The vet will take a "scraping" -- either scraping off some skin cells with a dull blade or lifting them with something like sticky tape.

You will want to write down everything for the vet visit -- where he itches, the fact that you found flea dirt, and the ragged ear-edges.

You are going to have to be very careful with this shaved dog. His skin is now totally unprotected from sun.

Corn as the first ingredient makes that one of the worst foods going. Have you read the LB list of better kibbles?
http://leerburg.com/all-natural%20kibble.htm

The base of the tail may well be fleas alone -- the ragged ears need a scraping. The dog needs a vet visit.

I am in the process of making a t-shirt for Quincey. He will be protected. Thanks for all the helpfull suggestions.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

P.S. I didn't even know about the genetic hair-growing thing for the breed. Is there a long-haired version and a not-long-hair one?

Connie, so few people outside the show ring keep shih tzus in show coats that lord only knows what the genetics for their hair is as adults. Most shih tzus in this country are shaved from the age of 6 months. It's not so much about long haired or short haired versions it just means that the dogs not kept in show coats haven't been selected in many cases for generations on their ability to have a decent coat. In many lines for this reason the characteristic has been allowed be lost, especially in pet lines. But in 99/100 cases the dog is shaved it's whole life so who knew?

It's also possibly a behavior associated with discomfort. I've seen it a number of times with shih tzus who have been taken short, they just don't deal with long coats well. They have a tenancy to chew, fuss, and otherwise ruin their coat. A full shih tzu coat is a pain in the butt both for the dog who is constantly having his hair pulled, tangled, and in the way and for the person owning him.

Also how often is this dog bathed? Which products are you using? How about conditioners? Have you changed products recently?

Oops nevermind you shaped him. LOL He'll be fine assuming you didn't shave him bald. Let me know if you want some shih tzu hairdoo suggestions.

Edited by Melissa Thom (08/23/2009 07:14 PM)
Edit reason: oops

ugh. im in the process of growing trippers coat, he's been shaved since puppyhood, so i don't know if he will have a nice coat or not for showing, we shall see. it is a pain-if his coat is correct, and we show, as soon as he's done, we will be right back to a hairless clip.

I would really like some shi tzu haircuts. No, he is not bald shaven. He has about 1/8 - 1/2 inch hair on his back. The rest is long, almost to the floor. I bath him about every 2 weeks, depending on how dirty his hair is. I dont use any conditioner, just watered down Mane&Tail shampoo. What do you use? If Quincey didnt scratch so much, i'd keep him in full coat. Most say that adult hair is easier to comb, but mine it was the oposite because his hair didnt fill out till then. He doesnt have kinky curly hair, just wavy and has a very, very thick under coat. I dont know what to use as far as shampoo or conditioner to help the skin or hair. I only shave Quincey's hair every yr or so, but keep his nose and feet shaved every 3 mo. or so. I did have Quincey's hair shaved almost bald when I went to the beach last yr. but he wore a shirt. I didnt want his hair to get unmanagable if he were to get wet.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

I would really like some shi tzu haircuts.

The original post was about an itchy dog, I thought, and not about show hairdos.

i think it got to the point of mentioning that dogs that had been shaven for so long got itchy when in full coat, etc, and if there were alternative suggestions for clipping, that left the dogs with a longer coat, minus the itching.

my little dog HATES his hair growing out, and is scratching alot more, his diet is the same, his skin is fine, he just got used to not carrying that heavy coat around, so now that he is, its pulling at his skin, etc.

 Quote: Mallory Kwiatkowski

i think it got to the point of mentioning that dogs that had been shaven for so long got itchy when in full coat, etc, and if there were alternative suggestions for clipping, that left the dogs with a longer coat, minus the itching.

Sounds like a great new topic. There are things you can do. If you want to start it I'll be glad to post. I think the mystery of this poor dog has been solved, fleas.

I wouldn't be as worried about haircuts and fleas as I would be about getting CORN completely out of your dog's diet ASAP.

Regardless of all the other issues that the dog may have, corn is only going to agitate them. I have a dog that's allergic to everything (grass, fleas, dirt, oxygen), and I only have occasional breakouts with her thanks to her (and my other dogs') healthy diet. Who knows, corn may be your only real issue... one way to find out (may I suggest the THK? )

Yes, I have beeen looking at possibly feeding THK. It is so expensive though. Would any other Raw dehydrated work, such as from The Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Dehydrated dog food? It is also grain free.