No one knows if Shih Tzu allergies are genetic. However, many people suspect they result from the environment. In most cases, if you notice that your Shih Tzu is developing skin problems that include hives, rash, or weepy itchy sores, he may be allergic to the food you’re feeding him, airborne allergens, or flea and tick bites. Poor grooming can also be the culprit. Also, some dogs can be allergic to certain household cleaners or deodorizers.
Supplying your Shih Tzu with good grooming and a good healthy diet can be all you need to keep your dog’s skin and coat strong and healthy. Healthy dogs equal robust immune systems, helping keep allergies and other health problems from rearing their ugly heads. Keep in mind that poor grooming can also cause problems with your Shih Tzu’s skin. Matted fur can trap moisture, which makes for ideal living conditions for bacteria and hot spots, which is an extremely painful sore that develops on your dog’s skin.
If your dog develops any skin irritation or condition, do not hesitate to take her to the vet where they can diagnose the problem right away. Sometimes, the remedy can be as simple as changing your dog’s food, and other times your vet may prescribe steroids or different types of medications to help treat Shih Tzu allergies.
Breathing Problems
Unfortunately, because of the Shih Tzus flat face and short nose, their nasal passages are pinched compared to other breeds of dogs. There is just not enough space to allow the cooling of air they breathe before it makes its way to their little lungs and breathing passages that do not always work as efficiently as they should.
Most Shih Tzu dogs are susceptible to snoring, snuffling, and snorting as well as coughing, overheating, and wheezing. Here are some all-purpose tips that you can use to help keep your Shih Tzu breathing as well as possible:
- Make sure you keep your Shih Tzu puppies well hydrated as well as relaxed.
- Limit her time outside during hot, humid weather and always have cold water on hand.
- If you notice that your Shih Tzu is wheezing or coughing when you tug on her leash, it is time to get rid of the collar and use a harness.
- Some Shih Tzus tend to wheeze and cough when they get too excited; this is a perfect time to calm them down with comforting words.
- Keep in mind that snoring and snorting are all part of the Shih Tzus allure and charm; however, if you notice that your Shih Tzu is having difficult time breathing, take her to the vet as soon as possible.
Shih Tzu Allergies Treatments
Whenever a Shih Tzu dog’s immune system overreacts to something, an allergic reaction can occur just like in humans. Shih Tzu dogs can have an allergic reaction to almost anything such as dust, insect bite, household cleaners, pollen, or food ingredient.
These allergens can result in itchy, swollen skin, diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems, and other symptoms. Allergies are a lingering problem that causes your pet to be itchy and miserable. However, there are Shih Tzu allergies treatments readily available to make your Shih Tzu feel a lot better.
The most usual form of allergy in the Shih Tzu is flea allergy dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva proteins of fleas. For the most part, a Shih Tzu with this allergy can itch for a week from a single flea bite.
The best way to know if your dog has this allergy is for your vet to administer a skin allergy test. To alleviate the symptoms, you will have to adhere to a strict flea control program, including prescription pills, topical flea protection applications, and frequent flea baths. You will also have to treat your Shih Tzu’s environment, including bedding, sofa, and carpeting that your Shih Tzu touches.