Allergies That Can Affect Your Shih Tzu

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.

Besides that both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners are susceptible to allergies. In fact, veterinarians have many treatments for Shih Tzu allergies.

As asserted by veterinarians, Shih Tzu allergies may show the most common symptom of itching sensation all over the skin area. Shih Tzu allergies may occur in the respiratory system as well. When the allergies occur in the respiratory system most commonly the symptoms like coughing, sneezing and wheezing become apparent.

In fact, there is a great similarity between the symptoms occurring in both humans and Shih Tzu dogs. 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.

The Shih Tzu may develop allergies to food also. Beef, fish, eggs, soy products, wheat, chemical preservatives and artificial sweeteners often cause a food allergy to develop in a Shih Tzu. It is always advised that the Shih Tzu be fed with commercial dog foods instead of homemade food products in order to keep it healthy and protected from any possible food related 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.