Is your pet experiencing excessive Shih Tzu itching?
Shih Tzu itching can be a nightmare for pet parents and their beloved pets. Shih Tzus with allergies or skin conditions may suffer from dry, itchy skin that is more sensitive to external stimuli such as grass, pollen, and even fabric. These unfortunate pups have been known to chew themselves raw to soothe the itch they feel deep down on their skin. This blog post goes over what itching is for Shih Tzus, how to identify them, symptoms, how to reduce scratching, and prevention.
What is Shih Tzu Itching?
Itching is a common dog behavior that occurs when the skin has been stimulated by external factors and then sends signals to the brain. What dogs often perceive as itching is really an irritation sent from their skin, in hopes of alerting them to damage or infection. In these cases, the same feeling can be mistaken for hunger.
Shih Tzu itching also refers to dry, irritated skin which may be caused by allergies and/or other conditions. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, biting at fur/skin around the body (especially between shoulders), rashes caused by scratching, and excessive shedding due to self-inflicted hair loss (alopecia). Treatment will vary depending on what is causing this intense itchiness.
How to Identify Shih Tzu Itching Problems
Shih Tzus who suffer from allergies or skin conditions will likely have a lot of hair loss at the site of the itch. Shih Tzu itching is most visible in the “armpits” and stomach where the Shih Tzu may show a brownish-red color that indicates raw flesh below the skin’s surface. Shih Tzus with itchy ears will often watery eyes or dark smudging around them because they cannot scratch hard enough to reach their ears without causing themselves extra discomfort.
Symptoms of Shih Tzu itching
Shih Tzu itching is characterized by scratching, hair loss, and sores. Shih Tzus can also be diagnosed with excessive itching when they have raw patches of flesh that weep clear liquid or blood-tinged fluid. Shih Tzus who are suffering from Shih Tzu itching will often develop infections in the skin areas that are affected due to over-grooming and biting; infection can lead to puss pockets which will likely need professional veterinary attention. Shih Tzus may also develop hot spots if their skin becomes infected through scratching.
It is also often accompanied by scratching, licking, skin redness, and watery eyes.
Shih Tzus who suffer from itching are likely to have excessive dander as well! They are also more likely to develop a mange condition called Demodex. Shih Tzu itching may also be caused by external factors such as irritants they come into contact with on a regular basis or even other dogs jumping on them or chewing on their fur.
If your Shih Tzu dog starts to show symptoms of excessive itching, then you should check for fleas. A flea infestation could also trigger a bout of itching and scratching.
Treatment for Shih Tzu Itching
Shih Tzu itching is treatable, but it will take a long time for the scratching to go away. Shih Tzus suffering from excessive itching should always be given anti-bacterial medications and prescribed an antihistamine to treat the condition. Shih Tzu medication may also come with steroid cream or pills which help to reduce inflammation and soothes irritation.
Hair loss caused by itching will grow back in due time if you follow your vet’s Shih Tzu itching treatment instructions. Shih Tzus suffering from excessive itching may need to have their scratching behavior under control in order for hair loss caused by excessive itching to heal properly.
Shih Tzus may also need baths with medicated shampoo for itching. These shampoos will help to relieve the itch and keep your Shih Tzu’s skin clean. These shampoos are specially formulated with horse oil which has anti-itch qualities that soothe Shih Tzus suffering from itching and scratching.
Shampoos for Shih Tzu itching may also come with natural ingredients such as mint leaves or chamomile flowers, both of which possess soothing properties that can provide relief for your Shih Tzu!
Prevention of Shih Tzu Itching
Shih Tzu itching can be prevented by avoiding factors that cause it. One of the best ways to treat Shih Tzu itching is to avoid all those things which trigger your dog’s skin problems. If your pet is suffering from flea allergies, then you should use a special shampoo containing natural ingredients such as rosemary or eucalyptus oil in order to get rid of the problem. Keeping your pet’s hair clipped short will also help them relieve themselves and their fur falls out less often (but only if they suffer from alopecia!).
If you have other dogs who tend to jump on or chew the fur of your Shih Tzus, then be sure not to let these animals near them without supervision. You should also be careful where your Shih Tzu plays as dogs like to roll in things that may trigger itching!
How to Prevent Your Shih Tzu from Scratching and Biting Himself?
If your Shih Tzu is suffering from an underlying medical condition such as allergies or food intolerances that trigger the itching, then you should make an appointment to see your vet straight away! Your veterinarian may prescribe topical medication in combination with oral medications to treat any underlying conditions.
Shi Tzus are also sensitive to extreme temperatures, so avoid exposing your Shih Tzu to extremes in temperature by keeping them indoors until you are sure they have stopped scratching themselves.
When Should You See a Vet About the Itching Problem of your Shih Tzu?
You should consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:
– Your Shih Tzu has red skin or scabs around their chin, neck, back, or tail. These could indicate flea allergies.
– You notice small brownish-red spots throughout your Shih Tzu’s fur. These may be signs of ringworm which is highly contagious to other pets as well as people!
-Your Shih Tzu is experiencing a sudden itching outbreak, especially if they have not been recently Shampooed.
Tips for Reducing the Severity and Frequency of Shih Tzu Scratching Episode
Your veterinarian may recommend that you try the following if your Shih Tzu is suffering from itching
– Regularly bathe your dog with specially formulated anti-itch shampoo.
– Use hypoallergenic dog bedding.
– Do not allow visitors to share your bed with your dog and avoid letting other pets sleep near them because this could set off a bout of excessive itching!
If none of these methods seem to be working for you, then consult your veterinarian about other possible Shih Tzu itching treatments available on the market!
Conclusion:
With any luck, by reading through this article you will find out what’s causing your dog’s skin irritation and put an end to it before it becomes too much for them (or yourself) to bear.
