An itchy dog should definitely be a cause of concern for any dog owner.
Seeing our adorable little pooch looking miserable and biting on his skin is not a sight we can bear.
The incessant scratching will be very frustrating for your Shih Tzu, and as its owner, it is your responsibility to figure out what may be causing such an issue.
Generally, Shih Tzus are such a friendly presence to have around the horse.
These perky, playful dogs have an energetic aura.
However, this ferocious breed is susceptible to face skin allergies, which will cause discomfort.
If left untreated, your Shih Tzu will suffer unnecessarily.
There is always the chance of the itchiness being a symptom of a hidden disease.
Figuring out the cause of your doggy’s distress is the primary step.
Based on that cause, we can figure out ways to treat your little Shih Tzu’s itchiness and relieve him.
If you find your tiny puppy scratching and biting himself due to intense itchiness, it is best to take him to a vet.
Getting it checked out will confirm whether there is an underlying health issue.
Discovering the root cause is essential for finding the correct remedy.
If you provide relief for the itching without figuring out the main issue, the itchiness will return.
Furthermore, the root cause might be a bigger and riskier issue for your Shih Tzu’s health. Without knowing what it is, you might treat the symptoms while the main problems lie dormant.
Let’s delve deeper into the topic and explore the reasons why your Shih Tzu dog is scratching himself.
With our solid treatment options, your little guy will be feeling better in no time.
Table of Contents
Common Causes Of Itchy Skin In Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are a breed that is quite prone to a variety of issues that can lead to itching.
Itchy skin is likely to be a symptom of a bigger health concern which is why we have to be extra cautious.
There is always a chance the itching is just that and requires over-the-counter treatment.
However, the best method is to rule out any concerning possibility.
There are some common causes of the itchiness in Shih Tzus, which are more likely to be the issue.
On the other hand, there are also some less common possibilities.
In case none of the common possibilities fit, look a little further and test for sporadic reasons.
Ordinary Causes Of Itchy Skin In A Shih Tzu
Allergies
Allergies can exist in various forms. Your Shih Tzu may have Allergies to certain foods, or there might be allergens in the environment.
Environmental triggers could include shampoos or grass. Another possible cause could be that your Shih Tzu has fleas and is allergic to them.
From a technical point of view, allergies caused by fleas are an environmental issue category. Fleas can cause your dog to scratch himself as they are stressful for him to deal with.
If your Shih Tzu has hypersensitivity to fleas, your dog will be utterly miserable, and the fleas will cause him immense difficulty.
Infections
There are two basic kinds of infections: bacterial and fungal. Generally, infections on the skin are secondary to other issues. However, these could be the primary concern as well. Hot spots or Pyoderma is the most common bacterial infection that may cause itchiness in your dog.
There is also atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, which could aggravate the dog’s skin. Acute moist dermatitis occurs seasonally.
You might see some hair loss around the area that has been effective. Your Shih Tzu will exhibit red, hot, moist patches that come about quickly and can be itchy and painful.
Dry Skin – Dry Air
Having dry skin means there isn’t enough moisture to make your little doggy feel comfortable. Dandruff and dry skin can lead to itchiness, and your Shih Tzu will scratch himself to relieve the issue.
Dogs that experience dry skin will often lick their skin as it itches. Their coat will lose its shine and might become lackluster. The most obvious reasons that would make a Shih Tzu’s skin dry include a poor diet, bad-quality shampoo, bathing too often, or poor grooming.
Insect Bites and Stings
External parasites such as fleas or mites could cause your Shih Tzu’s skin to be itchy. Insects such as Chiggers, mites, Lice, Tick Bites, bees, wasps, and hornets could all cause your little dog distress if they sting him.
Less Common Causes Of Itchy Skin In A Shih Tzu
- Lymphoma: A form of skin cancer in dogs
- Skin Fold Pyoderma: The inflammation of the skin between skin folds
- Hormone imbalances: hypothyroidism can cause seborrhea which is itchy
- Anxiety and Stressful Situations
- Reactions to Certain Drugs
How To Identify The Cause of Your Shih Tzu’s Itchy Skin?
Once you begin to notice that your dog is scratching himself unusually, start paying attention to when and where your Shih Tzu is scratching. The frequency and location of the itch will help narrow down the cause.
Even though Shih Tzus are smart dogs, with the absence of opposable thumbs, their reaction to itchiness is different from us humans. The primary signs that your Shih Tzu is itchy include
Scratching at different areas of their body
Primarily there is acute itching which is mainly localized. This kind of itch will come about all of a sudden and is a small itch localized to any part of the body. You might see some redness or slight swelling.
A few other suspects on the body where itchiness can occur include the paws, ears, and genitals. It is also a possibility your Shih Tzu might be itchy all over his body.
