Shih Tzu allergies may occur in the same way they occur in human beings. In fact the occurrence of the allergies in Shih Tzu can be compared with the occurrence of other diseases such as diabetes, obesity or cardiac problems, also quite common in human beings. These types of diseases mainly occur due to mismanagement of dietary consumption and a sedentary lifestyle.
Although diseases like diabetes, cardiac problems or obesity may stem from unhealthy dietary and physical activity management, allergies may occur from many different types of allergens.
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.
The Shih Tzu can have almost all the same symptoms that humans do. They have discharge coming from the nose and eyes just like when they suffer from a cold or the flu. Allergies may also occur that effect the digestive system and may suffer from the common symptoms including diarrhea, watery stools and vomiting.
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.
Many humans have an allergic tendency towards certain types of foods. The Shih Tzu is also susceptible to food allergies.. In fact, there is a whole host of foods such as fish, beef, soy products, milk, wheat, eggs, chemical preservatives and artificial sweeteners that may function as allergens to a Shih Tzu dog. Non-verified foods should be strictly avoided for the Shih Tzu. If commercial dog foods are served to Shih Tzu instead of homemade food, it lessens the possibilities of developing a food allergy.
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.
Bacteria may also lead to an allergic reaction in a Shih Tzu. The general health system may bet badly affected due to bacterial allergy. In normal condition, many bacteria can be found over the skin of a Shih Tzu, but they do not cause any particular harm to them. Mostly these bacteria are members of Staphylococcus family. But there are few bacteria that may turn out to be an allergen for them. Hair loss and ringworm markings are the most common symptoms of bacterial allergies. Research says over twenty percent of dogs are affected by different types of allergies in the United States.
About the Author:
About the author: Rebecca Simpson is a passionate lover of the Shih Tzu and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Shih Tzu Allergies plus a whole lot more.