Article Advise

submitted: Aug 8th 2008 | by: RebeccaSimpson | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 483 | |

Both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners share some common qualities such as obesity, which primarily come about due to improper diet and not getting enough exercise. Additionally, both may suffer from a few illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac problems, which can be the result of long-term obesity.

Besides that both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners are susceptible to allergies. In fact, veterinarians have many treatments for Shih Tzu allergies.

Shih Tzu dogs exhibiting allergies occurring in the respiratory tract may lead to sneezing, wheezing and coughing, which is very similar to the human experience. Moreover, they may have a runny nose and eyes like with a cold or the flu. When the allergies strike in the digestive system, the concerned Shih Tzu may experience diarrhea, watery stools and vomiting.

Similar to humans, Shih Tzu is vulnerable to many different types of allergens. Flea saliva, for example, may act as an allergen in some Shih Tzu dogs, leading to allergic reactions such as itchy skin.

If you are worried about your Shih Tzu's possibility of becoming allergic to flea saliva, you should take your dog in for a skin allergy examination. If the report of the examination is positive you may have to implement an effective flea control program in order to get your dog relief from this type of allergies.

Some individuals are allergic to certain types of foods. The same is true for few Shih Tzu dogs. There are certain food products such as beef, soy products, fish, eggs, chemical preservatives, milk, wheat and artificial sweeteners that may cause allergic reactions in Shih Tzu dogs. Additionally, food allergies may also occur due to the consumption of non-verified foods. Providing only commercially manufactured dog foods to the Shih Tzu can minimize the possibility of developing food allergies.

Molds and dust mites, the most common forms of environmental substances, may also lead to the development of allergic reaction in the Shih Tzu. These types of Shih Tzu allergies occur due to a hypersensitivity to the immune system in the presence of these substances. The condition is known as atopic dermatitis. It becomes evident that the dog is suffering from atopic dermatitis when you find them licking and chewing different areas of the body including the paws, abdomen and rear feet. Atopic dermatitis may strike areas like the armpit, central areas of the toes of the paws and the groin.

There are few non-harmful bacteria on the body of a Shih Tzu. Most of these bacteria come from Staphylococcus family. However, only a few harmful bacteria may affect Shih Tzu leading to a bacterial allergy. If you find your Shih Tzu is lacking hair unusually and some ringworm type of markings appear all over its body, it is quite possible that the Shih Tzu may have developed a bacterial allergy on the skin. In United States, over twenty percent of all dogs are unfortunately suffering from allergies.

About the Author

About the author: Rebecca Simpson is an avid lover of the Shih Tzu and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Shih Tzu Allergies plus a whole lot more.

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