Pekingese Grooming Guide

Introduction to Grooming Needs of Pekingese

The Pekingese, with its regal demeanor and luxurious mane, is a toy breed that was once revered as a sacred dog in ancient China. Known for its distinctive flat face and lion-like appearance, the Pekingese boasts a long, flowing double coat that requires diligent grooming to maintain its splendor.

Coat Types:

• The Pekingese has a thick double coat: a soft, dense undercoat and a long, straight outer coat.
• Common coat colors range from gold, red, and sable to black and tan, white, and brindle.

Brushing Basics

The Pekingese’s opulent coat, while a sight to behold, is prone to matting and tangling and requires regular brushing.

Importance of Regular Brushing:

• Helps in removing dirt, debris, and loose hairs.
• Prevents tangles, knots, and matting.
• Stimulates the skin and distributes natural oils, ensuring a lustrous coat.

Types of Brushes Suitable for Pekingese:

• Slicker Brush: Ideal for detangling and removing loose hairs.
• Metal Comb: Useful for combing through the mane, tail, and the feathering on the legs.

Brushing Techniques:

• Brush in the direction of hair growth.
• Start from the head, moving towards the tail.
• Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and the belly.
• Use gentle strokes, ensuring not to pull or tug on the hair.

Bath Time: How Often and What to Use

Given their long and dense coat, Pekingese benefit from regular baths to maintain coat health and overall cleanliness.

Frequency:

• A bath every 3-4 weeks is typically sufficient, but it can vary based on the dog’s activities and environment.

Selecting Dog-Appropriate Shampoos:

• Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo that nourishes the coat and skin.
• Consider a conditioner to detangle and soften the coat, making it easier to brush post-bath.

Ensuring a Stress-Free Experience:

• Use lukewarm water for the bath.
• Gently wet the dog, avoiding the face and ears.
• Apply shampoo in a massaging motion, then rinse thoroughly.
• If using a conditioner, apply it after rinsing out the shampoo, then rinse again.
• Towel dry gently, and if necessary, use a blow dryer on a low setting to fully dry the coat, brushing as you go to prevent tangles.

Nail Trimming: Tips and Precautions

The Pekingese’s small stature and less active indoor lifestyle mean their nails might not wear down as quickly as those of more active breeds. Regular nail trims are essential to ensure comfort and proper foot health.

Tools to Use:

• Dog nail clippers: Either guillotine-style or scissor-style, based on your preference.
• Styptic powder: Essential for stopping any bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick.

Techniques:

• Hold the Pekingese’s paw gently but firmly.
• Trim a small bit of the nail at a time to avoid cutting into the quick.
• If you notice a change in the nail’s color or if you see a small dot in the center, stop — you’re nearing the quick.
• If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder immediately to stop the bleeding.

Addressing Shedding in Pekingese

The Pekingese, with its dense double coat, does shed, especially during seasonal changes. Regular grooming can help manage this shedding and keep the coat looking its best.

Shedding Patterns:

• Pekingese shed consistently throughout the year, with a more pronounced shedding during spring and fall.
• Regular grooming can help manage this shedding and maintain the coat’s health.

Managing Shedding:

• Brush your Pekingese several times a week to remove loose hairs and prevent matting.
• During shedding seasons, increase the frequency of brushing to manage the increased hair loss.

Safe Grooming Practices and Potential Challenges

Ensuring a safe and pleasant grooming experience is crucial for both the dog and the owner.

Dog-specific Products: Always opt for products specifically designed for dogs. Human products might be too harsh for their skin and can cause irritations or allergic reactions.

Watching Out for Skin Irritations: Regularly inspect your Pekingese’s skin for any signs of redness, rashes, or infections. If you notice any abnormalities, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.

Potential Grooming Challenges:

• Eye Care: Due to their prominent eyes, Pekingese can be prone to eye issues. Regularly check their eyes for any signs of redness or discharge and clean them using a vet-approved eye cleaner.
• Dental Care: Regular teeth brushing or dental chews can help prevent tartar buildup and ensure good oral health. Pekingese, with their compact jaws, can be prone to dental issues, so maintaining oral hygiene is crucial.