Shih Tzu Itching and Licking: Understanding and Managing Skin Issues

Shih Tzus are prone to skin issues, with over 50% of the breed experiencing allergies or skin conditions.

Their thin coat makes them more susceptible to skin problems, which can be caused by allergies, skin infections, or even food sensitivities.

Common skin issues in Shih Tzus include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

These conditions can cause intense itching, redness, and irritation, leading to excessive licking and chewing.

Their licking and chewing can further irritate the skin, causing more problems and creating a vicious cycle.

Intriguing read: Shih Tzu Skin Problems Black Spots

Natural Remedies can be a great way to soothe your Shih Tzu's itchy skin. Consider adding chamomile, calendula, and green tea to your dog's bath for a soothing soak.

You can make a chamomile and herbal tea soak by filling the tub with warm water and letting several tea bags steep for three minutes. This can be especially helpful for dogs with hot, itchy patches of skin.

For another approach, see: Shih Tzu Skin Problems Scabs

For smaller, itchy patches, you can steep one or two tea bags in about two cups of hot water and apply it directly to the affected area. Just be sure to let it drip dry without rinsing.

Epsom salt baths can also provide relief from itching and inflammation. Regular soaks may be able to reduce your dog's itchiness and inflammation, but be sure to consult with your vet for the exact procedure.

Calendula has natural anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties, making it a great addition to your dog's skin care routine. You can apply it to your dog's skin as a tea or gel, or even take it internally to support their immune system.

Suggestion: A Shih Tzu Dog

Calendula is a natural remedy that can provide relief for dogs with allergies. It has anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties, making it a great addition to your dog's skincare routine.

You can make calendula into a tea or gel to apply directly to your dog's skin, which will help relieve inflammation from allergies. This can be especially helpful for dogs with itchy patches of skin.

A different take: Bumps on Shih Tzu Skin

Calendula also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great alternative to harsh chemicals. Regular use can even help improve your dog's immune system.

To incorporate calendula into your dog's care, consider making a calendula tea to soak their skin in. This can be done by steeping tea bags in warm water for three minutes, then letting your dog soak for at least five minutes.

Alternatively, you can apply calendula gel directly to your dog's skin to provide quick relief from itching and inflammation.

The Shih-Tzu's coat is a beautiful, long, straight, and luxuriant double coat that requires regular maintenance to prevent mat formation.

Shih-Tzus come in a variety of colors, and they often have dark patches around their eyes, which can be a striking feature.

Some owners prefer to let their Shih-Tzu's hair grow naturally, while others prefer to keep it trimmed for easier maintenance.

Regular cleansing and combing are essential to prevent matting and keep the coat looking its best.

Check this out: Shih Tzu Coat Type

It's not uncommon for Shih Tzus to develop allergies to environmental triggers like pollen and dust mites. Allergies can cause intense itching and licking.

Dogs can also develop skin irritation called contact dermatitis when they encounter substances like pesticides or soap. This can lead to excessive scratching and licking.

Some common causes of itching and licking in Shih Tzus include food allergies, dry skin, and parasites like fleas and mites. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.

Here are some potential causes of itching and licking in Shih Tzus:

Dogs scratch, lick, or chew for a wide variety of reasons. Allergies are a common cause, and can be triggered by food or environmental factors, including mold and pollen.

Boredom or anxiety can also lead to compulsive behaviors in dogs. In fact, some dogs develop a condition akin to human obsessive-compulsive disorder, manifesting itself in scratching, licking, or chewing behaviors that can cause severe damage.

Dry skin can cause discomfort in dogs, leading them to scratch or lick at their skin or fur. Factors like winter weather and fatty acid deficiencies can contribute to dry skin.

Hormonal imbalances can also lead to skin issues in dogs. If your dog's body is not producing enough thyroid hormone or putting out too much cortisol, superficial skin infections can occur.

Pain is another potential cause of compulsive behaviors in dogs. If your dog is biting their paw repeatedly, they could have a thorn or sharp stone stuck in their foot pad.

Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites can cause compulsive licking, chewing, or scratching behaviors in dogs. These parasites can be microscopic, making them difficult to detect.

Here are some common causes of compulsive behaviors in dogs:

I had a Shih Tzu named Dana who suffered severely from allergies, likely due to a food allergy exacerbated by fleas.

We tried everything suggested to us, including shampoos, antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, flea treatments, and bland diets.

Dana lived to be 16, but her allergies never entirely went away.

The reasons for my dog's allergies are unclear, but some theories include aggressive vaccination protocols and poor breeding practices.

Some veterinarians are experiencing an "allergy epidemic", which may be related to the aggressive vaccination protocols and poor breeding practices that are common in the dog-owning world.

Take a look at this: Breeding Shih Tzus

Dry skin can be a major source of scratching in Shih Tzus, especially in areas with very low humidity. Dandruff in the undercoat is the tell-tale sign of dry skin.

Your veterinarian will ask you some questions and examine your Tzu to determine an initial course of action. They will also consider factors like flea infestations, seasonal itching, and recent changes in diet or grooming products.

To help your veterinarian diagnose the cause of your Shih Tzu's itching, consider the following questions:

Shih Tzus can suffer from various allergies, which can be frustrating for owners. There are several types of allergies that have been identified in the breed.

