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When a Shih Tzu is Itchy

Some Quick Facts About Itching

• Itching may exist acute (comes on quick and is temporary) or chronic (lasts a long time)
• It may be caused past a wide range of things from an insect bite to ingestion of certain foods to exposure to contact allergens
• Itching may exist localized (in 1 specific area like the paws or the underarms) or information technology may be a full-torso event
• The type of handling will depend on what is causing the itching (including unknown triggers), how intense the problem is, and if there are other symptoms seen alongside the itching.

This section will dive into all of these aspects in order to assist you pinpoint the reason that your Shih Tzu is itchy and how to provide quick relief.

Exercise you lot already know what is causing the problem and are only looking for fast relief for your little guy or gal? Jump to Treatments for Itching.

Signs that a Shih Tzu is Itchy

Since dogs don't have opposable thumbs, the manner that they react to itching can be very different than us humans. Top signs include:

• Scratching at the area(southward)

• Biting at the expanse(s)

• Licking the surface area(s)

• Rubbing the itchy torso function against a rough surface such as carpeting

• In some cases, shaking; for example, if a canis familiaris's inner ear canals are itchy, a dog volition shake their head

Acute Itching, Localized

Symptoms: This will be a sudden, small crawling localized to any part of the torso. There may exist some redness or slight swelling.

Top crusade: Insect bite. Pesky mosquitoes are the nigh common culprit, but do be aware that dogs can be stung by poisonous spiders, cherry ants, and other insects. And, ticks are always a concern as well.

Red flags: Most astute insect bites are only bothersome for a short time and can be dealt with at home; yet, keep an eye on your Shih Tzu for increased swelling to the area, swelling on other areas of the torso (especially the lip and center lids), whatever breathing issues, and any signs of pain. These symptoms warrant an immediate veterinarian treatment.

Handling at domicile: For small localized itching most likely caused by a musquito or other not-poisonous bug, a elementary DIY treatment is to create a paste using backing soda and water and dab this on the area. If your Shih Tzu has been stung numerous times by a swarm of mosquitoes, you may and then want to offer stronger relief via a topical foam or spray; see 'Treatments for Itching' ahead.

Itching But on the Paws

There are a number of triggers that can make the paws exceptionally itchy. Repeated licking or chewing at the paws tin can cause further irritation, thus extending the wheel of tending to the paws. So, the sooner you lot can diagnose and treat this, the meliorate.

ane. Contact irritants.

The acme culprit is backyard care products (fertilizer, weed killer, pesticides, etc.) but other possible triggers include ice cook products, road common salt or sand, certain plants or weeds, and materials in the home (either the material itself or the soap used to launder information technology) such as carpeting, dog bed cover, etc.

What to do: Call up about what is on your own lawn, as well as grass that your Shih Tzu may trot over while out on walks and what is at dog parks and other areas that you may visit with your puppy or dog. In the wintertime, be aware of ice and road products which can be tracked in via cars even if yous practise not use any yourself. Avoid those areas if possible. If non, use a good paw wax to offering a barrier (see details ahead under 'Treatments for Itching') and rinse the paws off after coming in from outside.

In the firm, try to not use whatever fragrances or chemical-based products on the floors including rug fresheners and wash everything that your Shih Tzu comes into contact with hypoallergenic detergent.

two. Yeast infection.

This usually occurs in warm, dark areas like between the toes, the armpits, and the genital area. The #1 sign is a potent mildew or sour-type olfactory property. Though, some also equate the odor to wet stinky sock or very pungent corn chips

What to do:In some cases, this can exist handled at home with an anti-fungal spray or cream (see details ahead nether 'Treatments for Itching') but stubborn cases may need to be treated past the vet via oral anti-fungal medications.

3. Allergies.

In most instances of allergy-related itching, other areas aside from the paws will be affected. However, since the paws are ane of the most accessible body parts, a Shih Tzu may tend to them the most. The allergy may be contact, food, or airborne.

What to do: In that location are so many things that a dog can be allergic to and with a broad range of other symptoms that information technology may exist by the procedure of elimination that you suspect this may be the consequence. And, the steps to resolve allergies are numerous so this is usually a combined attempt between pet parents and the veterinarian. More details are ahead nether 'Full Body Itching: Allergies'.

In the meantime, you lot can certainly use an anti-crawling product to offer firsthand relief; run into 'Treatments for Itching', ahead.

iv. Other causes.

