by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: January 04, 2010

Pekingese dogs, with those smashed in faces, round eyes, and silky coats, are among the sweetest of the lap dogs. They are recognized by most people due to their very distinct appearance. Looks alone, however, shouldn't be the only factor in a person's choice of dog breed to acquire. A person that is going to get a new dog should always educate themselves well about the breed beforehand. Having a pet is a serious commitment and one that should be made for the life of the pet, whenever possible. Some things that are very important to know are the health problems that the breed you are considering is prone to. The following are some of the most common health problems that Pekingese dogs, and their owners, have to deal with.

*Patellar Luxation-This is the dislocation of the kneecap that occurs when the knee slips out of its normal groove. It occurs in many miniature breeds and can typically be seen from birth. Surgical correction can be performed or the condition can be treated with steroid injections if it is not overly severe. Occasionally, the dog will have to have the leg removed, but can function quite well on the other three.

*Mitral Valve Regurgitation-This is where there is a malfunction on the left side of the heart which causes there to be a leak. Because of this valve problem, the heart becomes less efficient at its job of pumping the blood throughout the rest of the body. This usually occurs in dogs that are past their middle age. This causes a build-up of fluid in the lungs. Signs and symptoms include reduced tolerance for exercise, difficulties in breathing, or a cough at night when the dog is resting.

*Entropion-This is a disorder of the eyes in which the eyelids and eyelashes turn inwards towards the eyeball itself, rather than outwards. This can cause great irritation and even damage to the cornea of the eye itself. There are treatments available that will repair this issue.

*Birthing Problems-Many of the females of this breed will have trouble when it comes time to give birth to a litter of puppies. It is most prudent to have a veterinarian on call for when the time comes and to take the dog in for professional assistance.

*Allergies-This breed often has allergies, either food or airborne, and the effects of an allergic reaction generally come out on the skin. The dog may develop hot spots, rashes, or even infections.

*Ectropian-With this condition, the eyelids roll outwards and can cause corneal ulcers.

*Umbilical Hernia-Umbilical hernias are quite common in some breeds, and your puppy should be checked for these at the first checkup. If left untreated, the intestines can get caught up and strangled in the protrusions in the abdominal wall and cause death to your dog. Although most are discovered in puppies, you may not notice until they are older. If you feel a protrusion from the area where the umbilical cord would have been, see your vet as soon as possible.

One of the jobs of a responsible pet owner of any breed or species is to ensure that the animal is kept in the best health possible. This includes regular vet checks and vaccinations, as well as watching for and attending to any signs of illness as soon as possible. A Pekingese that is cared for and in good health can live between ten and fifteen years.

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