Quick information dump:
Breed: Shih-Tzu (purebred)
Sex: Female
Location: USA
Age: 12-13
Weight: 10 lbs
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor.
Medical issues: none, as far as we’re aware.
Known allergies: none, as far as we’re aware.
I’m happy to say she’s always been a very healthy and happy Shih-Tzu. However, this recent issue with her skin has been mind boggling. It seems to have come out of nowhere.
Last week, I gave her a haircut and noticed these red dots all over her skin. At first, I thought it might be fleas since I’d found a single (yes, single!) flea a few days before and promptly plucked it out. She had no bites/red dots on her skin at the time—at least, none that I saw while inspecting her fur for more—but seeing all of these red dots made me think there was an infestation!
I immediately gave her bath and that’s when I realized the extent of it. I’m genuinely baffled.
This has never happened before; she’s never had this skin issue.
The spots are flat, not swollen, and with some being bigger than others. They’re mostly on her back + back of her neck, weirdly spaced out, and not causing “bald spots”. She’s itchy, but she seems to be itchy all over?? I've included some pictures, sorry they aren't the best. Getting her to stay still to get a good look is difficult.
Her environment hasn’t changed. I haven’t been using any new air fresheners, soaps, body scents, bug sprays, or shampoo. No new toys, blankets, pillows, furniture, or foods. We use FRONTLINE plus and never skip a dose.
Been eating the same dog food for a couple of years, too. I’ve stopped my parents from giving her any treats and started her on a chicken and rice diet for now. I also just started washing her with medicated antibacterial + antifungal shampoo and put her in a cute pink donut to keep her from scratching (Picture of her in the donut included as part of doggo tax). I keep seeing that this might be an allergy, but I don’t know if this is an external or internal thing.
Please note that I’m not exactly in the best financial place atm, and feel like I caught this super early, so I’m wondering if you guys have seen this before and if anyone can help my baby :(