The Shar Pei has won the hearts of many pet owners with its distinctive wrinkle and loyal nature. More recently, however, some veterinarians have raised concerns about the breed. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the dos and don’ts of keeping a Shar Pei. We will explore various aspects that shed light on this issue, ensuring that pet owners are fully aware of potential challenges that may arise with this breed.
Skin and Wrinkle-Related Health Issues
Shar Pei dogs are known for their unique wrinkles, which are a defining characteristic of the breed. While these wrinkles give them a charming appearance, they can also lead to certain health problems.
The folds in the skin can create an environment where moisture and debris get trapped, making them susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
Vets may express concerns about the increased likelihood of skin irritations and the need for meticulous grooming to prevent such issues.
Genetic Predisposition to Health Conditions
Shar Peis are a breed that is known to have a genetic predisposition to various health conditions, including hip dysplasia, entropion (a condition where the eyelids roll inward), and respiratory issues.
These genetic factors might make Shar Pei dogs more susceptible to certain ailments compared to other breeds.
Vets might express caution to potential Shar Pei owners due to the need for regular health monitoring and proactive care.
Temperament and Socialization
While Shar Pei dogs can be incredibly loyal and loving to their families, some individuals of the breed can exhibit a more reserved or aloof temperament.
Proper socialization from an early age is crucial to ensure that these dogs are comfortable around people, children, and other pets.
Vets may emphasize the importance of early socialization and training to prevent behavioral issues that can arise from inadequate exposure to various stimuli.
Maintenance and Grooming Requirements
The Shar Pei’s short coat might give the impression of low grooming needs, but their unique skin and wrinkles require special attention.
Vets may advise potential owners about the necessity of regular cleaning and drying of the wrinkles to prevent infections.
Additionally, proper cleaning of the ears, teeth, and nails is crucial to maintain the overall health and comfort of the dog.
Tips for raising a Shar-Pei:
The Shar Pei is a unique animal with unique needs and may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or families that need a “low maintenance” dog. Shar Pei is not a breed that can be easily adopted. People have to be prepared to take extra time and even extra veterinary bills.
Eyelid Problems: Inversion
This dog has excessive facial wrinkles that develop excess tissue around the eyelids. When the eyelids, especially the lower eyelid, are very puffy, the hairy skin can actually rub against the eye. Pain can cause squinting, which can compound the problem. The eye may ulcerate and the cornea becomes hyperpigmented, resulting in permanent blindness. Excessive moisture or tearing around the eyes can indicate a problem. This condition is called “entropion” and is common in Shar Peis.
If the animal involved is a puppy, blepharopexy can be of great help by pulling the eyelids into a more normal position, which can address pain and eye damage. As the puppy gets older and the eyes open wider, the problem may naturally improve a lot. Many dogs will require one or more eyelid repairs as adults. Entropion is a painful condition that should not be ignored or considered “part of the breed.”
Familial Shar-Pei Fever
This is a genetic disorder that causes a fever of up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 days. Swelling of the joints, especially the ankles (hocks), is often accompanied by fever, and if that wasn’t serious enough, the condition is associated with malignant protein deposits in the kidneys (“amyloidosis”), which often lead to kidney failure.
Typically, fevers begin in puppies or adolescence, although many dogs don’t quite fit this age pattern. All Shar Pei individuals should be regularly screened for protein loss in the urine, although this is more likely to occur in more wrinkled dogs.
The disease is similar to a human disease known as “familial Mediterranean fever.” Currently, Cornell University offers a blood test to identify Shar-Peis that carry the gene for the disease and to determine an individual’s risk of developing the disease. Treatment is available, but it is hoped that early identification of carriers will eliminate the disease from the breed.
Epidemic mange
Demodex mites live inside the hair follicles of all normal dogs. In some unlucky individuals, especially short-haired breeds like Shar Peis, these mites can multiply and cause widespread skin inflammation. If your Shar Pei suffers from any type of skin disease, your veterinarian may include scraping the skin for mites among the tests performed. Due to the unique nature of Shar-Pei skin, skin abrasions are often insufficient for diagnosis and a skin biopsy is required to detect mites (especially dermatosis on the feet and between the toes).
Hypothyroidism
Current estimates suggest that one in five Shar-Pei dogs is deficient in thyroid hormone. Hair loss with dandruff and hyperpigmentation is common and often occurs in a “waterline” pattern, a sharp dividing line along the body where the skin below is irritated and the skin above is normal. Generally, the condition is not itchy, but since the immune system is also slowed down, an itchy secondary infection may result.
Foot dermatitis and “short-haired dog” pyoderma
The Shar Pei’s short coat can actually affect the inside of the hair follicle, causing the follicle to break down and the skin to become infected. This condition may or may not be limited to the feet. The Shar Pei’s short, harsh coat may be responsible for this common syndrome. There are many possible causes of a foot infection, including allergies, stress, demodex mites, and more.
Ear infection
Shar Pei’s ear canals are often too narrow for a veterinarian to examine. This sets up a perfect incubator for all kinds of microbes, making treatment nearly impossible. Ear surgery may be needed to control the infection. Weekly use of a good ear sanitizer to try and prevent it may help. Ask your veterinarian about the best products.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the concerns that some vets express about Shar Pei dogs stem from a combination of genetic predispositions, unique physical characteristics, and potential health challenges. It’s important for potential Shar Pei owners to be well-informed about these aspects and to approach the breed with a commitment to responsible ownership.
