Lhasa Apso Forum:
older dogs

Can I ask how many of you have a dog 8 years okd or older? The reason in asking this is, my brother lives with an older couple in Florida that has a Lasha thats probly 9 at this time. He has a skin problem that makes him stink almost as soon as hes bathed and dryed. My brother says the hair is short and scarce. He has been to a vet that told the people the smell is from old age. I dont think this is true but my brother cant tell them different and he cant even recomend them takeing him to another vet or to try different shampoo. Can you give me some feedback on your dogs? My little boy is only a little over two now and I know for sure Id be trying to help him. Thanks, Gabby

Hi Gabby, how are his teeth, are they cleaned on a regular basis? What kind of feed are they feeding? A Lhasas ph is the same as humans, are they using the right ph balanced shampoo? Hope these questions can give some help.

Barry, I dont know these things. It just seams like they take that vets word as gosple truth. And they cant be told anything different. I wish I could be down there to kidnap him or something and take him to another vet. But thanks for your input. How old and what sex is your Lasha. Like I said Gabbys just about 2 and a half now and hes my first, so will be asking questions off and on as I plane to keep him happy and well for as long as I can. Gabby

My Lhasa(boy) is 11years old. He looks very healthy and clean. He does not smell anything. But I always bath him once a month at least. But when he had very bad teeth, it smelled so bad. Is the smell from the mouth? Or I would recommend to see another vet and listen to another opinion.

Is it possible the smell is coming from the ears? I know when my dogs ears get a bit of bacterial growth in them they smell AWFUL, like a soured dishrag. Horrible. A bit of ear cleaning on a regular basis takes care of it.

My Lhasa Apso recently died due to chronic renal failure at the age of 10 1/2. The smell is most certainly NOT from old age (cant believe a vet actually said that) and they should definitely get a second opinion. I took my Lhasa to the vet because he developed a very foul odor, and I also at first thought that it was his fur, but it did not go away after bathing. It was his breath, and the disgusting smell was caused by the renal failure. I am not saying this is the case with this dog, but at that age he should definitely get blood work done and get to the root of the smell. I have a feeling you might find it is coming from his mouth. Good luck. Hopefully you can convince the owners to get this lhasa to another vet. Let us know what happens

You may want to check out this web site: www.lhasa-apso.org/health/sa.htm. There is an article about Sebaceous

Adenitis - a skin condition that causes greasy dandruff, hair loss, and secondary infections that may cause smell.

I have tow lhasa with skin conditions (9 and 10 years old). My vet could find no reason until I brought him this article.

I use Vetrinarians Best Hot Spot Tea Tree Oil Shampoo every other week for bath and make sure the dog is on a

good dog food - California Natural Lamb and Rice works for me. Hope this helps.

My male lhasa is eight years old. He does not smell bad.