As someone that may be interested in acquiring a Tibetan Spaniel, be it a puppy or an adult, it may be of interest to you that though this breed is a healthy breed they do have a things you need to be aware of. It seems that I forget to tell people about these things because they are so much a part of the breed that I take it as nothing unusual.
1. They like to eat poop. Most of the time it is a puppy thing and grow out of it as they become an adult. But not always. A good quick lick on the tip of your nose and you know what they have been doing. If there were one thing I could change about the breed this would be it. But I guess other breeds do this too. I have found that when I changed to feeding raw that this behavior stopped. You might want to consider this feeding a raw/BARF diet.
2. They have hernias. It is part of the breed. Umbilical hernias are very common, inquinal hernias occur also. They can be large or small. In all my 20 year in Tibetan Spaniels I have only had a couple of them cause a problem. Not all dogs will have them, but there is a good chance they will. A hernia can be repaired when they are spayed or neutered, it is not an emergency procedure. Do not let your vet tell you otherwise.
3. They can get a cherry eye. Sometimes this will require that it be surgically removed or tacked down, when it will not return to normal. Other times it seems just to pop up and after a while return to normal. A cherry eye looks worse than it is. But if it doesn't return to normal in about 24 hours it will have to be removed or tacked down. This usually happens as a puppy so you might as well have them spayed/neutered at the same time.
I DO NOT GUARANTEE
THEY WILL NOT GET A CHERRY EYE OR HAVE A HERNIA.
NEW!!! VACCINATION PROTOCOL by DR.Dodd
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All of the 27 Vet Universities in the US have followed the immunization protocol as suggested by Dr. Dodd for years. All of these Hospitals will be changing their Vaccination Programs apparently. This is welcome news and you should print this out and take it with you to your Vet should you need reinforcement against over-vaccination
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VACCINATION NEWSFLASH [CIMDA support] RE; J DODDS VACCINE PROTOCOL
I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in
North America are in the process of changing their protocols for
vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic
challenge to Vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations
have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations
every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those
concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the
doctors economic well-being should not be a factor in a medical
decision.
NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified
live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces
immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e.: canine
distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given
a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the
antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The
titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced.
Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary,
they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and
immune-mediated haemolytic anemia. There is no scientific
documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of
MLV vaccines.
Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural
protection can last 8 - 14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be
vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize
the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced.
Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first
highly effective vaccine.
Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the
immune system.
A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4
weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age.
Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at
l year 4 mo) will provide LIFETIME IMMUNITY