It can be very distressing when you realize that your beautiful Shih Tzu’s hair is falling out faster than it should. Shih Tzus normally shed very little, which is one of the reasons they are such a great breed to have. But they may also be more prone to food and chemical sensitivities than other dogs.
If you notice more hair on your furniture, clothing, etc., or even clumps of hair falling out or if your dog’s itching is keeping her up at night, take her to the vet. I took her to the vet and they said my dog was allergic to something but they weren’t sure what. They gave me cortisone pills which I used the first few times until I realized that this did not solve the problem. So I started my detective work and that’s what you should do too.
I first looked at their pet food. It was high quality food. We always feed her wet and dry Iams. But he still felt that this was probably the culprit; along with my husband feeding him the leftovers from his plate. The latter was easy to correct. I just convinced him that her itchiness and her hair loss weren’t worth the little satisfaction he got from feeding her her dish. Finding the right food for her would be another matter.
I did research online and found that a lot of dogs are allergic to grains, wheat, that kind of thing. I needed to find a food made mostly of protein with a bit of vegetables; very little grain if any. I did read that many dog owners buy fresh meat and vegetables from the supermarket and prepare them fresh. I really didn’t want to do that, so I found a dog food that fit the bill. The name of this food is Evo. This dog food does not contain grains and has 95% protein, the rest being vegetables. It comes wet and dry. They also have grain free treats. From the beginning of trying this food my dog stopped biting almost immediately.
Also be aware of what kinds of chemicals your dog is exposed to. Something as simple as floor cleaners or waxes have chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction in your dog. Keep in mind that inhaled chemicals can cause the same type of reaction. Is your dog exposed to cigarette smoke or chemical-laden air fresheners? If so, this may be the cause of your dog’s hair loss and itchiness. Try to use green cleaning products that are toxin-free and biodegradable. You can find all kinds of toxin-free cleansers; from furniture polish to eco-friendly oven cleaner. They are just as effective and will keep your home and pet safe. Of course, always keep your dog away from cigarette smoke.
After switching my dog’s food, it took about three months to notice his hair finally growing back. He looks much healthier and his eyes are bright, not dull. I encourage anyone experiencing this problem with his dog to do their detective work to figure out the cause. Until you figure out the cause of the itching, try using an over-the-counter homeopathic medicine specifically for itching. Remember, your pet is completely dependent on you for its well-being.