Less common but still possible are a wide range of various bug including acral lick dermatitis, demodicosis (demodex mite infection), bacterial infection, pododermatitis, and more.

What to practice:If you cannot pinpoint the cause and/or treatment is not effective, it will be time for the vet to perform an examination that may include a skin scraping, blood test, and other screenings to diagnose the consequence.

Full Body Itching

In that location are quite a few possible triggers when a Shih Tzu is itchy everywhere. If the itching is severe, it is recommended to have it diagnosed by the veterinarian who will be able to run tests and offer prescribed medications during the offset appointment.

For pocket-size to moderate issues or if you are looking for aid while waiting for the date, the following can help.

1. Reaction to subpar shampoo.

If the wrong production is used (high or depression pH, irritating additives, harsh soaps that strip as well much body oil from the skin or drying soaps that zap wet from the skin, etc.) this tin can cause itching everywhere.

What to do: 1) Offer fast relief via a topical spray, cream, or anti-itch shampoo (run across 'Treatments for Itching', alee).

2) Use a better shampoo going forward that moisturizes and protects the pare each time yous use it. The pH should be between half-dozen.v and 7.v, there should exist no soaping agents (look for plant-based cleansers), no parabens or phthalates, and ideally with both aloe and oatmeal. The line of Earthbath Shampoo is highly recommended (and don't forget to employ a launder-out conditioner; it is needed to close the hair follicles that open up during the shampooing process).

2. Fleas.

A Shih Tzu can accept fleas without their human ever actually seeing a flea, so don't automatically discount this. This is what happens: A flea from another dog or another source (rug, tall grass, etc.) jumps upwards to several feet and land on a Shih Tzu. The fleas multiple rapidly, females lay almost 25 eggs a mean solar day. The fleas live on the skin nether the glaze, so are not seen. If y'all part the hair, the fleas scatter very quickly, so yous may or may not see them.

What yous are more likely to see are minor black flecks (like pepper) which are the flea debris), small red flecks (which are drops of blood), or small white flecks (which are the flea eggs).

And, there'll be lots of itching. In fact, fleas tin can make a dog then incredibly itchy that they go into a nearly panic.

What to practise:Treating for fleas must be thorough because if fifty-fifty one female survives, the entire wheel can offset over. The Shih Tzu and all other animals in the house must exist treated with a topical treatment and combed multiple times with a flea comb, and the house itself must exist treated with a spray or in some case a flea bomb. Preventive measures should exist put in place to stop this from occurring again. For more than details meet Shih Tzu Flea Handling and Prevention.

3. Allergies.

There are several types of allergies: contact, food, and airborne. These tin exist seasonal or year-round. The but sign may exist itching, simply other possible symptoms include skin bug (hives, rash, hot spots, inflammation), breathing issues (coughing, wheezing), watery optics, and/or upset tum.

What to exercise: Itching due to allergies can be long and complicated. It involves working hard to reduce or completely eliminate the allergy trigger(s) and addressing the itching itself.

Fugitive the triggers may encompass switching foods, limiting time exterior during loftier-pollen days, washing the paws off or wiping the coat downwardly afterward existence exterior, washing bedding and soft toys with hypo-allergic detergent, vacuuming the firm with a vacuum that has HEPA filtration, using air purifiers with HEPA filters, and more. For total steps, see our Shih Tzu Allergies article.

To address the itching, in some cases, OTC anti-crawling products can work very well (see 'Treatments for Itching', ahead), though some dogs will demand stronger medications including corticosteroids like prednisone and/or prescribed antihistamines.

4. Skin parasites or infections.

Though not as common, one of these is certainly a possibility. With parasites, aside from the previously mentioned fleas, peak culprits are scabies mites (which are very contagious) and demodex mites (most common with young pups). Both of these can be exceedingly itchy, often resulting in coat loss. And, both require veterinary treatment via prescribed medications.

Bacterial peel infections are frequently secondary and seen alongside allergies. Though, at that place are instances of a bacterial infection taking hold without a previous pare issue. This will also need to be treated past a veterinarian via prescribed medications.

5. Yeast infection.

Though yeast infection on the paws were covered, this refers to yeast in more than one area on a Shih Tzu. In many cases, it volition be between the toes, in the armpits, along the neck, and in the genital area, but may also appear elsewhere.

In most cases at that place will exist a very strong musty odor that does not get away subsequently a bath (or reappears very soon after). Other signs may include inflammation, red skin, pare sores, and/or oily skin.

