Beagle Health

Common Beagle Health Diseases

Beagle health problems are not that common. Although beagles are prone to certain genetic disease, they happen in a very low incidence. Many dog breeds have a much larger incidence of disease health problems.

The main threat to beagle health is obesity. While most people do not view this as a problem it is the biggest on the beagle faces. Most people are in denial about how fat their beagle is.

If you don't know how much your beagle should weigh as your veterinarian. Most beagles should weigh between 18 to 30 pounds depending on frame size. Remember you should be able to easily feel your dogs ribs. If you can not feel the ribs your dog is likely too fat.

Some conditions that are unique to beagle health is Immune Mediated Polygenic Arthritis and beagle pain syndrome, where the beagles neck is painful. Which is also an immune mediated disease.

Beagles are also prone to back problems. The discs of the back can become dislodged resulting in paralysis. Discs are donut shaped cushion in-between each vertebra. This cushion the spine. Trauma, or a high jump can cause a disc to become dislodged and press on a nerve or even worse the spinal cord causing paralysis. If you beagle is suddenly unable to use its hind legs this is what the problem is and it requires emergency surgery.

Another beagle health problem is ear infections. Since the beagles ears are long and floppy it can be hard for air to get into the ear canal to keep it dry. If the ear canal gets water in it, it becomes very humid and warm which is a great place for bacteria and yeast to grow.

Beagles can also be prone to eye problems. One eye problem could be trauma. This trauma is likely from the beagle keeping its head low to the ground following a scent. It is easy for a fallen branch twig to poke and eye or cause a laceration on the face.

Another common beagle health problem is cherry eye. This is when the third eyelid prolapses out of place. Although it may look painful to us, it is not painful to the beagle. It is best to have your veterinarian replace the gland. By failing to fix the problem, the dog may be prone to dry eye in the future.

Although beagles may be prone to some diseases they are in generally very healthy. Remember the biggest threat to beagle health is you! Keep your beagle in good shape by not overfeeding. Obesity is a killer.