Shih Tzu Hair Loss

Overview

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be a troubling condition. There are many possible causes, and in some instances the cause remains unknown. This section will cover the most common reasons a Shih Tzu may suffer from abnormal hair loss, along with tips and recommendations. 

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Already know the details and possible causes, and just want to know how to help? Jump to How to Resolve Hair Loss and Help a Shih Tzu Regrow Their Coat. 

Signs of Hair Loss

The way in which a coat may thin and the amount of time that it takes for this to happen can vary with each dog. In some cases, coat loss can be rapid and at other times it will take place over a larger period of time. The coat may thin all over, or there may be patches of thinning hairs. For most Shih Tzu, hair loss can be body-wide; though, it is rarely seen on the face or head. 

Causes of Hair Loss

In many cases, there is an underlying health condition or reason that leads to coat loss with a Shih Tzu. It will be important to rule out these issues before taking steps to re-grow the coat. If not, success may be limited and/or temporary. The following are the most common reasons for hair loss with the Shih Tzu breed. 

Acantosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans, also known as keratosis nigricans, is a rare but possible condition in Shih Tzus, characterized by dark, thickened skin in areas like the armpits, groin, and neck. This condition may cause discomfort, scratching, odor, and hair loss due to secondary infections. It's typically caused by factors such as genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, obesity, and friction from skin folds. Diagnosis involves a clinical exam by a vet, along with diagnostic tests like skin scrapings and blood tests to confirm the condition. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through medicated shampoos, antibiotics, dietary changes, and weight management, with ongoing care to adjust treatments as necessary.

Allergic Dermatitis

When allergies are severe, this can affect both skin and coat. In some cases, excessively dry and/or irritated skin will affect the strength of the hair follicles, causing the coat to shed. In other cases, an allergy can cause hairs to become overly dry and brittle, causing them to break off. For some Shih Tzu, it will be a combination of these two things. 

The type of allergy can include environmental (weeds, pollen, etc.), food (mostly chemical additives that are added to some inferior dog foods), or contact allergies (cheap shampoos, carpeting or carpet cleaner, lawn treatments, etc.). Other signs can vary quite a bit, and include dry skin, rash, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, and/or upset stomach. 

Fortunately, many allergies can be resolved once it is determined what is causing the reaction. A veterinarian should perform patch testing to find the triggers and then the owner must work to eliminate that element if possible. For food allergies, often moving over to one of the better dog food brands, and opting for a grain-free formula can offer relief. 

In moderate to severe cases, antihistamines and/or steroids may be prescribed to help combat symptoms. 
See Also:

Alopecia X

The term Alopecia means 'hair loss'. When diagnostic tests are inconclusive and the cause is not known, it is then deemed Alopecia X (X meaning 'unknown'). For many Shih Tzu with Alopecia X, there are no other symptoms such as itching or skin issues, though some may have areas of darkened skin. 

It is theorized that some cases are linked to an autoimmune disorder or hormonal imbalance. For some dogs, there can be a spontaneous recovery. This said, there are many cases of the coat thinning to the point of balding and remaining that way. There are some home remedies and treatment options that are worth trying, and we'll cover these ahead. 

Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease is a condition in which a dog's body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. In some cases, this malfunction is triggered by an adrenal tumor. While hair loss is a sign of this, there are usually other very obvious signs as well including swollen abdomen, lethargy, increased hunger, increased thirt, and/or heavy panting. There may the development of dark skin spots or white scaly patches. 

This is diagnosed by checking cortisone levels. If there is a tumor, it is usually surgically removed. There are several medications for Cushings, including mitotane, ketoconazole, trilostane, L-Deprenyl hydrochloride, and selegiline. 

Dermatomyositis

This is a rare disorder in which the hair loss actually occurs alongside a negative reaction to sunlight or UV rays. The cause remains unknown; however there is still help available. Not only will the coat thin, the skin will be affected as well. There may be scabs, sores, redness, and/or irritation. This condition can be confirmed with a small skin biopsy. The resolution to helping your Shih Tzu recover begins by drastically minimizing their exposure to any sunlight by keeping the dog indoors except for bathroom needs. Prednisone may be given in short and small doses initially, followed by vitamin E. The recovery rate for dogs having this is currently 80 to 90%.

Fleas

Both fleas themselves and a reaction to flea saliva can cause intense itching resulting in hair loss.

