How to Clean a Shar-Pei's Folds

The name shar-pei is Cantonese for ̶0;sandy coat̶1; and the animal was originally bred as a farm dog in ancient China. The breed is known for its aloof demeanor, intelligence and distinctive wrinkles that fade in many dogs as they age. When improperly cared for, the shar-pei's facial folds are susceptible to mold and bacterial growth, which cause illness, rashes and sores. Cleaning the wrinkles prevents these issues and is performed separately or during the dog's regular grooming.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 tablespoon dog shampoo
  • 4 cups warm water
  • Soft cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a mixture of 1 tablespoon dog shampoo and 4 cups warm water. Stir together. Do not use human shampoo or dish soap to prevent an allergic reaction.

    • 2

      Dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and wipe down the outside of the dog's folds. Lift each individual fold and clean the the area with the cloth.

    • 3

      Wipe down the dog's skin folds with a dry cloth. Allow air movement to reach the skin under the shar-pei's wrinkles by holding up the fold for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not release the wrinkle until it is completely dry.