Flaky Skin on a Shar-Pei

The wrinkled skin of a shar-pei gives it a distinctive look. Unfortunately, skin problems present one of the most common issues in the breed, according to the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America (CSPCA). Many factors result in flaky skin in a shar-pei, including diseases, the physical structure of the wrinkles and the genetics that cause the wrinkles. Learning what causes your dog̵7;s flaky skin will help you develop ways to minimize the condition and keep the skin healthy.

  1. Causes and Diagnosis

    • Flaky skin on a shar-pei often indicates a problem. Take your dog to the veterinarian to help determine the cause of the flaky skin. Common external causes for dry flaky skin include demodectic and sarcoptic mange mites and allergic reaction to fleas, food and inhaled allergens. Skin scrapings often enable the veterinarian to determine the presence of parasites, yeast or other problems. Mild bacterial skin infections, or pyoderma, occur commonly with shar-pei, according to the CSPCA. Blood work helps diagnose conditions such as thyroid and autoimmune disorders that are common in the shar-pei, which might cause flaky skin. One common autoimmune problem in the breed, immunoglobulin deficiency, lowers your dog̵7;s ability to fight infections and increases allergic reactions, according to Texas A&M University. Symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma often begin with flaky skin, according to Purdue University.

    Treatments

    • Shar-pei skin conditions often require dealing with underlying conditions. Medical treatments for parasites include those to help remove the parasites, prevent or treat infections and help support the dog̵7;s immune system. Effective flea control requires treating the dog, home and yard, as a single fleabite may cause a reaction. Your veterinarian may prescribe other medications such as thyroid pills, steroids to reduce inflammation and antihistamines to help with allergic responses.

    Diet

    • Discuss a hypoallergenic diet to help evaluate food allergies if your veterinarian suspects it plays a role in your dog̵7;s skin issues. Adding fatty acids and making sure your dog̵7;s diet meets its requirements help to promote a healthier skin with less flaking. Request that your veterinarian give you supplements or instruct you on the appropriate amounts of fat and fatty acids your dog needs to promote healthier skin.

    Grooming

    • Start grooming at a young age to make skin care easier.

      Rubbing of the wrinkled skin on the shar-pei sometimes results in irritation. This condition around the hocks of the dog might result in hair loss or infections, according to the CSPCA. Check your dog̵7;s coat daily for flaky skin, redness or other issues. Although shedding of the horsecoat shar-pei results in significant hair loss, any skin irritation, dryness or abnormalities require a veterinarian examination. Frequent coat care for the shar-pei helps improve the condition of the skin, including giving frequent baths and brushing the dog daily. Routine grooming helps prevent flaking by promoting healthy skin oil production and keeping the skin folds free of bacteria, according to veterinarian Wendy C. Brooks, Educational Director for veterinarypartner.com.