How to Keep a Shar Pei's Skin From Flaking

Just like humans, the Shar-Pei can get dandruff. Because the dog's skin cells naturally regenerate, dry, dead skin can buildup. White flakes appear on your dog's coat, and the coat may also emit an oily smell. Flaky skin in a Shar-Pei can be triggered by a variety of factors including poor diet, improper grooming and excessive oil production of the skin. To keep your Shar-Pei's skin flake free, incorporate proper grooming, a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise into his life.

Things You'll Need

  • High-quality dog food
  • Water
  • Dog vitamins
  • Rubber curry comb or grooming gloves
  • Dog shampoo
  • Washcloth
  • Towel
  • Hair dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your Shar-Pei a high-quality pet food, and give it unlimited access to water. Some pet foods lack fats, protein, vitamins and minerals which are essential to the health of your dog's skin. Consult your veterinarian about good brand-name foods for your pet.

    • 2

      Supplement your Shar-Pei's diet with vitamins. Give your dog a daily nutritional supplement that contains vitamin E and oils, such as flaxseed oil and fish oil. These fats are essential to maintain your dog's healthy looking coat.

    • 3

      Brush your Shar-Pei at least once a week throughout the year and daily during heavy shedding periods in spring and fall. Use a rubber curry comb or grooming gloves to remove dead hair, distribute skin oils and promote new hair growth.

    • 4

      Wash your Shar-Pei once a month to keep its coat clean, healthy and free of flakes. Use a detergent-free dog shampoo. In the bathtub or in a tub outdoors, wet the dog with warm water. Apply shampoo to a wet washcloth and rub it over your dog's coat and into the skin folds. Rinse your Shar-Pei thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo. Pat the dog dry with a towel and use a hair dryer, on a low-heat setting, to fully dry the coat. Make sure to dry in between skin folds and wrinkles to avoid skin irritations.

    • 5

      Take your dog outdoors on a daily basis. Allow it to walk and run because the exercise keeps your Shar-Pei healthy and its immune system strong. Avoid exercising in extreme heat though because Shar-Peis are sensitive to it and perform better in cooler climates.