Everything You Need To Know About The Tibetan Spaniel Breed

Tibetan Spaniel Introduction

Families with young children and other animals may have a more difficult time finding the right breed when adopting a new dog. Finding a dog that is friendly, affectionate, and family-oriented is likely important to these types of households. Given that some breeds are more focused on hunting, exercise, or play than spending time with their family members, it’s important to know what the breed that you are adopting is going to be like.

Tibetan Spaniels are the perfect match for these families, whether they have small children, other animals, or both living within their homes. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are highly affectionate dogs who love to spend time with their human companions. They may take longer to warm up to strangers, but once they do, they are sure to be the star of the show, which they love. Tibetan Spaniels have a high need to socialize, meaning that they want to be around you, your family, friends, and other animals as much as possible.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies adapt well to their home environment and can easily live in a big house or a smaller condo. They are relatively easy for novice owners, so if you have never had a dog before and are looking to adopt your first canine companion, Tibetan Spaniels are the perfect candidates to consider taking home.

While Tibetan Spaniels do well in different home environments, this may not be the case for various climates. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults don’t do well in cold weather. If you adopt a Tibetan Spaniel and live where winter months dip into freezing temperatures, purchasing them some clothing can help your Tibetan Spaniel tolerate the cold weather. In addition, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults may not do very well in hot weather. During the summer months, be sure to provide them with lots of water and air conditioning if possible.

One important thing to note about the Tibetan Spaniel is that they don’t do well being alone. If you are someone who works long hours during the day or night, this breed may not be the right fit for you. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are very social and need someone in their home a majority of the time to keep them company.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies are known for their beautiful, luxurious coats that set them apart from other breeds. Despite their beautiful coat, a Tibetan Spaniel won’t shed excessively, meaning that you won’t be spending a large number of hours sweeping up dog hair around your home. In addition, this breed is not known for drooling and they are relatively easy to groom. The overall health of Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is excellent, though they can be prone to certain conditions and weight gain.

Tibetan Spaniels are known to have a moderate energy level. They love to play with other dogs and humans, but they aren’t one of the most active breeds out there. Tibetan Spaniel puppies aren’t the best with sports given their small size and scrunched face, therefore they may not be the ideal jogging or hiking buddy. Nevertheless, they still need daily exercise such as a short walk or indoor play to keep them healthy and help release energy.

On average, you can expect your Tibetan Spaniel to reach around 10 inches tall and weigh 9 to 15 pounds. With an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, you can expect to have many fun-filled days with your Tibetan Spaniel as they grow older.

If you are looking for someone to watch over your home and family, a Tibetan Spaniel is the perfect fit. This breed is relatively territorial and will sound the alarm when a stranger approaches your home. Once you have shown that this stranger is welcome in your home, with time your Tibetan Spaniel will trust them as well.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are known for being relatively vocal and may bark for various reasons. While some owners may not want a vocal dog, a Tibetan Spaniel can be trained not to bark excessively and won’t do so unless appropriate. Overall, Tibetan Spaniels can be taught to do a variety of different things. While this training may take some time and consistency, with your commitment and efficient training strategies, your Tibetan Spaniel will be sitting, laying down, and much more.

No matter what type of household that you are bringing a Tibetan Spaniel into, they are sure to be one of the best dogs that you have ever owned.

Tibetan Spaniel History

Unsurprisingly, Tibetan Spaniels got their beginning in Tibet with a religious symbolic meaning behind their existence. They are an ancient breed with a deep history in Asian regions of the world. Tibetan Spaniels were bred by Buddhist monks to resemble small lions, which are considered symbolic of Buddha’s triumph over violence and aggression.

In addition to their symbolic appearance, Tibetan Spaniels are also believed to be treasured by monks because of their commitment to protection. Many believe that Buddhist monks, also known as lamas, used these small dogs to alert them if anyone ever approached the lamasery.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults held a high status amongst this society and were often presented as gifts to rulers and nobles. There were many exchanges of dogs, such as the Tibetan Spaniel, between China, Japan, and Tibet. Because of this, they likely share a very common ancestry with various breeds, such as the Japanese Chin, the Shih Tzu, and the Pekingese. Though the Tibetan Spaniel is its own distinguished breed, many similarities exist with these other breeds that were popular in Asian regions at the time.

While Tibetan Spaniels were very popular amongst Buddhist monks, they were also well loved amongst Tibetan villagers. Early Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults during this time often came in a wide variety of sizes. The smallest Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults were highly valued and typically given to lamaseries. Here, they were likely crossed with other more elegant dogs that were given as gifts to Tibet from China.

While Tibetan Spaniels were popular in Asian regions for many centuries, they didn’t arrive in Western society until the 19th century. The first Tibetan Spaniel was brought to England by Mrs. McLaren Morris in 1898. Then, in the 1920s, Agnes R.H. Greig began what resulted in a breeding program of Tibetan Spaniels in England. Greig was given a Tibetan Spaniel as a token of gratitude for a surgery that she performed on a nobleman’s wife. After some time, she was able to reproduce Tibetan Spaniel puppies after requesting ownership of a second dog, leading to a major establishment of the breed. The Tibetan Spaniel breed gained popularity in England, temporarily becoming less common during World War II, until 1974 when certain individuals attempted to bring this breed back.

