Shih Tzu Information Center
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Shih Tzu Allergy Information
What are the Signs?
The symptoms your Shih Tzu will show regarding an allergy will depend if your dog is allergic to an outside element or an internal element.
Outside elements will be a substance that the dog touches or breaths in. Internal elements will be something that your dog actually ingests. Of course, this is most often food. However this could also be supplements (in rare cases).
Once identifying the type of dog allergy, an owner can then begin to narrow down the suspects. Relieving a dog's suffering is the goal and this can be done with a bit of research.
Outside elements will be a substance that the dog touches or breaths in. Internal elements will be something that your dog actually ingests. Of course, this is most often food. However this could also be supplements (in rare cases).
Once identifying the type of dog allergy, an owner can then begin to narrow down the suspects. Relieving a dog's suffering is the goal and this can be done with a bit of research.
An Allergy or an Illness?
Many dogs with allergies are mistakenly diagnosed with an illness, such as a respiratory infection. Why are so many pets given the wrong treatment? It is because the the symptoms of an allergic reaction may be very similar to an illness.
We discuss both internal and external symptoms to better help you diagnose your dog. If your Shih Tzu shows signs of a possible allergic reaction, it is essential to have your dog properly treated. Once identified, most allergies can be managed to keep both owner and canine happy.
We discuss both internal and external symptoms to better help you diagnose your dog. If your Shih Tzu shows signs of a possible allergic reaction, it is essential to have your dog properly treated. Once identified, most allergies can be managed to keep both owner and canine happy.
Shih Tzu Allergy Diagnosing
External Shih Tzu Allergies
You will know that there is a good possibility that your Shih Tzu has allergies that are external if your dog:
One serious symptom
of various allergies
If showing the above symptoms, your Shih Tzu may be allergic to many elements, including but not limited to:
The symptoms and treatments will vary greatly depending on what type of allergy your dog has. Once you determine what is causing your dog's discomfort, action can be taken to eliminate the culprit and get your Shih Tzu feeling back to normal.
External Shih Tzu Allergies
You will know that there is a good possibility that your Shih Tzu has allergies that are external if your dog:
- Uncontrollable scratching
- Has any type of rash on their tummy or the their skin when the fur is lifted
- Redness on any part of their body
- Sores, lesions and bumps
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Infection where your Shih Tzu was scratching
- A nasty odor from an infection left untreated
- Fur loss
One serious symptom
of various allergies
If showing the above symptoms, your Shih Tzu may be allergic to many elements, including but not limited to:
- Dog shampoo - this is the #1 cause of an external reaction
- Detergent - when you wash your dog's clothes, dog bed linking, etc. remnant of the soap will remain on the items
- Rug Cleaner - It is nice to keep your carpet clean, however keep in mind that usually it will only be your feet or shoes that touch the carpet but it will be your entire Shih Tzu that is exposed to the chemicals in these cleaners, thus causing the reaction.
- Flea bites
Treating these symptoms is rather easy, although it may take a while for your Shih Tzu to completely recover. You must of course, get rid of the substance that is causing the reaction. Begin with the dog shampoo you use or any other bathing products. Change brand names and change to an allergy free product. If fleas are the cause, immediately treat your Shih Tzu for fleas and begin a preventive maintenance routine that is never broken. Any rash that may have progressed into infections will need to be treated with antibiotics. Rashes and redness should be treated with baby powder or aloe, once your vet has checked out your Shih Tzu. Once removing the allergy causing element, it may take several months for a dog to completely recover. Since a Shih Tzu has such a wonderful coat of fur; if loss of fur has occurred it may take up to 6 months to see a significant recovery.
Internal Shih Tzu Allergies
Internal allergies are a bit easier to diagnosis; however finding the cause sometimes takes quite a while. The main symptom will be:
If your dog vomits, your first action must be to make sure your Shih Tzu did not ingest any poison. If that is not a possibility, most likely your dog is allergic to a food he or she ate. Make a list of everything your Shih Tzu may have eaten in the past 48 hours. the foods that most dogs may be allergic to are: Beef, dairy products, wheat, eggs, corn and soy. Unfortunately these are found in almost every food!
See Feeding
Learn the proper
amount & time to
feed your dog
You must switch to a very high quality dog food that is 1: formulated for small toy dogs and 2: made with simple ingredient and based on attempting to be allergy free. The issue is that your Shih Tzu may be allergic to just about any food. There are many good brands such as Nature's Variety, California Natural and many more. You will find the best selection on the Internet. Online stores are able to display up to 100 X the amount of products as a physical store while still maintaining integrity and quality.
You must begin with a food of just one basic, such as lamb. If your Shih Tzu tolerates this, then you may add a dog food that has a base of beef. Allow a week or two to make sure symptoms do not reappear. As you add new dog foods, you will be able to determine which one is causing the problem.
While you are waiting for your dog to recover, be sure to offer them plenty of water and a soft, warm place to rest. Be sure to offer only a simple basic food. Within 72 hours, your Shih Tzu should be feeling much better. If not, go to the vet without hesitation. After you determine which foods are good for your dog, stay on course with only those dog foods you know are tolerated.
Internal Shih Tzu Allergies
Internal allergies are a bit easier to diagnosis; however finding the cause sometimes takes quite a while. The main symptom will be:
- Vomiting
- Followed by the secondary symptom of diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Severe weight loss
- Loss of muscle tissue
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
If your dog vomits, your first action must be to make sure your Shih Tzu did not ingest any poison. If that is not a possibility, most likely your dog is allergic to a food he or she ate. Make a list of everything your Shih Tzu may have eaten in the past 48 hours. the foods that most dogs may be allergic to are: Beef, dairy products, wheat, eggs, corn and soy. Unfortunately these are found in almost every food!
See Feeding
Learn the proper
amount & time to
feed your dog
You must switch to a very high quality dog food that is 1: formulated for small toy dogs and 2: made with simple ingredient and based on attempting to be allergy free. The issue is that your Shih Tzu may be allergic to just about any food. There are many good brands such as Nature's Variety, California Natural and many more. You will find the best selection on the Internet. Online stores are able to display up to 100 X the amount of products as a physical store while still maintaining integrity and quality.
You must begin with a food of just one basic, such as lamb. If your Shih Tzu tolerates this, then you may add a dog food that has a base of beef. Allow a week or two to make sure symptoms do not reappear. As you add new dog foods, you will be able to determine which one is causing the problem.
While you are waiting for your dog to recover, be sure to offer them plenty of water and a soft, warm place to rest. Be sure to offer only a simple basic food. Within 72 hours, your Shih Tzu should be feeling much better. If not, go to the vet without hesitation. After you determine which foods are good for your dog, stay on course with only those dog foods you know are tolerated.
