Shih Tzus are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and it’s easy to see why. These little dogs are full of energy, affectionate, and they have a cheerful personality that can light up any room. However, just like humans, dogs can also develop allergies, and Shih Tzus are no exception. If you’re a Shih Tzu owner, it’s important to understand what your dog is allergic to so you can provide them with the proper care and treatment. In this article, we’ll go in-depth into what Shih Tzus are allergic to, the symptoms of an allergy, and how to manage them.
Common Allergens in Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus can be allergic to a variety of things, including food, environmental allergens, and flea bites. Let’s take a closer look at each of these allergens.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are a common cause of allergies in dogs, including Shih Tzus. Some dogs are allergic to certain ingredients in their food, such as corn, wheat, or soy. These ingredients can cause digestive problems, skin irritation, and itching.
The symptoms of a food allergy in Shih Tzus can include:
- Itching and scratching: This is the most common symptom of a food allergy in dogs. Your Shih Tzu may scratch or chew at their skin, causing redness and soreness.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: If your Shih Tzu has a food allergy, they may experience digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Skin irritation: Allergies can cause skin irritation, leading to redness, swelling, and hot spots.
If you suspect your Shih Tzu has a food allergy, the first step is to take them to the vet. Your vet will perform a physical examination and may suggest skin or blood tests to determine the cause of the allergy. Once the cause of the allergy is determined, your vet may recommend switching to a hypoallergenic diet to see if this helps relieve your Shih Tzu’s symptoms.
Environmental Allergies
Dogs can also be allergic to things in their environment, such as dust, mold, or pollen. These allergens can cause runny eyes, sneezing, and itching. Environmental allergies are often more difficult to diagnose and treat than food allergies, but with the right approach, you can help manage your Shih Tzu’s symptoms.
The symptoms of an environmental allergy in Shih Tzus can include:
- Runny eyes: If your Shih Tzu has an eye allergy, they may have watery or red eyes.
- Sneezing and coughing: Environmental allergies can cause sneezing and coughing in dogs.
- Itching and scratching: As with food allergies, itching and scratching are common symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs.
If you suspect your Shih Tzu has an environmental allergy, the first step is to take them to the vet. Your vet will perform a physical examination and may suggest skin or blood tests to determine the cause of the allergy. Once the cause of the allergy is determined, your vet may recommend a course of treatment, which may include:
- Allergy shots: In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended to help desensitize your dog to allergens.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids may be prescribed to relieve itching and skin irritation.
- Environmental changes: You may also need to make changes to your Shih Tzu’s environment to help manage their allergy. This could include removing sources of allergens, using air purifiers, or regularly cleaning your home to reduce allergens.
Flea Bites
Flea bites are a common cause of allergies in dogs, and Shih Tzus are no exception. Flea bites can cause intense itching and scratching, leading to skin irritation and hot spots. Flea bites can also spread diseases and parasites, making it important to prevent and treat flea infestations.
The symptoms of flea bites in Shih Tzus can include:
- Itching and scratching: If your Shih Tzu has a flea bite, they may scratch and chew at the bite, causing skin irritation and hot spots.
- Biting and chewing: If your Shih Tzu is uncomfortable, they may bite and chew at their skin to relieve their itching.
- Skin irritation: Flea bites can cause redness, swelling, and hot spots on your Shih Tzu’s skin.
To prevent flea bites, it’s important to use flea prevention products, such as flea collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications. If your Shih Tzu does have flea bites, your vet may recommend a flea treatment to relieve the itching and prevent further infestations.
Managing Shih Tzu Allergies
Managing Shih Tzu allergies requires a combination of approaches, including changes to your dog’s diet, environmental changes, and medication. It’s important to work closely with your vet to determine the cause of your Shih Tzu’s allergy and to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Here are a few tips to help you manage your Shih Tzu’s allergies:
- Keep your home clean: Regularly clean your home to reduce allergens and prevent flea infestations.
- Provide a hypoallergenic diet: If your Shih Tzu has a food allergy, switching to a hypoallergenic diet can help relieve their symptoms.
- Use flea prevention products: To prevent flea bites, use flea prevention products, such as flea collars or spot-on treatments.
- Manage skin irritation: If your Shih Tzu has skin irritation, you can use oatmeal baths, aloe vera, or other natural remedies to relieve their itching.
- Medications: If necessary, your vet may prescribe medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, to relieve itching and skin irritation.
Conclusion
Shih Tzus are adorable dogs that are full of personality and energy. However, just like humans, they can also develop allergies, and it’s important to understand what your dog is allergic to so you can provide them with proper care and treatment. If you suspect your Shih Tzu has an allergy, take them to the vet for a physical examination and to determine the cause of the allergy. With the right approach, you can help manage your Shih Tzu’s allergies and keep them healthy and happy.