After a recovery in England, the first litter of Tibetan Spaniel puppies was born in the United States in 1965 to parents that were brought to the U.S. from Tibet by Mr. Harrington. Thanks to efforts by Leo Kearns, the sexton of Trinity Lutheran Church located in New Haven, Connecticut, the Tibetan Spaniel breed began attracting public attention. Mr.Kearns owned a Tibetan Spaniel puppy that his parishioners were very interested in, which eventually reproduced to create the first Tibetan Spaniel puppies born in the United States.

Among the owners of these Tibetan Spaniel puppies that were bred by Kearns was Mrs. Jay Child, who set out on a mission to further the Tibetan Spaniel presence in the United States. She founded the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America in 1971, and later in 1984, this breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Tibetan Spaniel Intelligence

Tibetan Spaniels are highly intelligent dogs who can be taught to do a variety of things. House training Tibetan Spaniel puppies or adults typically isn’t too challenging, as long as it is done with the correct techniques. While Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are independent, they still take well to training and enjoy learning new things from their owners.

The best way to successfully train Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is by using positive reinforcement. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults respond best to pets, praise, and treats when they do something correct during training. Harsh actions and words may deter them in your training goals and should be avoided.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies should be trained from a young age. Training them from ten weeks old makes them much more obedient than waiting until they are older to try and train them. Training can be done at home, though enrolling Tibetan Spaniel puppies into puppy school is highly recommended. In these courses, Tibetan Spaniel puppies not only receive training but also have the opportunity to socialize.

Socializing Tibetan Spaniel puppies from a young age has shown to make them bark less, be warmer to strangers, and even reduce anxiety. This young socialization allows Tibetan Spaniel puppies to explore new situations, people, and dogs in a safe and trusted environment. In doing so, they can overcome some possible fears of the unknown and become more well-rounded dogs. Working with your Tibetan Spaniel for training and socialization will be a rewarding process for both you and your pup.

Tibetan Spaniel Cognitive Health

Cognitive health is an extremely important part of every dog’s overall health, including Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. While dogs can have naturally high intelligence levels, cognitive health is what allows them to get the most out of their intelligence. Without cognitive health, a Tibetan Spaniel will have a hard time listening to commands, remembering household rules, and using their motor skills.

Unfortunately, just like with humans, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults can be susceptible to declining cognitive health as they age. Knowing the signs and symptoms of cognitive decline in an aging Tibetan Spaniel is the key to ensuring that they get the medical treatment that they need to live a fulfilling life.

The most common cognitive health issue for a Tibetan Spaniel to experience is called canine cognitive dysfunction, more commonly known as canine dementia. Older dogs can be prone to this condition, including the Tibetan Spaniel. It’s important to note that just because some dogs are prone to various conditions doesn’t mean that developing them is inevitable. Many Tibetan Spaniels will go their entire lives without experiencing any cognitive health issues, including canine dementia.

Canine Dementia

Canine dementia is the most common cognitive health condition for any dog to face. Canine dementia is caused by a build-up of plaque in the brain, which is believed to be caused by an accumulation of abnormal types of protein. This plaque buildup and abnormal protein presence can lead to nerve damage which causes a loss of brain function, loss of memory, impaired motor skills, and forgetting behaviors that were previously learned.

Canine dementia can impact your Tibetan Spaniel in a variety of ways. Tibetan Spaniels with canine dementia may become confused or disoriented more often than before. Tibetan Spaniels with this condition may have a harder time finding toys or treats that they have dropped, and may stop reacting to their favorite toys the same way that they used to. These can all impact a Tibetan Spaniel’s livelihood and how fulfilled they feel when dealing with this condition.

Unfortunately, canine dementia commonly gets overlooked in Tibetan Spaniels for a variety of reasons. One common reason that canine dementia may be overlooked is that the symptoms may be written off as typical aging behaviors. In addition, symptoms of canine dementia may onset slowly and at different times. Because of this, these symptoms may not be recognized as related to one another. This can lead to an overlook of a canine dementia diagnosis.

Canine dementia often overlaps with other conditions in dogs, such as arthritis, diabetes, and more. This can lead to symptoms of canine dementia being blamed on these unrelated conditions rather than on an underlying cognitive functioning condition.

No breed is more prone to canine dementia than another. Canine dementia can affect all dogs of all breeds, though it’s most commonly diagnosed in dogs that are over nine years old and females who have been spayed. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse or cure canine dementia, though there are ways to prevent and combat it at home.

One of the best ways to prevent the development of canine dementia in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is through mental stimulation. Mental stimulation keeps the brain active and essentially exercises cognitive functioning. This can be done through games, feeder bowls, and puzzle toys meant especially for dog stimulation. Providing mental stimulation from a young age is one of the best ways to prevent canine dementia as Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults grow older.

