Smart Ways to Manage Shih Tzu Allergies for a Happier Life

All dog breeds really generate these proteins found in a dog’s saliva, urine, and dander. These proteins cause allergies. When one comes near proteins in an odd dog, allergies start to manifest. 

We hope pet owners see that Shih Tzus require regular double-coat maintenance. Many people believe Shih Tzus don’t shed, but their hair is maintained inside the undercoat instead of on the floor. Allergens might still be there.

Allergic to Shih Tzu

Often, inducing allergies in persons is sensitive; Shih Tzus can also cause allergies. Some people are so sensitive that they are allergic to several substances. Being allergic to Shih Tzu’s unusual coat lessens allergy risk.  Their thick undercoat captures most of the hair they shed, hence lowering human allergy.

To declare a pet non-allergenic is not entirely accurate. Some allergy-sensitive people may also develop allergic responses brought on by hypoallergenic breeds like the Shih Tzu. 

Common Dog Allergy Symptoms 

Every individual has a unique immune system. Some individuals play freely with their dogs food regardless of the allergy risk. Some individuals are dog allergic. They have several symptoms and point to the allergic responses.

Their eyes become wet or dry as a result of these allergic reactions. A person may be allergic to dogs if they have dry eyes, water dripping from them all the time, and a red appearance.

Another reaction is nasal symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion, or sneezing. Sometimes it is due to the flu and fever. If you don’t feel any other discomfort that appears in fever, and you have a pet dog, then these symptoms may be due to dog allergies.

Skin discomfort causes itchy skin or hives. This causes many problems in people with this reaction to feel very pain and itching all over their skin.

Coughing and wheezing are also reactions to dogs’ allergies, which cause respiratory issues. People feel difficulty in breathing and are continually counselled.

The symptoms mentioned above are different from person to person. Some people have severe symptoms, while others have only a few or temporary ones.

Methods for Testing Allergies in Shih Tzu Dogs

It is essential to determine your sensitivity to shih tzu. If you love to bring a Shih Tzu to your home and are concerned that you may be allergic to dogs, then you have to do some tests to check if you are allergic to Shih Tzu.

• Doggie Sitting

You ask the dog to sit near you if your relatives, friends, or neighbors have a Shih Tzu. If you can spend 24 hours with the Shih Tzu, you might consider getting your own.

• Shelter visit

You can also visit any nearby dog shelter to spend time with a Shih Tzu. Many other breeds of dogs are in the shelter, and they bathe them regularly and keep them separate from other dogs. In that case, there is a meager chance of catching allergies from other animals. You have to spend time with the Shih dog and see if there are any signs of allergy.

• Interaction with a Potential Puppy

Suppose you are considering taking a Shih Tzu pup to your home. Then you spend more time with the puppy to see any allergy reactions.

Note that when a dog gets older and creates more allergens, allergies may develop. Puppy testing can still give some clues, but it might not ensure the same response as an adult dog.

• Contact with Puppy’s Owner

You can also check that you are allergic to the Shih Tzu by requesting the puppy’s owner to give it the blanket of the pup. Although not foolproof, some individuals with high sensitivity may experience a quick onset of allergies when exposed to the blanket, providing valuable information.

9 Tips for Dealing with Allergies to Your Shih Tzu

If you are allergic to Shih Tzu and want to keep it at your home, there are many tips you have to follow to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions. Keeping up with essential vaccinations, such as the 5-in-1 vaccine for puppies schedule, strengthens your dog’s resistance to infections that can aggravate allergy symptoms.

1. Maintain the short coat

The coat does not directly cause allergies, but keeping your Shih Tzu’s coat short makes it more accessible. Allergens from your dog’s short hair will wash or knock off easily. Dogs with long hair look amazing, but if you have allergies, then you should avoid long hair. Some dogs look good with short hair.

2. Brushing and spritzing

If you are allergic, avoid performing the brushing yourself. To keep fur from flying into the house, brush your Shih Tzu outside. It can be eliminated by brushing the coat three times a week. Allergens can also be decreased by using a leave-in conditioner and a detangler.

3. Increase bathing frequency

It is recommended to bathe your Shih Tzu at an interval of three weeks. But if you are allergic to shih tzu, you bathe it more frequently than after three weeks. You can bathe it every week to reduce the allergens. You can also use the oatmeal shampoo and conditioner to prevent dry skin in your Shih Tzu.

4. Wipe down your Shih Tzu

Make sure your Shih Tzu’s chest, neck, trunk, legs, and tail stay clear of debris, and use canine-specific dog grooming wipes. Excluding allergens hair, urine, saliva reduces your dog’s risk and keeps it clean. 

5. Furniture guard 

The floor can also house allergens. Carpets draw allergens faster than hardwood floors. If you have rugs, your house often needs to be vacuumed and cleaned.

6. Create a particular area for your Shih Tzu.

Floors can catch allergens, too. Carpets catch allergens quickly than a hardwood floor. You should vacuum twice daily if you have carpets. Twice daily, your home should be cleaned. 

7. Establish a location for your Shih Tzu.

Create an area for your dog that has void space to play. This will let you confine allergies and enable your dog to have their own space, thereby providing comfort and security. A padded dog bed, a washable blanket, toys, food and bowls, and some other elements you might wish to place in that space are needed to keep Fido occupied, and urine pads. Avoid placing this region above rugs or other floors with potential allergen accumulation. Positioning this area over carpeting or other floors with possible allergen build-up.

8. Limit direct contact

If its kissing causes hives or an allergic reaction, it would be wise to restrict touch with the Shih Tzu. During the course of treatment, you should still be able to order the dog to walk with the dog, do errands, or play fetch with the dog. The dog also stops licking it. 

9. Regular hand washes 

Touching the dog might transfer allergens from your hands to your body and face. One ought to wash their hands often, particularly following touching a dog, its toy, or anything else associated with a dog. Once more, at least twenty seconds of soap should be used to clean your hands. 

Pick an air purifier or a filtering device. 

Air purifiers and filters could provide you with some little comfort if you are allergic to Shih Tzus. The way they work is that the dust, dander, and allergens in the air are removed. Also, replace the filters often in the places your dog typically hangs out. 

Conclusion

Being allergic to Shih Tzu does not imply you must disavow their joy and love. Controlling your allergies will let you see and value the advantages of having a Shih Tzu. This entails cleaning, grooming, and reducing chemical exposure in your house. 

FAQs

Q1. What are general allergy symptoms? 

A1. Sneezing, cough, watery or red eyes, nasal discharge, skin rash, skin sensitivity.

Q2. Are Shih Tzus good for people with allergies?

A2. Shih Tzus are lower-shedding but not truly hypoallergenic, they can still trigger allergies in sensitive people.

Q3. Can regular grooming reduce Shih Tzu allergies?

A3. Yes it will reduce allergy. Bathing and brushing remove hair and that is helpful to reduce allergens. Keeping their coat short also reduce the allergy.

Q4. How can I live with a Shih Tzu if I’m allergic?

A4. If you love your Shih Tzu you can live with some consideration. Use air purifiers and wash your hands after touching your dog. Make sure your dog sleep at a clean area.

Q5. Can allergy medication help with Shih Tzu allergies?

A5. Yes, antihistamines or allergy medications can help relieve symptoms, but consult your doctor before using them regularly.