The Shih Tzu breed is prone to a variety of skin issues. These can range from common, relatively minor concerns to more serious conditions that require prompt attention. Understanding these skin problems is crucial for any Shih Tzu pet parents, as early detection can help in managing the issue effectively.
Here we will cover the details of both common but manageable skin conditions you can often treat at home and more serious skin conditions that often require veterinary care.
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Below is a closer look at some of the most frequent skin issues Shih Tzus face, along with signs and symptoms:
Itching Skin: This is a common symptom with the Shih Tzu breed and can stem from various causes. The itchiness often leads to behaviors like excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin. It's important to note the areas where the itching occurs, as this can be a clue to the underlying cause.
Rash: Skin rashes typically appear as areas of redness, bumps, or irritation. These rashes can occur anywhere on the body but are often found in areas with less fur. They might cause discomfort or itching, leading the dog to scratch or lick the affected area.
Hot Spots: Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are areas of inflamed, infected skin that appear red and moist. These areas can be very itchy and painful. A Shih Tzu with hot spots may excessively lick or chew at the affected area, potentially leading to further irritation or infection.
Dog dandruff, or seborrhea: This causes flaky skin and itchiness in dogs. It can be hereditary (primary) or caused by factors like allergies or diet (secondary), and is managed with specialized shampoos and proper grooming.
There are several steps you can take to help your Shih Tzu with skin problems, both by making changes to their environment and care and by applying topical treatments:
#1 Moisturize the Air: Use humidifiers to combat dry air, especially during winter or in dry climates, which can exacerbate skin issues. Place humidifiers where the dog spends most of its time. Pure Enrichment's Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a good option, with features like a 25-hour run time, quiet operation, and a night-light. Other methods include leaving the bathroom door open when showering, having houseplants, and placing containers of water near heating elements.
#2 Soothing Baths with Specialty Shampoo: A specialty shampoo can help quite a bit. For example,
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo works very well to treat itchy skin due to its combination of coconut cleansers, colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera. And if a Shih Tzu has very irritated hot spots, the
EarthBath Tea Tree Oil & Aloe Vera Shampoo works well with its soothing formula.
When using soothing and conditioning shampoos that combat dryness and itching, you can increase bathing frequency to once per week until the skin condition improves, then reduce back to once every three weeks. Use a very gentle touch and allow the product to soak in for at least 5 minutes before rinsing off with room temperature water.
#3 Direct Skin Treatment with Sprays: Specialty sprays and spritzes can be very effective tools to treat skin issues since you can directly spray the spots that are most bothersome to your Shih Tzu. The right products can provide immediate relief. For minor to moderate skin conditions like itching, hot spots, and irritation, you may wish to try TropiClean Hypoallergenic Itch Relief Spray which contains colloidal oatmeal and Vitamin E.
For more severe cases, where the skin is extremely itchy or hot spots are very sensitive and painful, consider using a medicated spray. Veterinary Formula's Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Spray is an excellent choice. This contains lidocaine to numb pain, hydrocortisone to reduce itching, and allantoin to moisturize the skin. Apply this spray twice a day for consistent relief, targeting the specific problem areas.
#4 Dietary Changes: Food allergies or intolerances can result in skin problems, sometimes accompanied by gastrointestinal issues. Allergic reactions can occur due to food additives, commonly found in commercial dog foods. These can include artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives, which are significant triggers for skin issues. Additionally, foods high in grains or soy, and even certain proteins like chicken, can cause adverse reactions.
Consider switching to All-Natural Food free from artificial coloring, flavoring, chemical preservatives (look for natural preservatives like tocopherols or ascorbates), soy, corn, grains, and by-products. A high-quality choice is Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free for Small Breeds - Turkey & Chicken, which meets all these criteria and is made in the USA.
# 5 Offer a daily omega-3 supplement. Provide a daily omega-3 supplement to maintain skin and coat health, boost the immune system, and support joint health - important for certain breeds. Liquid fish oil, like Zesty Paw's Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, is recommended for its ease of adding to meals and palatability for dogs. This specific product comes with a convenient pump; administer 1/2 to 1 pump based on your dog's weight.
#6 Address Environmental or Contact Allergies: To manage environmental or contact allergies in dogs:
Step 1: Identify Allergy Triggers
Step 2: Home Environment Adjustments
Overview: Less common but still possible is dandruff, which manifests as white flakes. The flakes are pieces of of dead skin cells that fall off. There are two main types of dandruff with canines: dry (aka seborrheic sicca) and oily (seborrhea). The oily type of dandruff on Shih Tzu dogs tends to be the type that has a bad odor, and this is due to the overabundance of body oil. Some Shih Tzu will have both types at the same time.
Very similar to dry skin, dandruff with Shih Tzu puppies and dogs can originate from dry arid air (especially in the winter), skin bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, certain diseases including Cushing's Disease or hypothyroidism, or an unbalanced diet lacking in omega-3s. In many cases, the cause of dandruff may remain elusive; if so, it is referred to as idiopathic seborrhea.
Other signs seen alongside dandruff include itching, skin odor, red irritated skin and/or excessive self-licking or chewing due to the itch.
