Pekingese Disc and Spinal Disease — Lifelong Care Checklist for Brachycephalic Breeds

JointBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Pekingese are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their short legs and elongated spine, characteristic of brachycephalic breeds. Here’s a summary of age-specific care tips and emergency warning signs.

What Kind of Breed Is the Pekingese?

Pekingese are a small breed particularly susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their characteristic short legs and elongated spinal structure typical of brachycephalic breeds. The key to lifelong care is protecting the discs, spine, and eyes simultaneously. Simply avoiding excessive jumping, obesity, and sudden impacts during walks can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Why Are Pekingese Susceptible to Disc Disease?

Pekingese are classified as a chondrodystrophic breed. Dogs in this group tend to experience early degeneration of the nucleus pulposus within their intervertebral discs, which weakens the cushioning function that absorbs shock. Additionally, their short-legged, long-backed body structure places significant stress on each individual vertebra. Symptoms often first appear between the ages of 3 and 6.

Top 5 Common Conditions to Watch for in Pekingese

Disc disease (IVDD): Herniated intervertebral discs can compress the spinal cord, leading to pain and paralysis.

Patellar luxation: Due to their short-legged structure, the kneecap is prone to slipping inward.

Proptosis: Brachycephalic breeds have shallow eye sockets, making the eyes vulnerable to popping out upon impact.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): Narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate can cause labored breathing.

Corneal ulcers: Protruding eyes are more susceptible to drying out or getting scratched.

A Pekingese undergoing a check-up at the animal hospital

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If You Notice These Signs

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Neurological damage caused by a disc herniation becomes harder to reverse the longer treatment is delayed, so it is crucial to get to a clinic as soon as possible. 1) Sudden weakness or dragging of the hind legs. 2) Crying out or yelping when the back is touched. 3) Inability to control urination or defecation. 4) Eyes appearing more protruded than usual. 5) Lips and gums turning purple during breathing. In particular, if a condition that initially presented only as pain progresses to paralysis or urinary incontinence, emergency surgery may be required. Please monitor the progression of symptoms closely.

Four Key Principles for Disc and Spinal Care

Weight Management: Excess weight strains both the spine and respiratory system, so aim to keep your pet within 10% of their ideal body weight. Even a small amount of extra weight can reduce mobility, so stay vigilant.

Jump Prevention: Intervertebral discs act as cushions for the spine during high-impact activities like running and jumping. Climbing on and off sofas or beds is a common trigger for disc issues. Always provide pet stairs.

Slip Prevention: Hardwood floors can cause slipping, which twists the spine. Use rugs or mats to protect your pet’s movement paths.

Harness Use: Replace collars with chest harnesses to reduce strain on both the spine and trachea.

A safe living room environment with pet stairs and rugs laid out

Age-Specific Care Checklist for Pekingese

Item	Puppy–2 years	3–6 years	7 years and older
Key observation points	Patella, heart murmur	Early disc symptoms	Disc, heart, kidney
Checkup frequency	Once a year	1–2 times a year	Twice a year
Recommended exercise	Short walks on flat ground	30-minute walks on flat ground	Short, frequent walks
Weight management intensity	Moderate	Strict	Strict
Eye exam	Once a year	Once a year	Once every 6 months

There is individual variation, so please consult your attending veterinarian to adjust the schedule.

Proptosis: What Brachycephalic Owners Must Know

According to veterinary ophthalmology textbooks, proptosis is most common in brachycephalic breeds, with particularly high incidence rates reported in Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Lhasa Apsos. Pekingese, also being brachycephalic, have shallow eye sockets, meaning their eyes can be displaced even by minor trauma, such as being pulled on a leash, colliding with another dog, or sustaining facial injuries. If an eye becomes proptosed, do not touch it. Instead, keep the surface moistened with a physiological solution like saline and transport your pet to a veterinary clinic immediately to minimize corneal damage and maximize the chances of preserving vision.

Environments Brachycephalic Pekingese Should Avoid for Life

Brachycephalic breeds are highly vulnerable to heat, high humidity, and excessive exercise due to their unique respiratory anatomy. 1) Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day in summer (only walk at dawn or dusk when temperatures exceed 25°C). 2) Avoid air travel in the cargo hold whenever possible, as it carries a high risk of mortality. 3) Minimize exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and diffusers, given their short nasal passages. 4) Never pull on the leash when your pet is excited, as this can simultaneously endanger both the eyes and the trachea.

Daily Care Points to Attend to at Home

Eye Area Hygiene: Gently wipe away eye discharge and tear stains daily using gauze moistened with warm water.

Facial Wrinkle Care: Moisture can accumulate in the wrinkles around the nose, leading to dermatitis. After meals and walks, gently pat the area dry with clean gauze.

Back and Spine Check: Once a week, slowly stroke your pet’s back to check for any signs of pain or flinching.

Gait Observation: Dragging the hind legs or turning the paws inward may indicate neurological issues.

A guardian gently wiping the face of a Pekingese.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should Pekingese dogs be taken for walks too?

Yes, about 20 to 30 minutes a day on flat ground is appropriate. However, during the heat of summer, brachycephalic breeds can experience significant respiratory strain, so it’s safer to walk them in the early morning or evening.

Can supplements help prevent disc disease?

While ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin are sometimes used as supplements, the evidence supporting their effectiveness in preventing disc disease is limited. Supplements alone cannot prevent disc problems, so the top priorities are maintaining a healthy weight, preventing jumping, and managing activity levels.

Should Pekingese dogs avoid going up and down stairs?

While a step or two is generally fine, repeatedly going up and down stairs places significant strain on the spine. The impact is particularly high when descending, so we recommend carrying your pet down instead.

At what stage of a disc condition is surgery absolutely necessary?

Mild cases with pain alone often improve with conservative treatments such as medication and rest, and the success rate of conservative treatment for cases with pain and mild paralysis where the pet can still walk is relatively high. However, surgery should be considered if the paralysis is severe, if the pet loses bladder control, or if neurological symptoms worsen during treatment. Since the likelihood of recovery decreases the longer treatment is delayed, prompt decision-making is crucial.

What is the average lifespan of a Pekingese?

Typically, they live to be around 12 to 15 years old. With proper care for their discs, heart, and respiratory system, they can enjoy a longer, healthier life with you.