Weak immune systems in Shar-pei cause sensitivity to many allergens. Insect stings, fleas, contact with yard, plant, or house chemicals, pollen, grass itch, unhealthy or spoiled food, incorrect use of medications, or abnormal stress are all possible allergens. Keeping your pets' immune system strong will help prevent many of these health issues.

The symptoms of concern are: excessive scratching especially on the face or feet, sneezing, itchy or runny eyes, shaking head, and red, itchy rash or hives. From personal experience, these human products and listed prescription medicines have been most successful to alleviate or prevent most infections or reactions. DISCLAIMER** Please seek the advice of your veterinarian before administering any medications. DO NOT treat your pet without veterinary confirmation!!! Shar-pei fever syndromes and other serious illnesses should be be evaluated and closely monitored by a vet.

BENEDRYL: Relieves itchy/runny eyes, ears, nose, or hives. Talk to your veterinarian prior to use, for it can cause potential injury if not administered properly.

IMMODIUM-AD: relieves diarrhea or stomach irritation. Use only for severe cases. Call your veterinarian first if you think your dog has been poisoned or symptoms persist more than a few days! Prescribed medication such as Metranidazole (Flagyl) may be required to improve intestinal bacteria balance.

EYE DROPS: Clears drainage from eyes and relieves redness. If drainage is infectious or ulcers have started, ask for TRIOPTIC or other triple antibiotic ointment. If eye troubles persist, surgery may be required to correct the problem. Dogs with dry eye syndrome will require more specialized eye drops and frequents tests to check for damage.

MINERAL OIL: Use on a cotton ball once a week to gently clean the inside of the ear. (It is not recommended to use a Q-Tip or other instrument, for it tends to cause more irritation than good.) If heavy wax or black yeast formations are present, clean daily (until gone) with an ear cleaner such as OTI-CLENS or GENTL-CLENS (which includes an ear drying formula). These ear cleaners may be purchased online at Drs. Foster & Smith. For yeast infections, ask your vet for TRESEDERM or XENODINE. For ear infections, OTOMAX is most effective. To avoid continual infection recurrence, continue all treatments for at least 7 to 14 days. In extreme cases or dog with allergies may need up to a month of treatment. Ask your veterinarian for professional treatment advice.

CORTISONE/BENEDRYL CREAM: Relieves itchy rashes or insect bites. If the skin has yeast formations (dark black splotches), clean with BETADINE first. For serious itchy spots, consider using CALAMINE lotion, but avoid excessive use, for it will dry skin out. In cases where dogs don't like lotions, powders or sprays are also available. Also try grooming off any loose hair to reduce itching symptoms. Seek veterinary assistance if condition does not improve.

MALESEB DOG SHAMPOO: for recurring skin infections, helps fight both bacterial and yeast problems, which can create localized hot spots or oozing rashes. Please note: most skin problems are normally secondary to other more serious health issues. Please seek the advice of your veterinarian before treating any undiagnosed skin condition.

VASELINE (OR FAVORITE HAND LOTION): Immediate relief of flaking or dry skin. Please note: this is not necessarily a lasting or effective treatment. Other treatments for dry skin include adding amino acids, safflower, or fish oil to your pet's food.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE OR PREPARATION "H": To relieve and heal "hot spots". More generalized skin problems require increased bathing and/or prescribed medications.

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT: Treat all cuts and scratches to prevent infection.

Should excessive diarrhea, vomiting, or fever accompany a reaction, or if the symptoms persist, it may not be allergy related. Dogs don't get colds, but Shar-pei are susceptible to different viruses, causing cold-like symptoms.

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