What to do when your Shih Tzu’s hair falls out
It can be very worrying when you realize that your beautiful Shih Tzu’s hair is falling out faster than it should. Shih Tzus tend to shed very little, which is one of the reasons why they are such a great breed to own. But they can also be more prone to food and chemical sensitivities than other dogs.
If you notice more hair on furniture, clothing, etc., or even clumps of hair falling out, or if your dogs itching is keeping them up at night, take your dog to the vet. I took her to the vet and they said my dog was allergic to something but they weren’t sure what. I was given cortisone pills, which I used the first few times until I realized that didn’t solve the problem. Then I started my detective work and so should you.
First I looked at her pet food. It was high quality food. We always fed her wet and dry egg. But I still felt that this was probably the culprit; along with my husband feeding her leftovers from his plate. The latter was easy to fix. I just convinced him that her itching and hair loss weren’t worth the little satisfaction he was getting from feeding her off his plate. Finding the right food for her would be another matter.
I researched online and found that many dogs are allergic to grains, wheat and things like that. I had to find a diet made up mostly of protein with some vegetables; very little grain, if any. I read that many dog owners buy fresh meat and vegetables from the supermarket and cook them fresh. I didn’t really want to do that, so I found a dog food that was perfect. The name of this food is Evo. This dog food is grain free and has 95% protein and the rest is vegetables. Available wet and dry. They also have grain free treats. Since starting to try this food, my dog stopped itching almost immediately.
Also be aware of what chemicals your dog is exposed to. Something as simple as floor cleaners or wax contains chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction in your dog. Be aware 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 could be the cause of your dog’s shedding and itching. Try using green cleaning products that are toxin-free and biodegradable. You can find all kinds of cleaners that do not contain toxins; from furniture polish to green oven cleaner. They are just as effective and will keep your home and pet safe. Of course, always keep your dog away from secondhand smoke.
After changing my dog’s food, it took about three months for me to notice that her hair was finally growing back. She looks much healthier and her eyes are bright instead of dull. I encourage anyone experiencing this problem with their dog to do their detective work to find the cause. Until you know the cause of the itching, try using an over-the-counter homeopathic remedy specifically for itching. Remember that your well-being depends entirely on you.
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