If you're considering adding a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy to your family, congratulations! These beautiful dogs make great companions. But before you bring your new furry friend home, it's important to do your research and make sure you're prepared to care for a Shar-Pei. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about Shar-Pei puppies, from their unique physical needs to their diet and health concerns.

Physical Needs

One of the most important things to know about Shar-Pei puppies is that they have very sensitive skin. This is due to their short, dense coat, which doesn't provide much protection from the elements. For this reason, it's important to keep your Shar-Pei puppy well-groomed. Their coat should be brushed regularly, and they should only be bathed when necessary (usually no more than once a week).

Shar-Pei puppies are also prone to eye disorders, so it's important to keep an eye on their eyesight and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes.

Diet

As with all dogs, it's important to feed your Shar-Pei puppy a high-quality diet. But there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to Shar-Pei puppies and their diet. First, because of their short coats, they don't have much body fat to protect them from the cold. For this reason, it's important to make sure they're getting enough calories. A good rule of thumb is to feed them about 30% more than the recommended amount for their weight.

Shar-Pei puppies are also prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas. This can be fatal if not treated immediately, so it's important to be aware of the signs of bloat and to contact a veterinarian right away if you think your puppy is bloated.

To help prevent bloat, it's important to feed your Shar-Pei puppy several small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. And always make sure they have access to fresh, clean water.

Health Concerns

Shar-Pei puppies are generally healthy, but there are a few health concerns to be aware of. One is entropion, a condition in which the eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This can be painful and can lead to serious eye problems if not treated.

Shar-Pei puppies are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, a condition in which the hip joint doesn't develop properly. This can cause pain and lameness and can lead to arthritis later in life. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent hip dysplasia, such as feeding your Shar-Pei a high-quality diet and avoiding too much exercise when they're young.

Conclusion

We hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of what it takes to care for a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy. Remember, these dogs make great companions, but they do have some unique needs that you should be prepared for. With a little research and preparation, you'll be ready to welcome your new furry friend into the family.