Routinely apply paw wax to your Shih Tzu's paws. This will help to repel contact allergens and can create a barrier between the paws and irritants such as lawn care products.
An added bonus is that a quality paw wax can help clear up irritated paw skin and other issues that often manifest due to allergies. A recommended wax which is Musher's Secret Paw Protection Wax which is very effective and absorbs quickly. Rinse off your Shih Tzu's paws after coming back inside ; the kitchen sink is often the most convenient method.
Don't worry about the paw wax, water will not remove it; it takes about 1 week for the wax to slowly wear away. Brush your Shih Tzu often. Regardless of whether your Shih Tzu has a short, medium, or long coat, brush the entire body 3 to 5 times per week. Limit the use of chemical cleaners including air freshener sprays and carpet deodorizing powders. When you are using strong cleaners, such as when scrubbing the bathtub, keep your dog away from the area. For this, you'll want to rule out certain items and elements that your Shih Tzu may be coming into contact with that may be causing issues.
Bowls - One of the most common contact allergens is plastic bowls; even those that are BPA-free can be to blame, and this is often due to heavy color dyes, but can be the plastic material itself. In addition, a dog can suffer from a reaction not quite an allergy in which the plastic, over time, causes the nose to lose its natural pigmentation.
If a Shih Tzu used to have a black nose, and it's lightened or even turned pink over time, it very well could be the bowls. This may or may not include a rash around the mouth.
What to do: Stainless steel is the 1 choice for dog bowls , as this this is allergen-free. It also resists scratching, is of a good weight, and is easy to clean. An alternative choice is ceramic; however, it is not as durable and can crack or shatter. Carpeting - Certain carpet fibers can cause allergic reactions, and rough texture just adds to the problem.
Detergent - Anything that's been washed in heavily perfumed detergent may cause a reaction; this includes soft stuffed toys, blankets, and pillow cases.
What to do: Always use a hypo-allergenic detergent that is free of perfumes or dyes. Toys - Certain toys, and particularly inexpensive ones that one can get at dollar stores, may be made from cheap rubbers or plastics, and often heavy coloring dyes.
What to do: It's always a good idea to routinely check your Shih Tzu's toy supply and do a 'keep, don't keep'. Remove suspect toys. Take the time to reassess what you're feeding for meals, snacks, and training treats Follow the 12 steps to reduce environmental allergens And take a look at what can be changed in regard to contact allergens Remember that doing just a few of these things may not give your Shih Tzu any relief. It is by implementing most if not all of these elements that a dog may finally be free from itching and other allergic reactions.
Now, let's move onto Step 2 , which is to treat symptoms like itching and includes specific recommendations including allergy shampoos and topical sprays under ' Recommended At-home Treatment '. We know that many owners would prefer to treat their Shih Tzu's allergies at home, and not have to visit the veterinarian. However, with moderate to severe cases, a vet visit is often warranted. Note that Prednisone can only be given short-term without risk of severe side effects. Even short-term, there may be changes in thirst or appetite, and this medicine can cause a dog to become susceptible to infections.
If skin has become so dry that it has cracked open, antibacterial ointment may be needed. Treatments to be Wary Of:. Also known as hyposensitization, and commonly referred to as allergy shots, these have some major drawbacks and risks that you should know about.
With this, a small amount of an allergen s is given to a dog with the goal of being able to build up a tolerance. This does not work for food allergies, can only have a chance of working if the exact culprit allergen s has been identified, needs to be given every day oral or once a week injected , symptoms may worsen during the first few months, needs years to work, and may need to be given for life though less frequently.
OTC antihistamines. While you can technically give your Shih Tzu an over-the-counter allergy medication such as Benadryl, there are 3 reasons why you'll want to be very careful about this:. With the Shih Tzu being a brachycephalic breed, breathing issues are always a top concern. Dosing must be exact. Dosing is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given times a day; with toy breeds like the Shih Tzu, it's dangerous to inadvertently give too much.
It will not resolve severe skin issues including hot spots nor will it cure an allergy. The best method is to follow the steps of working to reduce or remove all possible triggers, and use effective treatments coming up next to cure itching and bring relief. Recommended At-home Treatment:. Note that a spray should be used in conjunction with an allergy shampoo more ahead on those. The fantastic thing about sprays is that they target specific areas on a Shih Tzu.
So, if you use the right one, your puppy or dog will find immediate relief directly where it's sore, itchy, or sensitive. And then, the spray will continue to work to soothe and heal the skin. Types: There two main types: medicated and non-medicated all-natural. The one that is best for your Shih Tzu will depend on your puppy or dog's exact symptoms. So, let's look at these sprays, and how they can help:. It may also be seen on the chest or upper back. Anti-itch medicated spray: This will be one of the most useful products you can have for your Shih Tzu, since itching is the most common symptom of allergies with dogs.
Note: This type of spray should NOT be used if there are open sores OR if the areas of concern are those that your Shih Tzu licks at unless you will be using an Elizabethan collar or other method to stop your dog from licking the medication.
A combination of hydrocortisone and lidocaine will work for itching, inflammation, and pain. Our top recommended allergy spray with both hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical spray is SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Spray.
Anti-itch spray, all-natural: Don't assume that all-natural means that it works to a lesser degree than medicated sprays. The best way to determine the correct Benadryl dosage for dogs is to consult your veterinarian. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day.
Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer, warns that you should always consult with a veterinarian before giving Benadryl to a puppy because young puppies can be very sensitive to certain medications. The drug is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs. They may also break open when chewed and deliver too much medication at one time, putting your dog at risk of an overdose.
Also avoid any form of Benadryl that contains alcohol. Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective medication for dogs when used according to the instructions of a veterinarian.
If you have any further questions about Benadryl for dogs, contact your veterinarian for more information. And remember to keep all medicines out of reach of your curious canine pal. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes.
Benadryl for Dogs. It will begin to reduce symptoms like skin rashes in about an hour. Getting the dosage right is important because most Benadryl tablets are intended for humans. Some dogs can be quite small, so they need less Benadryl than a person. What are the side effects of Benadryl for a dog?
The standard dosage for oral Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given times a day. That would be approximately 2. He may get diarrhea or vomit but he should be fine. However in case of adverse side effects such as rapid breathing or an increased heart rate please contact your vet.
If your dog weighs 25 lbs Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength. Dosage of Benadryl for Dogs The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day.
Do not use unless directed by a doctor. Do not use. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours. For adults and teens, the diphenhydramine dosage is 25 to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum amount you should take in one day is mg.
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