Australian Cattle Dogs are a strong, hardy dog breed and aren’t prone to many serious health conditions. Given their long ancestral history of herding livestock, though, this dog needs adequate fitness and nutrition in order to remain a healthy breed. Still, there are some non-fatal diseases that your Australian Cattle Dog may develop during their life.
These common health concerns include hip dysplasia, deafness, and eye issues. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at these health concerns and explain what you need to look out for!
A Blue Heeler is generally healthy and unlikely to develop many life-threatening health issues. However, there are several health issues that Australian Cattle Dog owners should be made aware of, such as orthodontic pain, deafness, and eyesight issues. Each of which can be easily identified and treated.
The most common health issues that can affect a Blue Heeler include:
PRA is common amongst Australian Cattle Dogs and is basically the gradual deterioration of their eyesight. Retinal deterioration initially causes your dog to experience night-time blindness, which will eventually develop into daytime blindness. PRA can be identified by your dog regularly bumping into things or having a yellow or green reflection in their eyes.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PRA, but don’t worry – it is not life-threatening to your dog. As long as their surroundings remain somewhat the same, Blue Heelers can live a long and healthy life with PRA.
Deafness is also common amongst these purebred dogs and can develop during puppyhood. The degree of their deafness differs from pup to pup, as some Australian Cattle Dogs can hear only moderately, while others cannot hear at all. Signs that your Blue Heeler is deaf include trembling ears and being unaware that you are approaching.
Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) tests are often performed on deaf dogs in order to determine the extent of their deafness. Unfortunately, like PRA, there is no cure for deafness in dogs.
Orthopedic issues are common in Australian Cattle Dogs, particularly hip dysplasia. This condition involves the hip joint failing to connect to the thighbone, causing pain and discomfort in the dog’s movement. An orthopedic issue can be identified by difficulty in movement, a swaying gait, and a complete reluctance to run and jump.
Once identified, a vet will either recommend a strict diet or exercise routine to follow. Some orthopedic issues can also be solved by surgery.
Von Willebrand’s disease is another hereditary condition in Australian Cattle Dogs that limits blood clotting. When a Blue Heeler cuts itself, Von Willebrand’s disease may cause the dog to bleed out uncontrollably. There’s no way of spotting Von Willebrand’s disease, so make sure to have your dog tested for it during puppyhood.
We recommend insuring your Australian Cattle dog from its early stages right up to old age. These medium-sized dogs live long lives and need to be safeguarded against all hereditary diseases that may affect them.
First and foremost, contact your local kennel club for advice on the best insurance providers for Australian Cattle Dogs. An Australian Heeler is prone to a variety of different inherited diseases, from blood disorders to deafness, so ensure that the insurance covers all.
Furthermore, make sure that the insurance cover lasts longer than 14 years so that your dog will be insured from puppyhood right up to its senior years.
Even if your dog develops a hereditary condition such as deafness or PRA, the Australian Cattle dog can live a long and healthy life. The average Blue Heeler lives between 13 and 15 years of age.
Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to herd cattle, but they’re also good family dogs and can live long and healthy lives if looked after properly and kept to a healthy weight. Still, they can develop certain hereditary conditions that can affect their lives, such as PRA, deafness, and joint issues. Luckily, these aren’t life-threatening, but pet owners should still be aware of them.
If your Blue Heeler develops any of the health issues raised in this article, they should not be permitted to breed.
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