Tips For Shar Pei Care
Melissa Coleman
Shar Pei's have a personality that is all their own just the same as they have health problems all their own. A Shar Pei faces several health problems due to the wrinkles in their skin such as ear infections, skin problems and eye problems. The best way to avoid health problems with your Shar Pei is to keep your regular appointments with a veterinarian.
To avoid health problems the best thing to do is keep your regular appointments with a veterinarian who is aware of problems specific to the Shar Pei breed.
You should purchase an ear wash from your veterinarian and use it at least once a week to keep your dogs ears clean. The ear wash will help to loosen all the earwax inside the ear including further down in the ear canal. At least once a month it is also a good idea to place a special salve in the ears to help prevent ear infections. It is important to get your dog to a veterinarian right away if you notice any signs of an ear infection. Getting medical attention for conditions such as ear infections as soon as possible is the key to keeping your dog healthy.
You know your Shar Pei is having eye problems when they begin pawing at their eyes. Because of the wrinkles in a Shar Pei's skin they can have problems with the lids rolling inward. Sometimes the condition only affects the top or bottom lids, but occasionally the problem can affect both lids. You want to correct the problem with an operation as soon as possible otherwise this Shar Pei health problem can result in your dog going blind. For the Shar Pei the problem feels the same as having an eyelash stuck in your eye and everyone knows how irritating that can be.
Skin conditions are the most common Shar Pei health problems. Your dog is actually rare compared to other Shar Pei's if they don't have skin problems. Occasionally too much bathing can results in skin problems. It is important that you rinse your Shar Pei very well after you bathe them. You can use human Benedryl in order to help with the itching and it won't harm the dog.
Another important part of Shar Pei health is to check between their paws from time to time. Sometimes a Shar Pei can get sore paws and you will know this when your dog starts to constantly lick their paws. Your veterinarian can recommend an antibiotic salve that won't harm your Shar Pei if they lick it. The antibiotic will also help to relieve the soreness between the paws.
The Shar Pei makes an excellent pet despite the numerous Shar Pei health problems. If you get your Shar Pei from a reputable breeder you have a better chance of avoiding breed specific health problems. Although getting a Shar Pei from a puppy mill or an unknown source could result in health problems.
On the other hand, your Shar Pei could have health problems if you get them from a puppy mill or an unknown source. Before taking a Shar Pei into your household it is important to carefully consider the puppy and the person you are getting your dog from. You should talk with your veterinarian about any concerns you have regarding your Shar Pei health since they are trained to handle breed specific problems.
About the Author:
About the author: Melissa Coleman is a passionate lover of the Shar Pei and owns a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shar Pei. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Shar Pei Health plus a whole lot more.
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