Shih Tzu Skin Problems

Question
Hi, our 12 month femail Shig Tzu has just had a really bad case of a hot spot. its ok now, after antibotics etc.  she is now scratching under her eye, & its looking a little bald, am worried its going to be another hot spot.  What can we do to avoid these? also, her diet is chicken, rice & veges, is this ok, or should we be given her somthing different?

Answer
I would have to say that a homemade diet of chicken rice and vegetables sounds good, but it totally unbalanced.
Lack of minerals and proper nutrients can cause hot spots on any dog.
You need to get her onto a high quality diet such as Science Diet Sensitive Skin formula and in three weeks time you should see a marked improvement in her skin and her scratching.

Fleas can also cause itching and scratching so make sure your house if flea free. Regular sprays and top-spots won't kill the eggs, larvae and adults. You need a product that has an IGR in it which is an insect growth regulator.

Ask your vet for some Ovitrol spray for the house and the dog and use that.
Barring any allergies she has to fleas or inhalant allergies, changing her diet with no cheating and no more table food will improve her overall health and skin.
Check back with me in three weeks and let me know how she is doing on this food.