Shar-pei dogs are known for their wrinkly skin. Their trademark characteristic is made possible by a substance called mucin. Mucin gives the skin flexibility and allows it to form into the wrinkles. The excessive amount of mucin in the skin that shar-pei dogs generally contain can sometimes cause blisters. Usually these blisters are harmless and can be left untreated. However, if your shar-pei scratches the blisters open, he can cause an infection. With a few simple steps, you can help your shar-pei feel better and look better, too.
Things You'll Need
- Water or sterile flush
- Cotton balls or gauze
- Antibacterial soap
- Medicated spray or ointment
- Topical steroid
- Elizabethan collar
Instructions
Clean the opened blister with water or a sterile irrigation solution. Flush the blister for as long as your shar-pei will let you. The longer you clean the wound, the better, as more bacteria and other debris can be removed. The best method for cleaning is using a squirt bottle or hose. The pressure that the bottle or hose can create will help to remove the bacteria as well.
Disinfect the blister with antibacterial soap. Work the soap into the wound as best you can with a cotton ball or gauze. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the area, rinse it again with water. Make sure you completely remove any soap on the wound. Apply hydrogen peroxide to remove any additional bacteria. This application can also help to dry out the blister.
Spray a topical antibiotic on the blister or apply a medicated ointment. This will help to cure and prevent infections. You may also need to apply a topical steroid, such as hydrocortisone. All of these medications should be obtained from your veterinarian.
Prevent your dog from licking or scratching the sores. If your dog is persistent and will not stop bothering the areas, you may need to keep an Elizabethan collar on him until the blisters heal. If he licks and scratches the blisters, he will remove the medication that has been applied and can also cause more damage.