Please Help! Sick Dog.

[Cheyenne_08]

My shih tzu is 5 years old and has been an inside dog since he was a puppy. In March, I moved and was forced to put him outside. He has been outside for 7 months now. He just stopped eating and is shivering. I am going to bring him inside, but I don't know how to go about it without shocking his system. Is it best at this point to just bring him in and let his body adjust to the warmer temperatures? Or do I need to try warming him up outside and ease him into the house? I hope he is just cold and it is not something more severe but I am very worried!!

[eden45]

Pls don't keep him outside!!!They are hypoallergenic dogs as they have hair and not fur. They won't survive if they stay outside as Michigan has a cold temp always.My shih tzu is 20 lbs and is a purdbred. Size doesnt matter , a toy dog has to stay inside the house esp in cold states, I do hope that your dog is much better now that he is inside the house.

[Cheyenne_08]

He is in the house and doing perfectly fine!!!  My parents have a bichon because she is hypoallergenic.

[April2]

That's good to know. I didn't know shih tzus were hypoallergenic dogs. That's why I have poodles right now and before that a maltese dog. I know they were supposed to be good for allergies. Also bichons, but I didn't know that about shih tzus. I would think any small dog wouldn't do well outside since their bodies are so small and they usually don't have much hair but my husband said growing up his dad had beagles for hunting and they kept them outside in dog houses but they lived in Florida too so I guess it's warm enough.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

i have  shis tzu and never would they be a outside dog, my first one was 42 pds yup what i said and he was purebreed , he lived to be 17 years old , now i havea little girl shes only 15 pds and love of our life, they are not outside dogs and if he had been inhouse all this time than put out side thats more of a shock to him than bring him back in. so plz bring him back in, a shih tzu is the dog drs say to get it you have allergies so that should not hurt your dad keep him in your room if that makes your parents feel better .

[April2]

That's pretty big alright! How's he doing today?

[Cheyenne_08]

I actually do not have any current pictures of him. He is LARGE for a shih tzu....pure muscle, long legs, broad shoulders. He weights close to 25 pounds and is solid muscle. He has papers, and is 100% shih tzu bug is so big! He is acting better....I just hope he starts to eat soon. Lots of cuddles, just making sure he stays warm.

[April2]

I think he'd be fine just bringing him in and probably very happy. :o) I hope he doesn't get sick, either. Do you have any pictures of him? I think shih tzus are adorable.

How's he acting?

[Cheyenne_08]

By the way, thanks for the advice.

[Cheyenne_08]

I lived in a trailer, and when my fiance moved to Columbus, I was forced to shut up the trailer and move out. I was staying with my parents and he can't be there because my dad is allergic. So, he had to go outside. I am from Michigan, and I understand temps dropped and he needs to come in. Hence why we are bringing him in. I just didn't know if I should just do it, or if that would shock his system.

[Holliee]

I AGREE BRING HIM INSIDE AND I WOULD TAKE HIM TO A VET TO MAKE SURE THAT IS ALL IT IS. I HOPE YOUR FUR-BABY IS OK!!!LET US KNOW..HOLLIEE

[April2]

I would say bring him in now and don't delay. He's obviously cold and stressed and that's probably why he's not eating.
Can I ask why you were forced to put him outside? And do you mean outside like day and night? Because looking at your profile if you really do live in Michigan that's way too cold for a little dog to stay outside, probably any dog, really. Some dogs do adjust better but a shih tzu is a small dog and will lose body heat faster than a bigger dog with a warmer coat.
I would bring him in and watch him tonight and tomorrow and see how he acts. He's probably just cold. Now that we're getting in to winter, though, I'd keep him in and only let him out for potty breaks.