Pekingese Dogs & Arthritis

The Pekingese, one of the oldest dog breeds, has been around for thousands of years. These dogs have long bodies and short legs that make them prone to a number of injuries and diseases including arthritis. Arthritis in dogs has no cure, but the symptoms of arthritis can be lessened.

  1. Characteristics

    • The Pekingese breed originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. They were considered a sacred dog and were revered by ancient Chinese monks. The Pekingese breed was reserved for the Chinese emperor and his family. They are smaller in stature, with long, stocky bodies and very short legs. They are heavily coated and were bred to look like a lion, with a bushy mane surrounding their faces. The Pekingese breed is susceptible to arthritis because of the shape of their body and the pressure that it puts on the spine. These dogs are also prone to obesity, which makes arthritis worse.

    Considerations

    • Pekingese puppies should be trained at a young age to not jump up and down on furniture and beds because they are highly susceptible to arthritis. This won't prevent arthritis, but it will lessen the symptoms and slow the progress. If the dog owner waits until the Pekingese develops arthritis, it may be too late to try to train him not to jump on furniture.

    Signs of Arthritis

    • A Pekingese may have arthritis for several years before it is diagnosed. According to the Arthritis Foundation, signs of arthritis in a dog can include changes in mood, favoring one limb, stiffness, weight gain or decreased activity. A dog with arthritis may be reluctant to climb steps or climb on furniture because of the pain. A veterinarian can confirm this diagnosis.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Help ease the symptoms if your Pekingese is diagnosed with arthritis. When you pick up your dog, support him under his chest and his belly so you are supporting his spine. Discourage climbing and jumping if at all possible. Offer him a soft place to rest, such as a specially designed thermo-regulating mat that channels cool water throughout the bed. Provide your Pekingese with a healthy diet and light exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and put less pressure on the joints.

    Therapies

    • If your Pekingese has arthritis, your veterinarian may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS). Over-the-counter supplements such as glucosamine and omega fatty acids also may be beneficial.