Skin problems in your Shih Tzu can lead to irritation, discomfort and possibly, infections. For
you, all of this can lead to stress and worry as you try to help your little
furry baby feel better.
The best way to tackle these issues is by using natural
remedies, eliminating the potentially harmful or irritating ingredients found
in many products these days. Natural remedies are effective, reliable, and best of all, safe. You can use these for nearly any concern you may have with
your dog.
Before choosing a natural remedy, you should first make sure that you
know the source of the skin problem. Not all skin problems are equal, and not
all remedies will help all problems. Understanding the source of the problem
will make it easier to find an appropriate and effective treatment.
Remove the Source
Sometimes, an external source is the cause of the skin irritation. In
these cases, you will want to remove that source. Fleas, certain foods and
products, the environment, and allergies all play a role in this. There are
numerous potential external causes for skin irritation, and removing them from
your dog’s life, or learning how to manage their presence, is essential in reducing
the irritation.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is another major concern for Shih Tzu owners, as these dogs are prone to
experiencing this problem. Reducing the occurrence of dry skin is primarily
about proper grooming, hygiene and diet. Keeping your dog groomed, clean and
healthy can have a tremendous impact on his or her skin. Make sure to
clean and groom on a regular basis because their fur puts them at a high risk
of dry skin.
As with the above, other problems
may occur that cause dry skin and irritation, like fleas and allergies. Manage
these to avoid any skin problems.
Supplements and Diet
With most skin conditions, proper supplements and a healthy diet
can help. Vitamins and Omega 3 are prime examples of what your Shih Tzu may need. Of course, it depends entirely on
the dog’s skin condition and you should learn what is best for the problem at
hand first. Alongside a healthy and nutritious diet, however, these supplements
can be an immense help.
Make sure that you speak with
your veterinarian before making these choices. In some cases, your dog may
require medical treatment or medications for any underlying issues that you
cannot diagnose at home.
As a Shih Tzu parent, you want nothing more than to
give your pet the very best. The best thing you can do for your dog is to
provide your pet with everything he or she needs to live a long and healthy
life. This is far easier than it sounds. With these few simple steps, you can
ensure that your pet is happy, healthy, and feels loved.
Give special attention to their hair
Shih Tzu's have long hair that is
different from most dogs' fur. Because it is hair, similar to humans, it
requires daily combing or brushing. Matting can easily form, so you must take caution not to leave it tangled otherwise, this
could cause a big problem. Matting can lead to dermatitis and skin inflammation,
especially when the dog tries to scratch it off its body.
They are not made for extreme weather conditions
Shih Tzu's do not require very much
special care, but one thing that all owners should know is that these dogs are
not made to withstand extreme weather conditions. This is particularly true
during the summer, when the dog is more prone to heatstroke because of its face
shape. These dogs are made to be indoor dogs, and while you can certainly take them
out for walks or play outdoors on nicer days, it is best to keep them indoors
when it is too hot or cold outside.
They can do with minimal exercise
Shih Tzu's are the perfect choice
for owners who do not have a lot of time or energy for exercise. This breed
requires very little exercise to stay healthy and to let out all of its pent up
energy. A half mile walk is sufficient exercise, or you can play with your pet
outdoors or inside with toys.
They have sensitive eyes
Because Shih Tzu's have bulging
eyes, they are more prone to eye irritations, dryness and infections. Their
long hair can also contribute to these issues, so it is important that you
always keep their facial hair around their eyes neatly trimmed. Tear stains may
also be an issue due to the size of the breed's tear ducts. For eye irritations
and issues, talk to your vet about pet safe products you can use to keep your
dog healthy and comfortable.
They are emotionally needy
These dogs are clingy to the maximum level. If you plan to have
a Shih Tzu, you
should be prepared to spend a lot of time with your pet. Do not underestimate
this personality trait, as neglect can easily cause your Shih Tzu to get depressed. So make sure that you
always provide your beloved dog with plenty of love, affection and attention.
