Beagle Health Issues

Dogs are common pets and easily make their way into homes becoming a member of the family. The bond between a dog and their owner is a strong one built on love and trust. Dogs are reliable and lovable which makes them the perfect choice for aiding people with disabilities. A dog devotes itself to its owner and will do just about anything to protect them. The Beagle is a good example of this selfless, lovable creature. Below you will find information about Beagle health issues.

Beagles make wonderful family pets because their personalities make them safe for children to be around. They are loyal and friendly and do not get upset easily. They are also very cute. Taking your Beagle to the veterinarian for regular visits is key to keeping them healthy and happy. There are health problems that occur in Beagles in addition to the basic issues concerning most dogs.

Some Issues Can Be Prevented with Good Care

Beagles ears are long and floppy which makes cleaning them regularly important. Moisture and dirt can build up inside the ear which makes ear care important. Because the food we eat is not a healthy option for a Beagle it is important to avoid giving them table scraps. If given human food often they may become obese or develop dysplasia. They should be fed food specifically created for dogs. A health issue that sometimes affects beagles is Distichiasis. A Beagle with this condition will have their eyelashes growing in toward their eyes. This can be very painful for them.

Some Major Conditions Can Affect Your Beagle

Beagles are known to sometimes have problems with congenital heart disease. Where you buy your pet is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. Lymphoma is a serious health issue that affects Beagles. While this does not occur often it makes it very important to maintain regular visits to the vet. Polyarthritis is another reason to keep an eye on their health. This can cause pain in their joints making their lives very uncomfortable.

Epilepsy or seizures have been known to affect Beagles as well. There is medication that can be prescribed to help this condition. Glandular hypertrophy, or Cherry Eye, causes a visible red lump to form on the eye due to swelling of the third eyelid. It is not a life threatening condition and it will not cause blindness. There is an ointment for treating this. The gland that causes this health issue can be removed surgically.

Other Conditions Seems Worse Than They Really Are

Another health issue affecting Beagles is the "reverse sneeze". This is where the Beagle gasps suddenly and repeatedly breathes out heavily. To see examples of this you can find videos of it occurring on YouTube. By watching these you will be able to determine if this is happening to your Beagle. This is very natural for Beagles and not something you should be worried about.

If you have or are thinking about getting a Beagle their health needs to be a priority to you. Make sure you research different dog breeds to see which one would me the best addition to your family. Doing this will ensure your happiness as well as your pets. Be sure you choose a reliable breeder to purchase your pet from. Remember to take your Beagle to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. Feed you dog only healthy, dog food. Make sure to properly train your dog. IF you follow the above guidelines you and your pet will have a happy healthy life together for many, many years.