The Chinese Shar-Pei is a distinct and beautiful breed. When my closest friend got a puppy, she chose the most adorable puppy named Kadi: highly intelligent, amazing temperament, beautiful, perfect. And a Shar-Pei mix. While she is playful and lovable, she is also itchy.

I have heard the horrors of Shar-Pei skin and health problems and have called the vet at least once a week for the past month. She is 4 months old. Our first concern were what turned out to be Aural Hematomas. This caused swelling on the outer ear due to burst blood vessels. Many dogs with floppy ears have this problem because moisture gets in the ear canal and they shake their heads. Drops fixed this problem.

Then her eye swelled - almost shut. Of course, we panicked! Benadryl alleviated the swelling and we just assumed she had gotten stung by a bee or something. Until a few days later when her bottom lip swelled. Again, Benadryl fixed the problem within a few hours. Thank goodness I was already on a first name basis with my vet because she was returning my calls about every other day!

It got to the point that Kadi only seemed to have any relief from constant itching when she was on the Benadryl. I talked to the vet again and got a stronger allergy medicine to give her for a few weeks and return to the vet. Since she is a puppy, there could be several explanations for Kadi's itchiness like puppy dermatitis or simply sensitive puppy skin. But because she is part Shar-Pei, of course my friend began to worry about the life-long comfort of her beloved new pet and what to do about her skin.

I decided research and a proactive approach from the beginning would be the best plan of action to keep Kadi comfortable and healthy. While there are always opposing ideas floating around the Internet, after reading a few pages on the Shar-Pei, my head was spinning! One site would say one thing, the next would say the opposite. I decided to compile all of the information that seemed to be agreed on and ask my vet about everything else. Allow me to share this information with anyone who has or is considering getting a Shar-Pei. I hope it is helpful!

The Shar-Pei used to be the rarest dog listed in the Guiness Book of World Records but is becoming evermore popular. They are known for their distinctive wrinkles. In Chinese Shar means "gritty or sand-like" and Pei means "dog" describing the traditional bristly skin of the dog.

Immaculate flea control and prevention is necessary for the comfort and skin health of the Shar-Pei and all other dogs. Many dogs can be allergic to the bites of these pests and the sensitive nature of the Shar-Pei skin makes this even more important. Good nutrition and a clean environment are also a must!

Shar-Pei's often have a narrow ear canal and a weekly ear disinfectant and cleaning is necessary! Do NOT use q-tips, as this can push the problem deeper in the ear. Ask your vet what product would work best for your pet.

And here is where things get tricky...

Luckily, my vet is used to my many random questions and is knowledgeable and helpful in dispelling my concerns. On Kadi's next visit, My questions began

According to Sharpeirescue.com, they have skin more akin to a feline due to large amounts of mucin found in the skin causing the flexibility and wrinkles. Because of this, the skin tears easily but also heals rather quickly. I asked the vet and she said ABSOLUTELY NOT! The Shar-Pei has skin like the Shar-Pei. It is nothing like the feline skin. There are different hair types ranging from the really short, prickly "horse" coat to the longer, softer "brush" coat, and while skin conditions are common, the more prickly the coat, the more likely to have the harsh conditions shown as associated with the Shar-Pei breed.

According to several sites, you should bathe your Shar-Pei once a week, every week. Many other sites say that you should NOT bathe your Shar-Pei every week because their skin can crack and become irritated. Yet another sit said Shar-Pei skin can only handle a bath every 12 weeks. The vet laughed. She said that yes, Shar-Pei's has sensitive skin but bathing any dog once a week every week is very close to too much bathing. She explained that all dog's skin will dry out because of over washing and while once a week bathing is fine, NEVER bathe your dog, any breed, more than once a week. She said to wash her when she needs a bath and suggested an oatmeal shampoo. She also said that if the oatmeal seems to irritate her skin (which it did), there are no soap dog shampoos available and the vet has products you can try if your pup is still uncomfortable. this goes for all breeds - not just the Shar-Pei.

And what about brushing? Some sites say brush every day, some say once a week. Some say you have to use a rubber bristled brush or grooming pad because metal and plastic bristles will tear their skin. She said that breeds with sensitive skin generally prefer the rubber or softer bristled brushes - but watch your dog! If the brush you are using is bothering their skin, get a different brush. Dogs should be brushed every few days, but shorter haired breeds don't need it daily like long haired breeds who tangle and matte.

I enjoy the grooming mitt and Kadi seems to like it. Mine is rubber and I use it on all my dogs. I have several dog brushes and it seems that each of my dogs has a different favorite! But no, the metal bristles will not tear their skin. If you are tearing your dogs skin with the brush, you are pushing too hard! Way too hard!

Estimates are as highas 1:5 Shar-Pei's have hypothyroidism. Should this be a major concern? The vet explained that this is a deficiency in the thyroid hormone, is common, and can cause hair loss, dandruff, and fever. Many dogs get it, but the signs will be visible to any good vet and the treatment is simple and inexpensive: a once daily pill.

I read that Shar-Pei's are more prone to allergies - inhalant and food - caused by an overreaction of the immune system. Again, she laughed. All dogs (all animals, really) have allergies and it is always caused by an overreaction of the immune system. But food and inhalant allergies can be pinpointed, though inhalant allergies can be difficult to treat (just as in humans). Comfort can be maintained during allergy season with simple allergy medications from the vet or over the counter. If you chose to use Benadryl, which is safe to give to your dog, talk to your vet about dosing!

What about the wrinkles? Individual cleaning...drying...some sites even say to powder your dogs wrinkles? What do we do? She said that wrinkles are a concern but not to a responsible pet owner. It is important during a bath to get ALL of the soap off of a dog, which can be difficult with a Shar-Pei, but not impossible. Drying is important too, but a towel dry and rub will work. Blow drying is not necessary and neither is powdering the wrinkles.

And finally, I read that Shar-Pei skin gets more irritated during hot weather, which is a concern for me because we live in Texas. What can we do? The vet explained that several breeds are sensitive to heat, just as they are to cold. Again, it is a pet by pet basis. Just because your dog is a certain breed doesn't mean they will have all of the conditions associated with that breed. If your pet's skin is irritated, contact your vet. More than likely, there is something you can do to make your pet more comfortable.

So there are the questions we have had for the vet thus far - 4 months in with Kadi. While skin conditions and more questions are sure to come up, the best advice I can give to any pet owner about the health and well-being of your pet: find a vet you trust and can talk to. I will add to this hub if any new information surfaces with Kadi or any Shar-Pei information. Feel free to add questions or suggestions!!