Lhasa Apso is a dog breed that requires a lot of patience, there are many things you need to take care of and here is what you must never forget to check on!
Tear Stains
Tear stains are usually red or brown in color, those are the marks found in the corner or just below the eyes of your dog. Tear stains are most common on animals with light fur, since it is the most visible that way. They are caused by an overflow of tears, dusty air or fur irritating the eyes. Tear stains can be cleaned, but that may not stop them from appearing again. There are many products on the market that can help you minimize and sometimes even prevent tear stains on your dog. I am going to recommend a wipe and then a supplement. My preference is to get to the root cause of the issue rather than supplementing, but sometimes we just want to make our Lhasa’s comfortable.
- Tear Wipes – my go-to are Espree Tear Stain with Aloe Vera. While she doesn’t like it, it works. (You can buy on Chewy or Amazon)
- Supplement – the only supplement I have used in the past is NaturVet Tear Stain Plus
Lutien Supplement. (You can buy the product on Chewy or Amazon)
Teeth
Brushing teeth of your Lhasa Apso prevents plaque and bacteria building up in their mouth, it will reduce dental issues on your dog and keep them healthier. It is advisable you brush your Lhasa Apso’s teeth at least twice a week. Using a dog toothbrush, and dog toothpaste, brush your Lhasa Apso’s teeth and keep their smile as healthy as possible.
I recommend buying the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit that comes with toothpaste, toothbrush, and
Ears
Lhasa Apso is a rather furry dog, their ears are quite furry as well and because of that, you are required to pay attention to the mats that can form inside of them. There are various ways to pull out the hairs out of their ears, but it is not something that needs to be done at all. Every time you brush your dog, just brush their ears gently using a Tangle Teezer. If your Lhasa Apso has some ear wax stuck on the fur inside their ears, you can always use an ear cleaner together with a cotton bud in order to clean it away.
For weekly or bi-weekly cleaning I use Burt’s Bees Dog Ear Cleaner Solution. My Lhasa’s have never had any reaction and its easy to use. (The product is available from Chewy and Amazon)
If you need to treat acute and chronic otitis externa due to bacterial, fungal and yeast infections, then I recommend Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone. Please do read the instructions and precautions carefully before using. (The product is available from Chewy and Amazon)
Nails
Nail trimming is a trouble for most dog owners, but it is something that has to be done. Most dogs hate having their nails trimmed, so the process itself can be extremely difficult. Those who never trimmed nails of a dog, should probably first get to know how it is done. Every dog has a quick in the middle of their nail, cutting this quick will cause a lot of pain to the dog, it will bleed and make it a terrible memory for everyone. When trimming nails of a Lhasa Apso, be careful not to damage the quick. Of course, not everyone knows how to trim the nails, and if you do not – try getting a nail grinder instead. Nail grinders cause an unusual sensation on your dog’s nails, but it is nowhere as difficult as trimming.
If you keep up the regular care of your Lhasa Apso, your grooming chores will usually take from 15, up to 3 hours of your time – depending on the sessions you include.
If you do have the courage to cut your Lhasa nails your self, there are two approaches I can recommend.
- Nail Trimmer – the one I have used is Safari Guillotine Nail Trimmer. Make sure to buy a small dog trimmer. The product works easily, getting your dog to comply isn’t. (You can but this product on Chewy and Amazon)
- Nail Grinder – I find the grinder is a little easier to use with my Lhasa’s (for me anyway). Rather than buying a cheaper version, I recommend investing in the Wahl Ultimate Corded Pet Nail Grinder. It’s quick, light, and easy to use. (You can but this product on Chewy and Amazon)
