My Shih Tzu has chronic itchy, smelly skin. What's the cause?

Question

I have a older shih tzu she has a bad skin condition it smells but no sours and is extremely itchy she has had this issue for 2 years now bathing helps for few days but doesn't stop the itching. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

Jenny, DVM · Accepted Answer

This breed commonly has skin allergies. It is often from food or environmental components. You can continue the medicated baths because they do provide relief, but you may want to look into a diet change to a hypoallergenic type. This will contain a single protein source and single carb source such as rabbit and potato or duck and potato. You can talk to your vet about allergy testing for environmental problems or starting a medicine called Atopic or Apoquel to help control the problem further. Make sure you have adequate flea control as a flea allergy can also contribute

My Shih Tzu has chronic itchy, smelly skin. What's the cause?

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