Shih tzus require a diet free from corn, wheat, soy and artificial flavors and preservatives in order to remain healthy. Look for foods that exclude these ingredients when selecting their food supply.
Choose food that contains natural prebiotics and probiotics to promote digestive health, high-quality protein sources supported by research, as well as both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
Contents
Food Allergies
Shih tzus are susceptible to food allergies and intolerances that can result in itchy skin or digestive symptoms like gas, diarrhea and vomiting. A limited-ingredient diet without foods your shih tzu is allergic to may help alleviate these symptoms.
Food allergies typically present themselves with itchy rashes on the muzzle, ears, groin or paws that can either be red or raised in appearance. Other indicators of an allergy could include itchy eyes, diarrhea, flatulence loss of appetite and weight loss as potential indicators.
If you suspect your shih tzu is allergic, first consult a veterinarian in order to rule out other possible causes for their symptoms. After that, an elimination diet must be implemented that excludes food items suspected as allergic triggers and watch for adverse reactions. Once identified as such, slowly introduce back into their diet while continuing new food alternatives until no adverse reactions arise again.
Itchy Skin
Shih Tzus can experience itchy skin due to parasites, allergies and skin dermatitis. Allergies may be caused by food items like pollen or airborne allergens like perfume or smoke and can trigger an itchy reaction in their fur.
An itchy skin condition in your shih tzu may also be an indicator of more serious conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease or cancer; if she’s scratching excessively you should have her seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Canned food may be beneficial to Shih Tzu that refuse to eat dry kibble diet, are recovering from surgery or illness, or require nutritional supplementation. As its production takes place at lower temperatures, less nutrition is lost during processing.
Medicated topical sprays can be very helpful for itchy Shih Tzus. Some contain ingredients to combat itching like oatmeal, aloe vera and chamomile while others numb using lidocaine. There are even antibacterial and antifungal wipes designed specifically to target yeast or fungus such as ketoconazole or chlorhexidine wipes; the best of which do not contain chemicals or dyes so as not to upset their health or wellbeing.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when their thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to energy loss and dull coat. Though hypothyroidism cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed with daily oral thyroxine dosage prescribed by your veterinarian who will also recommend regular blood tests for further diagnosis.
Hypothyroidism requires feeding your dog food containing high concentrations of lean meat, fiber and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to support energy levels and help them function optimally. Furthermore, low carb foods must not contain artificial preservatives or flavors.
Small breed dogs require food tailored specifically to their unique requirements in order to achieve good weight management and manage any hypothyroidism issues. Aim for foods containing cage free chicken, rich sources of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, as well as fiber which will promote digestive health. A food with few ingredients is also beneficial so you know exactly what’s in their food and can quickly detect any issues.
Joint Issues
Many breed-specific dog foods are marketed to consumers, yet in most cases are no different from any other brand of food in terms of ingredients and quality of product.
Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are two conditions commonly seen in Shih Tzus. Both involve changes to their joints that cause pain and lameness in their dogs.
Other bone and joint issues include degenerative arthritis, slipped discs, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). These conditions often develop gradually over time; their severity can range from mild to severe.
Floppy drop ears on this breed can trap moisture and dirt, leading to yeast infections and other irritations in their ears. Another ailment common among this breed is dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca which interferes with tear production; such ailments may even result in corneal scarring in extreme cases.
