Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend.” They are loyal, affectionate, devoted, and always show their owners unconditional loyalty. However, they are also prone to displaying different moods and it takes a good knowledge of pet body language to understand them.
There are many breeds of dogs in the world and the Lhasa Apso breed is one of them. The Lhasa Apso breed originated in Tibet, where they were considered as prized watchdogs in their mountainous homeland’s palaces and monasteries. Today’s Lhasa is more of a family companion that loyally safeguards their family from danger. This role is far from the palace keeper role it was known for in the past.
Despite its small stature, the Lhasa Apso dog is strong and independent. These dogs are adaptable to almost any home, including apartment buildings, and they get along well with inexperienced pet parents. If you can meet the requirements of caring for this breed, you’ll have a playful, loving, family member and companion.
If you want to learn more about the history of the Lhasa Apso, you can check here.
How to Care for the Lhasa Apso Dog Breed
The following tips will come in handy:
Feeding
The amount of food an adult dog consumes is determined by age, size, build, metabolism, and exercise or activity level. Pets, like people, are individuals who do not require the same quantity of food. A highly active dog will require more food than a fat lazy one. The quality of the dog food you purchase also matters, the higher the quality of the food, the more it will go toward nourishing your pet.
Grooming
The Lhasa coat has a stunning appearance. It is usually long, dense, and straight and you can find it in a variety of colors, including honey, white, black, slate, and parti-color. Maintaining the Lhasa coat’s beauty is time-consuming and difficult. Brushing and combing should be done regularly, if not daily, and bathing should be done regularly (every two to four weeks).
Many owners choose to hire a professional groomer because, while a dedicated owner can try to manage the Lhasa’s coat, it is not a simple task. Some owners choose to have their Lhasa’s coat clipped short to reduce grooming time.
Dental Care
Clean your Lhasa’s teeth no less than twice per week to rid it of tartar and other microorganisms. Brushing the teeth daily is even a lot better especially if your goal is to totally prevent gum disease as well as bad breath.
In a month, ensure you trim your dog’s nails about twice or at least once. This will help prevent painful breakages and other issues. Dog toenails contain blood vessels, so if you cut deeper than you should, bleeding may ensue, making your dog wary of the entire activity and less likely to want to cooperate when next you feel it’s time for another trim. It may therefore be a good idea to seek the assistance of a veterinarian or pet groomer especially if you’re not confident you can get it done without incidence.
Ear Check
Check the ears regularly for inflammatory signs like redness, pain or swelling. You should also check for bad odor which can be a sign of infection. Be careful not to insert anything into the ear canal when cleaning it. Only clean the external ear using a cotton ball that is dampened with an ear cleaner for a thorough cleaning.
Exercise
The apsolopso breed is not a high-energy dog. You will find that they are usually content with sitting on their owner’s lap, wandering around the house, playing with toys, and alerting owners to passersby.
House Training a Lhasa Apso can be difficult, so crate training is recommended. Also, keep in mind that this pet will most likely take some time to mentally mature. Even if they reach the full size at one year of age, their behavior will still be puppyish. Just stay positive and consistent with the training.
Health Issues to Look Out for
The Lhasa Apso is a relatively healthy breed, but like other breeds, it is susceptible to certain health problems. Here are some of them:
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is the prolapse of the third eyelid, it is a condition that occurs when the third eyelid gland is swollen. At the inner corner or media canthus of the dog’s eye, it appears to be a red mass resembling a cherry. The treatment option is usually surgery.
Patellar Luxation
This is a predominant issue in small dogs. The term “luxation” refers to the dislocation of a bone or joint. Patellar (kneecap) luxation occurs when the knee joint slides in and out of position, causing pain. Although this can be crippling, many pets with this disorder live relatively normal lives.
If you need treatment options for this condition, you can check here: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/pet-health-hub/conditions/luxating-patella-in-dogs
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This is a group of eye diseases that cause the retina to gradually deteriorate. Affected animals are night-blind early in the course of the disease, as the condition worsens, they lose their sight during the day. Provided their environments do not change, most affected pets adjust well to their impaired or damaged vision.
Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia
This is a developmental or hereditary defect that causes the kidneys to be notably small and irregularly shaped. The severity tends to vary. For instance, seriously affected puppies are persistently thirsty and small for their age, and they frequently suffer kidney failure. Moderately affected dogs may not exhibit any symptoms.
Allergies
Allergies are a popular problem in dogs, including the Lhasa Apso. Food allergies can be treated by removing certain foods from the dog’s diet. Contact allergies are triggered by a hypersensitivity to substances like beddings, dog shampoos, flea powders, and other chemicals.
Inhalant allergies are induced by airborne allergens like mildew and pollen dust. Depending on the cause of the allergic reaction, treatment options that are available may include medications, dietary restrictions, and environmental changes.
Conclusion
A Lhasa dog can be an excellent addition to any home. However, it is important to prioritize your canine companion’s comfort and wellbeing. In this article, we have outlined some helpful hints on caring for your favorite pet.
Always remember that a thorough weekly examination will assist you in detecting potential health issues early. Don’t underestimate the importance of regular visits to a veterinary hospital for routine medical checkups.