In addition to mental stimulation, diet is a promising way to prevent and combat symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction. Dog foods that have been specifically formulated for senior dogs include extra antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both shown to help improve brain function. This is a very promising way to help your Tibetan Spaniel maintain normal brain function and fight off canine dementia as they age. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements from a young age is also a good strategy to help prevent canine dementia in a Tibetan Spaniel puppy or young adult that isn’t yet old enough to consume dog food that is formulated for seniors. Be sure to consult with your vet before beginning any new supplements or diet changes for your Tibetan Spaniel. With the help of your vet and at-home remedies, you and your Tibetan Spaniel can live a healthy and happy life despite their cognitive decline.

Stress and Tibetan Spaniels

All humans and animals are susceptible to stress, including Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. Stress for dogs can be caused by a variety of things. What triggers stress in a dog may depend on things such as their age, personal history, breed, and much more. For example, a puppy may become stressed when they are first brought to their new home and are away from their siblings and mom. A dog that has been in the shelter for a long time may be stressed when their new owner leaves them by themselves.

Knowing what causes your Tibetan Spaniel stress is the best way to minimize this experience. In doing so, you can find ways to help them cope with their stress and hopefully reduce this feeling. Some common causes of stress for dogs can be a loud household, going to new places, meeting new people and dogs, loud and unknown noises, and more.

When feeling stressed, Tibetan Spaniel puppies or adults may begin to whine, bark or howl. They typically are trying to communicate their stressed state to an owner and will find a way to do so. If you notice your Tibetan Spaniel barking or whining, and they don’t need to be let outside to use the restroom, it may be because they are feeling stressed.

In addition to whining and barking, stressed Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults may become restless when they are stressed out. Pacing is a normal indicator of stress in all dogs, including the Tibetan Spaniel. When your dog is doing laps around your coffee table or your backyard, this may be because they are feeling stressed.

Posture and dog body language can be huge indicators of stress. For example, a stressed Tibetan Spaniel may hide or cower when they are stressed. In addition, their ears may face backward and down when something has triggered their stress.

A stressed Tibetan Spaniel may not eat or drink as much as they usually do, if at all. If this goes on for an extended period of time, weight loss may occur. Excessive weight loss from stress can lead to other health problems. If you notice signs of stress in your Tibetan Spaniel and weight loss, be sure to get them to the vet as soon as possible.

Stress can affect the life of your Tibetan Spaniel in a variety of ways. A stressed Tibetan Spaniel may not enjoy doing things that they typically love. Going on a walk or to the dog park can become unenjoyable when your Tibetan Spaniel is feeling stressed. They may even become lethargic from feeling an overwhelming amount of stress.

In addition, a Tibetan Spaniel may look for inappropriate outlets. Your dog may begin digging and chewing items such as shoes and furniture when stressed. In turn, they will likely get punished for this behavior, which will create more stress. This can become an endless cycle and highlights why it’s so important to get a handle on your Tibetan Spaniel’s stress.

The first step to take when it comes to decreasing stress in your Tibetan Spaniel’s life is to identify what is causing them stress. Try to take notice of what is happening in your surroundings when your Tibetan Spaniel shows signals of stress. Does your Tibetan Spaniel hide behind you when they are at the dog park? They are likely being stressed out by this new place, new dogs, or new people. Do they whine and bark when a fire truck goes by? This loud, unknown noise may be what is causing them stress.

Once the cause of stress has been identified, you can help your dog better cope with these situations. One of the best ways to reduce stress in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is through mental stimulation. Games, puzzle toys, and feeder bowls are great ways to engage your dog and serve as an outlet for stress. Exercise is another great way to reduce Tibetan Spaniel stress and allow them to work off that nervous energy. Twenty minutes of walking may be the difference for your dog when it comes to stress. No matter what works best for your dog, with your help they are sure to live a healthy and happy life despite experiencing stress.

Anxiety and Tibetan Spaniel Puppies and Adults

In addition to stress, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults can also be prone to anxiety. All dogs are likely to feel anxious at least once in their life. Nevertheless, as a Tibetan Spaniel owner, you should still try to minimize anxiety for your dog as much as you can. This can be done in a few different ways.

What causes your Tibetan Spaniel anxiety can vary from what causes other dogs anxiety. Anxiety triggers can depend on a dog’s breed, age, personal history, and much more. Some common causes of anxiety in a dog include new places, meeting new people or dogs, being left alone, loud and unknown noises, and a lack of routine.

Signals of anxiety are very similar to signals of stress. An anxious Tibetan Spaniel may whine, bark, or howl. They may be restless and pace around their home. Lack of eating is also another signal of anxiety, as well as changes in posture and body language. Dogs that are feeling anxious may even have accidents inside of their home rather than going outside when they are fully potty trained.

Anxiety can make activities that your Tibetan Spaniel typically loves become less enjoyable. For example, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults may feel anxious about their surroundings when on a walk or visiting the dog park and be too consumed by this feeling to enjoy exploring and socializing. An anxious dog may even chew at their skin, causing hot spots and fur loss as well as other coat health issues.

Knowing the most common triggers of anxiety in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is the first step in minimizing this experience. For a Tibetan Spaniel, one of the most commonly seen anxiety triggers is being away from its owner. This condition is called separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are very affectionate dogs who form extremely strong bonds with their owners. They love to be around their human family members and do everything with them. Because of this, they can be prone to developing anxiety when their owners are away and they are left by themselves.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults with separation anxiety may develop unwanted behaviors when you are away. They may be excessively vocal, which can be bothersome for nearby neighbors. Destructive behaviors may develop from separation anxiety, and no owner wants to come home to their favorite pair of shoes chewed up and ruined. This is why it’s so important to combat separation anxiety in your Tibetan Spaniel.

