Effective Treatments for German Shepherd's Dermatitis

There are primarily two types of causes that can trigger dermatitis in a Shih Tzu: physical and chemical.

Let's delve into the physical causes first. You might find this quite surprising, but it's actually quite common. For instance, after grooming your Shih Tzu, you might notice that a few hours or even the next day, there's a large area of raw, peeled skin on the sides of the face, possibly on one side. Why does this happen? It's often due to the grooming process. If the hair was shaved against the grain, it could have irritated the hair follicles, or if the blade was too hot, it might have burned the skin. This can lead to persistent itching, and as the dog continuously scratches, the skin breaks, resulting in dermatitis.

Now, let's talk about the chemical causes of dermatitis. This often occurs because some new pet owners aren't aware of how to choose the right shampoo for their dog. They might use regular soaps, shampoos, or even dishwashing liquids, which can be quite harsh on the skin.

So, how can we prevent this dermatitis from happening? Firstly, when grooming, make sure not to spend too much time with the clipper, as the blade can become hot, which can easily cause burns and trigger dermatitis. Additionally, always shave in the direction of the hair growth. For example, the hair on a dog's head and body grows from the front to the back, so you should never shave against the grain. Shaving against the grain can easily irritate or injure the hair follicles, leading to dermatitis.

When bathing your Shih Tzu, it's best to use professional pet shampoos from reputable brands. Opt for wellknown brands, even if they seem expensive. In reality, these products are quite versatile; you can dilute them with water, some even up to a ratio of 1:10 or 1:15, making them quite economical.

When dealing with dermatitis, it's important to treat the affected area. You can purchase Bepanthen from a pharmacy and apply it to the affected area. Typically, it should take about a week for the skin to heal.