My Sharpei breaks out when he eats chicken and eggs
October 27, 2001 | 12:00am
Q. I am a proud owner of a 13-month old male Sharpei, Magoo. I won him when he was five months old in a raffle during Vet Week last February at UPLB. He is registered with the PCCI. However, when I got Magoo, his eyelids were "inside out" or he had entropion. He had an operation last July to correct it. His vaccinations are also up-to-date.
One morning, we noticed he had red spots (like mosquito bites) on his face and head area, his body, hind legs, penis and balls. We took him to his vet and she said that it might be due to his food. We were told to feed him only one brand of dog food and to give him paracetamol three times a day if he has fever.
I have a couple of questions:
1. The vet said Magoo is allergic to chicken and eggs because he got puffy and red around the mouth area when he was given this dog food as a puppy. Can he outgrow this allergy to chicken and eggs now that he’s a year-and-a-month old?
2. Magoo eats better when I feed him lamb and rice dry dog food mixed with beef canned dog food. Am I doing something wrong mixing different types and brands of dog food?
5. Is there an alternative for cleaning a dog’s teeth besides Dentabone? Magoo doesn’t care for these synthetic teeth-cleaning bones. What kind of dog treats should I give him – biscuit or beef jerky? Can these ruin his appetite?
6. Is it OK for Sharpeis to be bathed twice a week? Will he catch cold?
3. What do you think caused those red spots? Is this harmful to his reproductive organs? Should I go and ask another vet’s opinion?
4. When is the best time for Sharpei’s to mate?
7. Do you know of a reputable breeder from which we can purchase a mate for Magoo? What should I look for in a female to rule out the chances of entropion and other diseases in their puppies? I surfed the Net and read that one should not buy from pet shops because the breed might not be 100 per cent pure bred? Is this true?
8. Is there a way to train a Sharpei? I read that they are stubborn and Magoo certainly is! He knows how to get in and out of his house but I can’t seem to get him to stay or come to me from a distance. So I don’t let him out of the house because he might get lost or get stolen by passers-by (Magoo is very friendly and will go with anyone!) Any training tips?
I really adore Magoo because he’s my first dog in all of my 26 years and I treat him like my own child. - MARIA (Magoo’s human mom)
A. Sharpeis are very cute especially when they are young and have plenty of folds on their bodies. But precisely because of these folds, their skin more often becomes susceptible to skin diseases. Every time they are bathed, it is necessary to dry and clean them well.
Like some babies, Sharpeis develop allergies to eggs but could overcome it at a certain age. It is better, however, to keep giving them eggs and similar food, little by little, so they could produce immunity.
By mixing different types of dog food, you might increase the percentage of protein intake which might later cause some kidney problems. It is all right to give dogs a high-protein diet while they are young but as they age, their protein intake must be moderated.
Red spots do not affect reproduction. It is just that Sharpeis are prone to skin diseases. When can you accept stud services? The diet of a male dog is different from that of a female. If you are getting Magoo ready for stud service, you should add some "pep" food and vitamins to his diet.
Dental scaling should be practised every six months, especially on dogs eating a wet diet. Check with your vet for dental scaling procedures.
During the summer months, you can bathe Magoo twice a week, and during cold months, once a week. You can also use dry shampoo but be sure that after bathing, the dog is properly and fully dried, giving special attention to the folds of his skin.
Apart from skin diseases, Entropion is also common among Sharpeis because of their body folds. You can check with the Philippine Canine Club Inc (PCCI), tel. nos. 721-83-45 or 721-71-52 for information on Sharpei breeders and reputable pet shops.
You can get a dog trainer to give him obedience lessons. It is possible you might have spoiled him. As the saying goes, "there are no stubborn pets, only stubborn pet owners."
A. Giving a dog to a friend is a decision wrapped with many considerations, including your friend’s gender, the space available for the dog in his/her house, his/her work, interests, hobbies, and budget, as well as that of his/her companions at home.
Your male/female friends who are into sports in a big way might need a dog that has good stamina as a companion. The dog need not be big but must surely be the active type. In this case, you may choose to get your friend a German Shepherd, Boxer, Mini Pin, Husky, or Great Dane.
Your friends who are home buddies may need a companion dog that wants to play and stay indoors. These friends may have a lot of time to groom and beautify a dog’s locks, or just have fun and cuddle up with pets. The poodle, Shih-Tzu, Maltese, Chow-Chow and Retrievers will be a hit with these friends.
For inquiries on reputable breeders in the country, ring up the Philippine Canine Club (PCCI), tel. nos. 721-83-45 or 721-71-52. For Schnauzers, Dr. Ned Cabanlig has the dog champion of the year. For Mini Pins, Jojie San Jose and Alex Tantoco have the champion line. They are among the breeders listed under the PCCI.
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