What Are the Causes of Hair Loss in a Chinese Shar-Pei?

The Shar-Pei, or Chinese Shar-Pei, is a medium-sized breed of dog known for its wrinkles and blueish-black tongue. This rare breed originates from China and has a short, dense coat. Shar-Peis are born with their wrinkles but these gradually disappear as the dogs grow into their skin as adults. The dogs are known as fighting dogs; Chinese nobility used them for this purpose until the Communists banned the practice as bourgeois.

  1. Allergies

    • Inhalant and food allergies are common in most dogs, and hair loss can be one of the symptoms. Allergies are caused by an immune system overreaction, and their source can be hard to pinpoint. Experimentation with food or a simple blood test may reveal the allergens. Food allergies are easy to treat by removing certain foods from the dog's diet but inhalant allergies are very difficult to prevent, and will be more common during the summer.

    Mange

    • Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite and is present in all dogs. Usually the host and the parasite are able to co-exist, with the dog's own immune system keeping the mites' numbers down. Occasionally, during times of increased hormonal activity, such as growth spurts or times of stress, the mites may increase in number and this can result in patches of hair loss. Usually, things return to normal once the dog's normal patterns re-establish themselves but in severe or persistent cases, veterinarian treatment should be sought.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism is a common ailment in many dog breeds and occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to function and produce the hormones needed to keep the dog's bodily systems functioning properly. Hair loss is one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Once diagnosed, treatment is simple, with the administration of a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormones.

    Hot Spots

    • Hot spots, or pyotraumatic dermatitis, is a common condition in Shar-Peis caused by self-injury due to excessive scratching. Hot spots can occur as a result of a skin disease, allergies, moisture getting trapped in the dog's skin folds, and even flea bites. The irritation on the dog's skin causes it to excessively scratch and chew at the itchy areas. Reddened skin and areas of hair loss will appear. Hot spots usually occur during the warmer summer months.