As a veterinarian, one of the first things I tell new Tibetan Spaniel owners is reassuring: this is a robust, generally healthy little breed that often enjoys a long life well into its teens. Tibbies are not plagued by the long list of severe inherited problems seen in some popular breeds. That said, no breed is free of risk, and there are a handful of conditions worth knowing so you can spot them early.
The conditions I watch for most in this breed involve the eyes, the knees, the teeth, and the waistline. Many of these are manageable, especially when caught early, and several can be reduced through responsible breeding and good day-to-day care. Below I will explain what each problem is, the symptoms to watch for, what causes them, and how treatment and prevention work in practice.
What Are Tibetan Spaniel Health Problems?
Tibetan Spaniels are a hardy small breed, but they carry a higher-than-average risk of certain inherited eye conditions (especially progressive retinal atrophy), kneecap instability (luxating patella), and weight-related joint and dental strain. None of these means your dog will definitely become ill. They simply tell you where to focus your monitoring, your vet checkups, and your prevention efforts.
Understanding these tendencies is not a reason to worry, it is a reason to be prepared. Owners who know the early signs tend to seek help sooner, and earlier intervention almost always means easier, less costly treatment and a more comfortable dog.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you notice any of these signs, make a note of when they happen and how often, then share that history with your vet. Patterns are extremely helpful for diagnosis.
What Causes It
Inherited and genetic
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts and other eye conditions
- Luxating patella
- Cherry eye (gland prolapse)
Lifestyle and weight
- Excess weight straining the knees and back
- Too little exercise or muscle tone
- Overfeeding and excess treats
Care-related
- Dental disease from skipped brushing
- Untreated allergies and skin irritation
- Overheating in hot weather
Age-related
- Gradual vision changes in seniors
- Arthritis in aging joints
- Slower metabolism and weight gain
Many of these causes overlap. For example, excess weight makes a borderline luxating patella far more troublesome, which is one reason I emphasize keeping Tibbies lean.
Treatment and Recovery
Get an accurate diagnosis
Your vet will examine the eyes, knees, teeth, and skin, and may recommend referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for eye disease or imaging for joint problems. A clear diagnosis guides everything that follows.
Manage what cannot be cured
Conditions like PRA cannot currently be reversed, but dogs adapt remarkably well to gradual vision loss. Keeping furniture in place and using scent and sound cues helps a visually impaired Tibbie navigate confidently.
Treat knees by severity
Mild luxating patella is often managed with weight control, joint support, and monitoring. Moderate to severe cases that cause pain or lameness may need surgical correction, after which controlled rest and rehabilitation aid recovery.
Address dental and skin issues
Professional dental cleanings, home brushing, and treating allergies with your vet’s guidance keep small but nagging problems from becoming chronic. Never use human medications without veterinary direction.
Follow up consistently
Recheck appointments let your vet track progress and adjust the plan. Most Tibetan Spaniels with managed conditions continue to enjoy active, happy lives.
Prevention and Home Care
- Buy from a breeder who screens parents for eye disease and patella health
- Keep your dog lean to protect the knees, spine, and overall health
- Brush the teeth regularly and schedule dental checks
- Watch for early vision changes, especially in dim light
- Provide steady, moderate exercise to maintain muscle tone
- Avoid overheating and overexertion in hot, humid weather
- Attend routine wellness exams so problems are caught early
- Keep toxic foods and household products well out of reach
If you ever suspect poisoning from a food, plant, or household product, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 without delay.
Safety note: This article is general guidance and does not replace a veterinary exam, so always have any new or worsening symptom evaluated by your own vet.
Sources
What you need to know
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small, alert companion with a slightly flattened face, so mild brachycephalic features can cause snuffly breathing in some dogs. The main inherited concern is progressive retinal atrophy, which gradually steals vision, so any night-time nervousness or bumping into furniture warrants an eye exam. Luxating patella and a hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes can also affect this small breed.
Allergies and cherry eye, where the third eyelid gland pops out, are reported too. Their long coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and on the legs. Keeping them lean protects the knees and hips. As with all small breeds, dental care matters. For vision changes, persistent limping or a red bulge at the eye corner, see a vet rather than waiting.