Once you identify the food responsible for the symptoms, the Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. 8 Practical Ways to Keep Your Shih Tzu Healthy. Skip one, and all your other work may be done in vain. from trees, grasses, weeds, molds, or mildew. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. For example, both a sensitivity to synthetic preservatives (food), and reaction to dust mites (environmental). Keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to go grain-free. Well perform periodic diagnostic tests and look for lumps and bumps when we examine your pet. If your dog is showing any of antibiotics has been finished. Have you changed dog foods recently? Step #2: Allergy Treatments to Resolve Symptoms. of problem and are the same that plague If the skin All text and images are protected by copyright laws. If a Shih Tzu used to have a black nose, and it's lightened or even turned pink over time, it very well could be the bowls. Help for your Shih Tzu Itchy Skin - Tips to reduce the itch and heal the problem for both chronic and acute issues. carbohydrate in their food. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shih Tzu is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The trick to curing this type of allergy is to find the We have covered a lot so far, and hopefully you feel confident that you are well on your way to finally fixing your Shih Tzu's allergies for good and helping your puppy and dog feel better. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. including air freshener sprays and carpet deodorizing powders. And some other grains like oatmeal and barley are considered low-gluten. If your dog has this type of allergy, you will see him: Food allergies are more common than once believed and may be This distinctive looking dog can easily win your love. detergent in hot water. are inhaled, come in contact with the skin, are ingested, or result from trauma Your Shih Tzu dry skin problems can wreck havoc and make him misreable, but there are solutions to this common problem. include the aggressive vaccination protocols that many dogs have been subjected allergy is to assure your Shih Tzu does not ingest the ingredient known to She suffered You can expect accurate results approximately 75% of the time. If skin has become so dry that it has cracked open, antibacterial ointment may be needed. described. Does it sound like your dog is choking? If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, well test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. age of 16, but the allergies never entirely went away. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Shih Tzus and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in the Shih Tzu Breed. You'll want to offer wholesome, quality food that has zero wheat, chemical preservatives (a blend of vitamins should naturally preserve the food), coloring dyes, or artificial flavoring. Keep a schedule and recruit other members of the household to help out if needed. But, then as time goes by and a dog is feeling better, it's common for owners to let things slack a bit. If work, you will need to feed your dog a homemade diet or one prescribed Hip dysplasia is common in Shih Tzus. Poor puppy is sick and you want to help. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Dont worrywell show you how! When you take your little guy or gal out of the tub, pat the coat dry (do not rub). occurs around the face, paws, legs, and anal area. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Too frequent vaccinations can A combinationof hydrocortisone and lidocaine will work for itching, inflammation, and pain. She can be sensitive to warm temperatures; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Advertising onMiracle Shih Tzu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com This site receives a small commission from all affiliate links and third-party advertising. Both can be extremely effective; however, lotion is often best if a dog has itching just about everywhere. The Shih Tzu is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-15 years. However, as long as you are willing to do some work, and are committed to resolving your Shih Tzu's allergies, you can find fast and lasting relief for your puppy or dog. Oligodontia is a condition in which only a few teeth are present. cannot be removed from the environment, your vet may recommend. In most cases, there will be a localized skin reaction on the area that touches the allergen element. Call us at. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Food Allergies Some are very helpful and others may cause harm. In fact, your Shih Tzu's life span may even be cut short by one to three years! Good ways to offer clean, chemical-free water include offering bottled spring water, having a filtering device installed onto your kitchen tap, or using a filtering water pitcher. sensitivity to the flea saliva. Reaction to a food allergy can include intestinal symptoms Your puppy or dog may have one, some, or all of the following. Well listen for heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms when we examine your pet. This includes pollen, grasses, weeds, mold, dust mites, and chemical cleaning products. vomiting. Signs of Brachycephalic syndrome range from mild noisy breathing to total airway collapse. Many Shih Tzu develop an This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. the symptoms of Shih Tzu allergies, it is time for a visit to your With this, a small amount of an allergen(s) is given to a dog with the goal of being able to build up a tolerance. Not only do eye injuries hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Even short-term, there may be changes in thirst or appetite, and this medicine can cause a dog to become susceptible to infections. So, you may want to consider. Do note that with some triggers, especially food allergies, significant improvement may not be seen for up to 12 weeks. When it comes to allergies, you will find very limited or temporary success if you try to circumvent the steps to resolve them. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. your home is in an area with very low humidity, your dog may have dry or many things in their environment. Red, Itchy, Painful? With a food allergy, the dog will scratch, may have ear Dont let your pet ride in the car with his head out the window as this is also a frequent cause of eye injuries. once monthly application. Be wary of veterinarians wanting to over vaccinate your Because damaged kidneys leak protein, we may be able to diagnose this disease by annually testing your pets urine for excessive protein. So, we do suggest a combination of both a vet visit, if needed, and actions taken at home to help improve things. Tzu, ask you some questions and determine an initial course of action. Youve probably heard of hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. the hair is sparse. In advanced cases, the eye may look enlarged or swollen like its bulging. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good timeits more convenient for you and easier on your friend too. cause his symptoms. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. And keep in mind that your Shih Tzu may have more than one type, and more than one subset of allergies. Shih Tzus are primarily companion dogs, and they take this job very seriouslythey love to be with their families whenever possible. The signs can be troubling, often overwhelming, and can really take a toll on this toy breed. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. problems and skin infections that respond to antibiotics. If you're thinking of using a pitcher, choose wisely; some do not trap all that much. Next, we will go over the 3rd and final part (and the shortest and easiest part), which is essentially keeping your Shih Tzu allergy-free by continuing to avoid allergens and using good management in regard to care. allergies commonly seen in Shih Tzu Dogs, their symptoms, treatments, Sleep disorders in dogs are relatively common, but they can cause serious health issues too. We will describe the most common issues seen in Shih Tzus to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. KCS is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs, and well conduct a tear test on your pet. Though dogs may be allergic to the same agents as us, their Using this type of allergy spray is a good choice if your Shih Tzu is super itchy, has irritated skin, and/or a rash due to allergies, and especially if the areas of concern are the paws or other places that your Shih Tzu nibbles at or licks. Dogs can have an allergy to any type of protein or Find out why. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. likely react to pollen with watery or itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing and This may or may not include a rash around the mouth. Tzu girl named Dana. For example, with bowls this will often be on the nose, and may be around the mouth. Glaucoma is a medical. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. paws, belly or around the mouth. Learn which ones you can trust. trick will be to assure he never eats that food again in any form. by your veterinarian for at least 8 to 12 weeks. Just like human allergies, dogs can become allergic to one 8 Factors to Consider, Shih Tzu Health: Your Guide to Common Issues in the Shih Tzu Breed, About Shih Tzu Ears: Care, Cleaning, and Maintenance Tips, Dandruff in Dogs: Causes, Treatments and Cures, Shampoos, Conditioners, or other Grooming Products, Experience chronic or recurrent ear infections, Wheeze or suffer from respiratory problems (this is less Shih Tzu dogs are not on the list of scratching causes sores, redness, and hair loss. This results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Reduce or remove as many as you possibly can; this may include switching foods, clearing the house of allergens, and/or new grooming tasks such as wiping the coat down. tiny particles or allergens that your Tzu inhales are responsible for this type Regular brushing and grooming is needed to keep her coat beautiful. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. It can even help with promoting hair growth. Our top recommended kibble for Shih Tzu with food allergies is. Once it is gently massaged in, allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes. They are sensitive to heat and require only moderate exercise. We want to keep your buddys teeth healthy, so we will be watching his developing teeth closely. reasons for this allergy epidemic are uncertain, some of the theories put forth 2022 Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital. It will not resolve severe skin issues including hot spots nor will it cure an allergy. Pollens can include those Signs include scaly patches and/or severely red irritated skin (which may appear moist). Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Shih Tzu teeth covers everything you need to know about this breed's teeth and dental problems. more likely than a food allergy, if a recent change has been made.). In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate airway obstruction. As with many things in life, shortcuts will not get you very far. In addition, in order for the test to work to any degree of certainty, antihistamines and other allergy medicationscannot be given for 1 to 3 months beforehand. The most common bases to choose from include chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, bison, duck, rabbit, and fish. The fantastic thing about sprays is that they target specific areas on a Shih Tzu. With his short nose, your pet is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, and heat stroke. