Top 19 Most Popular Dog Breeds and Their Health Problems
Do you have a dog or are you preparing to become one? You've come to the right place! In this article, you will discover the top 20 most popular dog breeds and what health problems they are prone to. Without wasting much time, let's start with the first breed, namely:
Siberian Husky: Autoimmune Diseases
Siberian Huskies as a breed are prone to a variety of autoimmune diseases, many of which affect the skin. These conditions cause sores and hair loss, often on the face. One immune condition affects both the skin and the eyes and can lead to eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. The typical treatment for these diseases is corticosteroids to suppress the immune system. In some cases, your veterinarian may use an immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine.
Bulldog: Respiratory problems
Like all dogs with those adorable, bulging faces, bulldogs can suffer from breathing problems. Your bulldog's small nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea are the reasons they are likely to snore, and they can lead to a life-threatening emergency if they overheat or overexert themselves. That's why it's important to keep your bulldog cool in the summer and never overdo it with exercise.
Pug: Eye Problems
With their squashed faces and bulging eyes, pugs are at risk for eye problems. The most serious is an eye popping out of its socket. This can happen if a pug gets into an accident or fights with another dog. If this happens, cover the eye with a damp cloth and get your dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. The vet may be able to put the eye back in place, although whether the dog will retain its vision depends on the severity of the injury.
German Shepherd: Hip Dysplasia
Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the joint do not fit together properly, causing pain, arthritis, and walking problems. When looking for a German Shepherd puppy, ask the breeder if the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia. Parents with healthy hips are more likely to produce puppies with healthy hips.
Labrador Retriever: Obesity
Any dog can become overweight, but Labradors are especially prone to it. And just like in humans, obesity in dogs is also associated with health problems. Labs need vigorous daily exercise. If your Labrador is constantly begging for more food, try giving him raw carrots, green beans, or an apple. Since prevention is easier than weight loss, it's best to consult your veterinarian for a diet plan that's right for your pet. You can quickly and easily make an online veterinarian consultation on HAPPY PET NET from the following link.
Beagle: Epilepsy
Epilepsy, a brain disease that causes seizures, appears to be more common in beagles than in other dog breeds. Dogs with epilepsy usually have their first seizure between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Although epilepsy cannot be cured, frequent seizures (more than one per month) can usually be managed with anti-seizure medications.
Boxer: Cancer
Boxers are at higher risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma and mast cell tumors. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes and involves white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Mast cell tumors are a type of skin cancer that can take many forms and also involve internal organs. In both cases, the cancer is often felt as an unusual lump or swelling on your dog's body. Both types of cancer can be treatable, but it's important to catch them early. So if you have a Boxer, be sure to check him regularly for lumps.
Dachshund: Back problems
Because of their long bodies, dachshunds are at higher risk for back injuries and spinal problems. The best way to keep your dachshund healthy is to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts strain on the back. Also try to limit climbing stairs and jumping off furniture, as this can also put strain on the back.
Doberman Pinscher: Heart Problems
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition in which the chambers of the heart are enlarged and do not pump blood effectively. Often, owners of dogs with DCM do not even realize that something is wrong until their dog collapses. Because DCM is so common in Dobermans, many veterinarians recommend annual screenings. Medications can regulate the heart rate and improve the heart's ability to pump, but there is no cure for DCM.
Cocker Spaniel: Ear Infections
Dogs like Cocker Spaniels with floppy, furry ears are often prone to ear infections. The best way to prevent them is to clean your dog's ears every two weeks and occasionally flip his ears back to allow him to "breathe." Also, carefully trim any hair growing on the underside of the ears with a clipper to keep the ear canals dry. Reducing the frequency of ear infections can also prevent major problems in the future.
Yorkshire Terrier: Portosystemic shunt
Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a congenital blood vessel defect that is common in small breeds such as Yorkies. The portal vein carries toxins from the intestines to the liver, which purifies the blood. In PSS, the vein bypasses the liver and toxins are not removed. PSS can cause poor growth, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. Most of the time, PSS can be corrected with surgery and the dog will go on to live a normal, healthy life.
Golden Retriever: Skin Allergies
Do you feel like your Golden Retriever is constantly licking itself? Unlike humans, dogs don't usually sneeze when they're allergic to something. Instead, they tend to get itchy skin. And the frequent licking, scratching, and chewing can lead to hot spots (red, oozing sores). Before starting any long-term at-home treatment, be sure to first consult with your veterinarian about your dog's condition and needs. To soothe itchy skin, bathe your dog with oatmeal shampoo, add an omega-3 supplement to their diet, and make sure they have regular flea treatments.
Poodle: Glaucoma
Poodles are one of a handful of breeds that are at increased risk for this serious eye disease. Glaucoma is a buildup of fluid in the eye that causes pressure, pain, and eventually blindness. Glaucoma can be treated with medication at first. But surgery and even removal of the affected eye may be necessary.
Rottweiler: Joint problems
Large breeds like Rottweilers are at risk for a variety of joint problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). OCD is a condition that develops in large, rapidly growing puppies in which the cartilage in the joint does not form properly. A balanced diet can help keep your Rottweiler's joints healthy. However, many dogs require surgery to remove the abnormal cartilage.
Chihuahua: Collapsed trachea
Does your Chihuahua make strange, horn-like noises when excited? If so, your furry friend may be suffering from a collapsed trachea, a common problem in toy breeds. With a collapsed trachea, the cartilage that normally keeps the windpipe open is weak, so the windpipe collapses. Some dogs live their entire lives with a collapsed trachea and have no problems; others need medication. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to open the windpipe.
Pomeranian: Hair Loss
Pomeranians are prone to an adrenal gland disease called alopecia X, which causes hair loss. Alopecia X usually begins when the dog is young. If a dog with alopecia X is intact, spaying or neutering often causes hair to regrow (the hair loss is caused by the overproduction of sex hormones). Melatonin supplements may also help.
Great Dane: Bloating
Giant breeds like Great Danes are at higher risk for gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening condition that develops when the stomach fills with gas and then twists, trapping food and gas in the stomach. If the abdomen appears bloated and you notice your dog pacing, panting, and drooling excessively right after eating, call your veterinarian immediately. GDV can be corrected with surgery, but it can be fatal if not treated quickly.
French Bulldog: Breathing Problems
Like its English cousin, the French Bulldog is prone to respiratory problems. Also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome, this set of breathing problems is the result of the breed's pushed-in nose, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea. Extreme heat or too much exercise can cause the French Bulldog to struggle to breathe, so it's best to keep him indoors on hot days.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Mitral Valve Disease
This heart problem is common in older small dogs, but Cavaliers often develop it early. With mitral valve disease, the valve between the left atrium and ventricle does not close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward when the heart pumps. This puts a strain on the heart. Symptoms include lethargy and coughing. With monitoring and proper treatment, a dog with mitral valve disease can live for years with very few symptoms.
