At a glance
- Japanese Spitz are generally healthy dogs with a 13-year average lifespan, but patellar luxation is their most significant health concern
- Daily dental care and regular eye cleaning can prevent the most common minor issues these dogs face
- Weight management is crucial, as obesity worsens joint problems and reduces quality of life
- Early intervention and regular vet checkups greatly improve outcomes for all health conditions
Understanding your dog's health profile
If you're considering a Japanese Spitz or already share your home with one, you'll be pleased to know they're among the healthier dog breeds. Research from 2024 shows these dogs live an average of 13 years, which sits above the typical lifespan for purebred dogs. Their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 14 years, giving you many wonderful years together when you stay on top of their health needs.
Like all breeds, however, these dogs face certain health challenges. Some stem from their genetics, while others develop due to lifestyle factors or their physical structure. The key is recognizing early warning signs and knowing how to respond appropriately.
Patellar luxation: the primary concern
When your Japanese Spitz starts limping or holding up a back leg, patellar luxation might be the culprit. This condition, where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove, represents the most significant orthopedic issue in the breed. You might notice your dog skipping steps, showing stiffness after rest, or seeming reluctant to jump or climb stairs.
The severity varies considerably. Some dogs experience occasional mild episodes, while others develop chronic pain and permanent joint damage. Research indicates this condition can lead to ligament damage if left untreated, making early intervention crucial.
Prevention starts before you even bring your puppy home. Choose breeders who provide OFA or PennHIP screening certificates for the parents' patellas. Once your dog is home, maintaining a healthy weight becomes your most powerful tool for reducing joint stress. Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain muscle tone without overworking the joints.
Treatment options depend on severity. Mild cases often respond well to anti-inflammatory medications like carprofen or meloxicam, combined with joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Physical therapy can also provide significant relief. Severe cases may require corrective surgery, which typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, followed by controlled exercise and sometimes hydrotherapy during recovery.
Dental health: small teeth, big problems
Have you noticed your dog's breath becoming increasingly unpleasant? Japanese Spitz face higher risks of dental disease due to their smaller mouths, where teeth often crowd together. This crowding creates perfect hiding spots for tartar and bacteria, leading to gum disease and eventual tooth loss if ignored.
Bad breath often signals the beginning of dental problems, followed by red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, and loose teeth. The good news is that dental disease is largely preventable with consistent home care.
Daily brushing makes the biggest difference. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, such as Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, which costs around $10 to $15. Dental chews like Greenies, priced at $15 to $30 per bag, provide additional cleaning action between brushings. Annual professional cleanings under anesthesia, costing $200 to $600, remove tartar that home care can't reach.
Once dental disease develops, professional cleaning becomes necessary. Severely affected teeth may require extraction. The key is maintaining daily brushing and dental chews even after treatment to prevent recurrence.
Managing runny eyes and tear staining
Many owners worry when they notice brown streaks under their dog's eyes or constantly wet fur around the eye area. This excessive tearing, called epiphora, commonly affects these dogs due to their small tear ducts or allergies. Fortunately, it rarely indicates a serious eye problem.
You'll typically see tear staining as brown streaks, wet fur around the eyes, and occasional irritation or redness. While not dangerous, these symptoms can become bothersome if left unmanaged.
Daily eye cleaning prevents most issues. Wipe your dog's eyes with a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipes like Angels' Eyes, which cost $10 to $20. Managing allergies also helps, particularly avoiding triggers like long grass or excessive dust.
If tearing persists or worsens, schedule a veterinary exam to rule out infections or duct blockages. Your vet may prescribe medicated drops for infections. Surgical correction is rarely needed but available for severe duct obstructions.
Arthritis and joint health in older dogs
As your Japanese Spitz ages, particularly if they've dealt with patellar luxation or weight issues, arthritis may develop. You'll notice stiffness, especially after rest periods, reluctance to move or play, and limping or difficulty with stairs.
Prevention remains your best strategy. Weight control through measured meals and limited treats reduces joint stress significantly. Joint supplements like Dasuquin or Cosequin, costing $30 to $60 monthly, can support joint health when started early. Regular, low-impact exercise maintains muscle strength without excessive joint stress.
Treatment typically involves veterinary-prescribed NSAIDs like carprofen for pain management. Physical therapy, including hydrotherapy or gentle massage, provides additional relief. Environmental modifications help too, such as orthopedic beds and ramps for furniture access.
Serious conditions requiring vigilance
Cancer risk increases with age in all dogs, and these dogs are no exception. While no specific cancer types are overrepresented in the breed, regular monitoring becomes increasingly important as your dog ages. Watch for unexplained lumps or bumps, sudden weight loss, persistent lethargy, or changes in appetite and behavior.
Urinary and kidney stones, while less common, have been documented in Japanese Spitz. Struvite urolithiasis affects the bladder, while nephrolithiasis involves the kidneys. You might notice difficulty urinating, blood in urine, frequent accidents, or in severe cases, lethargy and vomiting. Prevention focuses on maintaining hydration and feeding high-quality, appropriate diets.
Epilepsy, though uncommon, occasionally affects these dogs. Sudden, uncontrolled shaking, loss of consciousness, and drooling or paddling during episodes characterize seizures. If your dog experiences seizures, immediate veterinary attention is crucial, particularly for cluster seizures or prolonged episodes.
Nutrition, weight, and overall wellness
These active, food-motivated dogs easily become overweight if overfed, and obesity worsens virtually every health condition they face. Feed high-quality, protein-rich diets formulated for small, active breeds, such as RSPCA Mini Adult or AVA Small Breed. Measure portions carefully and adjust based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level.
Regular grooming supports overall health too. Their thick, double coat requires brushing several times weekly, increasing to daily during shedding seasons. Bathe every four to six weeks with mild dog shampoo like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe, and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.
Don't overlook behavioral health. These affectionate, loyal dogs thrive on human interaction and can develop separation anxiety when left alone too long. Establish consistent daily routines, provide mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training, and arrange companionship during long absences. If anxiety develops, gradual desensitization to alone time helps, though severe cases may require professional behavioral intervention.
When to seek veterinary care
Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice persistent limping or lameness, changes in eating, drinking, or bathroom habits, unexplained weight changes, new lumps or skin changes, seizures, sudden behavioral changes, or excessive eye discharge with redness. Early intervention consistently improves outcomes across all conditions.
Regular veterinary care forms the foundation of good health. Annual checkups, current vaccinations, and parasite control catch problems early when they're most treatable. When selecting a puppy, ask breeders for health clearances on parents, particularly for patellas and eyes.
Remember that a balanced lifestyle prevents many problems before they start. Provide appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of affection. Your Japanese Spitz will likely reward you with many healthy, happy years together when you stay attentive to their needs and address concerns promptly.
