Dry skin in Shih Tzus is a common problem, including Shih Tzus and it often requires a little extra attention to keep your pup healthy.
This article will offer tips on how to identify if your Shih Tzu has dry skin, what the symptoms are, why they occur, and what you can do about them. There will also be an explanation of some things that may cause dry skin in dogs such as allergies or poor diet. Finally, there will be recommendations from veterinarians for how to treat dry skin in your pet.
Dry skin in Shih Tzus how does it Affect them
Dogs’ bodies are built to withstand rain, sleet, snow and wind. But this doesn’t mean that dogs don’t get dry skin. It’s not just an issue for people! Shih Tzus can suffer from itchy or flaky skin just like humans. If you notice any changes in your doggie’s skin — such as redness, flakes, excessive scratching, or irritation — there could be a problem with their diet or environment that needs to be addressed right away before they develop a more serious health concern related to the dry skin.
Common symptoms of dry skin in dogs
● Itchy skin
● Dandruff
● Flaky skin
● Barking and licking their paws excessively
● Excessive scratching
● Red, flaking, or swollen skin
● Crusty rashes
If you notice any of these symptoms, your Shih Tzu may have dry skin. A vet can help determine the kind of treatment required for it — from dietary changes to medication and other methods.
What are the Causes of Dry Skin in Dogs
Dry skin in dogs is often caused by environmental factors. The best way to prevent this problem is to avoid exposing your pet to any known dry skin triggers. Some things that can cause dog dry skin include: extreme weather conditions, hot and humid environments, certain types of shampoos, excess bathing, the wrong diet or a grain-free diet that lacks vital moisture-boosting ingredients.
How to Prevent and Treat Dry Skin in Shih Tzus
● Seek treatment from your veterinarian to determine if your dog’s dry skin is caused by an underlying medical condition
● Limit time outdoors during extreme weather conditions to avoid potential environmental triggers
● Bathe your pet with mild dog shampoo to avoid stripping away natural oils
● Moisturize their coats several times per day with food-grade or baby-mild lotion
● Increase the moisture content in their diet through additional omega 3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins and increased amounts of healthy fats; you can do this by adding more fish oil for dogs into their meal plan.
Tips for Treating Your Pet’s Dry, Itchy Fur
● Use dog shampoo for dry skin to avoid irritating their already sensitive skin
● Apply conditioner after you bathe your pet, but before the final rinse. Never apply conditioner to a wet coat
● Let the coat dry naturally instead of using a hair dryer (even on low heat) to avoid irritating their skin further
● Gently rub in dog lotion for puppies with extra moisture content into your pup’s fur while it is still damp; this will lock in that moisture and help them feel better fast!
If you notice some discomfort or irritation when touching your pup’s skin, see if he appears unhappy when you go near his belly, neck, or paws. If so, make an appointment with your vet right away.
Common Products That Help Relieve Canine Eczema
● Apple cider vinegar for dogs
● Coconut oil
● Herbal home remedies to reduce inflammation and itchiness, such as comfrey ointment, calendula cream or aloe vera gel.
Check with your vet before trying any herbal treatments on your pet to make sure they will not interfere with their treatment plan.
As you can see from this article, dry skin in dogs is a common issue that can happen at any time during a dog’s life. However, it’s important to take the proper preventative measures during the winter months to ensure that your Shih Tzu has a comfortable and healthy coat throughout their entire life!
Dry Skin in Shih Tzus – Conclusion
Dry skin is one of the most common problems for pets, but it’s also very easy to treat. There are many different types of dry dog skin treatments available, so you should be able to find something that works best for your pet. If you have any questions about what products would work best on your particular breed or type of animal, ask a veterinarian! They’re experts in all things furry and four-legged. The next time your pup needs some hydration treatment at home, try out these tips from our blog post – they just might do the trick.
