Dog With Itchy Skin

I have a Shih Tzu and have noticed that her skin is itchy and red sometimes. I bought oatmeal and give her a bath on a weekly basis, but it is still happening. What are some things I can do for her itchy skin?

Nancy from Parma, OH

Answers:

Dog With Itchy Skin

First thing would be to take her to the vet. The itchy skin could be due to inhalant allergies, food allergies, flea allergies, dry skin (possibly from frequent bathing), mange, etc., your vet can help determine the cause.

Once the cause has been targeted, it will be much easier to come up with an appropriate plan of attack that will solve your Shih Tzu's itchiness.

Call your vet and schedule an appointment. (02/22/2008)

By LuvMyGingerKids

Dog With Itchy Skin

We just started using "The Missing Link" product. (Got it from 1 800 pet meds). It works wonders! I have a Bichon who was going crazy with itching, and this is the only thing that stopped it. Her hair is growing back, her coat is much silkier and healthier. It isn't very expensive at all, and is worth a try! (02/22/2008)

By Letha

Dog With Itchy Skin

I have the same problem with 2 of my 3 dogs. I tried lots of things, but found that using the oatmeal shampoo and then rinsing them in Apple Cider Vinegar is the best. I take an empty water jug and fill with water and 1 cup ACV. (1 gal. water with 1 cup avc) let them drip dry is best, but letting it sit for a while and then towel dry is okay. I only bathe them every 4-6 weeks. (02/22/2008)

By Jessica

Dog With Itchy Skin

I would not give any more baths, they tend to dry out skin and make the itch worse. I had this problem with 2 dogs and was told to give the dogs a cheap allergy pill. It worked great. They both healed within days. (02/22/2008)

By velcro

Dog With Itchy Skin

I agree with earlier posters. The vet is who should be helping you with this. There are sooo many reasons for itchy skin that you could spend loads of time and money and still not find an answer. Meanwhile, the dog suffers. (02/22/2008)

By Judi

Dog With Itchy Skin

I have Boston terriers who have dry, flaky, itchy skin as well. I bought some emu oil off of smokymountainminerals.com and poured it on their food and it made a world of difference. They shed less and scratch less and love the taste of the stuff! Give it a try! (02/24/2008)

By heather

Dog With Itchy Skin

It would, of course, depend really on what is causing the itching. My aunt used to have 14 dogs at one time years ago and most of them were house dogs. She would use this stuff from the drug store called SULFODENE. You can get it at different places actually, like a feed and seed. It tells you how to use it and why you might need to. If it doesn't work, I would take the dog to a good veterinarian who believes in holistic veterinarianism. (02/24/2008)

By Alice Blevins

Dog With Itchy Skin

Shih Tzus skin will rot! It is very common for that breed, and they end up ripping their fur out :( I would really recommend trimming her fur and adding fish oil to her diet, which helps with the skin if it is dry. You will be able to tell by the roughness of their paws.

Shih Tzus also need special food, because most common dog food will cause allergies in them and can end up being toxic to them. So, that could be what is causing her problem.

Good luck! I hope the little critter feels better. :) (02/24/2008)

By Annabelle

Dog With Itchy Skin

I have a 9 month old Boston Terrier, with a severe flea allergy. Her vet gave her a cortisone shot, antibiotics, and a topical flea txt. The hair loss, scratching, biting, and swelling has all stopped. So far she is much better! The vet said it only takes one flea bite to cause a major problem because of her hypersensitivity to the flea saliva. (05/19/2008)

By Lacie