Shar Pei’s have health problems that are as unique to their breed as their individual personality. There are many Shar Pei health problems that can affect your dog due to the wrinkles in their skin such as ear infections, skin problems and eye problems.
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.
If you notice any signs of an ear infection it is important to get your dog to a veterinarian right away. The key to keeping your dog healthy is getting medical attention for conditions such as ear infections as soon as possible.
When your Shar Pei begins pawing at their eyes you know they have eye problems. The Shar Pei can have problems with the lids rolling in because of the wrinkles in their skin. Sometimes just the top or bottom lids are affected but in some cases both the lids can be affected. As soon as possible you want to correct this Shar Pei health problem with an operation otherwise your Shar Pei can eventually go blind. For your dog it feels the same as having an eyelash stuck in your eye and you know how painful that can be.
The most common Shar Pei health problem is skin conditions. If your Shar Pei doesn’t have skin problems they are actually the rare dog of the breed compared to other Shar Pei’s. Sometimes skin problems can result from too much bathing. When you bathe your Shar Pei it is important to rinse them very well. To help with the itching you can use human Benedryl and it won’t harm the dog.
Checking between the paws from time to time is another important part of the Shar Pei health check. Shar Pei can sometimes get sore paws and you will know this when it happens because your dog will start to constantly lick their paws. Your veterinarian can recommend an antibiotic salve, that won’t harm your dog in case they lick it. The antibiotic will also help to get rid of the soreness between their 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.
It is important to carefully consider the puppy and the person you are getting them from before taking a Shar Pei into your household. If you have any concerns about your Shar Pei’s health then you should talk with your veterinarian who is trained to handle breed specific problems.