- Biting at the areas
- Licking the areas
- Rubbing the itchy body part against a rough surface such as carpeting
- In rare cases shaking (For instance, if the inner ear canal of your Shih Tzu is itchy, he will shake his head)
You can do a preliminary exam at home and look for any visible signs such as redness, bumps, or scabs on the skin. Itchiness often occurs as a result of a trigger factor.
These signs will help you understand what the possible issue could be.
As a dog owner, you are responsible for making an infrared decision about the issue.
Consult with your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
Due to the variation in opinions regarding the reason for serious skin irritation issues, vets offer different treatments.
It is better to go for the opinion of the vet who is familiar with your Shih Tzu and has been his doctor since you adopted him.
Treatment Options For Itchy Skin In Shih Tzus
It is wise to involve a vet whenever you find your Shih Tzu going through intense itchiness.
Before they harm themselves from the constant biting and scratching, take them to the vet and find the cause of the issue. A veterinary exam will help gauge the source of the itching in your Shih Tzu.
Based on the diagnosis, your vet will prescribe the little guy some medications to help relieve the itchiness.
Anti-itch medications or shampoos are the most basic form of treatment prescribed by veterinarians.
There are other treatment options, such as infections or antibiotics. However, the course of treatment will be dependent on how serious the cause of the itchiness is. Antibiotics are usually prescribed when the suspected cause is an infection.
If the cause of the itch is an allergen, you might have to perform allergy testing. Following a positive test result, the treatment for allergic conditions will begin.
Generally, prednisone is a steroid that gives temporary relief to itch and inflammation. However, it is not a long-term solution. Antihistamines are an alternative course of action.
In case your Shih Tzu tests positive for food allergies, you will have to revise their diet plan. Specialized diets are necessary for dogs who are allergic to certain items.
If your doctor suspects an underlying medical condition, the solution for rectifying it is giving your dog supplements; you will have to integrate those into your doggy’s diet.
Flea prevention and treatment for external parasites involves treating the dog as well as the area where he lives.
Your vet may suggest taking additional antihistamines or steroids to help with the hypersensitivity.
The best way to protect your Shih Tzu from going through this miserable experience is to groom them regularly.
Moisturize after baths to prevent dry skin.
Avoid the most common causes of this problem, by taking the required precautions.
Ways To Help Your Shih Tzu Stop Scratching
Invest in Anti-itch Shampoos, Sprays, or Creams
Some shampoos were specially manufactured to help with itching in particular. They are a great way of treating itching across a Shih Tzu’s entire body, as they provide amazing coverage.
A specialty anti-itch shampoo is also an amazing product for performing a foot soak for itchy paws. A cream is a suitable option if your Shih Tzu’s entire body is itchy, as the cream can cover a large area as well.
Use Ear Cleaners for an Inner Ear Canal Itch.
In a vast majority of cases, there is a possibility of treating ear canals with a broad-spectrum ear cleaner.
Solutions such as the Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats, 8 oz, can help make matters a lot easier and resolve the itchiness in no time.
It works because you have to place the solution into each canal and massage the base for a few minutes. Do this one ear at a time. After this, swipe the outer canal with clean gauze.
Add Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids to the Diet
If Shih Tzu is facing itchiness due to some deficiency, you should make a diet plan that includes certain vitamins.
The addition of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in your Shih Tzu diet will do wonders for dry skin.
Salmon Oil is also a great option for Shih Tzus. You can squirt some of it on your dog’s food a few times a week and watch how the dry flakiness vanishes.
Conclusion
You might find yourself feeling guilty if your Shih Tzu goes through distress. However, there are some things you can control, and most of them are not in your power.
Just keep a lookout for the common causes of itchiness discussed in this guide. Take precautions for dry skin, infections, fleas, and allergies, and your Shih Tzu will remain free of this problem for the rest of their lives.
Just remain calm and let your vet do his job. Do not get overwhelmed by the plethora of possibilities. The doctor will diagnose and rule out any cancer and other hormone-related concerns.
If the reason behind the itchy skin is something other than allergies, dry skin, or infections, identifying the cause is critical. Just remain calm and let your vet do his job. Stay calm by the plethora of possibilities.
The doctor will rule out any cancer and other hormone-related concerns. If the reason behind the itchy skin is something other than allergies, dry skin, or infections, you must determine the cause first.
Knowing the root cause is essential to figuring out an appropriate treatment plan, and you require the veterinarian’s expertise.
In case you find your dog scratching and biting himself mad due to the itchiness. Consult with a vet and follow the relevant course of action based on the cause of the itchy skin.
Try not to wait too long before taking action.
To save your Shih Tzu from experiencing itchy skin and prevent further discomfort, finding a solution as soon as possible is important. Also, you can circumvent some potential health issues as well.