One of the best ways to prevent separation anxiety in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is through socialization. Socializing Tibetan Spaniel puppies from a young age allows them to be less nervous about different situations, including being left alone. They have already explored the world and new situations and, in turn, overcome some of their potential fears. If you have adopted a Tibetan Spaniel that is past the puppy stage, they can still be socialized in a safe way to prevent or reduce separation anxiety.

When it comes to reducing separation anxiety in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults, mental stimulation is one promising way to do so. With puzzle toys and feeder bowls, your Tibetan Spaniel’s brain can be busy and get out some of that anxious energy. In addition, your Tibetan Spaniel will be focused on trying to obtain the treat within the toy or bowl and not on being alone.

Many dogs experience separation anxiety and other forms of anxiety. Because of this, there are a wide variety of supplements on the market that are meant to help combat this condition. One of the most common supplements to reduce anxiety in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is CBD. CBD is a naturally occurring compound that is shown to soothe dogs and reduce the distress, uneasiness, and nervousness that anxiety can cause them. Be sure to consult with your vet before giving your Tibetan Spaniel any new supplements.

Exercise can help reduce your Tibetan Spaniel’s separation anxiety. During high exercise activities, such as walks, playing fetch, and more, your Tibetan Spaniel can get out their anxious energy and feel less nervous about being away from you.

While separation anxiety can be stressful for both you and your Tibetan Spaniel, it can be overcome with various strategies. Be sure to try them all to find the one that works best for you.

Tibetan Spaniel Allergies

Just like humans, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults can be prone to allergies of different sorts. These allergies look different in dogs than they do in humans. While human allergic reactions may cause hives, sneezing, runny noses, and coughing, allergic reactions in dogs cause itchy and irritated skin. Dogs can have allergies to environmental things just as humans do, such as pollen, dust, or grass. They can also have food allergies and flea allergies.

Allergies can make a Tibetan Spaniel very uncomfortable, as well as affect their life in a few other ways. Knowing common allergy symptoms can help you identify this condition quickly if your Tibetan Spaniel develops it. In doing so, you can get them the prompt medical care that they need to be back to healthy in no time.

Allergies are on the rise in pups, and some dogs are more prone to specific types of allergies than others. For Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults, the most common type of allergies to experience is skin allergies. While Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults may be prone to skin allergies, this doesn’t mean that experiencing this condition is inevitable. Many Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults will go their entire lives without experiencing any type of allergies.

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Skin Allergies

All allergies are caused by a hyperactive immune system that attacks seemingly harmless substances. Skin allergies are caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or grass. When a dog with allergies comes into contact with one of these allergens, the immune system views it as a potential threat. In doing so, it triggers an allergic reaction that causes these allergy symptoms.

Since there are so many possible environmental allergens that can trigger allergies in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults, pinpointing the one that is causing these reactions can be difficult. Allergy testing must be done by your vet to determine the specific type of allergy and the treatment route that will be taken.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults can show a variety of different skin allergy symptoms. The most common symptom is itchiness. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults with skin allergies will often lick their paws or rub their skin against walls or furniture. If your Tibetan Spaniel is itching very often, it may be because he is experiencing skin allergies. The most common places for skin allergies to manifest are on a dog’s legs, paws, and hind end, though they can affect any area of the body.

Skin allergies can also affect the ears of your Tibetan Spaniel. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults that have skin allergies often have repetitive ear infections. If your Tibetan Spaniel keeps getting ear infections even after treatments, consider getting them checked for possible skin allergies as the cause.

While skin allergies can affect the life of your Tibetan Spaniel, they won’t shorten their life expectancy. Once properly treated by your vet, your Tibetan Spaniel can go back to living a normal and healthy life despite skin allergies.

Skin allergies are an inherited condition, meaning that they, unfortunately, can’t be prevented. While this condition must be treated and managed by a vet, there are still things that you can do at home to minimize allergy symptoms in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults.

One of the best ways to combat skin allergies in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults is through specialized shampoos. With allergies becoming more prevalent in all breeds, there are a variety of shampoos that are formulated to manage these symptoms. Shampoos that include oatmeal, aloe vera, or tea tree oil can be found at your local pet store. These shampoos soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, which can help reduce itchiness.

In addition to shampoos, diet can be a great way to combat symptoms of allergies in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to be a good way to combat Tibetan Spaniel skin allergies. These fatty acids reduce skin inflammation, which leads to minimized or eliminated skin allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are relatively simple to add to the diet of your Tibetan Spaniel puppy or adult. Specialized foods, various supplements, and even fish oil pills contain an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to check with your vet before beginning any new supplements or dietary changes.

While skin allergies can be troubling for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults and their owners, with medical care and at-home management strategies, your dog can live a healthy and happy life despite this condition.

