Shih Tzu dogs are renowned for their cute appearances and amiable dispositions. They are, however, also susceptible to a number of medical conditions, including allergies. Shih Tzu dogs can experience pain from allergies, which can be very distressing for both the pet and the owner. The causes of allergies in Shih Tzu dogs will be covered in this article, with an emphasis on environmental variables.
The root causes of Shih Tzu allergies
Shih Tzu dogs can develop allergies for a variety of reasons, including food allergies, environmental allergies, and genetic susceptibility. Shih Tzu dogs’ allergies can be significantly influenced by environmental conditions. These elements may consist of:
- Pollen: Shih Tzu dogs can be allergic to pollen from various trees, plants, and grasses. The spring and fall seasons are when pollen allergies are most prevalent since the air is so polluted. Sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy skin are just a few symptoms that can affect dogs.
- Dust mites: Dogs may develop allergies to dust mites, which are microscopic insects that dwell in the dust. They are present in furniture, carpets, and bedding. Symptoms in dogs include itchiness, sneezing, and coughing.
- Mold: Damp interior spaces like bathrooms and basements are ideal environments for mold growth. Mold spore allergies in dogs can result in symptoms including scratchy skin, coughing, and sneezing.
- Household cleaners: A dog’s skin and respiratory system can get irritated by harsh chemicals found in household cleaners including floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, and air fresheners. Itching, coughing, and sneezing are some of the symptoms that dogs may encounter.
- Smoking: Smoking can aggravate a dog’s respiratory system and lead to allergies. Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing are among the symptoms that dogs might encounter.
Understanding the Ingredients:
Allergies can be significantly impacted by the components of your dog’s diet. Pet food frequently contains the following allergens:
Identification of the allergen and a change to a hypoallergenic diet are crucial if your dog suffers from food allergies.
- Making educated judgments about what to feed your dog can be facilitated by understanding the labels on dog food. Here are some important things to watch out for:
- AAFCO Statement: Check the label for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement. This proves that the product satisfies AAFCO’s nutritional requirements.
- components List: The components list has to be arranged in decreasing weight order. Search for sources of high-quality protein and stay away from those that have artificial or filler substances.
- Guaranteed Analysis: The minimum and maximum amounts of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the product are listed in this area of the label.
- Feeding suggestions are given based on your dog’s weight and activity level in the form of feeding guidelines. It’s crucial to go by these recommendations to stop overfeeding your dog.
- Information on the Manufacturer: Look for the name, address, and contact details of the manufacturer.
Top Dog Foods for Shih Tzu with Allergies
It might be difficult to find the ideal dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies, but there are various alternatives available. The best dog meals for Shih Tzus with allergies include the following:
- Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food: This dog food is specially formulated for Shih Tzu dogs and contains high-quality protein sources such as chicken and brown rice. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also present to maintain healthy skin and fur.
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free: This limited-ingredient dog food is devoid of common allergies like wheat, maize, and soy and only contains one type of animal protein (turkey or salmon). Additionally, it has fiber from peas and pumpkin to help with digestion.
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free: This limited-ingredient dog food is made with a single source of animal protein (turkey or salmon) and is free from common allergens such as wheat, corn, and soy. To enhance general health, additional vitamins and minerals have been added.
- Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet: This limited-ingredient dog food contains a single source of animal protein (duck, salmon, or turkey) and is free from common allergens such as wheat, corn, and soy. Probiotics are also included in it to facilitate digestion.
The top dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies overall is:
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is the finest overall dog food for Shih Tzu with allergies. High-quality protein sources like chicken and brown rice are used in this dog food, which is specifically made for Shih Tzu dogs. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also present to maintain healthy skin and fur. Furthermore, it is free of common allergies including wheat, maize, and soy.
Best Limited-Ingredient Dog Food for Allergy-Prone Shih Tzu:
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free is the finest limited-ingredient dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies. This limited-ingredient dog food is devoid of common allergies like wheat, maize, and soy and only contains one type of animal protein (turkey or salmon). Additionally, it has fiber from peas and pumpkin to help with digestion. It also doesn’t have any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Homemade Food for Shih Tzu with Allergies:
Shih Tzu dogs with allergies may benefit from homemade dog food since you can manage the ingredients and make sure your dog is getting a balanced diet. The advantages of homemade dog food are listed here, along with several homemade dog food recipes for Shih Tzu with allergies.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Food:
- Making your own dog food gives you total control over the ingredients and allows you to omit common allergies like wheat, soy, and maize.
- Better nutritional value: Since you may include fresh, whole foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, homemade dog food may be more nutrient-dense than commercial dog food.
- Fewer Additives: Unlike commercial dog food, homemade dog food does not include as many artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Shih Tzu with Allergies:
- This dish of chicken and brown rice is free of common allergies like wheat, soy, and maize and incorporates high-quality protein sources. Separate pans should be used to cook 1 cup of brown rice and 1 pound of chicken. When the rice and chicken are finished cooking, combine them with 1/2 cup of steamed veggies (such as carrots or green beans).
- This dish for turkey and sweet potatoes is grain-free and only has one source of animal protein. In a pan, cook 1 pound of ground turkey. After being cooked, mix in 1/2 cup of steamed veggies (such as broccoli or peas) and 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes.
- This dish for salmon and quinoa has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids and is a gluten-free source of carbs. Salmon and one cup of quinoa should be cooked separately in different pots. When the quinoa and salmon are through cooking, combine the two and add 1/2 cup of steamed veggies (such as spinach or kale).
