Grooming is a huge part of Lhasa Apso care. These dogs have a long feathery top coat and mild undercoat that requires daily brushing and the occasional bath and trim to keep them looking clean and healthy. Furthermore, regular grooming is also what helps to keep the Lhasa’s coat shiny and reduces shedding.

However, although it is important to keep your Lhasa clean, it is essential that you don’t over do it. Excessively grooming, especially bathing, your Lhasa Apso can lead to skin problems. Natural oils are produced in the skin and are part of the natural Lhasa Apso care process. The oils stop the skin from drying out, and are what make the coat shiny when the dog is brushed, as brushing distributes the oil throughout the coat, which also helps to protect it.

For this reason, it is imperative that you don’t bathe your Lhasa too frequently. While some people will suggest you bathe these dogs every two weeks, the vast majority of veterinarians’ caution that bathing a dog should be done no more than once per month. Over bathing can dry out your Lhasa’s skin and lead to hot spots and itching, which can result in excessive scratching and even infection.

Therefore, if for some reason it is imperative that you must bathe your dog more than once per month, as part of Lhasa Apso care, you must make sure the oils you take out are being adequately replaced. This can be done by bathing the dog with aloe based shampoos and conditioners. Your Lhasa should also be provided with foods and/or supplements that contain omega fatty acids to boost oil production. It’s a good idea to speak to your dog’s vet about the best bathing method for your Lhasa if he/she requires more than a monthly bath.

Aside from bathing and grooming, it is also important that your dog is eating a good diet. A good grade of dry dog food provides your dog with the essential nutrients he/she requires to maintain healthy skin and coat. If you find that your dog’s coat is looking dry or his/her skin is itchy, the problem could be linked to their diet, which may simply need to be changed.

Keep in mind, regardless of what you might believe may be causing the lack of oil in your Lhasa’s coat; good Lhasa Apso care involves the vet. Don’t hesitate to contact the vet if your dog’s coat appears unhealthy. An unhealthy coat could be a sign of a serious problem that needs proper diagnosis.