Pekingese Dog Health Problems and How to Prevent Them

Pekingese dogs are known for their flat faces and short noses, but this unique feature can lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory problems.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their long hair can still become matted if not regularly brushed.

Pekingese dogs are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate their breathing difficulties and lead to other health issues.

Regular exercise, such as short walks, can help prevent obesity and keep your Pekingese healthy.

Pekingese dogs are prone to genetic health issues, which means their breed is more susceptible to certain diseases and conditions.

Many diseases and health conditions are related to a dog's breed, and Pekingese are no exception. This is why it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that may affect your Pekingese.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily can help prevent periodontal disease, a common issue in Pekingese dogs. This simple habit can go a long way in keeping your dog's teeth healthy.

Pekingese dogs are also at risk for bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which can be preventable through vaccination. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help determine the best vaccination schedule for your dog.

While Pekingese dogs are more prone to certain health issues, it's essential to remember that every dog is unique, and not all Pekingese will develop these problems. By being aware of the potential health concerns and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help prevent or manage these issues.

Your Pekingese is more likely to have dental problems than other dogs, with 80% of all dogs affected by age two. Brushing your dog's teeth daily can prevent periodontal disease.

Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to the loss of teeth and damage to your Pekingese's kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

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Regular dental cleanings by your veterinarian are crucial to prevent and treat dental disease. Your veterinarian will also provide guidance on what you can do at home to keep your Pekingese's teeth clean.

The good news is that with proper care, your Pekingese can live a long and healthy life. By taking preventative measures and monitoring your dog's dental health, you can help prevent dental disease and ensure your Pekingese stays healthy for years to come.

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Pekingeses are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which are preventable through vaccination.

Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease in Pekingeses, causing the hip joints to form improperly and leading to arthritis. This can result in lameness in the hind legs and difficulty getting up from lying down.

Overweight Pekingeses may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

Pekingeses are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which can be prevented through vaccination.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.

Your Peke is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS), where some of the blood supply goes around the liver instead of to it, depriving it of the blood flow it needs.

Portosystemic shunt can cause the liver to remove toxins from the bloodstream poorly, and symptoms may include stunted growth or seizures.

Stones can form in the urinary bladder, causing irritation and potentially obstruction.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Pekingeses, causing the hip joints to form improperly and leading to arthritis, which can cause lameness in the hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

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Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a serious disease that affects dogs with a short nose, like your Pekingese.

This disease is also known as brachycephalic syndrome, and it's caused by the same amount of tissue in the nose and throat as longer-nosed dogs, but with no place for it to go.

The soft palate, the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth, is too long and hangs down into the airway.

The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized.

All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway, making it hard for your dog to breathe.

Many dogs with this condition can barely breathe, and you may notice exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting.

In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to help alleviate your dog's symptoms.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Pekingeses in their golden years.

Heart disease in dogs is often caused by weakening of a valve.

A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly.

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Blood then leaks back around this valve and strains the heart.

Pets with heart valve disease have a heart murmur.

If your dog has a heart murmur or outward signs suggesting heart problems, testing will be performed to determine the severity of the disease.

The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition.

If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, medications may be prescribed to prolong his life for many years.

Veterinary dental care can help prevent heart disease.

Fatty acid supplementation can also help prevent heart disease.

Weight control can help diminish symptoms of heart disease.

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Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease in Pekingeses that causes the hip joints to form improperly, leading to arthritis.

You may notice your dog has lameness in his hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down, which are signs of hip dysplasia.

The sooner you treat the arthritis, the better, as it can help avoid discomfort and pain.

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We'll take X-rays of your dog's joints to identify the disease as early as possible.

Surgery may be considered in severe and life-limiting cases of hip dysplasia.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

It's essential to keep your dog at a healthy weight to prevent or delay the onset of hip dysplasia.

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Knee problems can be a real concern for Pekingese owners, and one common issue is patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place.

You might notice your Pekingese running along and suddenly picking up a back leg and skipping or hopping for a few strides. Then he kicks his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place, and he's fine again.

Mild cases of patellar luxation, involving only one leg, may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. However, if the problem is severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap and keep it from popping out of place.

