Beagle Health Issues

Keeping Your Beagle Healthy

Of all the animals in the animal kingdom, dogs are the most commonly loved and loving. They, of all the critters man interacts with, seem to be the one that understands man to which that man can relate. It is no mistake that dogs are usually the animals that are trained to serve and assist man when physical disabilities prevent a person from living their daily lives. They are devoted and selfless in their devotion. In addition, none exemplifies that more than the Beagle. In this article, we will discuss Beagle health issues.

Regular Visits to a Good Veterinarian is a Must

Beagles are intelligent, friendly, loyal, even tempered, great with children, and are cute to boot. In addition, to keep them happy and healthy, they require regular visits to a good veterinarian. For Beagles are susceptible to unique health problems in addition to the normal concerns of rabies, ticks, etc.

Unique Potential Health Problems

Because of their long floppy ears, they need to have them cleaned regularly. Airflow can allow moisture, heat, and dirt to collect inside the ear canal. Due to their often-ravenous appetite, which urges them to eat a lot, table scraps and other human foods should not be given. Those foods are not healthy and could lead to obesity or even dysplasia. They should be fed only high quality dog food. Occasionally, Beagles will suffer from Distichiasis, which is a condition in which the eyelashes grow facing inward into the eye. It can be very painful.

Where You get Your Beagle is Key

Unless you get your pet from a reputable breeder, Beagles can sometimes have congenital heart disease problems. You should choose wisely when deciding where to buy your pet. Beagles also are prone to polyarthritis that can affect Beagles even at a young age. Again, regular visits to a good vet will help prevent your pet from the ravages of that condition which affects multiple joints and painfully “age” your dog before his time.

Beagles also are susceptible to Epilepsy or seizures. Your vet can prescribe medications for that. One of the most severe of Beagle health issues is Lymphoma. That form of cancer does not occur frequently, but enough to cause concern for regular vet visits. A less dangerous condition, but one that can affect everyone, even the very young, is Cherry Eye, or Glandular hypertrophy. This condition is a swelling of the third eyelid and results in a visible red lump in the corner of the eye. It is not life or vision threatening and can be treated with an ophthalmic ointment. Alternatively, the gland that causes the condition can be surgically removed.

Another minor but disconcerting condition is called a “reverse sneeze”. The dog gasps and breathes out heavily over and over. There are examples of that on YouTube that illustrate what it is and even some suggestions on how to help your pet stop it.

Things to Consider

The bottom line to all this is:

• When acquiring a pet, make sure you research the breed to better help you determine if you and your pet will be right for each other.
• Make sure you buy from a reliable and reputable breeder.
• Take your Beagle for regular check-ups.
• Feed him only high quality dog food
• Find out how to train him and do it lovingly

If you follow these sensible rules, you will have a happy, healthy pet that will be your loyal and loving companion for many years.