The most common crusade of this is overgrowth of the Malassezia fungi which is normally found on all dogs at manageable level. A weak immune system tin cause this population overgrowth and well as certain conditions such as a Shih Tzu getting and staying wet for too long or too often.

What to do:Pocket-size to moderate cases may be successfully treated at home using an anti-fungal shampoo and/or topical treatment, see 'Treatments for Itching', ahead. Though, chronic or reoccurring cases should be investigated by the veterinarian. And, stubborn cases that practice non respond to calm treatment methods often require prescribed oral and topical anti-fungals.

vi. Dry out skin.

Never automatically discount dry pare; though it may seem similar too simple of an caption, moderate to severe cases can cause an incredible amount of itching and discomfort.

Dry skin is about mutual during the colder months, which for many of us starts in November and can concluding into Apr. When the air is common cold, information technology's very arid and moisture can be pulled from the skin at such a rapid pace that the torso cannot keep up. Itchy dry out pare tin can occur with a Shih Tzu even if they stay indoors nigh of the fourth dimension since heating the air warms it but does not add moisture.

What to do:In that location are several steps to take. Brand sure that your Shih Tzu is drinking enough h2o; bring water along on walks, pb your dog to their bowl throughout the twenty-four hour period, and offer water-packed fruits like blueberries and strawberries.

Using humidifiers in the house to keep the relative humidity between forty and 50% can make a big difference.

Use high-quality coat products; shampoos should accept oatmeal, aloe, and other soothing and moisturizing ingredients; be sure to follow that upward with a launder-out conditioner and utilise a leave-in coat spray.

Massaging in a restorative foam may be needed every bit this tin can work well to re-balance the skin. Meet 'Treatments for Itching', ahead.

vii. Cause unknown.

If you're absolutely mystified about what is causing your Shih Tzu to be itchy and you've worked hard to figure it out with the process of elimination, you're not alone. Every possible cause ever has outlier cases where the symptoms do not match up to what is expected. And, of course, at that place are ever instances of the trigger beingness so rare and unusual that information technology won't be discovered.

What to do:Just because it is not clear what is making a Shih Tzu itchy, doesn't mean that information technology tin't exist treated. There are several constructive products that y'all tin use at home that tin can offer fast relief. And, if things are very severe or reoccurring, the veterinarian tin offer broad-spectrum anti-itch topical creams and/or antihistamines.

Ears are Itchy

Symptoms: Though a Shih Tzu may use a hand to scratch at the ears, they may also rub their caput into walls, pillows, rug, or other objects and/or vigorously shake their caput.

Superlative causes: An ear infection is the near common reason, this can be bacterial or viral. Second to this, is a buildup of excessive wax that has trapped small, irritating debris.

What to practise: In many cases, treating the ear canals with a broad-spectrum ear cleanser solution like Curaseb Dog Ear Infection Treatment can resolve things. This is done by placing the solution like into each canal (ane at a time), massaging the base for several minutes, and and so swiping the outer canal with clean gauze.

For excessive wax buildup, this may only need to be done one time and for full-fledged infections this may be need to be done once a day for seven to ten days. If results are not seen, this should be treated by the vet (ear infections with dogs are i of the well-nigh common reasons for a visit to the vet clinic).

Genital Area is Itchy

Symptoms: A Shih Tzu may lick the area and/or rub the area into pillows, stuffed animals, or other objects which may be mistaken for humping.

Top causes: With female dogs, the almost mutual reason is vaginitis which may be bacterial or viral in nature or may exist seen aslope bladder infections or urinary tract infections. With males, the most common causes are alongside bladder infections or urinary tract infections though allergies or yeast infections may besides be at the root of the problem.

What to practise:Bladder or urinary tract infection need to be treated by the veterinarian. In regard to suspected yeast infections, see the previous 'Full Body Itching: Yeast infection' department for more details and in regard to suspected allergies run into the previous 'Full Trunk Itching: Allergies'.

Treatments for Itching

There was a lot to cover to get to this indicate, but every bit you lot've seen there are a lot of possible reasons why a Shih Tzu puppy or dog would take issues with being itchy. And, treatment is really two-fold: To try and identify the crusade (since eliminating the trigger should exist done when at all possible) and offering anti-itch solutions.

But, even if you are not quite sure what's making your Shih Tzu scratch like crazy or bite at themselves round-the-clock, you tin can nonetheless implement some treatment methods that can soothe down itching and offer cooling relief to the pare.

