Allergy signs
Allergic reactions can present themselves in many forms. If you see your Shih Tzu scratching a lot more than normal, sneezing constantly, or showing a runny nose and eyes, he may have allergies. The same goes for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive head shaking, and shortness of breath. I always advise a good dose of common sense when observing your Shih Tzu; all dogs display these symptoms at one time or another. A sneeze or cough does not mean that your dog has allergies. On the other hand, if these signs persist for a day or two and you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, you can always see your vet for an opinion or diagnosis.
Causes of allergy
Pollen is a common cause of allergies in Shih Tzus. If your dog is suffering in the spring or summer, and continually sneezes or paws at his face, pollen could be the reason, as concentrations are highest during the spring and summer months. Washing your dog’s bedding frequently, cleaning his eyes, and using HEPA filters when cleaning the house can help reduce allergies to pollen. Your vet may prescribe antihistamines to relieve symptoms. If this doesn’t work, steroids may be prescribed, but be very careful about using steroids as they can cause many other health problems.
Like pollen, house dust can also cause a Shih Tzu to suffer. All homes have some dust, but moving your Shih Tzu’s bed to a room with bare floors and no rugs or heavy drapes (all dust collectors) can make a world of difference.
Flea bites can cause reactions in all breeds of dogs, so you should regularly check your Shih Tzu for fleas. Fleas are more than just a nuisance; Flea bites can cause serious, even fatal, health problems. Look for rashes or irritated skin and ask your vet about the best treatments.
Contact allergies result from something being applied to a Shih Tzu’s body from the outside. Some examples are flea shampoos, ointments, and medications, but can also include things like furniture polish and powdered deodorants if your Shih Tzu comes into contact with areas that contain them. I recommend that you use the same strategies as with food allergies; start eliminating potential culprits until the allergy is gone. Then you will know what was really the cause.
Some dogs have even been known to have allergic reactions to vaccines, and since your Shih Tzu will receive yearly shots, it’s important to pay attention to when allergies start. Did they occur immediately after the last round of firing? If so, I recommend letting the vet know so he can take action. Remember: Just because your dog got the same shot last year and is doing fine doesn’t mean he’ll be fine this time.
If the allergy persists
If there’s no obvious pattern to your Shih Tzu’s allergies, and if you’ve looked far and wide to try to isolate the cause and can’t find anything in the house or immediate area that may be causing the problem, it’s possible that Your dog’s allergies are being caused by something else, such as his diet. If in doubt, consult your vet for advice, but above all, be aware of your pet’s behavior so that you can act as quickly as possible to help him feel better.