There are over 2000 types of fleas, many of which can jump several feet and often do so from dog to dog. For this reason, it is rather easy for a Shih Tzu to catch fleas just by being in close proximity to another dog that has them. Signs include small red bumps on the skin, itching, hot spots of irritated skin, and hair loss. You may see fleas and/or flea eggs if you part the hair on a Shih Tzu's coat.

Treatment will include topical flea treatments and it will be important to treat both other pets and the house; fleas can live for quite a while embedded in carpeting and furniture. 

Hypothyroidism

This condition involves the thyroid slowing down and producing a smaller amount of hormones. Before hair 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 diagnosed by running thyroid tests. Treatment will be medication, often needed for the rest of the dog's life. Recovery is a progressive process; in most cases a Shih Tzu will make a complete recovery.

Mange

This may also be referred to as demodectic mange, follicular mange, puppy mange, or demodectic mites. And this additionally covers sarcoptic mange, which is also known as canine scabies.

With mange, there are always a certain number of mites living within a dog's hair follicles and on the skin. This becomes a problem when the number of mites greatly increases and is sometimes due to a faulty immune system. It is common for this to lead to secondary bacterial skin infections or yeast infections. 

Signs of mange include itching, sores, scabs, and hair loss. With secondary yeast infections, there may be a bad smell and/or skin flaking. 

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a different type of mite, and can be transmitted back and forth from a wide number of animals and even people. Symptoms are often the same, with the exception being that bumps and/or itching may first develop on areas without much hair, such as the groin, armpits, or belly. 

This is diagnosed via a skin scraping; however, it must be noted that this is only conclusive about 20% of the time. If the veterinarian suspects mange, he will recommend treatment and if there is improvement, this will confirm the suspected diagnosis. 

In regard to exact treatment, some prescribed dips can be rather toxic to a Shih Tzu, causing vomiting, upset stomach, tremors, and even central nervous system issues. For this reason, you may want to try a home remedy such as Ovante's Demodex Mange Shampoo for Dogs, which is safe to use on both puppies and adult dogs. This shampoo is effective yet has no pesticides; this should be used 3 to 4 times per week. 

Stress Induced Licking

 This involves neurodermatitis, a condition in which a dog will compulsively lick his coat to the point of damaging the follicles thus resulting in hair loss. A dog many concentrate on one area of the body such as a paw or in many areas.

There are a number of events and circumstances that can cause a Shih Tzu to become overly stressed or anxious including a sudden change in the household and severe cases of separation anxiety. Affected areas may respond to topical treatments (details below). 

How to Resolve Hair Loss and Help a Shih Tzu Regrow Their Coat

We highly recommend making sure all possible health issues have been ruled out by your Shih Tzu's veterinarian before trying the following at-home remedies to stop hair loss and restore the coat: 

1) Melatonin - This has been found to help, when used in conjunction with other methods (below). Please take note that while this can be purchased over the counter, it can make a dog feel sleepy. Check with your vet before giving this to your Shih Tzu. One that we recommend is Pet Wellbeing's Melatonin for Dogs; it's a liquid form with a small dropper. This should be given at night, and typical dosage is 1/4 to 1/2 of a dropper, based on weight. 
2) Omega 3 salmon oil - Omega 3 fish oil can help. This is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can soothe down flea reactions and other skin irritations and is known to boost both skin and hair health. If you want to try giving Omega 3 to your Shih Tzu, we recommend a liquid fish oil that can be easily added to meals. An extra bonus is that most dogs adore both the smell and the taste. One that we absolutely love is Zesty Paw's Wild Alaskan Fish Oil.
3) Skin creams for canines - An intense coat therapy cream, like Dermagic Lotion, when used in conjunction with the aforementioned melatonin and fish oil may help lead to improvement both in re-growing a Shih Tzu's coat and restoring hair health. There is a rescue lotion that should be massaged into all thinning or balding areas 2 times per day for the first week, then 1 time a day for additional weeks. Most pet parents continuing on until the coat is completely restored. 

If the Coat Does Not Grow Back

Despite health issues (and thus their treatments) ruled out and at-home remedies, sometimes a coat will not grow back, or may only partially fill in. In these cases, do keep checking back with the veterinarian, as new testing and new treatments may come out in future. In the meantime, you may wish to obtain some soft, organic cotton shirts and other non-irritating clothes for your sweet Shih Tzu, to help ward off chills and offer them a sense of comfort.

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