Pekingese Skin & Atopy Care Guide | Managing Facial Folds and Dense Double Coat

The flowing mane-like coat and flat face with deep wrinkles—the Pekingese's distinctive appearance carries the elegance of ancient Chinese royalty, but also demands extra attention to skin health. The areas between facial folds and beneath the thick double coat are prone to moisture buildup, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation and atopic flare-ups.

01Why Is Pekingese Skin More Vulnerable?

The Pekingese is a brachycephalic breed with a characteristically flat facial structure, resulting in deep facial folds around the nose, under the eyes, and around the mouth. These folds have poor air circulation and tend to trap saliva, tears, and food debris, creating an ideal environment for bacterial and yeast proliferation.

Additionally, the long, abundant double coat that covers the entire body provides excellent insulation but hinders ventilation at the skin surface and easily traps allergens like pollen and dust mites, increasing the risk of atopic dermatitis. In fact, Pekingese are among the breeds commonly affected by Malassezia yeast infections and contact dermatitis.

Weighing 3–6 kg and standing close to the ground, their chest and belly fur comes into direct contact with ground moisture and grass allergens during walks, potentially triggering skin irritation. Symptoms may worsen in hot, humid summer conditions.

02Wrinkle Care: The First Step to Healthy Skin

The cornerstone of Pekingese skin care is maintaining clean facial folds. Once daily, use soft gauze or low-irritation pet wipes to gently clean the nose folds and under-eye wrinkles, removing secretions and moisture. After wiping, ensure the area is completely dry; if needed, apply a small amount of cornstarch to absorb residual moisture.

If you notice redness, odor, or discharge between the folds, these may be early signs of bacterial or yeast infection, and prompt veterinary consultation is recommended. As a preventive measure, using low-irritation antibacterial wipes 1–2 times per week may also help.

Wrinkle Care Checklist

• Clean at a consistent time each morning or evening
• Pat dry with clean gauze after wiping
• Follow the natural fold direction and clean thoroughly into the creases
• Consult your vet immediately if you notice red spots, odor, or discharge

03Managing Skin Beneath the Long Double Coat

The Pekingese undercoat is extremely dense and prone to matting. Beneath matted fur, the skin can become macerated or develop hot spots (acute moist dermatitis). Daily brushing is not optional—it's essential. Use a slicker brush and cushion pin brush together to gently work through the undercoat.

Bathe every 2–3 weeks using a low-irritation, hypoallergenic shampoo, and ensure thorough rinsing and drying. Shampoo residue or moisture left on the skin can exacerbate atopy, so after towel drying, use a blow dryer on a low, warm setting to dry completely down to the undercoat. Pay special attention to areas prone to retaining moisture: armpits, groin, and behind the ears.

In summer, trimming the fur on the belly and inner legs can improve ventilation and reduce allergen contact. However, avoid exposing skin directly to prevent UV irritation; maintain an appropriate length.

04Atopic Symptoms: Early Detection and Home Care

Common signs of atopic dermatitis in Pekingese include:

• Repeated licking or scratching of paws, ears, belly, and armpits
• Reddened skin and increased dandruff
• Fur discoloration to brown (saliva staining from licking)
• Stronger-than-usual skin odor

Atopy requires long-term management rather than a cure. To reduce environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen), wash bedding at least weekly, use an air purifier, and after walks, rinse your dog's paws and belly with lukewarm water to remove allergens.

If food allergies are suspected, consult your vet about trying a single-protein or hypoallergenic prescription diet. Some owners incorporate omega-3 fatty acid supplements or skin barrier–supporting home care solutions (e.g., ANITOK Hair), but these should only be used after veterinary diagnosis and approval.

05Improving Indoor Environment and Daily Habits

Pekingese are heat-sensitive and have delicate respiratory systems as a brachycephalic breed, so maintaining indoor temperatures of 22–24°C and humidity between 40–60% benefits skin health. Excessive dryness damages the skin barrier, while high humidity accelerates bacterial growth.

Clean floors with low-irritation detergents and avoid irritants like air fresheners, scented candles, and cigarette smoke. Pekingese have sensitive noses and short airways, making them particularly reactive to chemical irritants.

During walks, avoid hot asphalt and grass treated with herbicides. After returning home, wipe down paw pads, belly, and inner legs with a damp towel to remove outdoor allergens. This small routine can significantly reduce atopic flare-ups.

06Supporting Skin Health Through Nutrition and Immunity

Skin is a 'mirror of internal health.' When Pekingese consume a balanced diet rich in quality protein, essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6), vitamin E, and zinc, skin barrier function and immunity are strengthened, which may help alleviate atopic symptoms.

Choose treats that are simple and free of artificial additives. When introducing new foods, do so one at a time with at least a 2-week observation period for allergic reactions. Pekingese are particularly food-motivated and prone to obesity, and excess weight deepens skin folds and increases inflammation risk, making weight management crucial.

Adequate hydration is also essential for skin moisture. Always provide fresh water, and consider incorporating wet food or moistening dry kibble.