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Pekingese dogs are prone to a variety of parasites that can cause pain, discomfort, and even death if left untreated. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest their skin and ears.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into a Pekingese's system through contaminated water, soil, or an infected mosquito bite. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans and are a serious concern for everyone.

Parasites can be prevented with regular testing and medication. It's essential to have your Pekingese tested for parasites on a regular basis to keep them healthy.

Tumors can look like anything, including a red swelling on the skin surface, which is a cancer known as a Mast Cell Tumor. Be sure to have all lumps and bumps checked out.

Your Pekingese is at risk of getting parasites, which can infest her skin and ears. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can be a problem.

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites can cause discomfort and pain for your Peke. These parasites can also be transmitted to you or a family member.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into your Peke's system through drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some parasites can cause serious health issues, including pain, discomfort, and even death. Regular testing and preventive medication can help keep your Peke healthy.

Tumors, both benign and cancerous, can look like anything and can be a concern for your Peke's health. A Mast Cell Tumor is a type of cancer that can appear as a red swelling on the skin surface.

Your Pekingese is prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma.

This infection occurs because the folds of skin along the lower jaw are usually moist, making it easy for bacteria and yeast to gain a foothold.

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Bacteria and yeast can readily cause a reddened, smelly area that is uncomfortable for your dog.

We will examine your Pekingese for this problem, but let us know if you see signs.

Treatment with antibiotics may be necessary, especially if the symptoms are severe.

In severe cases, the excess skin folds can be surgically removed to prevent further infections.

Spaying or neutering your Pekingese is one of the best things you can do for their health and well-being.

Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers in your Pekingese. It also eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Performing the surgery gives veterinarians a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop, such as hip problems or puppy teeth that need to be extracted.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

Don't worry, veterinarians will discuss the specific problems they'll be looking for when the time arrives.

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Pekingeses. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

Giving your pal leftover people food and doggie treats may seem like a way to show love, but it can actually "love her to death." This can lead to obesity and its associated health issues.

Pekingeses need regular exercise to stay healthy, and taking her for a walk is a great way to spend quality time together. She'll feel better, and so will you!

It's tempting to give in to those soulful eyes, but try giving your Pekinese a hug, brushing her fur or teeth, or playing a game with her instead of food.

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Taking care of your Pekingese at home requires some common sense and attention to detail. Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Regular brushing of her teeth and coat is essential to prevent dental problems and keep her coat clean. Brush her coat at least weekly, and her teeth at least twice a week.

Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself to prevent her from getting into trouble. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy.

A daily walk is a must for your Pekingese, especially if you live in an apartment. This will help her stay happy and healthy.

To prevent heat stress, avoid prolonged exposure to warm temperatures and be alert to the signs of heat stress. Keep her diet consistent and don't give her people food.

Feeding a high-quality diet appropriate for her age is crucial for her overall health. Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first.

Here's a summary of the essential care and lifestyle tips for your Pekingese:

If you notice any of these signs in your Pekingese, seek medical care immediately. Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge are all red flags that require prompt attention.

Inability or straining to urinate, discolored urine, and straining to defecate, bleeding, licking of the area around the rectum, or smelly discharge are all symptoms that indicate a serious issue.

Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes is a sign that your Pekingese needs medical attention right away. This could be a sign of a serious eye infection.

Unwillingness to jump, pain, hunched back, paralysis, and slow or stunted growth are all signs that your Pekingese is in distress. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek help.

Here are some specific signs that require immediate medical attention:

Pekingeses are prone to several health issues, some of which are specific to their breed. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet's breed.

Some common issues seen in Pekingeses include intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which is a condition that affects dogs with long backs and short legs. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain.

Pekingeses are also more likely than other breeds to have instability in the first two neck vertebrae (called the atlantal and the axial vertebrae). This can cause a sudden spinal-cord injury in the neck.

Infections such as parvo, rabies, and distemper are also a risk for Pekingeses. These infections are preventable through vaccination, which should be recommended based on the diseases seen in your area, your dog's age, and other factors.

Some signs that your Pekingese may be experiencing a health issue include:

Brushing your dog's teeth daily can help prevent periodontal disease.