Dog Breed Alert: Top Health Problems in Beagles

Beagles make great family pets for their loyalty and their intelligence. While they are relatively low maintenance animals, the breed does experience some health issues all Beagle owners should be aware of. Don’t let the health issues discourage you from adopting a Beagle; when it comes to dogs, the benefits will always outweigh the cost!

Step 1: Keep an eye on your Beagle’s eyes and ears. Beagles have been known to have eye issues such as enlargement of the eyelid, the eyelid turning in or out, excessive tears or inadequate tears. More serious conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy have also been known to plague the breed and can lead to blindness. The first symptom that will be noticeable to a Beagle owner is decreased night vision.

Be aware of any eye irritations or abnormalities in your Beagle’s behavior in order to seek treatment and minimize long term effects to your Beagle’s quality of life. Because of their long ears, Beagles can be prone to ear infections. Keep your Beagle’s ears clean (using a damp cloth should do the trick) and check them regularly for redness, swelling or other signs of infection.

Step 2: Get informed about skeletal issues that have been known to plague this breed. Beagles are prone to disc disease, characterized by the rupture of discs between vertebrae which can appear around one year of age and causes back and rear end pain. Another skeletal issue which can affect this breed is lunation of the patella; this can be the result of poor development around the kneecap or can occur as the result of trauma.

This condition can typically be corrected with surgery. Another concern specific to Beagles is Chondrodyslpasia, or dwarfism. Beagles that are affected by this disorder are typically diagnosed within a few weeks of their life as their small size and possible abnormal physical characteristics are easily detected. Like many breeds, Beagles can also suffer from hip dysplasia; be conscious of your Beagle’s physical activity and make note of any signs of discomfort so that you can seek treatment immediately.

Step 3: Stay tuned into your Beagle’s elimination patterns. If your Beagle seems lethargic, has experienced weight fluctuation, or just isn’t acting "like himself", he might be suffering from Hypothyroidism. Because these symptoms can also lead to seizures, you’ll want to see your veterinarian to confirm a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Step 4: Pay close attention to your Beagle’s skin for signs of irritation or indications of mites. Demodetic mange is a condition that results from the Beagle’s immune system’s inability to fight off this naturally occurring mite. If the problem persists after 6-8 weeks, you’ll know your Beagle’s immune system is not functioning properly and your Beagle will need medical intervention to rid himself of the mites and resulting mange.

Step 5: Be vigilant about observing your Beagle during any "fits" that might be characterized by a veterinarian as seizures. This breed has been known to suffer from Epilepsy, typically diagnosable after the Beagle has experienced a seizure and typically occurring under one year of age.

Step 6: Take a good look at your Beagle’s "belly button". A Beagle with an umbilical hernia will have an excessive pouch of skin over his belly button. If your Beagle is affected by this condition, you will typically notice by 6 months of age.

Visit Pet Super Store for more information. Featured products this year: dog beds,.