While Tibetan Mastiffs are generally healthy, there are some health issues that can be encountered. These are the most common health problems that T Mastiffs may experience, and they mostly have to do with their joints and bones.
Common Tibetan Mastiff Health Issues
Panosteitis, also known as “canine growing pains”, is not permanent and can last anywhere from one to six months. Panosteitis will eventually disappear with age, although discomfort can be controlled with pain medication.
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD)
When the thigh bone does not fit securely into the hip joint, it is called canine hip dysplasia. This can eventually lead to arthritis or lameness.
Elbow Dysplasia in Tibetan Mastiffs
Elbow Dysplasia can be inherited so it is not recommended that you breed dogs with this condition. It is quite common in large-breed dogs.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondrosis dissecans, an orthopedic condition, is caused by the insufficient growth of joint cartilage. This condition will most commonly affect a dog’s shoulders but can also affect the elbows.
Tibetan Mastiff Exercise Requirements
Tibetan Mastiffs require moderate exercise every day. This does not have to be done through an organized activity.
This breed prefers to be more focused on work such as patrolling the territory, rather than being interested in structured playtime like playing fetch.
They are also more active in cooler weather and will conserve energy until they are needed. They lack endurance. They will often be found lounging in your home.
Feeding Your Tibetan Mastiff
A Tibetan Mastiff should be fed 4 to 6 cups of high-quality dog food per day. This should be broken down into two meals. It is better to give your Mastiff two meals per day than leave food out all day.
To prevent them from bloating (gastric dilatation-volvulus), make sure they don’t eat or drink anything for an hour after intense activity.
Accurate Dog Food Amounts
The right amount of food to feed your Tibetan Mastiff is dependent on his weight, age, metabolism, activity level, build, and other factors. To get the best advice, consult your vet. Dogs are similar to humans. They require different amounts of food. Dogs who are active will need more food than dogs who are sedentary.
It also matters how nutritious the dog food is. It is important to choose high-quality dog food. The higher nutrition density, the more the food will nourish your dog and the less you need to feed it.
Does Your Tibetan Dog Have Excess Weight?
There are two ways to determine if your TM has excess weight. If you are able to see the waist of your dog when you look at it, that is a good sign.
You should also be able to feel the ribs if you hold your hands against the dog’s back, with your fingers down and your thumbs running along the spine. But you shouldn’t physically be able to see the ribs. Your dog will need more exercise and food if you can’t feel the ribs. Please keep this in mind to keep having a healthy Tibetan Mastiff in your home.
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