Complete Guide to Pekingese Dog Care: Diet, Health Maintenance, and Daily Management

   The Pekingese dog, a small breed originally from China, is beloved by many pet owners due to its unique appearance and temperament. While the Pekingese is small and gentle, its distinct physical structure and needs require careful attention from its owner. This article provides a comprehensive care guide for Pekingese dogs, covering diet, health maintenance, and daily care to ensure your Pekingese stays healthy and happy.

Basic Information about the Pekingese Dog

• Scientific Name: Pekingese
• IQ Ranking: 73rd
• Size: Small dog
• Origin: China
• Use: Companion dog, toy dog
• Lifespan: 12-13 years
• Function: Companion, entertainment
• Coat: Long hair
• Characteristics: Loyal, gentle

Pekingese Dog Diet Management

Diet is a crucial aspect of maintaining your Pekingese's health. A balanced diet will provide essential nutrients and prevent many health issues caused by improper feeding.

Foods Suitable for Pekingese Dogs

1. High-Quality Dog Food: Choose high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds to ensure your Pekingese receives all the necessary nutrients, including protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality food also helps maintain a shiny coat and overall health.
2. Cooked Lean Meat: Chicken, beef, and pork are good sources of protein and energy. Always remove bones to avoid digestive tract injuries.
3. Cooked Egg Yolks: Rich in lecithin, egg yolks are great for maintaining coat health and skin condition. You can feed your Pekingese 2-3 egg yolks per week.
4. Vegetables: Carrots, pumpkins, and broccoli, when cooked, provide vitamins and fiber. These help support digestive health and overall well-being.
5. Fruits: Apples and bananas are safe for Pekingese dogs when served in small pieces, but always remove seeds to avoid digestive upset.

Foods to Avoid for Pekingese Dogs

1. Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat.
2. Onions and Garlic: These can destroy red blood cells and lead to anemia, which can be life-threatening.
3. Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure, sometimes leading to death.
4. Bones (Especially Chicken and Fish Bones): These can cause oral and digestive tract injuries.
5. Coffee and Tea: Contain caffeine, which can make your Pekingese overly excited, causing rapid heart rate and other adverse effects.
6. Alcohol: Highly toxic to dogs, affecting the liver and nervous system, and can be fatal.
7. High-Salt and High-Sugar Foods: These can lead to obesity, kidney problems, and diabetes.
8. Raw Meat and Raw Eggs: May contain harmful bacteria or parasites, which can cause digestive issues and other diseases.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Pekingese Dog

Advantages of the Pekingese

1. Gentle and Loyal: Pekingese dogs are very loyal and affectionate with their owners. They are particularly friendly towards children and make excellent family pets.
2. Compact Size: Their small size (typically around 12 pounds) makes them ideal for apartment living and small spaces.
3. Alertness: Despite their small size, Pekingese dogs are highly alert and will guard their home by barking when they sense strangers or unusual sounds.
4. Adaptability: As a native Chinese breed, the Pekingese is well adapted to a variety of climates, particularly the temperate climate of China, and is relatively easy to care for.

Disadvantages of the Pekingese

1. Weak Health: Pekingese dogs are prone to eye problems and respiratory issues due to their large, protruding eyes and flat faces.
2. Strong Odor: Even with regular baths and grooming, Pekingese dogs tend to have a stronger natural odor, which requires extra care and attention.
3. Hard to Train: Pekingese dogs rank low in intelligence and may be stubborn, requiring more patience and time to train.
4. Excessive Barking: Due to their high alertness, Pekingese dogs often bark at unfamiliar people or sounds, which can be disruptive to neighbors.
5. Complicated Grooming: With their long, dense fur, Pekingese dogs require daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles. During shedding seasons, extra care is needed to manage their shedding.

Pekingese Dog Care Guide

1. Diet Management

• Choose High-Quality Dog Food: Ensure the food you choose is appropriate for small breeds and provides all essential nutrients. Look for food high in protein and free from artificial colors and preservatives.
• Feed Regularly: Establish a consistent feeding schedule for your Pekingese, typically feeding two meals a day. Make sure portions are controlled to avoid obesity.
• Provide Fresh Water: Always ensure your Pekingese has access to clean, fresh water, especially after exercise.

2. Health Care

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule annual check-ups to monitor your Pekingese's health and address any potential issues early, particularly with its eyes, respiratory system, and teeth.
• Vaccinations: Follow your vet’s vaccination schedule to protect your Pekingese from common infectious diseases.
• Parasite Control: Regularly deworm your Pekingese and use flea and tick prevention treatments according to your vet’s recommendations.
• Eye Care: Due to their prominent eyes, Pekingese dogs are prone to eye infections. Clean their eyes regularly and watch for signs of irritation.
• Dental Care: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly using pet-safe toothpaste and provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup.

3. Daily Care

• Brush Fur: Pekingese dogs have long fur that can easily tangle. Brush their fur daily to keep it neat and prevent mats from forming.
• Bathing: Bathe your Pekingese once or twice a month using dog-specific shampoos. Make sure to avoid getting water in their ears or eyes.
• Exercise: While small, Pekingese dogs need regular exercise. Take your Pekingese for daily walks to ensure it gets enough physical activity and stays healthy.
• Socialization: Pekingese dogs enjoy being around people and other animals. Take them to dog parks or social gatherings to help them develop social skills.

4. Living Environment

• Comfortable Living Space: Provide a comfortable, warm, and dry space for your Pekingese to sleep. A soft dog bed or crate is ideal.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Pekingese dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Make sure their living environment is not too hot or too cold. In winter, provide warm bedding; in summer, ensure they stay cool with fans or air conditioning.