Itchy Peak-Shih Tzu puppy 6 months old.?

Question

Live in Vietnam it's hot but she lives in my AC house. She has small bumps they do not erupt just itches like crazy. She is very clean and no fleas. Have taken her to the Vet and she was given shots but this has not helped. Any ideas? Thank's in advance for your help.

Answer 1

Hi Loneytraveler!!
I'm sorry to hear of your pup frustrating skin ailment.

Like any other breed, Peak-Shih Tzus may be prone to a variety of health problems, unfortunately skin problems are amongst the common ailments to the Peak-Shih Tzu breed.

Your pup Peak-Shih Tzu is likely suffering from allergy.

Allergy is one of the more frequent and frustrating problems. When presented with an allergic dog, the first priority is to provide the dog reflief. This is accomplished with combinations of some or all of the following: cortisone, anit-biotics, medicated shampoos, antihistamines, or topical sprays. Once symptoms are relieved, however, if the source of the allergy is not revealed, the symptoms will likely return.

Dogs suffer from two types of skin allergies: food and/or environment. I typically begin by ruling out food allergy, because changing the food is a simple matter. The hypoallergenic foods that I favor for this are either IVD or Hill's Prescription Diet Canine z/d ULTRA Allergen-Free . Both of these diets are available only at vet hospitals for purchase or online veterinary hospitals. Don't confuse a hypoallergenic diet with a diet containing a novel protein (such as Salomon and Sweet Potato).
Feed the special diet, and ONLY the special diet for 8 weeks. If the food works, simply keep the dog on it for life. If there is no improvement in 8 weeks (and you are certain that the dog has eaten nothing but the special diet during this time), then the dog is likely environmentally allergic.

Also may be thyroid deficiency, or hypothyroidism, are also common in the Peak-Shih Tzu breed. This is the condition resulting from a low production of usable hormones by the thyroid gland. Symptoms include skin infections characterized by small pustules, or dry/flaky skin. Your vet should run a blood test to rule this out, it can be corrected with medication, and possibly a diet change. At present thyroid deficiency is suspected of being inherited.

The best oils for anti-inflammatory purposes are
thought to be fish oils. The Omega 3&6 fatty acids are the most directly responsible for anti-inflammatory purposes. Using a fatty acid supplement, such as DermCaps,OmegaDerm, EFA-Z, or 3V Capsules may be beneficial in helping to stop the itch and bad skin from the inside out.

Cold water will usually reduce itching and produce temporary relief. It doesn't really matter how the water is applied, but it must be at least cool. This effect doesn't last long, usually less than one-half hour. Adding Episoothe Oatmeal Shampoo, Episoothe Oatmeal Creme Rinse, Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal, Relief Shampoo or Domeboro's solution helps to prolong the effect. All of these products are available over-the-counter.

If you wash your dog, be sure to thoroughly dry him, since moist skin can breed bacteria. Pat the skin dry, don't rub it, which will excite the itch. A hair drier on the cool setting is a good way of drying a dog, if he'll allow it.

Finding this cause may be the only way to control the itching - so the best course of action is to start somewhere, as you and your vet have done, and then move onto the next thing, if necessary.

Look article: Homemade Dog Skin Care Recipe : http://askedweb.com/askedweb/Homemade_Dog_Skin_Care_Recipe/ - it may to help.
Jason Homan

Answer 2

Could be food allergies. Try changing what you feed her. To alleviate the itching try Children's Benedryl. My Tzu itched and scratched a lot and the vet said use the Benedryl. She is 3 years old and weighs 15 lbs. I gave her 1/2 twice a day. It depends on the weight of your dog, so be careful..better too little than to much that could harm your dog. I never noticed any bumps on my dog, but she had yeast throughout her body, and the vet said to use Selsun Blue Medicated shampoo to help get rid of the yeast in her skin.
I would use the Benedryl to alleviate the itching and get her comfortable, then introduce a different diet. If she was human, I would think it was hives from the heat!! And maybe it is a heat type thing. People I know had a Tzu in Florida and had to get rid of it because he would get sick from the heat. He (the dog) is now in upstate New York and is doing great! And they had AC in Fla too.
I am not sure if you can get cooling beds for dogs in Vietnam, but that may help if this rash is due to the heat.

Good luck, I hope she gets better.

Answer 3

Sounds like a food allergy.
Read the label on the food. If there is any corn, wheat, beef or chicken, consider switching brands.
Innova EVO is doing amazing things for allergic dogs. Their website: www.naturapet.com
Wellness, Canidae, Artemis, and California Natural are good too. All have websites.
Read "Foods Pets Die For" by Ann N. Martin for more information. You will be shocked and amazed!

Answer 4

i have a 5m shihtzu it might be allergy if it comes and goes.also is it only during summer?if so it might be the heat as u know since they have a small noise they are mor epron to heardattack and heat relatating problems. .

Answer 5

My boxer had that on his legs, I gave him benadryl for children