Seizures in Shih Tzu Dogs

ByPoem of Paws

Your Shih Tzu just had a seizure. Stay calm, time it, keep her away from hazards, and never put your hands near her mouth. Then call your vet immediately. Most seizures last under two minutes and are not life-threatening on their own—but the cause matters. Here’s exactly what to do, starting now.

How to Tell It’s a Seizure (and Not Fainting)

Shih Tzus, with their short faces and small bodies, are prone to fainting (syncope) from breathing or heart issues. That can look a lot like a seizure. Use this quick check:

True Seizure Not a Seizure (Fainting/Tremor)
Loss of consciousness with stiff or paddling limbs Collapses but wakes up when you call their name
Unresponsive to voice or touch Fully alert but wobbly
Chomping, drooling, or foaming Shivering while awake
Eyes roll back or stare blankly Weak hind legs only

If you’re unsure, record a 20-second video and call your vet. For a true seizure, move to the steps below.

Step-by-Step: What to Do During a Seizure

Clear the Danger Zone

Push furniture away, block stairways, and gently slide a pillow under your Shih Tzu’s head if she’s on a hard floor. Do not put anything in her mouth—Shih Tzus cannot swallow their tongue, and you will likely get bitten.

Start the Timer

Look at your phone immediately. Most seizures last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. A seizure lasting over 3 minutes is a medical emergency—head to the ER while the seizure is still happening.

Dim the Lights and Keep Quiet

Bright lights and loud noises can prolong the episode. Close curtains, turn off the TV, and speak softly.

Record a Short Video (Only If You Can Stay Calm)

A 15–20 second clip showing your dog’s eyes, body movements, and breathing pattern gives your vet huge clues. If you’re panicking, skip this and focus on timing and safety.

Stay Until She’s Fully Alert

After the seizure stops, your Shih Tzu may be disoriented, temporarily blind, or restless for minutes to hours (the post-ictal phase). Keep her in a quiet, confined area and do not let her wander.

When Your Dog Wakes Up – The Observation Checklist

Save this list somewhere handy (phone note or printed card). Every detail helps your vet find the cause.

  • [ ] How long did the seizure last? (Exact start/stop time)
  • [ ] Time of day? (Right after eating? During play? While resting?)
  • [ ] What was she doing before? (Sleeping, excited, stressed)
  • [ ] Did she lose bladder or bowel control? (Common in true seizures)
  • [ ] How long until she seemed normal again? (Minutes? Hours? Overnight?)
  • [ ] Have you changed food, treats, or medications lately? (Include new chews, supplements)
  • [ ] Could she have eaten something toxic? (Check for chocolate, xylitol gum, raisins, sago palm, chewed electrical cords)

Two Branches That Change Your Next Move

Branch A: Your Shih Tzu Recovers Fully Within 2 Minutes and Acts Normal

Call your regular vet during office hours and share the checklist. Your vet may want you to monitor for a repeat episode before bringing her in.

Branch B: Your Shih Tzu Stays Disoriented for More Than 15 Minutes or Has a Second Seizure

Go to the ER immediately. Cluster seizures (two or more within 24 hours without full recovery) are dangerous and require emergency medication.

Special branch for puppies under 6 months old: The likely cause shifts from epilepsy toward liver shunt or hypoglycemia. Request a bile acid blood test early and ask about feeding adjustments before starting seizure meds.

When to Skip Home Care and Head to the ER

These red flags mean stop home observation and get to a vet now:

  • Seizure lasts more than 3 minutes
  • Two or more seizures in 24 hours without a normal period between them
  • Trouble breathing after the seizure (common in brachycephalic Shih Tzus)
  • Suspected toxin exposure (chewed cord, chocolate wrappers, sugar-free gum)
  • Puppy under 6 months

For a Shih Tzu with breathing difficulty, keep her cool and upright during transport to maintain an open airway.

How to Confirm Recovery Before Moving On

You’ll know your Shih Tzu is truly safe when she meets all three of these signs:

1. She is alert and recognizes you (not staring blankly or wandering into walls).

2. She can walk without stumbling or collapsing.

3. Her breathing has returned to normal (not panting hard or gasping).

If any of these are missing 20 minutes after the seizure stops, call the vet or head to the ER. A prolonged post-ictal phase can indicate brain swelling or an underlying metabolic issue.

Managing Seizure Triggers at Home

Once your vet has ruled out urgent causes, you can reduce seizure frequency with these breed-specific steps:

  • Stable blood sugar is critical. Feed three to four small meals per day. Never let a Shih Tzu puppy go more than 4–6 hours without food. If your vet has confirmed hypoglycemia as a trigger, a small lick of honey or corn syrup on the gums can help stop a seizure faster.
  • Keep your Shih Tzu cool. Overheating lowers the seizure threshold. Use cooling mats (like the Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad), keep walks short in summer, and never leave her in a car.
  • Reduce stress. Loud noises, visitors, or routine changes can trigger seizures. Provide a quiet safe zone with a crate in a low-traffic area.
  • Pet-proof for toxins. Because of their small size, Shih Tzus are more vulnerable to concentrated toxins. Lock away human medications, avoid sugar-free gum in purses, and use pet-safe cleaners (like Nature’s Miracle) on floors.

What Your Vet Will Check

Expect a physical exam, blood work (checking glucose, liver values), and possibly a bile acid test to rule out liver shunt—a birth defect more common in Shih Tzus. If no cause is found, your dog may be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. Most Shih Tzus respond well to phenobarbital or levetiracetam.

Important breed note: Because of their short airways, some seizure medications can cause sedation or breathing depression more quickly. Always ask your vet about breed-specific dosing adjustments.

Summary – Save This Guide

Seizures in Shih Tzu dogs often stem from breed-specific causes like low blood sugar or liver shunts, but most can be managed with the right care. Your job: stay safe, time the event, remove hazards, and record what you see. The first seizure is the scariest—once you have a plan and a diagnosis, you’ll feel confident. Bookmark this page so you can find the checklist and steps fast.

This guide includes affiliate links to products we genuinely recommend for Shih Tzu owners. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Shih Tzu grow out of seizures?

Some puppies with hypoglycemic seizures may outgrow the tendency once their metabolism stabilizes around 6–12 months. Epileptic seizures typically require lifelong medication.

Is it safe to use CBD oil for my Shih Tzu’s seizures?

Talk to your veterinarian first. CBD dosing is not standardized, and some products can interact with seizure medications or contain trace THC, which is toxic to dogs.