A beagle’s health is one of the most important aspects of its care. Several symptoms indicate a potential problem. While some of these symptoms may be minor and temporary, others can indicate a serious illness or disease. As a pet owner, you should know when to consult a veterinarian. Listed below are some common symptoms and how to treat them.
Common Health Problems of a Beagle
Beagles are susceptible to a variety of health issues. These include allergies, seizures, deafness, heart disease, and dwarfism. To minimize the risk of developing these problems in your Beagle puppies, bring them to the veterinarian for regular examinations. Many of these illnesses are preventable, but some do require veterinary intervention.
Common health problems of a beagle include ear infections and allergies. Allergies to grass seeds, parasites, and other things can irritate the ear canal. Eventually, this will lead to an infection called otitis. In severe cases, this condition can lead to painful and life-threatening conditions.
Another common problem in Beagles is cruciate ligament disease, which causes the knee joint to become unstable. This condition can lead to arthritis in the Beagle, but surgery can effectively stabilize the knee joint.
Symptoms
The Beagle’s long life and hardy nature make them a durable breed, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to health problems. Beagles can suffer from various illnesses, including bladder cancer, kidney disease, allergies, and idiopathic epilepsy. Knowing the signs and symptoms of each of these conditions is important, as early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
One of the most common symptoms of a beagle’s health problems is an excessive scratching of its ears. This itching can result in a loss of coat. You must bathe them frequently if your Beagle suffers from an ear infection. But it may not be enough, and you’ll have to visit the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Allergies are common in beagles. A change in diet can help manage allergies. You can also administer antihistamines to help your beagle recover. Hypothyroidism is another common ailment affecting your Beagle. This disease can cause a dull coat, lethargy, and weight gain. Fortunately, treatments for hypothyroidism include antihistamines and daily thyroid hormone supplements.
Treatment
It is important to keep your Beagle healthy to ensure a long life. These long-haired dogs are prone to various skin conditions and ear infections. These conditions are caused by dirt, debris, allergens, and parasites. They can cause your Beagle to be very uncomfortable, so it is important to take care of these issues early.
It’s also important to check for glaucoma and cataracts, as these eye diseases are very common in older beagles. Fortunately, many eye diseases can be treated with early treatment. Those with glaucoma should take medications to help treat the condition, while those with cataracts should get regular physical exams.
While the first symptoms of this condition are mild, they can become serious and even crippling if not treated. The best way to avoid this is to exercise your Beagle regularly. Exercise helps keep your dog in better shape and prevents joint injuries.
Prevention
Beagles require routine care to be happy and healthy. This includes providing your dog with a nutritious diet and ample exercise. It would help if you also were sure to supervise your pet like you would your toddler. Close doors, clean up after them and keep objects out of reach. Although Beagles don’t require much grooming, dental health can be a serious concern. Therefore, you should bring your Beagle to the veterinarian for a checkup every six months.
To prevent heartworm and roundworm infections, it is important to check your dog for fleas and ticks. A simple flea comb will determine if your dog has these parasites. You can use a natural flea repellent to get rid of these parasites.
Arthritis is another common issue in older beagles. This debilitating disease can cause your dog to lose its fur or be unable to walk properly. If your Beagle suffers from arthritis, it is important to make accommodations to ensure their comfort. To help your pet maintain healthy joints, you can give them glucosamine or chondroitin supplements. There are many products available for dogs that are specifically formulated for these compounds.