Managing Your Pets Exposure to Shar Pei Allergies

Ownership of any pet should start with a consideration of the health, behavioral problems and liabilities associated with the animal. This is especially true with the Shar Pei. Although Shar Pei allergies can present in a dramatic manner given the unique texture of their skin and hair, these conditions are by and large similar to other dogs with similar skins and breeding. For instance pugs and bulldogs have a similar nasal frame and skin texture. Although these dogs might not have as many wrinkles they are after all pure bred dogs as well. Pure bred dogs usually have some element of cross breeding in them that is not normally a good thing when dealing with diseases of the skin and other Shar Pei allergies as their auto-immune system may not be as strong as it should be.

However, the Shar Pei was bred as a fighting dog in China, and it is interesting that the wrinkles of the skin may have been a defense mechanism initially. In fact the wrinkles result from an overabundance of a chemical known as mucin. This compound also most interestingly serves to assist in the healing of their wounds. A Shar Pei is a large dog and can weigh up to sixty pounds for a large specimen. Its large number of wrinkles exacerbates the potential for skin allergies on such a large dog. Of course these features of its appearance are based on the historic uses of the breed. A Shar Pei can be frightening when this rather unusual collection of skin and fur faces you off. Their tendency towards aggressive behaviors can lead to additional problems with routine care items such as nail trimming and ear cleaning.

Shar Pei allergies can become a serious concern if they require a vet. Routine veterinary assistance is not typical easy with a Shar Pei and many vets may not approach the dog unless it is under sedation or anesthesia. Routine care and pet maintenance problems such as these make the Shar Pei an expensive and high maintenance pet. Preventative home care is important for this reason. This mysterious dog has an unusual history that has contributed to its overall health and welfare. At one point the Shar Pei was facing extinction. In fact the Shar Pei only began to make its mark in North America in the last thirty to forty years. Many of the current dog population have been bred from a small number of Shar Peis that were brought here in the late sixties and early seventies of the last century.

Shar Pei allergies were the least concern as efforts were made to stabilize the population. Today there are over hundred thousand Shar Peis in existence. Although Shar Peis come with some endemic problems such as their temperament and health issues, as long as they are trained and adequate precautions are maintained for the safety of those around them they are in fact a good family dog. Furthermore, with consideration of their special needs their medical concerns can be managed.

Melissa Coleman knows that the Shar Pei is a most unique pet given its health issues, looks, mannerisms and history. Shar Pei care must include weekly baths, daily walks and consistent obedience training. A discussion on how to choose a vet for your Shar Pei should include consideration of their practices using anesthesia and sedation for routine treatment.