One of the prettiest breeds in the dog world is the Lhasa Apso, with its long, flowing hair and its button nose. This is a non-sporting dog and is mainly kept as a companion breed, although some would use Apsos for guarding the inside of the home. They’re smart, playful, and mix well with the family but are quite aloof when it comes to strangers. Little as they may be in size, they are prone to barking up a storm.
The Lhasa Apso has an average height of about 9.8 inches at the withers and has a varied appearance, with fur that may be black, golden, red, honey, dark grizzle, parti-colour, sandy, slate, smoky, or white in colour. The most fascinating characteristic is their thick and heavy coat, with a straight, durable outer coat and a medium undercoat. Lhasa Apsos usually have dark eyes and black noses, with small, pendant ears. Remarkably, they live quite long with regard to dogs, even reaching their early 20s.
The history of the Lhasa Apso breed
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed, with their origins dating back to more than a thousand years ago. Historically, they used to guard the isolated palaces and monasteries in the Tibetan Himalayas. Lhasa Apsos were seen as a symbol of peace, protection and loyalty. In fact, they were named after the sacred city of Lhasa in Tibet.
In the twentieth century, some military folks returning from India to the United Kingdom brought a few Tibetan dogs along; these were mixed breeds that were collectively known as ‘Lhasa Terriers’. In America, Lhasas were first introduced in 1933, when the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, gifted a pair to C. Suydam Cutting when the latter visited Tibet. The American Kennel Club first placed the Lhasa Apso in the Terrier Group and then transferred them to the Non-Sporting Group in 1959.
Common health problems of Lhasa Apsos
Eye problems:
The Lhasa Apso is prone to a number of eye issues, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or KCS, Cataracts, and Glaucoma. In PRA, the photoreceptor cells in the retina start breaking down, leading to worsening night vision and eventual blindness. The common name of KCS is dry eye, in which the eyes stop producing tears effectively, thus leading to a lack of lubrication. The dry eyeballs and the dry underside of the lids rub against each other and cause ulcers and injuries. Cataracts happen due to a breakdown of protein and fibres in the lens of the eyes, leading to cloudy vision and then blindness. In Glaucoma, there is increased pressure within the eyeballs, leading to bulging eyes, discharge and, eventually, blindness.
Patellar luxation
This is a joint condition that may lead to arthritis if left untreated. In this the patella, or kneecap, gets misaligned out of its groove within the femur bone. This may cause pain, discomfort or inflammation. In some cases, the kneecap gets fixed on its own. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the kneecap. If your Lhasa Apso starts running around on three legs, Patellar Luxation may be a cause.
Dental disease
Dental diseases are very common in dogs, and the Lhasa is no exception. It starts as a thin layer of bacteria on the teeth called ‘plaque’. This plaque then hardens and becomes tartar. Eventually, the gums get infected, there is inflammation in the oral tissues, and it can even lead to tooth and bone decay. Food that is high in starch may be one of the causes of this plaque build-up. Routine brushing and cleaning of teeth is very important to prevent periodontal disease.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is something that affects a lot of smaller breeds, especially those with short snouts and flat faces. The Lhasa Apso is one of those breeds. This condition may make it difficult for them to breathe very easily. They may take noisy breaths, snore, pant, or get reverse sneezes. There is not much you can do to manage this syndrome except keep their weight at a healthy level so that extra weight doesn’t put extra pressure on the respiratory system.
Skin allergies & infections:
The Lhasa Apso usually has a long and luxurious double coat, which pet parents often like to style and cut in fancy shapes. However, this coat can make them prone to overheating, skin allergies, and secondary infections. Moisture and debris may get trapped in the thick coat and give space for bacteria and fungi to grow, causing various skin and coat issues.
What are the nutritional needs of Lhasa Apsos?
Good quality protein: Even though the Lhasa Apso is not a very muscular or active breed, they still need a good amount of high-quality protein in their diet. This is because protein either builds or supports every function of the body. Protein helps maintain bones and joints, protects coat and skin, and supports eye health. All of this is very necessary for the Lhasa.