Tibetan Spaniel Gut Health

Gut health is an extremely important part of the overall health of Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. A large portion of the immune system is housed in the gut. This means that without a healthy gut, your Tibetan Spaniel may have a harder time fighting off common viruses, infections, and diseases. The last thing that any Tibetan Spaniel owner wants is for their dog to be more susceptible to becoming sick because of an unhealthy gut!

Gut health issues can range greatly in severity and treatment. Some breeds are more prone to certain stomach issues than others. For Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults, the most common gut health issue to experience is called canine parvovirus. As always, just because a breed is prone to a certain condition doesn’t mean that they are destined to experience it. Many Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults will go their entire lives without developing canine parvovirus.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a very serious gut health condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Parvo affects Tibetan Spaniel puppies and unvaccinated adults, and it is highly contagious. This virus infects the small intestine, where it destroys cells, disrupts the gut barrier, and impairs absorption. Parvo can be contracted through direct contact with an infected dog, or by indirect contact with a contaminated object.

Unfortunately, parvo can survive quite a while, making it easy for Tibetan Spaniel puppies to pick up even when they are not near an infected dog. Parvo can survive indoors for at least one month, and outdoors for many months or even up to a year under certain conditions. Dogs that are infected with parvo remain contagious for up to ten days, and five of these days can be before any symptoms show. This is part of the reason that it’s so important to take preventative measures when it comes to parvo, especially considering just how dangerous this virus truly is.

All dogs are at equal risk for developing parvo despite their breed, though age and vaccination status may make them more likely to develop parvo. Tibetan Spaniel puppies that are between six weeks and six months of age are the most at risk for developing parvo, as well as any dog that isn’t fully vaccinated at any age. Before six weeks, Tibetan Spaniels still have the antibodies that they need to be protected from parvo from their mother. After this, vaccines are given at 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks to protect them from parvo in the future. Once your Tibetan Spaniel has been fully vaccinated against parvo, the odds of contracting this virus are very low.

Keeping an eye out for symptoms of parvo is the key to ensuring Tibetan Spaniel puppies overcome this deadly virus. Without treatment, 92% of dogs do not survive parvo. With treatment, about 68%-92% of dogs can overcome parvo and go on to live normal and healthy lives. Some of the symptoms of parvo in Tibetan Spaniel puppies include vomiting, fever, lethargy, not eating or drinking, diarrhea, weakness, and dehydration. You should always call your vet if you notice any illness symptoms in your Tibetan Spaniel puppy, especially parvo-specific symptoms.

Once diagnosed, Tibetan Spaniel puppies who have contracted parvo must be treated by a vet. The sooner that you can get medical care for Tibetan Spaniel puppies with parvo, the better chance they have of making a full recovery from this virus. Most Tibetan Spaniel puppies and other dogs with parvo who survive the first three to four days of treatment will go on to make a full recovery. After treatment and full recovery, parvo won’t shorten the life expectancy of Tibetan Spaniel puppies in the future.

One of the best ways to prevent parvo is by avoiding public places before Tibetan Spaniel puppies are fully vaccinated. Dog parks, pet stores, and other places where dogs congregate are potential sources of parvo and should be avoided.

While socialization is important for puppies, be sure to only do so with fully vaccinated dogs. Walking Tibetan Spaniel puppies in public spaces like neighborhoods and parks should be avoided until after they have received all of their vaccines.

While parvo is a very scary condition for any Tibetan Spaniel, there are ways to prevent this condition. If you notice any symptoms of parvo in your Tibetan Spaniel puppy, be sure to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

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Tibetan Spaniel Eye Health

Tibetan Spaniel puppies rely on their eyes to do an abundance of tasks, such as playing, eating, socializing, and much more. Without healthy eyes, daily activities can become very difficult to do. Because of this, you should always be attentive to your Tibetan Spaniel’s eye health.

Some of the most common eye health issues for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults to experience include cherry eye and progressive retinal atrophy. These conditions range in severity and ease of treatment. As always, just because Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are prone to certain conditions doesn’t mean that developing them is inevitable. Many Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults will go their entire lives without experiencing any eye health issues at all.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye condition that can affect Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. Essentially, progressive retinal atrophy is genetic programming that causes a dog to become blind as they age. Unfortunately, this condition doesn’t have a cure, though it isn’t painful for a Tibetan Spaniel puppy or adult to experience. Vision loss that is caused by progressive retinal atrophy onsets slowly, meaning that Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults can easily adapt to using their other senses.

The usual first symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy are dilated pupils and increased difficulty seeing at night. Both of these symptoms typically begin between 18 months and 4 years of age. If you are curious if your Tibetan Spaniel has this condition, genetic testing can be performed to determine a diagnosis before symptoms begin to show.

Since this condition is inherited, unfortunately, there’s nothing that a Tibetan Spaniel owner can do to prevent it. The best way to manage this condition is through early diagnosis, which is why it’s so important to keep up to date on your Tibetan Spaniel’s routine vet examinations. If you notice symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy, it’s best to discuss this condition with your vet as soon as possible. The earlier you obtain a diagnosis, the more time you will have to get used to owning a blind Tibetan Spaniel.