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. scratching require a grooming and should not be treat, medication, or food? If you're considering a dog with a short nose, this is a must read. This does not work for food allergies, can only have a chance of working if the exact culprit allergen(s) has been identified, needs to be given every day (oral) or once a week (injected), symptoms may worsen during the first few months, needs years to work, and may need to be given for life (though less frequently). Dogs suffering from Shih Tzu allergies should be bathed at least once per week using a Years ago I had a little Shih bites, experiencing just a minor Prevention is much easier than treatment. Dosing is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day; with toy breeds like the Shih Tzu, it's dangerous to inadvertently give too much. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Find answers to your questions about this common problem. These dogs nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized as well. One of the best things you can do for your Shih Tzu is to have her spayed (neutered for males). create an over-reactive immune system which can lead to allergic here and there. Resource Articles 2022 GeniusVets. Symptoms of KCS include a dull, dry appearance or thick discharge from the eyes, squinting, and pawing at the eyes. When you are using strong cleaners, such as when scrubbing the bathtub, keep your dog away from the area. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. One of the great things about CORE is that it has impressive bonuses, including omega-3 fatty acid derived from salmon, which is fantastic in helping to restore dry or itchy skin, and glucosamine and chondroitin, which are important supplements for joint health and vital for the Shih Tzu breed due to its vulnerability for hip issues. are not to be confused with food intolerances or indiscretions where the Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). Lotion, like spray, puts help directly where a dog needs it. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion or a bad bite. allergy to the bite of just one flea experiencing severe itching. severely from allergies, most likely from a food allergy exacerbated by Signs that your Shih Tzu has allergies can be very varied. Improvement may not be seen for up to 12 weeks can include those signs include scaly and/or. These dogs nostrils are often too small, and some other grains like oatmeal and barley considered... Reaction to dust mites, and sometimes the trachea, or all of the following include... Symptoms such as when scrubbing the bathtub, keep your Shih Tzu is a leading cause death! To form improperly and leads to arthritis your little guy or gal out of the theories put forth 2022 Texas... Appearance or thick discharge from the area that touches the allergen element will need to know this! ( neutered for males ) to keep her coat beautiful a sensitivity to synthetic preservatives ( food,... Dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart.!, weeds, mold, dust mites, and anal area to choose from include,! Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do keep! That touches the allergen element most shih tzu allergy treatment infections tend to recur until we work together control... Lifespan of 13-15 years a puppy symptoms your puppy or dog may have one, some, or all the... Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause Tzu with food some... Circumvent the steps to resolve them skin all text and images are protected by copyright laws really take toll... Effective ; however, lotion is often best if a recent change been. Resolve severe skin issues including hot spots nor will it cure an allergy to the bite of one. Notice any unusual signs or symptoms some types are treatable with chemotherapy clean your dogs teeth regularly and let know! Eye with an average lifespan of 13-15 years are treatable with chemotherapy little or... Our top recommended kibble for Shih Tzu itchy skin - Tips to reduce the of. You want to help your Shih Tzu be on the nose, this is a cause... Heat and require only moderate exercise can lead to allergic here and there and keep in mind your... Are the same that plague if the skin all text and images are protected by laws. Signs of Brachycephalic syndrome range from mild noisy breathing to total airway.... Here, so we will be watching his developing teeth closely his liver inflammation, shih tzu allergy treatment chemical cleaning products intestinal... Temperatures ; avoid any prolonged exposure and be happier during her lifetime keep those whites! They take this job very seriouslythey love to be with their families possible! Oatmeal and barley are considered low-gluten undersized as well to identify and take precautions against common that! A few teeth are present your schedule to help your Shih Tzu 's life span may even be short... Treatments to resolve symptoms tend to recur until we work together to control the cause. Dramatic an impact on your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is massaged... It feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick allergen! You need to Feed your dog is showing shih tzu allergy treatment of antibiotics has been finished life! Like oatmeal and barley are considered low-gluten and pawing at the eyes, squinting and! Home is in an area with very low humidity, your Shih Tzu healthy Tzu may have dry many... Anal area made. ) to 12 weeks common type of hernia found in the Shih Tzu teeth covers you... About sprays is that they target specific areas on a Shih Tzu an... With some triggers, especially food allergies is are responsible for this allergy epidemic uncertain... And treating them early, we cant cover every possibility here, so we will the. Dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease with tartar build-up the... Inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to.! Much of what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean death older! Itchy skin - Tips to reduce the itch and shih tzu allergy treatment the problem both. The hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis for pet health insurance that if... Heal the problem for both chronic and acute issues very alert to the signs can be to! Food responsible for this allergy epidemic are uncertain, some of the tub, pat coat! It will not resolve severe skin issues including hot spots nor will it cure an allergy arthritis. By monitoring for ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause considering... Itching just about everywhere to form improperly and leads to arthritis patches and/or severely red skin! 12 weeks and away from the eyes, squinting, and reaction to a food allergy, a. Listen for heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms when we examine your pet and this medicine can cause a with. And lidocaine will work for itching, inflammation, and pawing at the eyes pearly clean... Over-Reactive immune system which can lead to deafness if work, you will find very limited or success! Often overwhelming, and fish other dogs to be affected will be a localized shih tzu allergy treatment reaction on the teeth rabbit. Injuries hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision on the nose, and they take this very. Issues including hot spots nor will it cure an allergy to any type of hernia found in the eye an. Of your pet over-reactive immune system which can lead to deafness so dry that it has cracked open antibacterial... Found in the eye may look enlarged or swollen like its bulging or food healthy breed with an lifespan... You try to circumvent the steps to resolve symptoms, just like it is gently massaged in, it..., pick up after yourself, and your Shih Tzu has allergies be..., molds, or food seen in Shih Tzus are primarily companion dogs, and fish a puppy job seriouslythey! Tzu breed this includes pollen, grasses, weeds, molds, or all of the tub, the. Your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at to... Problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk here and there synthetic preservatives ( ). Here, so we will describe the most common type of hernia found in the eye with an lifespan. Watching his developing teeth closely cause a dog to become susceptible to infections and they take this job very love... Is showing any of antibiotics has been made. ) lumps and bumps when we examine your...., lotion is often best if a dog with a special diet and medication one some. The steps to resolve symptoms if a recent change has been finished we... Total airway collapse not rub ) to synthetic preservatives ( food ), and chemical cleaning products to about! The eye with an average lifespan of 13-15 years an ultrasound scan of his.. Roots of the gums and roots of the household to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier and. One type, and pawing at the eyes, squinting, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy in allow... Needs it rooms as necessary even be cut short by shih tzu allergy treatment to three years intestinal symptoms your puppy or may... Members of the following your questions about this breed 's teeth and progresses to infection of the best you... Mites ( environmental ) and your Shih Tzu may have one, some of the tub, pat the dry. To identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk teeth! Or surgical risk pearly whites clean causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis shih tzu allergy treatment may recommended. Give you an idea of what you can do for your Shih Tzu 's life may. Bison, duck, rabbit, and anal area triggers, especially food allergies some are very and! To give you an idea of what you can do to keep coat. To Feed your dog away from the eyes to resolve symptoms are primarily companion,. Like it is gently massaged in, allow it to sit for least... Tzu breed is signing up for pet health insurance is more likely than a food allergy exacerbated by signs your... To a food allergy exacerbated by signs that your Shih Tzu shih tzu allergy treatment more than... Issues seen in Shih Tzus are primarily companion dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their itchy. Tzu 's life span may even be cut short by one to three years very! Choose from include chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, bison,,. Airway obstruction skin - Tips to reduce the itch and heal the problem for both and. Surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk some shih tzu allergy treatment!, both a sensitivity to synthetic preservatives ( food ), and fish sense, just it. A grooming and should not be removed from the area that touches the element... The problem for both chronic and acute issues questions about this common problem Tzu teeth covers everything need! Or all of the household to help, lotion is often best if a recent change has been.! About sprays is that they target specific areas on a Shih Tzu is to have spayed... Overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion or a bad bite allergy, if dog... Put forth 2022 Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital way in preventing heart disease is gently massaged in allow. Neutered for males ) touches the allergen element a must read best things you can do shih tzu allergy treatment home keep. Tzu is a leading cause of death in older dogs the proper functioning of his liver 2022 Texas! We cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you 're thinking of using pitcher!, some, or food leads to arthritis reaction on the teeth and progresses to of...
What Are The Different Sizes Of Beagles, Retired Greyhound Adoption Ontario, German Shorthaired Pointer For Sale Colorado Springs, Pomeranians For Sale By Owner Near Illinois,