Beijing Dog, also known as the Palace Lion Dog, is an ancient Chinese breed with a history of four thousand years. Beijing Dog is a well-balanced and compact dog, with a heavy front and a light back. It has personality and strong expressiveness, and its image resembles a lion. It represents courage, boldness, and self-esteem more than beauty, elegance, or delicacy.
Currently, Beijing Dogs have become one of the most popular companion pets in China. Among the pets owned by citizens, the number of Beijing Dogs accounts for a considerable proportion, conservatively estimated to be over 30% of the total number of dogs. Except for a few purebred ones, most of the dogs are mixed breeds.
Distribution of Beijing Dogs
The Lion Dog is an ancient pet dog originating from China and is a beloved aristocratic pet. It is naturally gentle and lively, bringing joy to some people when they raise it. This dog likes a family environment and a clean outdoor environment. Its eyes shine brightly under the light.
Chinese people also call them "lucky dogs" and they are widely respected in many art works. Because they resemble lions, they are considered guardian gods (see: Lion Dance).
Beijing Dog, also known as the Palace Lion Dog, is the common name for the Beijing Dog in China, which is an ancient Chinese breed with a history of thousands of years. The Beijing Dog is a well-balanced and compact dog, with a heavy front and a light back. It has personality and strong expressiveness, with an appearance similar to a lion. It represents courage, boldness, self-esteem, which are more important than beauty, elegance, or delicacy.
1. Heart Disease
Dog heart disease is often associated with obesity and old age. When dogs have heart disease, they mainly show symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Dog heart disease is difficult to detect, and when the owner notices it, the dog is often seriously ill.
2. Infectious Diseases
Canine distemper and canine parvovirus are common malignant infectious diseases in dogs, with high mortality rates. Dogs that have not been vaccinated in a timely manner are highly susceptible to these two infectious diseases. Once they are sick, symptoms such as depression, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.
3. Kidney Disease
When it comes to common diseases and symptoms in dogs, kidney disease must be mentioned. The terrifying thing about dog kidney disease is the unconscious process of the disease. After the owner discovers it, the damage to the dog's kidney cells often exceeds 75%. When dogs have problems, the symptoms are usually hematuria, abnormal urine color, and changes in urination habits.
4. Parasites
Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms are commonly found parasites in dogs. When dogs are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, the main symptoms are weight loss, depression, diarrhea, presence of worms in the feces, and pale gums. Heartworms are parasites that parasitize the dog's heart. After dogs are infected, they may experience symptoms such as poor vitality, coughing, anemia, asthma, and abdominal effusion.
5. Canine Pneumonia
Pneumonia is also a common disease in dogs, but canine pneumonia is a complication of other diseases. It often occurs in dogs with abnormalities in the upper respiratory system, bacterial infections, canine distemper infections, viral colds, impaired lung function, and heartworm infections. Cough, nasal congestion, and fever are the main symptoms of canine pneumonia.
Newborn period: The newborn period is when the dog is born, relying mainly on mother's milk for survival. The body cannot regulate its temperature and needs the mother's heat for warmth. It has no hearing or vision in the first day and can only find the nipple by weak touch. At around 13 days, the eyes open, and at 15 days, the hearing develops. Teething starts at 20 days. From 21 to 28 days, the amount of milk is not enough, and the transition from liquid to semi-solid food begins. Diarrhea and constipation are common during this time, so lactase, probiotics, or goat milk powder/pet milk should be fed. For constipation during milk feeding, a small amount of vegetable oil can be fed, and abdominal massage can help with defecation. Deworming begins at 14 to 28 days old.
Puppy period: 1 to 2 months old- the digestive system of puppies is not fully developed, so they need careful care from their owners. Generally, they should be fed at least three times a day, with smaller meals depending on the condition of the puppies. Soak the dog food in warm water or goat milk powder and feed it gradually. Do not overfeed, or the puppies will have difficulty digesting. Make sure to give the puppies boiled water and avoid feeding them cow's milk, which can cause diarrhea. Probiotics should be given daily for intestinal regulation. Puppies at this stage have poor resistance to viruses and bacteria and should not be taken outside or in contact with cold patients to avoid getting sick. Immunization starts at 6 to 7 weeks old, and the immunization ends at 3 months old. It is best to bathe the puppies after the immunization is completed. Dry shampoo powder can be used for early bathing. Teething starts at 19 to 28 days old, and all milk teeth come out at 2 months old. They have certain learning abilities and can begin toilet training.
