Common Dog Health Issues. Dogs are susceptible to the same health issues as humans, some of which are hereditary. Certain dog breeds are more prone to certain illnesses or disorders as a result of selective breeding. Before deciding which breed to purchase, it is important for prospective dog owners to be aware of any potential health issues. DNA tests are available for up to 200+ breeds, and it is highly recommended that any prospective pet be tested before purchase. Below is a list of some common health issues that dogs may experience, depending on their breed.
Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are prone to autoimmune illnesses, such as skin and eye issues, which can be treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can suffer from syringomyelia, a disorder caused by a skull that is too small to fit the size of the brain. This can cause spinal cord cavities filled with fluid, and may also lead to heart problems, such as mitral valve disease, which is characterized by coughing and fatigue.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the joint does not fit together properly. This can cause pain, arthritis, and difficulty walking. To reduce the chances of hip dysplasia in a German Shepherd puppy, you should ask the breeder if the parents have had hip dysplasia screenings.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers can suffer from various joint issues, including osteochondrosis dissecans, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. A balanced diet may help support joint health, but surgery may be required to remove aberrant cartilage.
Pugs
Due to their facial structure and droopy eyes, Pugs are prone to eye issues. The most serious issue is when an eye pops out of its socket, which requires immediate veterinary care.
Bulldogs
Bulldogs can suffer from breathing issues due to their small nostrils, elongated soft palate, and thin trachea. To prevent life–threatening emergencies, Bulldogs must be kept cool in the summer and not be overexerted.
Dachshunds
Due to their long and slender body, dachshunds are more prone to suffering from back injuries and spinal disk problems. To keep your dachshund healthy, it is important to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. If your dachshund is overweight, this can increase their risk of back pain. It is advisable to avoid activities that could cause back pain, such as jumping off furniture or running up and down stairs.
Labradors
Labradors are known for their love of food, which can lead to them becoming overweight. Excess weight can increase the risk of health problems, just like it can with humans. If your Labrador is constantly asking for food, instead of giving them unhealthy treats, try offering them cucumber (without skin and cut into small pieces), raw carrots, green beans, or apples. It is important to discuss a suitable nutrition plan with your vet to ensure your pet stays healthy and prevents weight gain
Boxers
Boxers are more prone to developing mast cell tumors and lymphoma, both of which are types of cancer. Lymphoma is caused by white blood cells known as lymphocytes, and mast cell tumors can take on many different shapes, and can also affect internal organs. To identify these tumors early, it is important to check your boxer regularly for any lumps or bumps on their body.
Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are more likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition which affects the heart‘s chambers. This is an incurable condition, but it can be monitored and managed. Symptoms may not be noticeable until the dog is unresponsive. For this reason, it is recommended to have your dog‘s heart checked annually to ensure they are healthy. Although DCM cannot be cured, medication can help to maintain a healthy heart rhythm and improve their ability to pump blood.
Cocker spaniels
Dog Health Problems for Cocker spaniels and other dogs with floppy, fluffy ears frequently develop ear infections. The easiest technique to stop ear infections in dogs is to clean their ears every two weeks and periodically turn them back to allow them to “breathe.” Carefully trim any hair that is sprouting on the bottom of the ears to keep the ear canals dry. The frequency of ear infections can be decreased to help prevent more serious problems in the future.
Golden retriever
Is your golden retriever continually licking itself? Unlike people, dogs often don’t sneeze when they are allergic to something. Skin allergies, which are primarily brought on by exposure to plants or pollen, are frequently developed in this popular breed. Furthermore, frequent scratching, licking, and chewing might result in hot spots (red, oozing sores). Before starting any long-term home remedies, make careful to discuss your dog’s condition and needs with your veterinarian. To soothe scratchy skin, give your dog oatmeal shampoo baths, add an omega-3 supplement to their food, and make sure they get regular flea treatment.
Basset Hounds
Due to their long, droopy ears, both these breeds are susceptible to frequent ear infections. Owners of both breeds must be careful to regularly clean, check and trim the fur on their dog’s ears. See Cocker Spaniels as they have the same health problems…
Poodles
Poodles are one of a select few breeds that are more susceptible to this dangerous eye condition. A buildup of fluid in the eye known as glaucoma results in pressure, discomfort, and finally blindness. Glaucoma can be managed with medicine in its early stages. However, it may be essential to perform surgery or possibly remove the damaged eye.
