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Why is my Shih Tzu's coat suddenly dry and shedding heavily at 1 year?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 11 months and 18 days old | 11 lbs

My Shih Tzu is about to turn 1 year and since a few weeka ago his coat got very dry. He is also loosing a lot of coat. I can tell because every day I brush him and I take a lot of dead coat from the comb. He is on an air dry food. Same brand I have always used. I also use Chris Christensen grooming range for shampoo and conditioner when I bath him every 2 or 3 weeks. Is it normal for a Shih Tzu loose so many coat? And gets very dry suddenly? Thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Susan England-Foster

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on September 24th, 2018

It is possible that Tank is loosing some of his puppy coat now that he is 1 year old. Also I would make sure he does not have any signs of fleas or parasites that might cause an abnormal coat/ pet to lose hair. I would recommend an aloe and oatmeal shampoo. If that does not help I would recommend taking Tank to a vet to make sure nothing more is going on which might affect the coat growth. Hope that helps
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