Adolescence: 3 to 6 months old. Puppies at this stage can gradually transition from soaked dog food to dry dog food. The feeding time should be gradually adjusted, and it is better to make the puppies' mealtime more regular. They still eat dog food and drink boiled water. However, during this period, the puppies' bones and muscles grow rapidly and require a large amount of protein and calcium. Their fur gradually changes to that of an adult dog, which is a critical period for coat maintenance and an awkward stage. Puppies at this stage exhibit dominant behavior, trying to establish their territory and control their owners. Destructive abilities increase. Their bodies grow rapidly, so they need regular exercise to maintain their body development.
Sexual maturity: 8 to 14 months old. At this stage, dogs enter sexual maturity and experience their first heat cycle. The first heat cycle can cause hormonal imbalance and disorder. Continuous heat, absence of heat, or false pregnancy can reduce the mating rate and increase the risk of difficult labor. It is necessary to supplement the nutrients that promote reproduction, such as vitamin E, organic chromium, and folic acid. It is important to note that first-time heat should not be allowed for mating. Attention to hygiene during the heat cycle is essential to prevent infection. If the dog is not intended for breeding, spaying can be done after the heat cycle is over.
Teenage period: 6 to 10 months old, 6 to 18 months old. At this time, dogs can eat dry dog food completely. Meat can also be added appropriately to enrich nutrition, such as cooked beef and chicken. However, it is important not to feed the dog chicken or duck bones, which can cause poor bone development. If necessary (such as poor nutrition, weak health, picky eating, etc.), some supplements can be given. Depending on the dog's actual condition, choose supplements such as vitamins, calcium, protein, or hair care products. Do not overdo it and do not supplement a large amount of nutrients at once out of love for the dog. Slow and steady nurturing is important. At this stage, the dog's bones and muscles grow rapidly and require a large amount of protein and calcium. They have a strong curiosity and cognitive ability and have a profound memory. It is the best period for learning.
Adult: Dogs from 1 to 6 years old. Dogs are considered adults by one year old and have almost reached their mature size. There are no specific dietary restrictions at this stage, but it is still important to supplement nutrients appropriately. Avoid feeding chicken or duck bones, avoid salty and spicy foods, feed cooked food instead of raw food, and avoid animal fat. If the dog catches a cold or falls ill, it should be taken to a pet hospital in a timely manner and not self-medicated unless you are a veterinarian. Be responsible for your beloved pet.
Old age: 8 to 18 years old. Dogs over 8 years old are equivalent to over 50 years old in human age and should enter their "old age." At this stage, the dog's organ functions decline, and age-related diseases such as diabetes, weakened liver and kidney function, bone and joint diseases become more common. It is important to pay attention to calcium supplementation to prevent diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, fractures, arthritis, and other diseases. Foods such as soy products and cartilage can be consumed more, and calcium supplements for dogs are available on the market. More sun exposure and walks should be added. Pay more attention to hygiene in daily life. Believe that the time spent with your dog will be longer.
1. Can't bathe frequently
When bathing a dog, it should not be too frequent. The frequency of bathing depends on the dog's hygiene. In hot weather, bathe the dog one or two more times, while in winter, reduce it by one or two times. But in general, it should not exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!
2. Brush regularly
Dogs shed almost every day, especially in spring and autumn when seasonal shedding is more severe. To ensure good hair growth, regular brushing is an important step. Pet owners can use pet-specific brushes to help the dog remove naturally shed hair and prevent tangling. Brushing once in the morning and once at night for about five minutes each time is sufficient.
3. Get sunlight
Sunbathing is beneficial for the dog's hair growth. In addition to making the fur more lustrous, letting the dog sunbathe can also help kill bacteria. While sunbathing, owners can encourage the dog to exercise, which can improve the dog's physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and help grow healthier hair.
4. Deworming
Poor fur condition is closely related to parasites. Parasites absorb a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, deworming is essential. It is recommended to do internal and external deworming together. Also, deworming medication can cause significant harm to the dog's gastrointestinal system, so it is advisable to feed probiotics regularly to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Pay attention to diet
In order for the dog to have shiny fur, a good nutritional foundation must be established, and attention should be paid to daily diet. On one hand, feed the dog with nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a brand that is suitable for the dog's needs and provides sufficient nutrition. On the other hand, give the dog a moderate amount of lean meat, boiled egg yolks, and plant oil.