Beagle
The prevalence of epilepsy, a brain condition that results in seizures, appears to be higher in beagles than in other dog breeds. Dogs with epilepsy typically experience their first seizure between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Anti-seizure medication can usually be used to manage frequent seizures (more than one per month), even though epilepsy cannot be cured.
Shih Tzu
In toy breeds like Shih tzus, wobbly kneecaps, also known as patellar luxation, are highly frequent. The dog may limp, hobble, or occasionally have the kneecap pop out of position if they have patellar luxation. Most of the time, the kneecap will pop back into place on its own, but in extreme situations, surgery may be required to fix the issue and stop arthritis.
Yorkshire Terrier
Dog Health Problems for small breeds like the Yorkie are prone to the blood vessel birth abnormality known as portosystemic shunt (PSS). Toxins from the intestines are transported by the portal vein to the liver, which purifies the blood. Toxins are not eliminated when PSS is used since the vein skips the liver. PSS has been linked to seizures, vomiting, poor growth, and other symptoms. The majority of the time, PSS is treatable surgically, and the dog will recover to lead a normal, healthy life.
Miniature Schnauzer
Have you noticed that your toy schnauzer is guzzling water like it just finished a marathon? Are they suddenly making mistakes at home? They might be diabetic. Although any dog can get diabetes, miniature schnauzers appear to be more susceptible. Although diabetes is a serious condition, your dog can live a normal, healthy life with the help of insulin and dietary adjustments.
Pomeranians
Alopecia X, an adrenal gland illness that results in hair loss, is more likely to affect Pomeranians. Alopecia X frequently appears in young dogs. In dogs with alopecia X, the hair frequently regrows following spaying or neutering. (Excessive sex hormone production is what leads to hair loss). Supplemental melatonin is also useful.
German Shorthaired Pointer
One of the Dog Health Problems for german shorthaired pointer is the aorta, a significant blood channel that transports oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body, narrows, a condition known as aortic stenosis. The heart is strained by aortic stenosis, which over time may result in an abnormal cardiac rhythm. There may be no signs of mild aortic stenosis. In more serious cases, the dog may be frail and susceptible to fatigue. Aortic stenosis, which unfortunately reduces a dog’s longevity, can be treated with medicine. Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and Newfoundlands are the three most popular breeds.
Great Danes’s Dog Health Problems
Great Danes and other giant breeds are more susceptible to stomach dilatation and volvulus (GDV). This potentially fatal illness happens when the stomach twists after being filled with gas, trapping food and gas inside. Call the vet right away if your dog’s abdomen appears bloated and if you notice them pacing, panting, or drooling excessively after eating. GDV can be treated surgically, but if it is not addressed right away, it can be fatal.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties may experience “collie eye anomaly,” a collection of connected eye issues. The retina and the optic nerve are impacted by the collie eye. Moderate to severe cases can result in blindness, although mild cases may not have any noticeable effects on the dog’s vision. Collie’s eye is a rather common condition in the affected breeds, and there is no known cure. Ask if a Sheltie puppy has been tested before bringing it home.
Maltese
Dog Health Problems for Maltese this illness is known as white tremors in small dogs, which has a humorous sound to it (although dogs with other coat colors can get it, too). Inflammation in the cerebellum is what causes the shaking, which can be so severe that the dog is hardly able to move. The canine is not in pain, the condition can be managed with corticosteroids, and it typically goes away within a few weeks.
Boston Terriers
Due to their large eyes, Boston Terriers are more susceptible to certain eye disorders, such as cherry eye. Cherry eye in dogs causes a tear duct to “pop out” from beneath the third eyelid. The gland is referred to as cherry eye since it is spherical and bright red. Cherry eye can be treated surgically. In addition to cherry eye, Boston Terriers are also prone to cataracts and dry eye.
French Bulldog
Dog Health Problems for the French bulldog are prone to breathing issues, just like their English relative. This group of breathing issues also called brachycephalic airway syndrome is brought on by the breed’s pushed-in snout, prolonged soft palate, and constricted trachea. On warmer days, it’s better to keep French bulldogs inside because excessive heat or exercise might make them struggle to breathe. Surgery might be required to correct more serious cases.
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