Skin allergies are a common issue in Shih Tzus, with symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe reactions. Allergies to environmental factors like pollen, dust, and mold can also affect your furry friend.

Food allergies and intolerances are another common issue, often causing digestive problems and skin issues. If you suspect your Shih Tzu has a food allergy, consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

Here are some common types of allergies seen in Shih Tzus:

If your Shih Tzu is diagnosed with a food allergy, your veterinarian may recommend a hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diet to help manage symptoms.

Skin problems in Shih Tzus are a common issue, and their lengthy coat can capture a wide variety of allergens.

Their coat can trap allergens, leading to skin irritation, nipping, and clawing at the site of discomfort. Skin reactions include heated spots, hair loss, parched, brittle skin, and rashes.

Shih Tzus are prone to skin problems, and it's essential to keep a close watch on their eyes and muzzle, feet and claws, and underside, particularly if you suspect contact allergens.

You should also be aware of their joints, ears, face, and abdomen, as these areas can become sites of skin inflammation with atopic dermatitis.

Early detection of a cutaneous reaction can help prevent infection.

Some common symptoms of skin problems in Shih Tzus include itching, redness, hot spots, hair loss, flaky skin, and recurrent ear infections.

Excessive scratching, chewing, or licking of paws and other body parts can also indicate skin irritation caused by allergens.

Here are some common skin-related symptoms in Shih Tzus:

Dogs scratch, lick, or chew for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from allergies to boredom to parasite infestation. Allergies are a common cause of excessive itching and licking in Shih Tzus, and can be triggered by environmental allergens, food, or a combination of both.

To alleviate your Shih Tzu's sensitivities, it's essential to address both environmental and food-related triggers. Minimizing exposure to environmental allergens by keeping your home clean and dust-free can help reduce the intensity of allergens.

Regular bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo can also help remove allergens from your Shih Tzu's coat. Consider using topical creams or ointments recommended by your veterinarian to relieve itching and inflammation.

Some common signs of food allergies in Shih Tzus include itchy skin, ear problems, and skin infections that respond to antibiotics. These symptoms can be caused by an allergy to proteins like beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, soy, corn, and wheat.

Here are some tips to help manage itching and licking in your Shih Tzu:

By following these tips and working with your veterinarian, you can help manage your Shih Tzu's itching and licking and improve their overall health and well-being.

Adding Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation to your dog's diet can be a game-changer for managing itching and licking issues. Omega-3 fatty acids work as anti-inflammatories, reducing the intensity of allergens and promoting a healthy skin and coat.

Project Paws Omega-3 Select soft chews are a great option to look for, as they can help minimize normal shedding and maintain the skin's normal moisture content. Omega-3 fatty acids also improve the natural oils present in your dog's skin, keeping them in healthy amounts.

If your dog is experiencing food allergies, adding Omega-3 fatty acids to their regular food can help address dry skin issues and keep their coat healthy. Your vet may recommend a special diet if this appears to be the case, and the addition of fatty acid supplements can make a huge difference.

By incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into your dog's diet, you can help reduce the likelihood of re-infestation from parasites like fleas, which can cause biting and chewing problems.

Expand your knowledge: What Can Shih Tzus Eat

Managing itching and licking in dogs requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both environmental and food-related triggers. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog's behavior and develop a treatment plan.

Identifying allergies is crucial in managing itching and licking. Flea bites can cause severe itching, and some dogs may experience an allergic reaction to just one flea bite. If your dog is bothered on the hind legs and base of the tail, suspect a flea allergy.

To manage allergies, you can try the following:

Food allergies can also cause itching and licking. Dogs can have an allergy to any type of protein or carbohydrate in their food. Common allergenic ingredients include beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, soy, corn, and wheat. If you suspect a food allergy, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

To manage food allergies, you can try the following:

Omega-3 fatty acids can also help alleviate itching and licking caused by allergies. These oils help improve your dog's skin and coat by keeping the natural oils present in healthy amounts.

If you're concerned about your Shih Tzu's itching and licking, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

A veterinarian can perform allergy tests to identify the underlying cause of your Shih Tzu's symptoms.

They can also recommend appropriate medications to help manage your Shih Tzu's allergies and guide you through the management process.

By seeking veterinary care, you can get your Shih Tzu the help they need to stop itching and licking, and start living a more comfortable life.

If you're not sure what's causing your pet's discomfort, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

A veterinarian can perform allergy tests to determine the underlying cause of your pet's symptoms.

For mild allergies, strategies like changing your pet's diet or using medicated shampoos may provide relief, but a veterinarian can recommend more effective treatments.

A veterinarian can guide you through the management process of your pet's allergies, making it easier to keep your pet comfortable and happy.

Contact allergies can be a real challenge for Shih Tzus. They're caused by direct contact with allergens like carpet, plastics, bed linens, or even your clothes.

Cleaners, household chemicals, and lawn products are common culprits. Symptoms appear in the area of the body that comes into contact with the allergen, so you might see signs on your Shih Tzu's feet, paws, belly, or around their mouth.

Red, itchy, bumpy, or blistery skin is a common symptom of contact allergies. Some Shih Tzus may even lose hair due to intense scratching.

Here are some common allergens to watch out for:

Removing the allergen from the environment is key to helping your Shih Tzu feel better.