Fleas and Other External Parasites
Fleas aren’t the only external parasites that could cause Shih Tzu skin issues. The parasites that cause various forms of mange, Demodex mite, as well as the canine scabies mite, could make your Shih Tzu miserable.
Sarcoptic mange or scabies in pups is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which is very contagious even to us people.
Meanwhile, demodectic mange is the most prevalent form of mange in pups, and it is caused by the Demodex canis, also known as a parasite that thrives on dogs’ hair follicles.
This kind of mange isn’t contagious and doesn’t affect people.
Less Serious Causes of Shih Tzu Skin Issues
On the other hand, Shih Tzu skin issues could likewise be caused by less serious triggers such as excessive bathing, dry climates, cold temperatures, inappropriate shampoos and conditioners, and even poor diet.
Dry Conditions
Cold temperatures, dry climates, and hot air could cause skin issues to us humans and would do the same to our Shih Tzus. Adding some moisture to the environment could help a lot.
Grooming Mistakes
Brushing
Excessive brushing releases a lot of the natural oils, dispersing them over the hair and further away from the Shih Tzu’s skin. Meanwhile, too little brushing could cause mats to form and lead to excessive scratching and irritation on your dog’s underlying skin. For the average Shih Tzu with a short fur, combing and brushing about thrice a week would be sufficient.
Bathing
We all love fresh-smelling and clean Shih Tzu dogs, and the most straightforward way to ensure that our pups are clean is to give them a thorough bath. Bathing, however, should be done with a suitable pH-balanced canine shampoo. Keep in mind that our personal shampoo and conditioner are not products that are compatible with our Shih Tzu.
Poor Diet
A poor diet might not have the ingredients and sufficient nutrients to provide the balanced nutrition that Shih Tzus need every day. Supplements could help, but it’s always recommended to begin with a balanced and high-quality dog food.
