Shih Tzu Information Center
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When Your Shih Tzu Loses Fur
Fur Loss Overview
Aside from normal shedding, if the Shih Tzu or any other dog loses fur there is a medical issue that needs to be resolved. Determining that medical issue will be the task of a collaborative effort between you and your dog's veterinarian.
Fur loss can happen at any time, to a dog of any age and appear in many forms. The coat of the Shih Tzu may show a patch of missing fur or an all over thinning.
The first step will be to determine possible causes and then work with your trusted vet to resolve the problem. The majority of fur loss issues with the Shih Tzu can be solved.
Fur loss can happen at any time, to a dog of any age and appear in many forms. The coat of the Shih Tzu may show a patch of missing fur or an all over thinning.
The first step will be to determine possible causes and then work with your trusted vet to resolve the problem. The majority of fur loss issues with the Shih Tzu can be solved.
Alepecia - a fur loss that appears in patches
Can Stress Cause Fur Loss in a Dog?
The answer is a resounding yes. Neurodermatitis is a condition in which the Shih Tzu will compulsively lick their fur to the point of damaging the follicles thus resulting in fur loss. The dog many concentrate on one area of the body or in many areas. This medical condition is thought to be caused by the Shih Tzu being overstressed, anxious or overly bored. This is diagnosed by ruling out other medical issues. This is cured by resolving the stresses or boredom that is afflicting the Shih Tzu. While behavior training is an option, changing the home environment often solves this fur loss issue.
Acantosis Nigricans
This is a medical condition that is rare in the Shih Tzu breed; however can occur. This diagnosis covers fur loss from hormonal imbalances, hypersensitivities or friction. Testing will be done by a veterinarian to determine the exact cause. Treatment may include steroids and/or vitamin E supplements.
Allergic Dermatitis
Fur loss is a common symptom when a dog has an allergy to an external element. Dog shampoo, conditioner, even the rug cleaner an owner may use is a possible culprit in causing this reaction to the Shih Tzu. Not only will the dog suffer from fur loss, there may be red blisters, sores or lesions on the skin as well. Fortunately, this can be quickly corrected once it is determined what is causing the Shih Tzu's reaction. A veterinarian should perform patch testing to find the cause and then the owner must eliminate that element. In moderate to severe cases, antihistamines and/or steroids may be prescribed to help the Shih Tzu recover.
See Allergies
Many dogs suffer
from some from
of dog allergy
Alopecia
This fur loss issue is as much of a mystery as if the spontaneous recovery that a Shih Tzu will have. Theorized to perhaps be an autoimmune disorder, this will cause patches of fur loss on the dog. In most cases, unlike an allergic reaction, there will be no itching. This usually fixes itself once the dog's body gains enough antibodies to fend off its inside attacker and the fur will grow back.
Dermatomyositis
This is a rare disorder in which the fur loss actually occurs alongside a negative reaction to sunlight or UV rays. The cause remains unknown; however there is still help available. This condition can be confirmed with a small skin biopsy. Not only will the coat thin, the skin will be affected as well. There may be scabs, sores, redness and irritation. The resolution to helping your Shih Tzu recover begins by severely minimizing their exposure to any sunlight, keeping the dog indoors except for elimination times. Prednisone may be given in short and small doses initially, followed by vitamin E. The recovery rate for dogs having this is currently 86%.
Food and Flea Allergies
Any dog's fur loss may be explained by a simple allergy to food. Luckily, this is reversible and can be quickly diagnosed. An owner of a Shih Tzu should always bring their dog to the veterinarian when any unexplained fur loss occurs; however it will be the owner that will cure the dog in the case of a food allergy. One must begin feeding the Shih Tzu only one bland food, such as boiled and de-boned chicken. Every week, a new food is introduced; thus allowing the owner to be able to determine which element is causing the reaction.
Hypothyroidism
This condition happens to the Shih Tzu when the thyroid begins to slow down and produce a smaller amount of hormones. Before fur loss occurs, the coat may become very dry and hair may break off easily. The under active thyroid may also cause weight gain and weakness. This can be diagnosis when the veterinarian runs thyroid tests. Treatment will be medication, often needed for the rest of the dog's life. Recovery is a progressive process; in most cases the Shih Tzu will make a complete recovery.
Looking for more information? Try our search:
This is a medical condition that is rare in the Shih Tzu breed; however can occur. This diagnosis covers fur loss from hormonal imbalances, hypersensitivities or friction. Testing will be done by a veterinarian to determine the exact cause. Treatment may include steroids and/or vitamin E supplements.
Allergic Dermatitis
Fur loss is a common symptom when a dog has an allergy to an external element. Dog shampoo, conditioner, even the rug cleaner an owner may use is a possible culprit in causing this reaction to the Shih Tzu. Not only will the dog suffer from fur loss, there may be red blisters, sores or lesions on the skin as well. Fortunately, this can be quickly corrected once it is determined what is causing the Shih Tzu's reaction. A veterinarian should perform patch testing to find the cause and then the owner must eliminate that element. In moderate to severe cases, antihistamines and/or steroids may be prescribed to help the Shih Tzu recover.
See Allergies
Many dogs suffer
from some from
of dog allergy
Alopecia
This fur loss issue is as much of a mystery as if the spontaneous recovery that a Shih Tzu will have. Theorized to perhaps be an autoimmune disorder, this will cause patches of fur loss on the dog. In most cases, unlike an allergic reaction, there will be no itching. This usually fixes itself once the dog's body gains enough antibodies to fend off its inside attacker and the fur will grow back.
Dermatomyositis
This is a rare disorder in which the fur loss actually occurs alongside a negative reaction to sunlight or UV rays. The cause remains unknown; however there is still help available. This condition can be confirmed with a small skin biopsy. Not only will the coat thin, the skin will be affected as well. There may be scabs, sores, redness and irritation. The resolution to helping your Shih Tzu recover begins by severely minimizing their exposure to any sunlight, keeping the dog indoors except for elimination times. Prednisone may be given in short and small doses initially, followed by vitamin E. The recovery rate for dogs having this is currently 86%.
Food and Flea Allergies
Any dog's fur loss may be explained by a simple allergy to food. Luckily, this is reversible and can be quickly diagnosed. An owner of a Shih Tzu should always bring their dog to the veterinarian when any unexplained fur loss occurs; however it will be the owner that will cure the dog in the case of a food allergy. One must begin feeding the Shih Tzu only one bland food, such as boiled and de-boned chicken. Every week, a new food is introduced; thus allowing the owner to be able to determine which element is causing the reaction.
Hypothyroidism
This condition happens to the Shih Tzu when the thyroid begins to slow down and produce a smaller amount of hormones. Before fur loss occurs, the coat may become very dry and hair may break off easily. The under active thyroid may also cause weight gain and weakness. This can be diagnosis when the veterinarian runs thyroid tests. Treatment will be medication, often needed for the rest of the dog's life. Recovery is a progressive process; in most cases the Shih Tzu will make a complete recovery.
Looking for more information? Try our search:
