Effective Ways to Stop Your Shih Tzu From Scratching

Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious coats, but they also require a lot of grooming, and the long hair can hide skin problems that may be causing your pup to scratch. Diagnosing the cause of the scratching is key to choosing the best Shih Tzu itchy skin remedy, such as allergy treatments or pest-elimination treatments.

In addition to itching, you may see redness inside the ear, brown discharge, or a bad odor. You likely won't be able to see ear mites with the naked eye, so take your dog to the vet for an exam. Your vet can examine the ear with an otoscope to determine if mites, an infection, or both are the problem.

Your vet will prescribe medication to treat the ear mites or infection. You will likely need to clean your dog's ears and apply the medication daily but be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions.

Check for pests and infections

Pests, such as fleas and mites, may be to blame if your Shih Tzu is scratching all the time. Fleas are tiny brown insects, and you may need to look closely to find them in your pup's fur. Some dogs have an allergic reaction to flea saliva, making the itching even worse. Apply a topical flea treatment and comb your dog with a flea comb to remove the pests from her coat. In addition, you will need to treat your house with a flea bomb or spray as well to avoid reinfection.

Scabies and demodex mites cause itching and hair loss. See your vet for a diagnosis and prescription treatment. Some Shih Tzus develop a yeast infection on the skin. An anti-fungal shampoo will often resolve the infection, but if it comes back, consult your vet to identify any underlying causes.

Evaluate for allergies

Allergies are fairly common in Shih Tzus. If your Shih Tzu is scratching a lot, this may be the cause. Your vet can help you determine what is triggering the allergies. Some potential causes include environmental factors, like pollen and dust; contact allergies from a cleaning product or certain plants; or a food allergy.

Change your pup's food to eliminate allergens and minimize exposure to other allergens as much as possible. Use hypoallergenic detergents to clean any bedding your dog uses. If you can't fully eliminate exposure to the allergen, your veterinarian may prescribe an antihistamine or steroid medication to help manage your dog's symptoms.