Every dog is different, but some breeds have a statistically higher risk of illness or hereditary conditions than others. This should always be a consideration when choosing dog breeds, as it can significantly affect the cost of insurance and potential vet bills.
The importance of finding a reputable breeder is so important. While it may cost more for a puppy, it will significantly reduce the risk of the dog being bred from parents with existing conditions.
This article will explain the potential health conditions from which the Japanese Spitz breed can suffer.
The Japanese Spitz dog breed, along with other Spitz breeds, is considered to be a relatively healthy breed. You will never find a dog with no risk of illness, but compared to other dog breeds, they are a fairly low-maintenance breed.
It’s important to understand potential conditions the Spitz breed could suffer from and their symptoms so that you can keep an eye out for them. Diagnosing a condition early on will give your dog a much better chance of fully recovering and allow your vet to treat them quickly.
Here are some of the most common conditions Japanese Spitz dogs will likely suffer from.
Luxating patellas are the primary health concern that Japanese Spitzes can suffer from. Patellar luxation is a condition that can cause the dog’s kneecap to slip out of position. This can be particularly painful for the dog.
Symptoms include the dog holding its leg up and hopping to avoid putting any weight on it.
The condition can be managed using pain medication and physiotherapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be required.
Bloat (AKC) is a condition that is more typical in larger dogs with a deep chest, but it can affect any dog. It’s when the stomach twists, usually after the dog eats a big meal too quickly. This can cause the stomach to swell and can be lethal.
Symptoms of bloat include a swollen stomach, retching and drooling but no vomit, and restlessness.
Dogs with bloat can be cured with surgery, but it’s important to contact your vet when you start seeing symptoms.
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in all dogs and is caused by the abnormal growth of hip and elbow joints. It can be excruciating for dogs and can be inherited from their parents.
Symptoms of hip or elbow dysplasia in dogs can include swelling and limping. Minor cases can be treated with injections and supplements. Surgery can also cure more serious cases.
As well as hip or elbow dysplasia, Japanese Spitz dogs, like other breeds, can also suffer from joint pain and arthritis.
Arthritis in dogs will cause limping and pain, but medication, physiotherapy, and weight management can all help.
This is a serious eye defect that affects the eye’s photoreceptor cells. This condition will eventually lead to blindness in dogs.
Symptoms include a progressive loss of vision and the eyes appearing grey or cloudy. There are no treatments, but dogs are resilient and adapt to live generally happy lives.
They can also suffer from runny eyes that can cause tear staining on the white fur
You should always get pet insurance for your dog. If you are planning to buy a Japanese Spitz puppy, you’ll be getting a very healthy breed, but that doesn’t mean it won’t need vet treatment from time to time.
Shopping around for the best price when buying pet insurance for your Japanese Spitz is advisable. The Spitz is typically cheaper to insure than other dogs because of its healthy reputation, but you should still see what is included in your policy.
Sometimes, you will have an excess to pay on an insurance policy before the company pays out, and it is possible to increase this amount to reduce the premium.
Japanese Spitzes make great small pets that typically live between 10 and 16 years. A healthy diet and keeping your dog at a healthy weight can prolong their life.
Both the Japanese Kennel Club and American Kennel Club consider the Japanese Spitz dog breed to be a generally healthy dog breed. The Japanese Spitz makes great household pets because of their docile nature, and the lack of health issues typically results in lower insurance costs and vet bills.
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.