Here’s a detailed article on Tibetan Mastiff health issues and what you can do to keep your canine companion hale and hearty.

Some people think that Tibetan Mastiff is a healthy breed because they don’t have any major health problems. That is not completely true. These dogs do have some health issues that need to be addressed. These issues are related to their size, which can cause problems with their bones, joints, and other parts of their body.

The most common health problems for Tibetan Mastiffs are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can lead to arthritis and lameness if not treated early on. The average lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff is only 12-15 years old because they develop these ailments so quickly.

5 Common Health Problems that Tibetan Mastiffs Are Prone To

1. Hip dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that causes the ball-and-socket joint to become loose or unstable.

2. Luxating patella:

Luxating patella is an inherited condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position. It can be caused by injury or obesity.

3. Elbow dysplasia:

Elbow dysplasia is also a genetic disorder where the growth plate of the upper arm bone becomes weak and enlarged, causing arthritis in the elbow joints and pain when walking or running.

4. Autoimmune Thyroiditis:

Autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease, is a condition of the immune system that suppresses the thyroid from working properly.

5. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

PRA is an inherited disease that causes blindness in dogs over time. It is caused by the degeneration of cells at the back of the eye.

Some of these health problems have been linked to the breed’s inbreeding while others are just common in the breed due to their size and build.

Tibetan Mastiffs also have a thick coat which can lead to skin allergies. Seasonal allergies, flea bites, and other irritants can trigger these allergies.

Are Tibetan Mastiffs Prone to Obesity?

Though it may seem like a silly question, the answer is yes. Tibetan Mastiffs are prone to obesity. They have a tendency to overeat and eat anything they can find. This is something that you need to be aware of and be proactive about.

The average weight for a Tibetan Mastiff is about 110 pounds. Male Tibetan Mastiffs often weigh more than females do because of their larger bone structure and muscle mass. The breed can grow to be up to 150 pounds in weight, but these dogs are not usually considered healthy at this size due to their increased susceptibility to health problems. Tibetan Mastiffs who are obese are more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Here are some tips on how you can prevent obesity in your Tibetan Mastiff:

1. You can regulate your dog’s diet by giving them a high protein, low-fat diet.
2. You can get them involved in physical activity by playing with them or taking walks together.
3. You should regularly monitor your dog’s weight and body condition, and make sure they are not overfed.

To learn all about canine obesity, check out our article, ‘Obesity in Dogs’.

What is the Lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff?

The average lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff is between 10 to 12 years. However, there are also some cases where these animals live up to 15 years.

How to Keep Your Tibetan Mastiff Healthy?

We all know that our pets are a part of the family, but sometimes they need a little extra care. Here are some tips on how to keep your Tibetan Mastiff healthy.

1. Take your dog for regular walks.
2. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and make sure they are eating a healthy diet.
3. Make sure you have the right vaccinations for your dog, especially if you live in an area with certain diseases or pests that can affect dogs.
4. Keep up with their dental hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly.
5. Have them checked annually by a vet to make sure everything is going well with their health.

You might also be interested in ‘How To Groom A Tibetan Mastiff?’

Conclusion

Tibetan Mastiffs are generally healthy dogs. But the breed is prone to many health problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, and skin allergies. These dogs have a life expectancy of 10-12 years but can live up to 15 years with proper care. Make sure your Tibetan Mastiff has a healthy lifestyle and provide them with proper nutrition so they will be able to stay fit.

Thank you for reading the article.

Here are other articles on Tibetan Mastiff if you’re interested to know more about the breed.

What health problems have your Tibetan Mastiff suffered from? Let us know in the comments!