With this condition, vision loss is gradual and first affects a Tibetan Spaniel’s ability to see dim light. Eventually, they will have a difficult time seeing in bright light and after some time, complete blindness will set in. When this does happen, blind Tibetan Spaniels puppies and adults will use their other senses to navigate the world. They will use smell to recognize other dogs and humans, and hearing to listen to commands. While progressive retinal atrophy is a serious diagnosis, it won’t shorten their life expectancy. You and your Tibetan Spaniel can still live a healthy and happy life together despite this condition.

Cherry Eye

Aside from progressive retinal atrophy, cherry eye is another common eye health issue for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults to experience. This condition is a prolapsed gland of the nictitans which occurs when a tear gland in a Tibetan Spaniel’s third eyelid becomes inflamed. This condition can be very alarming to any owner, as it causes a dog’s inner eye to become swollen and red.

While alarming, Cherry Eye isn’t painful for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. Many Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults may rub their eye as if it is itchy or bothersome, though they don’t show signs of being in pain. This rubbing can be dangerous as it can lead to other eye issues, which is why it’s important to get your Tibetan Spaniel treated for cherry eye as soon as you notice it. Since Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are prone to this condition, your vet will be sure to check for it at regular examinations. Some cases will require minor surgery, while others may just need to be managed.

Because cherry eye is a genetic condition that has to do with the structure of a Tibetan Spaniel’s eye, there is no way to prevent it. The best steps that a Tibetan Spaniel owner can take in regards to cherry eye is being aware of symptoms and keeping watch in case they arise to get proper treatment.

Cherry eye doesn’t shorten the life of a Tibetan Spaniel, despite being uncomfortable. Once treated, cherry eye can happen again. Be sure to keep your Tibetan Spaniel up to date on regular examinations after cherry eye treatment to avoid possible additional cases of this condition. With proper medical care and lots of love, your Tibetan Spaniel can easily overcome this condition.

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Tibetan Spaniel Ear Health

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are known for their adorable, floppy ears. Their ears are fluffy and soft, and they can make anyone’s heart melt. Unfortunately with this ear shape can come some various ear health problems. Many dogs with floppy ears are known to experience different problems that can range from mild to severe.

One of the best ways to keep your Tibetan Spaniel as healthy and happy as possible is by ensuring their ears are free of issues. Knowing the most common ear health issues for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults to experience is the key to doing so. For this breed, ear infections are the most commonly seen ear health issue. While some Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults may go their entire lives without experiencing ear infections, many will develop one at least one.

Ear Infections

Ear infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including the floppy Tibetan Spaniel ear shape. Floppy ears are heavy and can block airflow within the ear canal. This airflow is necessary to ensure that bacteria doesn’t grow. Without proper airflow, a Tibetan Spaniel’s ears can become moist: the perfect breeding house for unwanted bacteria and yeast. This can lead to a cycle of ear issues including infections if not properly dealt with.

Aside from ear shape, long ear hairs can be another common cause of ear infections. Debris can get trapped in these ear hairs, leading to an infection. Skin allergies may also cause ear infections. If you notice your Tibetan Spaniel having repetitive ear infections despite preventative measures and treatment, skin allergies may be the cause. Flea debris and waste can also lead to ear infection development.

Keeping watch for potential symptoms of ear infections is the best way to get your Tibetan Spaniel prompt medical care. One of the most common ear infection symptoms is crust development in and around the ears. In addition, a dog with an ear infection may rub at their ear with their paw to try and ease the discomfort that they are experiencing.

While ear infections can be uncomfortable and painful for your Tibetan Spaniel, thankfully you can take prevention measures at home to try and avoid this condition. One of the best ways to prevent ear infections in your Tibetan Spaniel is by regular ear cleaning and grooming. During grooming appointments, make sure that your groomer is plucking and removing excess ear hair. You can also remove excess ear hair on your own at home.

A good rule of thumb is to remove ear hair at least once per month. This will ensure no excess debris is being collected within the ear that can lead to an infection. Regular ear cleaning should be done often with an ear cleaning solution that is commonly found at your local pet store. Using these ear cleaning solutions will break down any excess buildup that’s located deeper in the ear canal than you can reach on your own.

If your Tibetan Spaniel continues to develop ear infections despite preventative measures, they may be caused by skin allergies. While skin allergies need to be treated by your vet, there are ways that you can help combat this condition and the ear infections that it causes. Diet and supplementation are some of the best ways to minimize these health issues.

Feeding Tibetan Spaniel puppies or adults a diet that is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids will help keep their skin healthy and combat allergies that can cause ear infections. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and fortified foods are great things to incorporate into the diet of Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults to prevent possible allergy-related ear infections in the future. As always, be sure to consult your vet before beginning new supplements or dietary changes.

Fleas are a very troubling thing for you and your Tibetan Spaniel to deal with for a variety of reasons. Their bites are itchy, they can multiply quickly and infect your home, and they can cause ear infections. Keeping Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults flea-free is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and prevent ear infections.

While ear infections can be uncomfortable and painful, they won’t affect your Tibetan Spaniel’s life expectancy. After proper treatment and prevention measures, you and your pup can go back to living a happy and healthy life together.

