The Whippet breed is considered a healthy dog breed, as the breed standard does not have strict rules regarding coat colour – which means that these purebred dogs come from a very large and strong gene pool. Despite being a generally healthy breed, you might still be concerned about the health problems of your Whippet puppy.
In this article, we will cover some common Whippet health problems that might arise and how you can ensure your Whippet’s health is the best it could be.
Whippet puppies and adults are not prone to health issues compared to other dog breeds. Whippet owners will be happy to know that their hounds do not tend to suffer from allergies, infections or joint issues. But of course, that doesn’t mean your Whippet will be 100% healthy throughout its whole life.
Just like humans, some affected dogs may develop hereditary health issues later in life, or they can develop an unexpected disease that could not be prevented. But, generally speaking, these dogs are a very healthy breed compared to other breeds.
Below are some of the most common health problems your Whippet might suffer from.
Their large chests and athletic nature mean that whippets may develop heart murmurs during their lifetime. It is a very common problem in Whippets but not necessarily fatal.
Heart murmurs are vibrations made by the heart because of a change in blood flow. Your vet will be able to listen for this condition, and it can range in its severity. Young puppies often have heart murmurs that resolve by themselves as the puppy grows.
This is also a very common problem that afflicts these athletic dogs. Cryptorchidism only affects male Whippets and is when one (or sometimes both) testicle does not descend. When this happens, you need to consult with your vet for treatment options.
An inflamed pancreas is fairly common in Whippets. It can result from certain foods, and the symptoms include pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and not having an appetite. Pancreatitis can be treated with a dietary change as well as medication.
Epilepsy is not too common in Whippets and mostly arises between the ages of one and three. You will quickly be able to spot if your dog has epilepsy, as it will have a fit, which will include shaking, collapsing, foaming at the mouth, excessive drooling, and possibly even losing consciousness.
Epilepsy can be treated with life-long medications.
SRMA is a serious auto-immune condition. If your dog has this condition, the blood vessels in the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) become inflamed.
The symptoms of SRMA include stiffness, a high body temperature, and indications of back pain.
Steroids and immunosuppressants can be used to treat this form of meningitis-arteritis.
While Whippets are predisposed to some health problems, here are a few uncommon issues you should watch out for:
If you get your Whippet at a young age, it is a good idea to insure this breed. Despite whippets not having many common health issues, sometimes accidents happen.
Insurance can help you afford vet bills when your dog unexpectedly gets sick or has an accident. Insurance will also cover annual checkups and vaccinations, and sometimes, the insurance will cover prescription medications.
Here are some tips for finding the best pet insurance:
Compare insurance companies online. Look at their plans and premiums.
Find a plan that suits your budget. Do you only need cover in case of emergencies, or would you like a more comprehensive plan that covers annual checkups and emergencies?
Consider your Whippet’s age. Some insurance companies will charge pet owners much more to cover older dogs.
With proper nutrition, daily exercise and a loving home, your Whippet will live an average of 12 to 15 years.
Make sure to regularly take your Whippet to the vet, especially as it ages, and ensure to de-flea and deworm your dog at least every three months.
Whippets tend to live a very healthy life. Compared to other dogs, they do not have a lot of health concerns.
If you feed your Whippet a healthy diet, take proper care of it, and purchase it from a registered, reputable breeder, you are guaranteed to have a happy, healthy Whippet that will bring you joy for many years.
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