Shih Tzus & Allergies
The Shih Tzu, from the Toy Group, suffers from allergies more than other breeds. An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to allergens or antigens that cause the allergy. Allergies may indicate symptoms of either external allergies or internal allergies. Treatment can control allergies, but there's no guarantee of a cure.
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External Allergies
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Symptoms of external allergies include coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, a rash on stomach or skin, redness, uncontrollable scratching, sores, lesions and bumps.
Causes of external allergies include fleas and cleaning products. Shih Tzus with flea allergies become allergic to flea saliva after the flea bites and deposits saliva. Symptoms include red spots on the skin. Flea allergies may be seasonal, with a decrease in colder climates, or persistent in warmer climates, with abundant flea populations. As allergies may worsen, seek medical advice.
Dog shampoo may cause an external allergy. Residual detergent or soap on clothing and dog bedding could irritate the skin. Chemicals from rug cleaner can also affect the dog's skin. If an infection develops, the infected site may emit an odor, and fur loss may occur.
Treatment of External Allergies
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Eliminate the chemical substance, such as pet shampoos or household cleaners, that causes the allergy. If the rash progresses to an infection, notify your veterinarian. Treatment may include antibiotics to reduce the infection. A Shih Tzu may need a long recovery time.
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Internal Allergies
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Signs of internal allergies can include vomiting and diarrhea as a secondary symptom. Owners should report to the veterinarian. In worse cases, the dog suffers from dizziness, fainting, dehydration, severe weight loss and loss of muscle tissue, or unconsciousness.
A dog could be allergic to certain foods, such as beef, corn, eggs, dairy products, soy and wheat.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Internal Allergies
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A veterinarian can determine the type of allergy through allergy tests and blood tests. If a certain food causes the allergic reaction, a food trial may help determine suspected foods. Small toy dogs, including the Shih Tzu, should eat high quality food. Feed simple ingredients, such as lamb, for one week, then add new foods. Give plenty of fresh, clean water. Provide a soft, warm place or bedding.
Allergic Dermatitis, Atopy
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Environmental allergens can lead to allergic dermatitis, or atopy. Inhaling dust, dust mites, molds and grass and weed pollen can cause an itchy or pruritic skin disease in a young dog. Pollen and dust-type allergies can affect the Shih Tzu's face, chest, abdomen and feet. Contact allergies affect the abdomen, especially the hairless area, and the bottoms of the feet.
Symptoms include sneezing nasal discharge, developing pink or red skin, or darkening of the skin. A dog may lick excessively and stain its own coat with saliva that darkens the fur and skin. Itching of the face, armpits and groin, along with ear inflammation, also indicate an allergic reaction.
The common staphylococcal bacteria infects the skin and causes papules or red bumps, or pustules or small lesions. The dog suffers from itching and tries to scratch or lick the infected areas. Scabs can form and a yeast infection may follow.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Dermatitis, Atopy
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A veterinarian may perform tests that include fungal cultures, skin scrapings and blood tests. Treatment can control, but not cure allergies. Allergy testing can determine immunotherapy as a control. Prescriptions may include antihistamines and corticosteroids to provide relief. A dog may receive injections with doses of allergy-causing substances at intervals.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit shit-tzu... image by sophie roussel-loriot from Fotolia.com
