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My shitzu is constantly biting and scratching herself, but she has no flees. What do I do?
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Guest 498909
on Oct 25th 2009
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in Shih Tzu
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it could be dry skin or something like that. how long has she been on the food she's on... it could be an allergic reaction. or if you just recently got her a new shampoo.... if it isn't fleas it is likely to be either an allergy or a rash. if it persists and it worries you that she could hurt herself take her to the vet. good luck
Roscoe
answered on 10/25/09.
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Is she a puppy? You could try adding omegas to her diet, but if it continues your vet would be the first stop. There are so many reasons a dog scratches and bites, from allergies, mites, all the way to boredom and not enough mental stimulation!
Squ'mey
answered on 10/25/09.
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Try pulling the hair at the base of the tail forward. If you can see or feel dark, gritty, reddish specks, she has fleas even if you haven't seen any. See the vet. Otherwise?
Feed a decent chow and as little else as possible, seldom if ever bathe the dog, and brush it daily with a soft bristled brush. You might add a teaspoon a day of liquid cooking oil to its food.
Avoid overweight. It can cause skin problems too. Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, www.longliveyourdog.com
Aster
answered on 10/25/09.
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Shih Tzus are known to have skin allergies. Since she doesn't have fleas I would switch her food to a different protein source and one specially formulated for sensitive skin. Mom recommends Nutro Venison Meal & Whole Brown Rice Formula. It has a protein source as the first ingredient, no ground yellow corn, no chicken by-products, and no artificial colors or preservatives. It also has 3.5% linoleic acid which is scientifically proven to help improve skin and coat health. Also, remember to check the ingredients of your treats too...and not to bathe more than once every 3 weeks, that way you don't cause dry skin.
Check out the website at:
www.nutroproducts.com
Hope you stop itching soon!
Maverick
answered on 10/25/09.
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