What you utilise will depend on the location of the itching and the severity of it. Here, we'll have a expect at some effective options.

These are ideal if yous want to offering fast and round-the-clock relief and especially if skin is so irritated that information technology'due south best to not touch information technology (like you would with a cream). Sprays are great for targeting certain areas only can also be used all over the body.

There are two basic types of sprays:

one- All-natural. All-natural sprays tin can be surprisingly effective since ingredients like blistering soda and oatmeal are excellent at stopping even strong itching. Other ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter can assist by soothing and moisturizing the pare.

Opting for an all-natural product is a good choice if your Shih Tzu's itching is on the paws or other areas that are easily accessible and you want to utilize a non-toxic topical.For this, we recommend Bodhi Canis familiaris Anti-Itch Spray. This has both oatmeal and baking soda which makes it very powerful no thing the underlying cause. It is 100% non-toxic then there's no worries if it'southward licked and information technology'south perfect for sensitive skin (which is true for many Shih Tzu dogs).

2- Medicated. This is best if a Shih Tzu has very severe itching that is painful and/or overwhelming. Do note that with some of these you will want to prevent your dog from licking the treated surface area; if on the paws this tin be washed with a paw bandage or sock and for other areas you may want to use a safety cone neckband.

A cream is a good choice if a Shih Tzu'south entire body seems to be itchy since you can comprehend more surface area with a cream. Besides, for severe itching, creams are thicker and more luxurious, often improve able to transport repair and restorative ingredients where they are needed. These are always a practiced choice if there are dry cracks in the paws or on the nose.

Practise keep in mind that the nature of creams or lotions means that you lot'll be massaging them in, then if your Shih Tzu has a lot of discomfort (and non merely itching), you may want to stick with a spray (see previous).

One cream that we recommend is ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment; this is first-class if a Shih Tzu has bug bites, allergies, or irritated skin from contact substances just is also fantastic if you're not actually certain what's causing the itching since its broad range of ingredients can gainsay so much. This has a blend of organic aloe vera, Manuka honey, coconut oil, hemp oil, shea butter, and vitamins.

Shampoos to help with itching are great to treat a Shih Tzu'south entire torso since information technology provides excellent coverage (no crevice will be missed) and it's a run a risk to really soak a dog in a treatment product. And, a specialty anti-crawling shampoo is too a skillful idea if y'all desire to practice foot soak for itchy paws.

Whether your Shih Tzu has allergies or if it's not clear what is causing the itching problem, a shampoo that can offer lots of relief is Natural Anti-itch Dog Shampoo past Moosh. This has a wide range of super-soothing ingredients including bentonite clay (pulls irritants and toxins from the skin), as well as need oil, argan oil, shea butter, and aloe vera.

Though it is generally recommended to give a Shih Tzu baths once every 3 weeks, if you are using a specialty product like this to care for itching, you can soak your puppy or domestic dog once or twice a calendar week. Just exist sure to follow up with a skillful wash-out conditioner and pat the glaze dry out (no rubbing).

Skin Yeast Infection Tropical Treatments

When it comes to treating itchy peel yeast infections on dogs with home remedies, the most common OTC production contains chlorhexidine. Not only does information technology work for yeast and fungi, just it can likewise be constructive on some types of bacterial skin infections.

Do note, however, that this is a topical medication. It will accept a certain drying issue to the skin and if this is used on a dog that does not accept a skin infection (and it has cipher to combat), it can be harsh on the peel (which can exacerbate sensitive pare issues). So, you lot will want to be adequately confident that your Shih Tzu does accept a yeast or other peel infection trouble earlier using this. If you are non sure, do not hesitate to bring your domestic dog to the vet.

There are sprays such as Curaseb Chlorhexidine Spray that can be used up to 3 times per day to target specific areas.

And there are shampoos like Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo which are used to treat total-body problems. Mostly, a dog is lathered up and then soaked in this in one case a day for 7 days, then twice per week for two weeks. Since treating the whole body with medication tin exist harsh (even though this does take aloe in information technology), you tin mix this with your Shih Tzu's regular shampoo (50/l) if you notice information technology to be more tolerable that way.

With whatsoever sort of anti-fungal topical treatment, if results are not seen in ii to 3 weeks, this is your sign that a stronger, veterinary prescribed oral and/or topical medication may exist needed.

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Source: http://www.allshihtzu.com/shih-tzu-itchy

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