I have a Shih Tzu and a Shih Tzu/Jack Russell mix. Both dogs take NexGard every month and are bathed regularly. I was certain they had fleas because of how the dogs would jump, suddenly, to scratch (like BAM they gotta get to that spot on their tail!), so this is why my question is in the bug category.
Here's where it gets complicated; I took them to the groomer last week and she said they do not have fleas and that one in three pet parents are saying the same thing. She says it's environmental. Must be, right? My Shih Tzu mix little guy starts pulling his tail hair out, which further confirms my speculation that it's something biting him because his itching is so focused in certain places. He has bumps on him as well, on his back near his tail. My Shih Tzu does not, but here's the kicker, the dogs very often will get that same BAM urge to itch simultaneously! What?! I'm not crazy, so let's not be dismissive here. Ha! Any guidance is appreciated in advance.
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They may have a food or environmental allergy or skin condition. I would take them to the vet, if I were you
This is definitely a vet question.
Our dachshund gets flea bites, but since he gets flea treatments he technically has not "had fleas) meaning no eggs and no infestation). He also has had ticks...so be sure to have the vet check for those also. All made him itch like crazy....just like you describe.
It could be a food allergy causing the skin disturbances also. We had that issue the first or second year we had him and he needs to be on a chicken free diet, which is hard to find as most have chicken fat in them.
Your vet can point you in the right direction!! Here's to good health for the pups!! Let us know what the vet says!
This is more than likely from the pet shampoo you are using. I have 3 small dogs like yours and ended up having to not bath them any longer with pet shampoo. They all had a skin rash from it and bumps on their skin.
I finally switched to a baby shampoo and would add a small amount to a bottle and fill the rest with water. This cleared up the skin and stopped the scratching. I no longer buy expensive dog shampoo to bath my dogs with.
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