Shih Tzu Dry Skin
Overview
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The Top 5 Reasons a Shih Tzu Develops Dry Skin
#1 The Weather
will do all of that, while offering a layer of protection from the drying effects of the sun. 
Bruno, at 3 months old, photo courtesy of Meghana
#2 Allergies
What to do:
#1. If you believe your Shih Tzu has allergies, that will need to be addressed, as it does involve quite a bit. See our article on this: Shih Tzu Allergies.
#3 Not Meeting Water Intake Requirements
If a dog does not meet their daily water requirements, this can lead to dry skin in just a matter of days. Most dogs need a minimum of 1-oz of water per each 1-lb. of body weight. With dehydration, it can be a game of 'catch-up' at that point. Often, if another issue such as the weather is involved, inadequate water intake will exacerbate the dry skin problem.
What to do:
#1. Take steps to ensure your Shih Tzu is drinking enough:
- Keep track of how much water your Shih Tzu is drinking. Most need a minimum of 1-oz of water per each 1-lb. of body weight. Be sure of your puppy or dog's weight and set a 'water goal'.
- Keep the bowl clean; just like you clean your own dishes, wash your Shih Tzu's bowl once per day with hot water and soap.
- Refresh the water often. Dogs can turn their noses up at water that has tiny food particles in it and usually are not fans of stale or warm water.
- Bring water with you when taking your Shih Tzu for walks; stop periodically for your dog to re-hydrate.
- Consider a water fountain, which can entice a dog to drink more often. One that we like is the Vekin Pet Water Fountain. It's pretty quiet, has 3 settings to make it customizable to what your dog likes best and uses replaceable filters to keep the water clean.
#4 Bathing Techniques
Excessive bathing can lead to dry skin in Shih Tzu dogs due to natural body oils being removed too often. In addition, insufficient rinsing can cause skin irritation, which can lead to dry skin.
#5 Inferior Shampoo or Coat Products
Dry skin in Shih Tzus can often be traced back to the products used during baths, with shampoos being a primary concern. Key factors include:
1 - pH Imbalance: The skin's pH level affects its sensitivity. Many low-quality shampoos are modeled after human products and are too acidic for canines, who require a pH between 6.5 to 7.5, unlike humans who have a pH between 4.5 to 5.5.
2 - Harsh Cleansers: Some dog shampoos use soaps that are too harsh, stripping essential oils and causing dryness. Opt for shampoos with gentle, plant-based cleansers like those derived from coconut.
3 - Harmful Additives: Avoid shampoos with harmful ingredients. Common irritants and health hazards include DEA, parabens, sodium chloride, synthetic colors or fragrances, phthalates, triclosan, SLS, and SLES, which can cause allergic reactions and are linked to other health issues.
. The Oatmeal and Aloe is fantastic as your Shih Tzu's regular shampoo to keep both skin and coat in excellent shape. And, they have a wide range of specialty formulas to meet just about any need including hot spots and rashes. Remedies to Restore Dry Skin on a Shih Tzu
Before we jump in with treatments, let's recap that you've addressed the possible causes of the dry skin and have taken steps such as implementing a humidifier, increasing water intake, using an anti-itch moisturizing shampoo, etc. If so, it's time to see which topical treatments can help heal dry skin and restore it to good health.
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#1 An omega 3 fatty acid supplement.
The benefits of omegas fatty acids are well-known; however, not all are equal in effectively treating dry skin and other skin-related issues in canines. Specifically, you'll want to look to omega-3 EPA and DHA, which is derived from fish. And, fish can be farmed or wild. We recommend fish oil from wild fish, as wild fish eat other fish, yet farmed fish often eat man-made pellets which can contain vegetable oil that can get in the way of the omega.
This sort of supplement can come in the form of chews, tablets or liquid. For Shih Tzu puppies and dogs, we recommend the liquid. It is super-easy to offer, as this is added to meals. Most dogs love both the scent and taste of this, so be sure to mix it into the kibble very well (or your Shih Tzu may just take out the pieces that are covered with the oil).
One that we recommend is Zesty Paw's Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil; this is pure omega-3 and 6 EPA and DHA fish oil with mixed tocopherols (a naturally derived compound used as a food preservative) and no other additives. And it comes in a very handy pump to dispense it and keep it from making a mess.
#2 A Restorative Cream
If your Shih Tzu's skin is extra dry and sensitive, a good moisturizing cream can help restore it back to normal. Creams are great because they can be applied right to the problem areas and offer relief as they soak into the skin.
One that we recommend is Warren London Hydrating Butter For Dogs (the unscented formula). This is a topical treatment that is worked into the coat and down to the skin and meant to be left in, to thoroughly heal and moisturize. It contains aloe vera, guava fruit extract and mango peel extract for ultra-hydration.
#3 An anti-itch spray.
If your Shih Tzu's dry skin has also led to an issue with itchiness, there are a couple anti-itch solutions (to do alongside the previously mentioned steps of eliminating the root cause). One type is a non-medicated spray that uses ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera. 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, if skin is extremely itchy or there are very sensitive and painful areas, you may opt to use an OTC medicated spray. Veterinary Formula's Clinical Care Hot Spot and Itch Relief Medicated Spray is an excellent choice for this. It 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.
Issues that do not respond to at-home treatments should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Some skin infections and other conditions can mimic dry skin and other common problems, so getting a diagnosis from the vet will be important.
