Shih Tzu, like humans, can develop allergies to various things, including pollen, airborne substances, and specific ingredients in their food. These allergens can cause dermatitis, which is inflammation or irritation of the skin, due to an immune response in the affected dog when the allergens are inhaled or come into contact with the Shih Tzu’s skin.
Dermatitis in dogs refers to inflammation (redness and often itching) of the skin. It is a general term that can be used to describe skin irritation caused by any disease. There are many causes of skin inflammation in Shih Tzu. Some common diseases that lead to dermatitis include atopy (allergic reactions to environmental allergens), flea allergy dermatitis, and food intolerance or allergies.
Dermatitis in Shih Tzu is a condition that can affect their skin, causing itching and inflammation. It can be very uncomfortable for the Shih Tzu, and if left untreated, it can significantly impact their quality of life, affecting appetite and sleep. Constant scratching, licking, and biting can make the skin red, sore, and susceptible to infections.
The main causes of dermatitis in Shih Tzu include parasites (fleas, mites, ticks), infections (bacterial and fungal), and allergies (environmental, pollen, grass, dust mites, and food). The affected areas of dermatitis in Shih Tzu commonly include the ears, paws, belly, and armpits, but it can also affect the face, buttocks, back, and sides.
Symptoms of dermatitis in Shih Tzu include itching, excessive scratching, rubbing on carpets, hair loss, oily or scaly skin with odor, chewing on paws, saliva discoloration (red/brown stain where the Shih Tzu licked), redness and discharge from the ear flaps, thickening or darkening of the skin (especially in hairless areas), redness or rashes on the belly, and spots or crusts on the body.
To diagnose dermatitis in Shih Tzu, veterinarians may perform various tests such as flea combing to check for fleas or flea dirt, tape strips to collect skin cells and surface bacteria for microscopic examination, skin scrapings to detect mites, hair plucks to identify parasitic and fungal infections, Wood’s lamp examination to detect certain fungal infections, and blood tests to identify allergies in Shih Tzu with allergic dermatitis.
The treatment for dermatitis in Shih Tzu depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Parasitic dermatitis can be managed by regularly using prescribed flea, tick, and mite treatments. Supermarket products may not be effective due to flea resistance. Skin infections can be controlled with medicated shampoos and, in some cases, prolonged courses of antibiotics. Allergic dermatitis requires a more complex treatment approach, including avoiding known triggers, reducing mites in the dog’s environment, conducting a food trial to identify food allergies, and using hypoallergenic diets and moisturizing oatmeal-based shampoos.
Dermatitis in Shih Tzu can be a chronic condition, and ongoing management and monitoring are often required. Regular veterinary check-ups and consultations are recommended to ensure the Shih Tzu’s skin health is properly maintained.