Understanding Shih Tzu Skin Rashes Pictures and Their Causes

Shih Tzu skin rashes can be alarming, but understanding what they are and what causes them can help you take action to help your furry friend feel better.

A skin rash on a Shih Tzu is often characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin, which can be caused by allergies, skin infections, or even food sensitivities.

Common skin rashes on Shih Tzus include contact dermatitis, which is caused by an allergic reaction to something in their environment, such as pollen or certain fabrics.

Shih Tzus are also prone to skin fold dermatitis, a condition that occurs when skin folds trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infection and irritation.

Identifying the underlying cause of a skin rash is crucial to providing the right treatment and relief for your Shih Tzu.

Dry, flaky skin can be a common issue in dogs, especially in the winter, and may be nothing serious, but it's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian for advice.

Some dogs may get dry skin due to a lack of quality food, so make sure Fido is eating high-quality kibble.

Folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, bumps, and scabs on the skin, and it's often seen in shorthaired dogs.

Superficial bacterial folliculitis can also occur in conjunction with other skin problems, such as mange, allergies, or injury.

Treatment for folliculitis may include oral antibiotics and antibacterial ointments or shampoos.

Changes in a dog's skin color or coat texture can be a warning sign of several common metabolic or hormone problems.

If you notice any changes to your Shih Tzu's coat, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can identify the underlying cause with a simple blood test.

Dark spots on your dog's skin can be caused by inflammation or hormonal diseases, amongst others.

Skin darkening or thickening with itching can be a concerning issue for dog owners. Dark spots on the skin itself may be caused by inflammation or hormonal diseases.

It's essential to determine if the dark spots are on the skin or in the coat. Move the hair to see if the spots move, or appear free-floating, to get a better idea.

Parasites and seborrhoea can cause dark spots in the coat. Topical treatments can help soothe and restore the skin during the recovery period.

A simple blood test can often identify the underlying cause of skin changes, including darkening or thickening with itching. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about any significant changes to your dog's coat.

With the underlying cause treated, the skin should gradually return to normal.

Dry, flaky skin can be a red flag for a number of problems.

It's a common symptom of allergies, mange, and other skin diseases.

Some dogs simply get dry skin in the winter, just like people do.

If this seems to cause your pet discomfort, consult your veterinarian.

They might recommend a fatty acid supplement or a humidifier to help.

Pyoderma in dogs is a common skin condition that can be caused by a bacterial infection, often Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. This type of pyoderma appears as red boils and pus-filled swellings on the skin, often near or on the hair follicles.

The symptoms of pyoderma in dogs can include areas of baldness, skin discoloration, and excessive scratching. If you notice any of these symptoms on your Shih Tzu, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common underlying causes of pyoderma in dogs include allergies, parasites, poor grooming, excessive scratching, injuries, hormonal disorders, and keratinization disorders. Your veterinarian may recommend a scraping of the skin or a swab of the pus to determine the best course of treatment.

Here are some common types of antibiotics used to treat pyoderma in dogs, including first-generation cephalosporins, clindamycin, and a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate. Treatment typically lasts several weeks, and your veterinarian may recommend local applications of chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, or ethyl lactate for superficial pyoderma.

Ringworm is a common skin infection in dogs that's often mistaken for a worm infestation, but it's actually caused by a fungus.

The circular patches that form are what give ringworm its name, and they can appear anywhere on a dog's body, but are often found on the head, paws, ears, and forelegs.

Puppies under a year old are the most susceptible to ringworm, and the infection can spread quickly between dogs in a kennel or to pet owners at home.

Various anti-fungal treatments are available to help clear up ringworm infections.

Mange (Mites) is a skin disorder caused by tiny parasites called mites.

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious among dogs and can also be transmitted to people, but the parasites don't survive on humans.

Intense itching is a common symptom of sarcoptic mange, often accompanied by red skin, sores, and hair loss.

Demodectic mange, on the other hand, is not contagious between animals or people.

A dog's ears, face, and legs are most commonly affected by sarcoptic mange.

Demodectic mange can cause bald spots, scabbing, and sores.

Treatment for mange depends on the type of mange.

Surface pyoderma in dogs is a bacterial infection that affects the outermost layers of the skin, but not the hair follicles. This type of pyoderma can appear in several different ways.

Fold pyoderma, also known as intertrigo, occurs when bacteria overgrow in moist skin folds, causing excessive itching, red and sore skin folds, a white or yellow discharge, and a smelly skin. I've seen dogs with skin folds, like Basset Hounds, be more prone to this type of pyoderma.

Acute moist dermatitis, also known as hot spots, is characterized by small red, moist patches that appear on the skin, become painful, larger, and bald, and start oozing if not treated. This type of pyoderma requires immediate attention.

Bacterial overgrowth syndrome presents with red areas on the skin, itching, redness, baldness, and a bad smell, but no boils, visible pus, or crusts. This type of pyoderma can be challenging to diagnose.

Here are some common signs of surface pyoderma in dogs:

If you suspect your dog has surface pyoderma, it's essential to visit your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Seborrhea in dogs is a condition that affects the keratin in their skin, causing a dry and lackluster or greasy coat. Keratin is a protein that gives skin and hair its form.

Seborrhea in dogs can be primary or secondary. Primary seborrhea is when the keratin production is abnormal, while secondary seborrhea is caused by an underlying issue.

Secondary seborrhea is often caused by health issues such as hormonal imbalances, allergies, vitamin deficiencies, immune-mediated diseases, and lymphoma of the skin.

Symptoms of seborrhea in dogs include a very dry, dull coat, dandruff, greasy skin that smells bad, crusted skin lesions, itching, and large amounts of earwax and debris. The skin folds between the toes, in the armpits, on the belly, and perineum are usually worse.

The cause of seborrhea depends on whether it's primary or secondary. If your dog has a primary seborrhea, the cause may not be known. If your dog has a secondary seborrhea, the underlying issue needs to be treated.

Here are some common underlying causes of seborrhea in dogs:

Treatment for seborrhea in dogs focuses on treating the underlying cause, if known. Restoring the lipid balance of the skin and normalizing cell turnover are also important aspects of treatment.

Looking at images of shih tzu skin rashes can be unsettling, but understanding what they mean can help you identify potential issues early on.

Calcinosis cutis is a skin condition that can be caused by long-term use of topical corticosteroid products, which can thin the skin and cause it to look "crinkled" and "tissue paper"-like.

This condition is often associated with iatrogenic Cushing's disease, a condition that can be caused by the use of corticosteroid products.

The skin may also show small pustules on the margins and a yellowish material that is actually calcium mineral being expelled from the dermis.

Skin biopsies are often necessary to make a final diagnosis of calcinosis cutis.

Managing Cushing's disease with medications like trilostane or mitotane can help resolve the condition in 3-6 months.

Dimethyl sulfoxide solvent gel may be applied topically to help dissolve calcium deposits in the dermis, but it's essential to monitor serum calcium concentrations.

English and French bulldogs, as well as boxers, are overrepresented breeds for this condition.