Shih Tzu allergies are as common as other diseases that affect both dogs and humans. In fact, both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners may suffer from some common diseases such as diabetes, cardiac problems, obesity, and many others. And Shih Tzu allergies may occur more or less in the same way as with humans.
When a Shih Tzu suffers from allergies, it may have a severe itching sensation all over its body. Additionally, allergies may occur in the respiratory tract as well as in the digestive system.
The most common symptom of allergies is an itching sensation on the skin. In addition, allergies may affect the respiratory tract system as well. The common symptoms of respiratory tract allergies may include sneezing, wheezing, and coughing.
In fact, there is a great similarity between the symptoms occurring in both humans and Shih Tzu dogs. The nose and eyes discharge frequently just like with a cold or the flu. Allergies may affect the digestive system also. If so, Shih Tzu may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, watery stools, or diarrhea.
In practice, there is a great variety of allergies that may affect the Shih Tzu. For instance, flea saliva may cause the Shih Tzu an allergic reaction. In order to understand whether a Shih Tzu is being affected by flea saliva, a skin allergy examination is essential. In the case of a positive result, the owner must use an effective flea control program. But using safe products must be ensured in order to avoid any possible harm to the dog.
Some individuals are allergic to certain types of foods. The same is true for a few Shih Tzu dogs. There are certain food products such as beef, soy products, fish, eggs, chemical preservatives, milk, wheat, and artificial sweeteners that may cause allergic reactions in Shih Tzu dogs. Additionally, food allergies may also occur due to the consumption of non-verified foods. Providing only commercially manufactured dog foods to the Shih Tzu can minimize the possibility of developing food allergies.
Atopic dermatitis is another significant type of Shih Tzu allergy. This occurs mainly because of the hypersensitivity towards the immune system caused by different environmental substances such as molds or dust mites. The common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are excessively licking and chewing of the paws, abdomen, and rear feet. This allergic reaction affects the armpit region, in-between the toes of the paws, and in the groin.
There are few non-harmful bacteria in the body of a Shih Tzu. Most of these bacteria come from the Staphylococcus family. However, only a few harmful bacteria may affect Shih Tzu leading to a bacterial allergy. If you find your Shih Tzu is lacking hair unusually and some ringworm type of markings appear all over its body, it is quite possible that the Shih Tzu may have developed a bacterial allergy on the skin. In the United States, over twenty percent of all dogs are unfortunately suffering from allergies.