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Tibetan Spaniel Immune Health

Immune health is one of the most important components of overall health for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. The immune system fights off common viruses, infections, and diseases. Without a healthy immune system, these common illnesses could become deadly. This is why keeping your Tibetan Spaniel’s immune system as healthy as possible is so important.

Unfortunately, the immune system can have problems of its own. Autoimmune disorders are the most common immune health issue for both dogs and humans to experience. These disorders occur when the immune system attacks its own body, leading to a variety of different symptoms and impaired immune functioning.

Autoimmune disorders can vary greatly and manifest in different areas of the body. Thankfully, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults aren’t known to be very prone to autoimmune disorders. When they do experience one of these conditions, it is most likely hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a very common autoimmune disorder for dogs to experience, including Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. This condition occurs when the Tibetan Spaniel’s thyroid glands don’t produce and release enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. This can be because of thyroid gland shrinkage or inflammation, which results in a reduced metabolic state. This reduced metabolic state that occurs due to hypothyroidism in Tibetan Spaniels can have a variety of symptoms.

Two of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are hair thinning and flaky skin. In addition, a Tibetan Spaniel with hypothyroidism may seem more lethargic than usual and have an overall low energy level. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults that are experiencing hypothyroidism may experience unexplained weight gain or even obesity that isn’t related to diet or exercise changes. Hypothyroidism can also cause a Tibetan Spaniel to develop a further intolerance to cold weather, as well as increased ear pain and ear infections.

Unfortunately, an accurate hypothyroidism diagnosis can be difficult to obtain. Given the wide variety of symptoms that this condition can present, recognizing that they are related to one another may not always be easy. These symptoms may occur at different times, which can also make it difficult to recognize that they are all related to the same condition. If you notice any hypothyroidism symptoms in your Tibetan Spaniel, be sure to get them checked by a vet as soon as possible.

When left untreated, hypothyroidism can greatly impact the life of your Tibetan Spaniel. Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults with untreated hypothyroidism may experience other health problems due to the obesity that this condition causes. In addition, doing tasks that they used to love, such as playing or going for walks, may become challenging due to hypothyroidism lethargy.

Thankfully, hypothyroidism is very common and well understood, meaning that it can be treated by your vet. After treatment, your Tibetan Spaniel can go back to living a healthy, symptom-free life. While some symptoms, such as hair loss and flaky skin, may take longer to resolve than other symptoms, they will eventually be eliminated.

While hypothyroidism in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults needs to be treated by a vet, you can still help combat this condition at home as an owner. One very promising way to combat Tibetan Spaniel hypothyroidism at home is through diet and supplementation. Ashwagandha, mushrooms, kelp, and schizandra berry are known to improve thyroid function naturally. Adding these to the diet of your Tibetan Spaniel through food or supplements can be a great way to support their thyroid functioning and combat hypothyroidism in the process. Be sure to consult with your vet before adding any new dietary changes or supplements.

While hypothyroidism can be a concerning diagnosis for any dog owner, this condition won’t shorten the life expectancy of Tibetan Spaniel puppies or adults. After treatment, you can enjoy many healthy and happy years alongside your beloved pup.

The best way to support a Tibetan Spaniel with hypothyroidism, aside from diet and supplementation, is by sticking to vet prescriptions and treatment strategies. Be sure to follow protocols that your vet recommends as closely as you can, and to let them know if you see any changes in symptoms while on treatments. Some Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults may need different forms of treatments that prove to be more effective for them than for other dogs.

With the help of you and your vet, your Tibetan Spaniel can live a happy and fulfilling life despite this condition. Be sure to follow vet orders, use approved home remedies, and give your Tibetan Spaniel as much love as you can while managing this condition.

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Joint Health of Tibetan Spaniel Puppies and Adults

Without healthy joints, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults aren’t able to do many of the things that they love, such as run, jump, and play. These tasks can become difficult and even painful with joint health issues, which can impact their quality of life. This highlights the importance of ensuring that your Tibetan Spaniel has excellent joint health.

Unfortunately, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults can be prone to various joint health issues. While none of these conditions are fatal, they can impact the quality of life of your pup. Knowing the most common joint health issues for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults to experience can help you recognize symptoms if they do arise and get them prompt medical care. For Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults, the most common joint health issues to develop are patellar luxation and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Patellar Luxation

One of the most common joint health issues seen in Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults, patellar luxation occurs when their kneecap becomes dislocated from their thigh bone, which causes mobility issues. This dislocation is typically caused by an abnormality within the joint or limb structures. A common patellar luxation abnormality is the groove of the femur being too shallow or the area where the kneecap attaches to the shinbone being displaced. These structural abnormalities cause pressure to be placed on unusual areas of the knee, which leads to patellar luxation.

Patellar luxation can occur in one or both of a Tibetan Spaniel’s hind legs. Whether this condition develops in both or just one leg, it is highly painful and uncomfortable. Because the structural abnormalities that cause this condition are inherited, the Tibetan Spaniel is more likely to experience patellar luxation than other breeds. While this condition is inherited, not all Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are destined to experience it. Many will go their entire lives without developing patellar luxation.

