How to Give a Shar Pei Puppy a Bath

This basic advice applies to any puppy but shar pei's are a little tougher due to the breed standard. Which is why research into any dog you think of getting is very important some require more attention and grooming care than others.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Vet recommended shampoo
• Ear wash all varieties are equal so chooose what you or your vet likes
• Cotten balls, never ear swabs
• Vinal apron { this can get messey}
• Towels

1. Due to the breed calling for small ears, it results in them having narrow ear canals. The problem with ear cleaning is poor training and lack of control of the dog. Start them young handle and inspect ears, paws and skin frequently to get them used to it daily is a good idea do it during petting. Weekly baths at this stage is good to but leave off the shampoo you don't want to dry out the skin just get them used to the handling and water.
2. I am real, really I am There are three different coats documented for shar peis some are harder to care for than others. The longer hair dogs have less problems , but they are not an akc standard. Some sites recommend you wash weekly this is not a good idea as it leads to more problems and can dry out the skin. Also less wrinkles are easier to care for.
3. what another bath NOW Ear cleaning first:
   
   You want to float debris to the surface do this outside if possible or in an easy to clean room.
   Pour in ear cleaner and gently massage around base of ear for about a minute, stand back, let dog shake {this is where that apron helps}
   Use cotton to clean outer ear and dry it off really well. If you get a lot of debris, do it again.
   Repeat for other side.
   If it smells bad take him/her to the vet right away it could be an infection it is sometimes better to start meds first to help with pain or swelling before attempting to clean because of the discomfort.
4. Handsome boy Now for the coat:
   
   Frequent brushing is a must daily is a good idea but you might be able to get away with every other depending on the coat.
   Bath at most monthly unless there is a reason to due it more often.
   Flea free environment some breeds are more likely to have a reaction to flea bites.
   Wash dog make sure you use the right kind of shampoo and rinse really well this is important because of all the folds.
   Dry really good between folds inspecting skin as you go.

Tips & Warnings

• Check skin folds frequently, offensive odors can indicate a problem. If it smells take them to the vet they are prone to medical conditions which can lead to this and need to be checked out.
• They can be very allergic to certain additives, watch what you feed them it can also cause skin problems.
• You should make sure your vet is experienced in shar peis it helps
• Never use q-tips the ear canals are narrow and this will cause problems but this applies to all dogs never poke anything inside.
• Never use hydrogen peroxide it can cause more problems no matter what people tell you