Dogs are renowned for their unparalleled comfort and unwavering loyalty. Nowadays, there is a vast variety of dog breeds available. This variety mainly stems from the methods of selective breeding. However, these practices have led to health issues and genetic disorders in dogs.
Check out the following 5 common dog breeds and what diseases they typically suffer from. With Canine Weekly recommendations, you should be able to take better care of your pet without worrying too much about its health!
5 Common Dog Breeds are:
- German Shepherd
- Bull Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador
- Cocker Spaniel
When you adopt a dog, it is natural that you get attached to it emotionally and treat it as a family member. Dog owners should know the most potential health issues that could occur in them.
German Shepherd
The elongated shape of German Shephard’s body makes it prone to various health issues. Major health issues in them are – Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis. If you notice that your pooches are having trouble walking, it is time to see the vet.
Hip Dysplasia is a situation when the hip socket is not fully fitted in the ball of the thigh bone. And it fully or partially dislocates the hip joint. But the good thing is that German Shepherds can survive for long years if proper care is taken.
Arthritis can occur in any dog breed. But it is most common in big-sized dogs and the ones that have long lives, like German Shepherds.
Bull Dog
The primary health issues in bulldogs are hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and cardiac and respiratory disease.
The most prominent is that Bull Dogs are sensitive to heat. You need to keep a check on their breathing during rigorous exercising or on a hot summer day.
The shape of their throat and nose makes them likely to have respiratory problems. Their short face or being Brachycephalic makes them susceptible to problems related to breathing. English bulldogs are the most vulnerable ones among all Brachycephalic dog breeds.
Cherry Eye is commonly used to represent the extra protective layer of the eye in animals which is essential during hunting. It consists of a gland that makes a major part of the eye’s protective tear layer. Cherry eyes can even hamper your dog’s eyesight and require surgery.
Golden Retriever
This golden fur baby is fun at home. But it faces a heap of health-related problems: mainly hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and seizures.
Hypothyroidism is critical when thyroid glands cannot produce and retain a certain number of hormones in the body. It slows down the metabolism and makes it feel lazy and tired. Such a situation eventually leads it to gain weight.
Labrador Retriever
This family breed is known for its intelligence and affection. Labradors age but do not have an active lifestyle. Their common health issues are obesity, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cardiovascular impairments.
They have a gene that gets deactivated when they are full so they are constantly hungry which makes them gain weight. You need to keep your labra active to reduce the risk of obesity.
They are also prone to cataracts and other visionary issues. Progressive retinal atrophy can also lead to total blindness.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel is an expensive breed adored for its flowing coats and model-like tresses. Regular shampooing and brushing are required to maintain their precious curls. Their ears need to be cleaned regularly to prevent any kind of ear infections.
They are prone to heart diseases, liver diseases, epilepsy, and eye disorders, including glaucoma and cataracts. Glaucoma is a condition that builds up extra fluid in the eye and creates pressure. It is painful and may lead to blindness.
Conclusion
For dog owners, knowing some basic medical terms and issues related to their pets is always a boon. Medication notations are also important to understand the prescription of your dog well.
For example, Ac means to take before meals, BID means to take twice per day, EOD means to take every other day, PRN means to take as needed, Q means to take every four hours, and QD means to take every day.
Other terms such as folliculitis (skin problem), Otitis Externa (ear problem), and Neoplasia (unusual growth of cells and tissues) are also some you might come across. Regardless, if it looks like a severe issue, be sure to consult a vet!