Essential fats: The major energy for a dog should come from essential fats added to the diet. That being said, they shouldn’t be eating fatty food in the way we imagine it. Their diet should be rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, some sources being fatty fish, fish oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, eggs, etc. These are especially good for skin and coat.
Carbs rich in dietary fibre: Excess carbohydrates in dogs’ diets may cause more harm than good, since it may lead to weight gain and other issues. Therefore, carbs that are rich in dietary fibre as well as other micronutrients, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, quinoa, oats, etc,. may be given to Lhasa Apsos. The dietary fibres also help in nutrient absorption and smooth bowel movement.
Vitamins & minerals: A proper amount of vitamins and minerals is essential in every dog’s diet. For Lhasa Apsos, calcium, vitamin D3, phosphorus, and vitamin C are necessary for bone and joint health; vitamin A helps protect vision; and zinc and vitamins A, C, and E maintain skin and coat.
Hydration: A dog’s body is 60-70% water, and it is an essential component in every bodily function, from the digestion to circulation to hormonal secretion and nervous functions as well. This is why keeping your Lhasa Apso hydrated is crucial, especially since they are prone to overheating and breathing trouble. Besides water, bone broths are also great for them because they contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, which are great for joints, bones, skin, and coat.
How to keep your Lhasa Apso’s coat healthy?
Lhasa Apsos have one of the most beautiful, sleek, shiny, and soft coats in the canine world. They’re also quite long, prone to matting, and difficult to maintain. So, keeping their coat healthy is of paramount importance for a happy, healthy, and thriving Lhasa Apso pup.
To begin with, proper and regular grooming is necessary. Some pet parents keep their Lhasa’s coat short to make it more manageable. If you’re a first-time pet parent, a single pet parent, or a very busy one, it is probably best to do this for the sake of your pup’s health. However, if you want to keep your Lhasa Apso’s coat long and flowy like a curtain in their signature style, you have to brush the coat daily; check for debris, rashes, or matting regularly (especially behind the ears, near the paws, and on the belly); and keep the coat clean with periodic baths or pet-safe wipes.
Apart from that, what you feed your Lhasa Apso also affects their coat. Feeding them bone broths that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen are great for their coat because they help in maintaining the health and shine of the fur. A proper amount of high-quality protein provides the essential amino acids required to keep their coat shiny and skin barrier strong. Food with fish oil, flaxseeds, etc., also supports coat health.
Why is it important to feed 100% natural, human-grade dog food to your Lhasa Apso?
The most important aspect of dog food that is 100% natural and made with human-grade materials is that it is high in quality. How so?
Firstly, it is made entirely from natural ingredients: everyday meats, veggies, and fruits that we can find in our homes. No chemicals, no preservatives, no additives that one can’t even pronounce.
Secondly, all the ingredients are human-grade, meaning they are safe enough for human consumption. So, essentially, it is made with ingredients that you and I eat in our daily lives.
Feed-grade ingredients, which are usually what are used to make dog food, are often byproducts, derivatives, rejected scraps, and leftovers from human food manufacturing. These are low in quality and nutritional value, leaving your dog’s food deficient in crucial micro- and macronutrients. 100% natural, human-grade dog food is balanced specifically to provide your pup with whatever they need to develop, maintain, and protect their bodies.
Looking to explore more tips on how to look after your furry friend? Check out our other guides likeCan Dogs Eat Apples?,Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?,Dog Food for Weight Loss,Raw v/s cooked meat for dogs,Home Remedies to cure tick fever,Finding Good Dog Food in India,How many times should I feed my dog?,Things you should do to keep your pet healthy,Types of Dog Food,How Prebiotics and Probiotics can improve your dog's digestion,Essential Tips for a New Dog Parent, and others. Each guide is designed to help you make better food and care choices for your dog, to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lhasa_Apso
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso/
https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/utility/lhasa-apso/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/lhasa-apso
https://manypets.com/uk/articles/lhasa-apso-common-health-problems/
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