Is your Beagle one of the breeds that are predisposed to many canine diseases? One of the most important things to dog owners is that their furry friend has a long and happy life that’s free of any serious illnesses.
The best way to try and ensure this is by being aware of the health issues Beagles could face. So, what are the common health issues for Beagles?
In this article, we’ll keep you informed about the six most common health issues that affect Beagles.
The Beagle is generally a healthy breed, but like all other purebred dogs, it is susceptible to certain inherited diseases that are common for the breed.
But don’t worry, just because certain health conditions are common to Beagles doesn’t mean that your dog is definitely going to develop any of them; they’re just at a higher risk from them during their life than some other dogs.
Unfortunately, these little canines are not immune to all diseases and the
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the dog’s hip joint develops abnormally during puppyhood, so it doesn’t fit snugly into the hip socket. One of the early signs of this can be lameness in your dog’s hind legs or limping. Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis, so surgery is sometimes required.
Intervertebral disc disease
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most common spinal conditions seen in dogs. The cushion between the Beagle’s vertebrae ruptures or slips, meaning that the spinal cord becomes compressed by one of the discs. This can cause serious pain, and some of the common signs of IVDD in your Beagle include:
As soon as any of these symptoms are noticed, you should contact a licensed veterinarian immediately, as early treatment can help to reduce the chances of paralysis.
This is also known as primary epilepsy and is relatively common in the Beagle breed. It causes brain seizures in the affected Beagle, and these will usually occur when the Beagle is between one and five years old.
In most cases, a Beagle with this condition will need to be on medication for their entire life to help reduce the severity and frequency of the seizures.
Early detection is key in order to minimize any damage that can be done to the dog’s brain as a result of this condition, so contact a vet immediately if your Beagle begins having seizures.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce the right amount of hormones. The symptoms of this are:
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that affects a number of dog breeds, and Beagles tend to be one of the more susceptible breeds. The condition prevents the blood from clotting properly and means that the dog will bleed excessively after things like surgery or cuts to the skin.
This condition is a type of meningitis that is medically known as polyarteritis. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks blood vessels that are on their way to the dog’s brain.
It usually occurs when Beagles are between 5 and 10 months old, and the symptoms to look out for in your Beagle puppy are serious neck pain, depression and fever. Your Beagle will require veterinary care for this condition, and it is treated using steroids.
Insuring your pet is always a good idea. Even if you buy your Beagle from a reputable breeder and know their parent’s medical history, there’s still no guarantee your pet won’t experience any health issues. Insuring your Beagle for a few dollars a month is better than paying out of pocket for expensive vet bills.
Taking out pet insurance is a great idea for all pet owners as it can give you peace of mind that if your pet ever does have any health issues, there will be no unexpected costs for you to pay for their treatment.
As Beagles are purebred, it means they’re more prone to health issues than mixed-breed dogs, so Beagle owners should make sure they have the right type of pet insurance in place.
The best way to find the right insurance plan for you and your Beagle is to compare as many quotes as possible from different insurers so that you can find the most affordable and comprehensive cover available.
The average lifespan for a Beagle is 12 to 15 years. However, with regular exercise, a good diet, and regular trips to the vet, your Beagle could exceed this life expectancy.
Knowing what health issues your Beagle is most susceptible to is crucial in helping it to stay healthy throughout its life. Make sure that you’re aware of the key symptoms of these conditions and that you take your dog for treatment if they develop any of them.
This way, you’ll have a long and joyous life with your canine pal!
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.