Does Your Shih Tzu Have Allergies
August 7, 2008
Shih Tzu allergies are as common as other diseases that effect 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 human.
Although diseases like diabetes, cardiac problems or obesity may stem from unhealthy dietary and physical activity management, allergies may occur from many different types of allergens.
The most common symptom of allergies is an itching sensation on the skin. In addition, the allergies may affect the respiratory tract system as well. The common symptoms of respiratory tract allergies may include sneezing, wheezing and coughing.
The Shih Tzu can have almost all the same symptoms that humans do. They have discharge coming from the nose and eyes just like when they suffer from a cold or the flu. Allergies may also occur that effect the digestive system and may suffer from the common symptoms including diarrhea, watery stools and vomiting.
If you are worried about your Shih Tzu’s possibility of becoming allergic to flea saliva, you should take your dog in for a skin allergy examination. If the report of the examination is positive you may have to implement an effective flea control program in order to get your dog relief from this type of allergies.
Some individuals are allergic to certain types of foods. The same is true for 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.
Different environmental substances such as molds and dust mites may lead to hypersensitivity towards the immune system in a Shih Tzu. This may result in developing atopic dermatitis. This is one of the worst Shih Tzu allergies. If Shih Tzu is suffering from atopic dermatitis, the dog may extensively lick or chew its paws, abdomen and rear feet areas. The armpit region, the inner portions of the toes of the paws and the groin become affected with this type of allergy.
Bacteria may also lead to an allergic reaction in a Shih Tzu. The general health system may bet badly affected due to bacterial allergy. In normal condition, many bacteria can be found over the skin of a Shih Tzu, but they do not cause any particular harm to them. Mostly these bacteria are members of Staphylococcus family. But there are few bacteria that may turn out to be an allergen for them. Hair loss and ringworm markings are the most common symptoms of bacterial allergies. Research says over twenty percent of dogs are affected by different types of allergies in the United States.
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