If you own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy, you no doubt hope your dog will live a long and healthy life – as any other dog should. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential health problems that can come from owning a dog breed such as this one.
In this article, we’ll share four common Staffy breed health issues that could arise during the life of your beloved pup. That way, you can be best prepared to look out for any signs and symptoms of these so that you can address them quickly to ensure you have a happy and healthy dog.
Even from a reputable breeder, a Staffy’s life can be cut short by a selection of health concerns that have occurred. These common issues aren’t just influenced by genetics; they can have other environmental causes.
There are a number of health conditions that Staffy owners should be aware of. As such, you may be able to help extend your dog’s life by being more alert to the possible symptoms and signs of said health conditions.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip bone doesn’t sit in the joint properly, causing a lot of joint pain, which can often lead to arthritis. Arthritis can occur due to the activeness of this breed and age, of course.
This deformity happens in the early years of the dog’s growth and can be recognised through weakness and pain in the hind legs.
To treat this health problem, there can often be anti-inflammatory drugs used that would help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by this problem.
This tends to be the leading cause of death in many older dogs of this breed. As such, there are a number of symptoms to watch out for, which include:
Heart disease is not something you can reverse; however, taking the right medication and ensuring your dog is eating the right food can play an important role in their health and well-being as they get older.
Staffies are prone to skin irritations because of their short hair and a general reaction to certain things within their environment.
There are plenty of anti-inflammatory products that can help with allergies. The immediate signs of a skin allergy can often be down to:
These symptoms will be more noticeable when brushing or bathing your dog. So pay careful attention to your dog when grooming them.
The c-word is one you never want to hear from a vet’s mouth, so it’s important to do everything you can to spot signs and symptoms early on to treat it effectively.
Early signs of cancer include:
You may also benefit from getting your dog’s blood tested regularly to look out for potential cancers. Surgically removing the cancerous cells and chemotherapy is going to be the most effective way to get rid of cancer, should it arise. Hair loss is a common symptom of this treatment.
Yes! It should be part of your monthly dog expenditures to get insurance for your Staffy. It not only helps you get the right treatment fast but can also help save you serious money should your dog require veterinary advice or treatment.
Health care for dogs is not cheap, and you could end up with a hefty bill that you can’t afford if you don’t have insurance in place.
You must consider what the insurance covers when looking for the best health insurance. You might find that the insurance covers any and all health issues from hereditary cataracts to hip and elbow dysplasia and Cushing’s disease, whilst others may have more limited coverage.
Of course, your Staffy’s health is of the utmost importance, but what you can afford might limit your options for insurance. With that being said, it’s best to look at a comparison site for guidance.
The typical lifespan of a Staffy is 12-14 years, a good age compared to other breeds. If you keep them healthy, they should live a disease-free and happy life!
With any breed, it’s important to be aware of any potential health worries so that you can be mindful of what you give to your dog to keep them healthy and how to spot signs of illness. By only purchasing from reputable breeders and ensuring the health of your puppy’s parents, you can maximise your dog’s chance at a long life.
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