This condition can cause cartilage damage surrounding the joint, which is very painful for your Tibetan Spaniel. Extreme pain and dislocation from this condition can cause increased lameness, impaired mobility, and reduced limb functioning. The most serious way that patellar luxation can impact your Tibetan Spaniel’s life is through decreased physical abilities and pain. If you notice your Tibetan Spaniel limping, holding their leg in an abnormal position, or avoiding putting weight on their leg, this may be due to patellar luxation.

If you notice any symptoms of patellar luxation in your Tibetan Spaniel, be sure to get them to the vet as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet will choose a treatment plan, and your Tibetan Spaniel will be back to living a normal, healthy life in no time.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Along with patellar luxation, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are also likely to experience hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip and elbow dysplasia take place due to abnormal growth in the ball and socket of these joints as well as insufficient coverage. This causes the joint to become loose and unstable, which can lead to Tibetan Spaniels experiencing scar tissue around the joints that are affected by dysplasia.

Keeping an eye out for symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia can help get your Tibetan Spaniel get prompt medical care and reduce the pain that they may experience due to these conditions. Some signs of these conditions include limping, obvious pain, decreased range of motion in hips or legs, audible clicking sounds when your Tibetan Spaniel walks, avoiding high levels of activity, and slower rates of walking or running.

Unfortunately, hip and elbow dysplasia can’t be cured, though symptoms can be minimized in a few different ways. This condition needs to be addressed by your vet, though there are approaches that you can take at home to combat hip and elbow dysplasia.

One study has even shown that dogs who consumed a fish-based, nutrient-rich diet had less severe cases of elbow and hip dysplasia than those who ate chicken-based diets. Some nutrient factors of fish-based foods may help slow the progression of elbow and hip dysplasia in all dogs, including Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults. Be sure to check with your vet before beginning new supplements or dietary changes with your Tibetan Spaniel. Thanks to you and your vet, your Tibetan Spaniel can still live a happy and healthy life despite hip or elbow dysplasia.

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Tibetan Spaniel Skin and Coat Health

If there’s one thing that comes to mind when talking about Tibetan Spaniel features, it’s their beautiful and luxurious coat. These unique coats set them apart from other breeds in modern and even ancient times. Because of this, it is especially important to many owners to make sure that their Tibetan Spaniel has the healthiest coat possible.

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults can be prone to various skin and coat health issues. The most common skin and coat health issue for Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults to experience is called demodectic mange. As always, just because Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults commonly experience demodectic mange, doesn’t mean that all of them will. Many Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults will go their entire lives without experiencing any skin and coat issues, including demodectic mange.

Demodectic Mange

The common condition demodectic mange, also known as mange, is caused by a parasite mite called Demodex Canis. These mites live in the hair follicles of dogs such as Tibetan Spaniels. All dogs have a few of these microscopic mites on their skin, and as long as they have proper immune system functioning, these mites are not harmful. However, demodectic mange, or ‘demodicosis,’ occurs when a dog has an immature immune system that allows the number of these mites to increase greatly.

Mange most commonly occurs in dogs with a weakened or immature immune system, such as dogs who are less than 18 months of age, senior dogs, or those with immune impairment due to medications or illnesses.

This type of mange is the most common type of mange found in all dog breeds. It’s not contagious to other dogs or animals and can be hereditary. Since immune system functioning is inherited, demodectic mange caused by poor immune system functioning can also be passed from generation to generation. As always, just because a dog is prone to a condition doesn’t mean that developing it is inevitable. Many Tibetan Spaniels will go their entire lives without experiencing demodicosis.

Symptoms of demodectic mange typically include hair thinning around the eyelids, lips, corners of the mouth, and the front legs. Redness, scaling, swelling, and crusts can develop on the entire body. Sometimes demodicosis only shows up in localized areas, and in generalized cases it can develop on all areas of the body.

Demodicosis must be diagnosed and treated by a vet. During diagnosis, your vet will take a scraping of skin cells to analyze under a microscope. If there is an excessive amount of Demodex Canis mites, the existence of demodectic mange is confirmed. Once diagnosed, your vet can choose from several methods to combat and manage this condition.

Localized forms of demodicosis are typically treated with a topical medication, while generalized forms require more aggressive treatments. Special shampoos and dips and oral medications are usually the best ways to treat generalized mange. In some cases, when a secondary skin infection has developed in addition to demodectic mange, your Tibetan Spaniel will need to undergo antibiotic treatment.

Treatment may also include retesting the skin with scrapings over time. Since this condition can take time to resolve, and some treatments may work better for certain Tibetan Spaniels than others, it’s important to stay up to date on skin scrapings and treatment strategies. In doing so, you will give your Tibetan Spaniel the best shot at being as free from demodicosis as possible.

Unfortunately, since immature immune systems are typically inherited, there are no promising ways to prevent mange in your Tibetan Spaniel. Ensuring that they attend routine examinations is one of the best ways to catch mange early and minimize symptoms. Tibetan Spaniels under 18 months, on medications, or who become ill should especially be watched for demodectic mange while their immune system isn’t functioning at its best.

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While demodectic mange may sound intimidating, it won’t shorten your Tibetan Spaniel’s life expectancy. You and your beloved Tibetan Spaniel can still live happy, normal lives together despite this condition.