Understanding Shih Tzu Losing Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

Shih Tzus are known to be heavy shedders, with some owners reporting that their dogs lose up to 2% of their body weight in loose hair each year.

This excessive shedding can be attributed to the breed's double coat, which is made up of a soft undercoat and a long, flowing topcoat.

The undercoat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes, while the topcoat sheds continuously to maintain its length and appearance.

As a result, Shih Tzus require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, as well as to reduce the amount of loose hair around the house.

Consider reading: Shih Tzu No Hair

Shih Tzus have a double coat, consisting of an undercoat and a topcoat. The undercoat is soft and feathery, while the topcoat is made up of longer, fine, and silky hair.

The undercoat does most of the shedding, and a lot of the loose hair from the undercoat gets trapped in the longer topcoat, resulting in less hair falling around your home. This is one reason why Shih Tzus don't shed much.

Here's an interesting read: Shih Tzu Hair Growth Stages

Shih Tzus actually have hair instead of fur, which is thinner and can grow much longer than fur. Hair also has a longer growth cycle than fur, which means it takes longer to die and fall out.

You won't see much dog hair around your home, but there are two instances where you'll notice your Shih Tzu's hair coming out more than usual: when you're brushing them, and during coat transition, typically around 10 months to one year of age.

Here are the two instances where you'll notice your Shih Tzu's hair shedding more:

Regular brushing is recommended to maintain clean, healthy coats, and to prevent matting and tangling.

Shih Tzus have a double coat, consisting of a soft undercoat and a fine, silky topcoat. Regular brushing is essential to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting.

Brushing your Shih Tzu daily can help smooth out tangles and distribute natural skin oils throughout their hair, keeping it moisturized and healthy. This is especially important for long-haired breeds like the Shih Tzu, as tangles can be more likely to form.

On a similar theme: Shih Tzu Coat

A balanced diet is also crucial for maintaining a healthy coat. Feeding your Shih Tzu a proper diet formulated specifically for their size, breed, and age can help keep their skin and coat healthy. Look for ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids that promote skin and hair health.

By following these simple tips, you can help maintain a healthy coat for your Shih Tzu and keep them looking their best.

Shih Tzus have a double coat, made up of two distinct layers: the undercoat and the topcoat. The undercoat is soft and feathery, while the topcoat is fine and silky to the touch.

The undercoat is responsible for most of the shedding, and loose hair from this layer often gets trapped in the topcoat. This results in less hair falling all over your home.

Shih Tzus have hair instead of fur, which is thinner and can grow much longer than fur. Hair also has a longer growth cycle than fur, which means it takes longer to die and fall out.

Here are some key characteristics of the Shih Tzu coat:

A healthy coat is a reflection of a dog's overall health, and nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving this. Feeding your Shih Tzu a proper diet is one of the best ways to keep the skin healthy, which in turn makes for a healthy, smooth, and shiny coat.

Make sure your dog's food is formulated specifically for their size, breed, and age. This ensures that they receive the right balance of nutrients to support their skin and coat health.

Feeding your Shih Tzu a well-balanced diet is especially important if you're making their food yourself, as this can be an issue if not done correctly. Commercial foods are often balanced, but if you're making your own diet, you'll need to pack it with the necessary nutrients to keep your dog healthy.

Shih Tzus benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in their food or taken as a supplement. This can help boost skin and hair health, and even alleviate joint pain and inflammation.

A well-nourished Shih Tzu is less likely to experience hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies. By providing them with the right nutrients, you can help maintain a healthy coat and prevent potential issues.

Related reading: Shih Tzu Skin Problems Scabs

Shih Tzus losing hair can be a stressful experience for both the dog and its owner. It's essential to understand the possible causes and diagnosis of hair loss in Shih Tzus.

Pressure sores, friction from collars, nervous chewing or licking, and trauma or scarring are common causes of hair loss in dogs, including Shih Tzus.

A veterinarian's examination is crucial in determining the underlying cause of hair loss. They will consider the pattern of hair loss, skin condition around the affected area, and whether the dog is itching or uncomfortable.

Some possible patterns of hair loss include generalized hair loss, which could indicate mange or bacterial infection, while patches of hair loss might suggest ringworm, bacterial infection, mites, or mange.

Blood tests can help diagnose certain immune system conditions, hormone abnormalities, thyroid disorders, Cushing's disease, and diabetes mellitus.

A biopsy might be necessary if skin cancer or a tumor is suspected, or if the veterinarian needs to determine the diagnosis and treatment for persistent unresponsive skin lesions.

For your interest: Skin Bumps on Shih Tzus

Here are some possible causes of hair loss in Shih Tzus:

It's worth noting that some causes of hair loss, such as genetics or autoimmune disorders, cannot be prevented. However, ridding a dog of parasites is often easier, and a well-balanced diet can improve hair loss caused by an inadequate diet.

Treatment and recovery for a Shih Tzu losing hair requires a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A veterinarian will recommend a course of treatment based on the underlying cause of hair loss.

Antibiotics, antifungals, and steroids may be prescribed to treat bacterial, fungal, or skin conditions. Immunotherapy or behavioral medications can also be used to address allergies or nervous habits. Medicated shampoos or dips can help treat mange, while hypoallergenic diets may be necessary for food allergies.

To ensure proper recovery, it's essential to follow up with your veterinarian for regular check-ins and to monitor your Shih Tzu's skin and hair regrowth. If your pet has a predisposition to skin infections, treatment may need to be repeated. Always administer treatment according to the veterinarian's instructions and communicate any changes or concerns to them.

Here are some common treatment options for hair loss in dogs:

Treatment of hair loss in dogs can be a straightforward process, but it depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, while antifungals can treat yeast and ringworm infections.

Antibiotics can be administered orally or topically, and antifungals can also be applied directly to the affected area. Steroids may be required to treat certain skin conditions, such as allergies or autoimmune disorders.

Immunosuppressive Drugs or Anti-cytokine Drugs may be needed for environmental allergy control, often requiring lifelong treatment. Immunotherapy may be necessary for allergy desensitization, and can be administered orally or by injection.

Behavioral medications can help treat nervous chewing or licking, which can contribute to hair loss. Medicated shampoos or dips can treat cases of mange, a parasitic infection that can cause hair loss.

A hypoallergenic diet may be recommended to address hair loss caused by food allergies. These diets can take some time to define, but they can be effective in resolving the issue. Monthly flea preventatives can also help clear up hair loss associated with flea allergies.

In some cases, surgery may be required to remove sections of skin cancer or tumors, or to address hormonal and endocrine disorders. Thyroid medication and hormone therapy can also help reverse hair loss caused by these conditions.

Here are some common treatments for hair loss in dogs:

In most cases, hair loss can be treated effectively with the right medication or dietary changes. However, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and develop a treatment plan.

Recovery is an ongoing process that requires patience and attention to your pet's progress. Follow up appointments with your veterinarian may be necessary to ensure the problem is resolving and any infection is clearing.

Treatment may need to be administered more than once, depending on your pet's predisposition to skin infections. Always administer treatment according to the veterinarian's instructions.

Monitor your pet's skin and hair regrowth closely, as this will help you identify any changes or concerns that need to be communicated to your veterinarian.

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