Shih Tzus are a popular breed of dog known for their long, flowing hair, curly tails, and friendly personalities. However, like all dogs, Shih Tzus can be allergic to certain foods.
What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a particular food. When a dog eats a food that they are allergic to, their body releases antibodies that attack the food. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including skin problems, digestive problems, and respiratory problems.
What are the symptoms of a food allergy in Shih Tzus?
The symptoms of a food allergy in Shih Tzus can vary from dog to dog. Some common symptoms include:
Skin problems: Shih Tzus with food allergies may develop itchy, red, or inflamed skin. They may also have hair loss, scabs, or hot spots.
Digestive problems: Shih Tzus with food allergies may experience vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or constipation.
Respiratory problems: Shih Tzus with food allergies may have sneezing, coughing, or wheezing.
What foods are Shih Tzus most commonly allergic to?
The most common foods that Shih Tzus are allergic to include:
Beef
Chicken
Eggs
Fish
Lamb
Pork
Soy
Wheat
Corn
How is a food allergy diagnosed in Shih Tzus?
If you think your Shih Tzu may have a food allergy, the best way to diagnose it is to see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will likely start by doing a physical exam and asking you about your dog’s symptoms. They may also recommend doing a blood test or a skin test to help identify the specific food that your dog is allergic to.
How is a food allergy treated in Shih Tzus?
The only way to treat a food allergy is to remove the offending food from your dog’s diet. This can be done by feeding your dog a hypoallergenic diet or by doing an elimination diet.
Hypoallergenic diets
Hypoallergenic diets are made with ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. These diets typically contain hydrolyzed proteins, which are proteins that have been broken down into smaller pieces. This makes them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Elimination diets
Elimination diets are a good way to identify the specific food that your dog is allergic to. To do an elimination diet, you will need to feed your dog a diet that contains only one protein and one carbohydrate source. This diet should be free of any other ingredients that your dog may be allergic to.
Once you have identified the food that your dog is allergic to, you will need to remove it from their diet permanently. This may mean changing your dog’s food brand or type. It may also mean making your own dog food.
With proper care, dogs with food allergies can live long and healthy lives. If you think your Shih Tzu may have a food allergy, talk to your veterinarian today.
Additional Information
Food allergies are not the same as food intolerances. Food intolerances are not caused by the immune system, but they can still cause unpleasant symptoms.
If you think your dog may have a food allergy, it is important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term health problems.
There are a number of resources available to help you find hypoallergenic dog foods and recipes. Your veterinarian can provide you with some recommendations, or you can do some research online.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
