The hair inside of the ear canal of the Lhasa Apso should be removed on a regular basis. This hair is not deeply rooted and can be pulled free with the fingers or a hemostat, if you are careful not to pinch the inside of the ear. Most Lhasa Apsos do not mind this hair removal at all but if you are not comfortable doing this, a professional groomer or veterinarian will do it for you for a nominal fee. It is very important that this ear canal be kept free or hair to avoid ear infections. Ears should be regularly checked for ear mites as well and cleaned regularly with a good ear cleaner available from your veterinarian, groomer or veterinary supplier. Any indication of ear mites should be treated immediately.
The eye area should be wiped daily with a soft, damp cloth to keep the eyes free of dirt and pollen.
Nails should be trimmed on a regular basis, both the comfort and well-being of your Lhasa and yourself. Sharp, untrimmed nails can cause painful scratches to you and cause your Lhasa to walk improperly.
Dental hygiene is one of the most important and least attended aspects of proper grooming. Lack of good dental care is the leading cause tooth loss and many other mild to server conditions. Teeth should be brushed regularly, ideally on a daily basis, but at least weekly. Canine toothpaste and tooth brushes are readily available. All of the surfaces of every tooth should be throughly brushed. Yearly veterinary checkups should routinely include tarter and plaque removal and any dental abnormalities should be treated by your veterinarian immediately. "Chewies" are not just treats. They are a very effective way to help ensure dental health. They are numerous types of them on the market. My Lhasa's are particularly fond of the edible bones and the "DentaBones". Check with your veterinarian for his/her recommendation on the types of chew toys and treats available. Many people are adverse to the rawhide chew toys and bones. I do let my Lhasas have them, but only under monitored conditions. I do not let them ingest the rawhide. When they have chewed a rawhide bone to the point is unravels or they are getting pieces of it off, I throw it away and replace it with a new one. My veterinarian feels that the "chipped and formed" beef chew treats are safe, my Lhasas enjoy them and are allowed to eat them and we have not had any problems with them, but some veterinarians do not condone them. Large soup bone are acceptable, again if their use is monitored, but never any small, crush able bones.
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