Before you bring a pet into your home, it is always best to know if they are predisposed to health problems. And, although the Bull Arab dog breed is generally considered a healthy breed, life is unpredictable and you never know what might happen.
More than that, understanding your dog’s health will help you know how to spot any potential problems before they become serious, and how to be financially prepared for health issues.
Below, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the health issues that Bull Arabs (also known as the Australian pig dog) may suffer from throughout its life. We’ll also look at their expected lifespan and discuss the benefits of pet insurance.
Like most mixed breeds, the Bull Arab who is originally a mixed hunting dog, is predisposed to quite a few health problems. This comes from the fact that they have been developed by mixing multiple parent breeds.
Bull Arab dogs were created by breeding the German Short-haired Pointer, English Bull Terrier, and other dog breeds. As a result, they are predisposed to the same health issues each of these dogs may also suffer from.
But what are these common health issues that Bull Arabs might suffer from given their mixed lineage? These include:
This is one of the most common health concerns in most dogs and occurs when the hip socket does not hold the hip bone well. It can cause severe pain and often only affects this large breed’s hind legs. The best way to treat hip dysplasia is either with medication or, in the worst cases, surgery for the pain.
To prevent your dog from getting this, ensure they are eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise.
Symptoms include:
Another reason a Bull Arab may suffer from hip dysplasia (aside from predisposition) is because they are an active dog. As such, as they mature, it is best to restrict their exercise to walking rather than boisterous play or running, as this will have less of an effect on the hip joint.
Eye diseases are common in Bull Terriers, and Bull Arabs may inherit these issues as part of their mixed lineage. They typically occur between the ages of 3 and 6 years old, although they can occur at any time of life, and eye diseases can vary from non-painful to severe pain. Some can also lead to complete blindness if left untreated.
Luckily, many eye diseases are both preventable and treatable. Eye diseases like cataracts, for example, can be removed surgically. Always look out for symptoms such as cloudiness or other signs that your dog has a problem seeing in any way and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.
This is caused by a testicular twist, which can cause severe sudden abdominal pain for your pup. This typically happens inside the connective tissue and is usually caused by trauma to the area, bacterial infections, or autoimmune diseases.
It can be assisted by applying cold packs, by medication, or in severe cases removing the affected testicle. However, this is a last resort and is usually only offered if it cannot be cured by any other means.
Symptoms include:
This is when a dog’s testicles fail to drop down to the scrotum, which should generally happen when they are 2 to 6 months old. Rather than doing so, the testicles end up stuck in the abdominal area. More severe cases of this can lead to testicular cancer for your dog and surgery is usually required to fix the issue.
It is always a good idea to insure your family pet and pet insurance is a great way for you to ease the costs when it comes to medical cover for your dog. And, while the Bull Arab (Aussie pig dog) is generally healthy, as we’ve detailed above it could suffer from some predisposed health conditions, so preparing for the worst benefits your dog’s health and your pocket!
The Bull Arab’s life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years. However, as with other dogs, this is not a guarantee. Sickness, injury, and accidents can strike at any time. Keeping your dog healthy by giving them plenty of exercise and making sure they are on the right diet is a great way to avoid sickness and helping your dog life their full expected life span.
Originally bred to hunt feral pigs, the Bull Arab breed is a strong, large breed. However, as it is developed from multiple parent breeds it is also predisposed to many common health concerns for canines. They are also active dogs who are ready for any adventure, which can lead to accidents. But, keeping these things in mind and exercising preventative measures will help avoid any health concerns and, in turn, keep your dog and your bank account in great shape.
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