet.
Otherwise, let the new mother handle the birthing process. She will do all the work, but if she needs help because she is tired, then you can remove the membrane from the puppies, tie the umbilical cord with a piece of thread, and then pinch the skin on the puppy’s neck and get them to clear their lungs.
