What kind of allergies does a Shih Tzu have?
Often the allergies are food-based, and the problem is solved by playing a game of elimination with your dog’s diet. But your dog can also be allergic to certain products like shampoo or flea powders. While less common, some Shih Tzu’s are allergic to airborne allergens like pollen or dust.
Can a Shih Tzu have a thyroid problem?
This condition directly affects a dog’s thyroid, and it’s not as common in smaller dogs. Still, there are some reports of Shih Tzus suffering from this. It occurs when the thyroid doesn’t function properly, which means they can regulate their metabolism.
How can I tell if my Shih Tzu has an ear infection?
One of the telltale signs of an ear infection is odor, or if your Shih Tzu is abnormally jumpy or frantic in the wake of loud noises. There are treatments and antibiotics available for this condition and it is best to bring your dog to the vet. This condition is more often found in little dogs, due to the structure of their faces.
Is there a cure for a Shih Tzu with PRA?
In most cases, PRA will eventually lead to complete blindness. While there’s no treatment available for this condition, veterinarians can diagnose it years before blindness ensues, which allots a reasonable amount of time for the dog to adapt to the blindness.
Why does my Shih Tzu have an ear infection?
Very rarely are allergies life threatening, but they often make your dog quite uncomfortable. The structure of the Shih Tzu’s ears makes them prone to ear infections. The floppy ears give way to a warm long canal, which can sometimes be the stomping grounds for bacteria.
What are the symptoms of patellar luxation in Shih Tzu?
Similar to the aforementioned Hip Dysplasia, the symptoms of Patellar Luxation include an abnormal gait, pain in the limbs, difficulty walking, lameness in the limb (s), and at worse immobility. However, there are tons of different treatments for this condition, and it’s rarely a problem that cannot be fixed.