- Frequent Grooming
- Medicated shampoos
- Allergy Management
- Food Supplements
Owners can help prevent Shar-Pei skin problems proactively by keeping their dog groomed. If you are not used to having a dog with skin folds, there are a few more steps to grooming a Shar-Pei. For example, after bathing your dog, be sure to dry your dog thoroughly. Same with rainy or humid days – any moisture trapped in the skin folds can soften the skin, so the bristles can irritate the skin. Make sure your dog’s coat is part of your daily grooming routine, just as you would make brushing an Afghan Hound a routine.
Folliculitis and yeast infections are often treated with medicated shampoos. However, medicated shampoos tend to irritate your dog’s skin, so keep an eye on affected areas. Veterinarians often recommend certain types of shampoos that contain soothing agents for regular baths as well. Oatmeal, aloe vera, and more have been shown to improve skin health in Shar Peis. And don’t forget: Once you’ve rinsed off, keep your dog’s skin as dry as possible until the next bath.
If your dog is diagnosed with an allergic skin problem, you will want to find out what the trigger is and eliminate it. Some allergies are caused by external factors, such as plants or household cleaning products. Others are caused by certain foods. Alleviating allergy symptoms can be as easy as removing the harmful substance and helping the skin heal itself. Your vet can help you root out the cause and advise you on next steps.
Natural food supplements are a veterinary approved way to support good skin and coat care. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that is not naturally produced by the Shar-Pei’s body. Omega-3 fatty acids help boost your dog’s immune system. They also act as an anti-inflammatory, which can give your dog a boost when it comes to avoiding or treating skin problems. Omega-3 is most commonly found in fish oil, a natural supplement that can easily be added to meals. Most dogs enjoy the taste of fish oil, and aside from keeping their skin and coat healthy, it has a myriad of other benefits.
Owners can help prevent Shar-Pei skin problems by keeping their dog thoroughly groomed. If you are not used to having a dog with skin folds, there are a few more steps to grooming a Shar-Pei. For example, after bathing your dog, be sure to dry your dog thoroughly. Same with rainy or humid days – any moisture trapped in the skin folds can soften the skin, so the bristles can irritate the skin. Make sure your dog’s coat is part of your daily grooming routine, just as you would make brushing an Afghan Hound a routine.