Common Skin Conditions of Shar Pei Dogs

Remember that the Shar Pei is one of the wrinkliest dog breeds in the world and also a dog with very sensitive skin, and it is likely to develop various skin-related problems.

Before medicating your dog or following any kind of treatment, it is imperative that you check with your veterinarian to make sure that your diagnosis is correct. This article is just a guide to help you identify some of the common skin conditions of Shar Pei dogs and prevent them.

Skin irritation is a very common skin condition in Shar Pei dogs that may be caused by a dirty coat, substances that make them react, shampoos that can irritate the skin and even the presence of foreign bodies. Their skin is highly sensitive, so you must be careful.

In order to prevent your Shar Pei from getting irritated skin, and therefore avoid any related diseases, you must pay attention to these tips:

• Make sure you dry your Shar Pei after you bathe it.
• On particularly rainy or humid days you will need to dry it thoroughly with a towel.
• Regularly check specific areas such as the armpits and the skin wrinkles or folds.
• Use dermoprotective products, never generic products, as they are stronger.
• Do not use perfumes if they are not natural and safe.
• Visit your veterinarian whenever you detect any abnormality.
• Prevent any licking or scratching, as this generates moisture in the area.
• Provide products with omega-3 and omega-6 - such as salmon - which have anti-inflammatory effects.

Fungi may appear for various reasons. The folds and wrinkles of the Shar Pei's skin continuously rub together, being one of the elements that facilitate their appearance. This is aggravated through contact with water and the age of the dog in question.

Fungi usually appear in the same folds and specific areas such as the groin or armpits, depending on each case. The area becomes red, starts to lose hair and a white substance secretes accompanied by a sour smell. You must prevent your dog from licking the area at all costs and start treatment as soon as possible, because the heat and humidity will cause it to spread.

The treatment for fungi is very simple and easy to perform. You will probably be prescribed a specific shampoo for treating fungi. You should wash the dog and let the product take effect. Follow the time indicated for this process.

Although a fungal infection is a relatively easy problem to treat, the truth is that it is advisable to go to a professional since a Shar Pei with fungi also tends to get ear infections. Keeping your dog clean and dry is definitely the best way to prevent fungi. When you return from a walk, pay attention to drying your dog's paws.

The Shar Pei certainly is a dog that is sensitive dog to developing allergies, either due to its diet or due to the elements in the environment such as plants or even because of a flea infestation. Only the veterinarian can determine what causes are making your Shar Pei suffer from an allergy and therefore administer an appropriate and specific treatment for the case.

You can easily solve a food allergy by offering hypoallergenic food, although other causes should be treated with medication (antihistamines and cortisone) or specific shampoos.

Folliculitis affects dogs with a short and hairy coat like the Shar Pei. You can easily detect it as hair begins to fall out in the affected area and small pustules appear. The dog with folliculitis will constantly scratch the pustules, and may even try to bite the area, creating small wounds that can become infected.

All dogs have causing bacteria called Staphylococcus intermedius in their skin, although not all develop this skin problem. Generally it appears because of low defenses or other problems within the dog's body that cause it to manifest. It can also happen because of the same causes as other diseases in the dog's skin, such as moisture and lack of hygiene.

Antibacterial treatment is usually either via oral administration through creams or through specific shampoos. The veterinarian will recommend the treatment to follow and how long treatment should last, as most products dedicated to folliculitis can severely dry out the fur.

Any dog, regardless of age or breed, may develop skin tumors. Still, certain factors such as old age, use or proximity of toxic products or even a lack of care towards your Shar Pei can cause tumors to appear.

There are many different types of tumor, benign or not, and you can only determine what it is and how to start treatment through a biopsy of sample of the tumor tissue. If you think your dog has a skin tumor, go to a specialist as soon as possible so that they can carry out a test and determine what it is.

Let us know and help other members of the AnimalWised community answer their questions about Shar Pei skin problems. Remember that you can write and attach pictures. Thanks for your help!

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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