What to do: Some cases of dandruff can be treated at home with:
If there is no improvement after two weeks, dandruff should be treated by the veterinarian who can prescribe stronger treatments that may include corticosteroids, retinoid-based medications, oral cyclosporine such as Atopica, antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections, and antifungals when yeast infections are present.
Note: There is a certain mite, named the Cheyletiella mite, that is so similar in appearance to dandruff flakes that their nickname is 'walking dandruff'; they are large enough to see by eye and if you look close, you will see them moving around. Treatment for this involves pyrethrin (insecticide) baths and should be both prescribed and overseen by the veterinarian.
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Shih Tzu dogs may be prone to certain serious skin conditions that can impact their health and well-being. Recognizing and understanding these issues is crucial for timely and effective care. Here's an overview of four significant skin problems in this breed:
Eczema: Eczema in Shih Tzus manifests as itchy, inflamed, and often scaly patches of skin. This condition can lead to discomfort and, if left untreated, secondary infections due to constant scratching.
Pyoderma: A bacterial skin infection, pyoderma causes sores, pustules, and crusty, flaky skin. It's often a result of an underlying issue like allergies, hormonal imbalances, or immune disorders.
Sebaceous Adenitis: This rare condition affects the sebaceous glands, leading to hair loss, scaly skin, and a musty odor. It's often mistaken for allergies or hormonal problems.
Skin Yeast Infections: Unlike the more common and mild yeast problems, severe infections can cause intense itching, redness, a distinct odor, and changes in skin texture, often in the ears, paws, and skin folds.
Please note: Each of these conditions presents unique challenges and symptoms, requiring a veterinarian's expertise for proper diagnosis and management. Ahead we cover the details.
Eczema, a common dermatological condition, poses a significant concern in the Shih Tzu breed. This non-contagious skin disorder is characterized by inflammation, leading to discomfort and potential complications if left untreated. Understanding the symptoms, available treatments, and overall prognosis is crucial for Shih Tzu owners seeking to ensure the health and well-being of their pets.
Symptoms - Eczema in Shih Tzu dogs typically manifests through a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity. The most common signs include:
At-Home Treatments - While veterinary consultation is recommended for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan, certain at-home measures can help manage mild cases of eczema in Shih Tzu dogs:
Veterinary Treatments - Professional veterinary care is crucial, especially for severe or persistent cases of eczema. Treatment options include:
Prognosis - The prognosis for Shih Tzu dogs with eczema is generally positive, especially with early detection and proper management. While eczema can be a chronic condition, most dogs lead comfortable lives with appropriate care. It's important to regularly monitor a Shih Tzu’s skin condition and promptly address any exacerbations.
Pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection, is not uncommon in the Shih Tzu breed. This condition often results from and exacerbates pre-existing skin issues, such as allergies, hormonal imbalances or other issues linked to a Shih Tzu having sensitive skin. Recognizing the symptoms of pyoderma, understanding the available treatments, and being aware of the prognosis are essential for Shih Tzu owners to effectively manage this condition.
Symptoms - Pyoderma typically presents a range of symptoms in Shih Tzu dogs, which can vary based on the severity and depth of the infection:
At-Home Treatments - While veterinary intervention is crucial for treating pyoderma, certain at-home care can support the healing process:
Veterinary Treatments - Professional veterinary treatment is necessary to effectively treat pyoderma in Shih Tzu dogs:
Prognosis - The prognosis for Shih Tzu dogs with pyoderma is generally good with appropriate treatment. Most dogs respond well to antibiotics and recover without complications. However, recurrent pyoderma may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, such as allergies or hormonal imbalances.
Sebaceous adenitis, an uncommon but significant skin disorder, affects some Shih Tzu dogs. This condition involves inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the skin, leading to various symptoms and necessitating specific care. Unfortunately, it is chronic and incurable, but understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis is crucial to manage this condition effectively.
Symptoms - Sebaceous adenitis presents several distinctive symptoms in Shih Tzu dogs, including:
At-Home Treatments - Effective management of sebaceous adenitis at home involves:
For details on bathing, moisturizing and diet, see the previous 'Treatments for Itching'.
Veterinary Treatments - Veterinary intervention is crucial for diagnosing and treating sebaceous adenitis:
Prognosis - The prognosis for Shih Tzu dogs with sebaceous adenitis varies. While the condition is chronic and incurable, it can be managed effectively with proper treatment. Regular veterinary check-ups and consistent at-home care are key to maintaining the quality of life for a Shih Tzu with this condition.
Skin yeast infections, often caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis, are a prevalent issue in the Shih Tzu breed. Malassezia yeast is normally present in small numbers on a dog's skin, living in balance with other microorganisms. However, under certain conditions, such as increased humidity, weakened immune systems, or skin allergies, this yeast can multiply excessively, leading to infections.
These infections can cause significant discomfort and irritation for affected dogs. Recognizing the symptoms, employing effective treatments, and understanding the overall prognosis is essential to manage this condition effectively.
Symptoms - The symptoms of skin yeast infections in Shih Tzu dogs can vary but typically include:
At-Home Treatments - While veterinary guidance is paramount, several at-home treatments can support recovery:
Veterinary Treatments - Professional veterinary treatment is essential for effectively managing skin yeast infections:
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