How to fix Shih Tzu skin issues: 3 Essential Things to Know

How to fix Shih Tzu skin issues that owners should be aware of?

Shih Tzu skin issues could lead to discomfort, irritation, and, possibly, severe infections. As a pet owner, all of these issues could lead to worries and stress as you try to alleviate your little friend’s skin woes. The best way to manage these Shih Tzu skin issues is by treating them with natural remedies and preventing them from coming back.

Natural remedies are reliable, effective, and, most of all, safe. You could put these into use for almost any concern you might have with your Shih Tzu.

Before selecting a natural treatment for Shih Tzu skin issues, you should first ensure that you have already identified the source of the skin issue. Not all Shih Tzu skin issues are equal, and not all treatments will help all issues. Determining the root of the problem could make it a lot easier to find an effective and suitable treatment.

How to fix Shih Tzu skin issues and there Causes

There is an assortment of conditions that all result in Shih Tzu Skin issues, including allergies, parasites, skin dermatitis, Cushing’s Disease, and hypothyroidism, to name a few. 

Even autoimmune diseases and cancer could manifest as dry skin.

Allergies

Allergies are a significant Shih Tzu skin issue. They’re usually set off by something in the environment, like ingredients in their dog food, dust, grasses, flea saliva, and pollen.   

Anything that your Shih Tzu comes in contact with could be a possible allergen. Beddings and carpets or the chemicals that were used to clean the areas where your dog lives are all potential triggers of an allergy.

Allergies can result in incessant scratching, which could cause the skin to become inflamed and raw. An itchy dog would scratch relentlessly to relieve the discomfort. Their nails could break the skin, which could lead to infection.

Infection may require antibiotics along with the other topical treatments that would soothe the itchy feeling.

Fleas and Other External Parasites

Fleas aren’t the only external parasites that could cause Shih Tzu skin issues. The parasites that cause various forms of mange, Demodex mite, as well as the canine scabies mite, could make your Shih Tzu miserable.

Sarcoptic mange or scabies in pups is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which is very contagious even to us people.

Meanwhile, demodectic mange is the most prevalent form of mange in pups, and it is caused by the Demodex canis, also known as a parasite that thrives on dogs’ hair follicles. 

This kind of mange isn’t contagious and doesn’t affect people.

Less Serious Causes of Shih Tzu Skin Issues

On the other hand, Shih Tzu skin issues could likewise be caused by less serious triggers such as excessive bathing, dry climates, cold temperatures, inappropriate shampoos and conditioners, and even poor diet.  

Dry Conditions

Cold temperatures, dry climates, and hot air could cause skin issues to us humans and would do the same to our Shih Tzus. Adding some moisture to the environment could help a lot.

Grooming Mistakes

Brushing

Excessive brushing releases a lot of the natural oils, dispersing them over the hair and further away from the Shih Tzu’s skin. Meanwhile, too little brushing could cause mats to form and lead to excessive scratching and irritation on your dog’s underlying skin. For the average Shih Tzu with a short fur, combing and brushing about thrice a week would be sufficient.

Bathing

We all love fresh-smelling and clean Shih Tzu dogs, and the most straightforward way to ensure that our pups are clean is to give them a thorough bath. Bathing, however, should be done with a suitable pH-balanced canine shampoo. Keep in mind that our personal shampoo and conditioner are not products that are compatible with our Shih Tzu.

Poor Diet

A poor diet might not have the ingredients and sufficient nutrients to provide the balanced nutrition that Shih Tzus need every day. Supplements could help, but it’s always recommended to begin with a balanced and high-quality dog food.

Shih Tzu Skin Issues Treatment

Shih Tzu skin issues could suddenly occur due to a number of possible reasons. This might start as skin flaking or a small red nodule accompanied by excessive scratching. Once you notice this behavior in your Shih Tzu, it’s vital to take note of when and how frequently it happens to help pinpoint the possible triggers.

Although it’s always best to take your Shih Tzu to a veterinarian, if there are times when you aren’t available for a veterinary consultation, there are natural treatments and home remedies that you can concoct to help your Shih Tzu lessen the irritation.

For skin allergies and inflammatory reactions, mix a teaspoon of dried sage leaves, ¼ tablespoon of Epsom salt, and a teaspoon of thyme in a quart of boiling water. Cool the solution down and apply it to their skin.

Your Shih Tzu would feel soothed and will make them relax and stop scratching. Nonetheless, if there is a formation of pus on the skin, you could add hydrogen peroxide. Mix about ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide into your dog’s shampoo and bathe them with the mixture. This would prevent any bacterial infection on the wounds and lesions.

Should you notice any parasites like lice, mites, and ticks, you could apply topical solutions such as lemongrass, wormwood, and tincture of Agrimony. The odor of these substances could deter insects and prevent them from biting your Shih Tzu’s superficial skin.

These natural treatments might look simple, but they could definitely be effective, particularly if they’re used regularly and if you notice skin lesions and inflamed skin at the early stage. However, as soon as you see wounds and excessive pus production, it would be best to take your pet to the veterinarian because that phase of infection already necessitates antibiotic intervention and medicated topical creams and balms.

Shih Tzu Skin Issues Prevention

Remove the Source

An external source sometimes triggers skin irritation. In these instances, you would need to remove that source. Certain foods, materials, products, fleas, the environment, and allergens play a role in this. Keep in mind that there are many potential external triggers for skin issues. Keeping them away from your Shih Tzu, or learning how to effectively manage their presence, is important in reducing the possibility of Shih Tzu skin issues.

Supplements and Diet

As with most Shih Tzu skin issues, a healthy diet and proper supplements can help. Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins are prime examples of the essential your Shih Tzu could need. Of course, it still depends on your dog’s skin problems, and you should identify what is best for the issue at hand first. However, together with a healthy and balanced diet, these nutrients and supplements could be a huge help.

Ensure that you speak with your vet before making any of these choices. In other cases, your Shih Tzu may need medical attention or medications for some underlying issues that you can’t correctly diagnose at home.