Mary Allen
Even if we are talking about typical hereditary diseases, you must not assume that your beagle will automatically get these diseases. Most responsibly bred Beagles will live healthy and happy lives.
The Beagle may exhibit what is known as a reverse sneeze behavior. Air is drawn in through the mouth and nose, which makes the dog appear to be choking and therefore gasping for air. The reason for this is not known. Nor a treatment. Since the cause is not known, it cannot be said with certainty that this is a typical hereditary disease of the Beagle.
Beagles are prone to Hound Ataxia. Hound ataxia is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord. It manifests itself in movement disorders, spastic paralysis, and restricted skin and surface reflexes, which, however, do not have a painful effect on the dog. If the beagle falls ill, medication prescribed by the veterinarian should always be on hand in case of an emergency.
The beagle also shows more changes in the intervertebral discs. Beagles seem to have a disposition for a herniated disc.
Disc diseases can cause great pain and sometimes even lead to paralysis. Green-lipped mussel extract can be used as a feed additive to support weakened cartilage tissue. This extract can also be used wonderfully preventively.
It is important to avoid heavy loads. Likewise, the Beagle should have an athletic figure and not put on any extra padding. If your Beagle is already overweight, this should be reduced for the sake of health.
Beagles can be prone to hypothyroidism, which constitutes an underactive thyroid.
Signs of hypothyroidism:
Increased appetite;
Increased drinking;
Coat and/or skin problems (hair loss, dry skin, infections);
Wound healing is disturbed;
Alternating diarrhea and constipation;
Sensitivity to cold.
In addition, the dog is easily excitable and very prone to stress. There may be concentration problems or the four-legged friend is not responsive. Some dogs appear sluggish and exhausted or are not as productive as they used to be.
Behavioral changes in dogs can be related to thyroid problems and should therefore be clarified by a veterinarian with a blood test. Tablets can be used for therapy and often show results quickly.
Likewise, the Beagle appears to be occasionally prone to eye conditions such as glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, or retinal atrophy.
Functional disorders of the lacrimal-nasal duct cause Beagles to have dry or watery eyes.
Glaucoma, also known as glaucoma, causes an increase in intraocular pressure. This occurs when the circulation of the aqueous humor is disturbed. It is a very serious eye condition and extremely painful.
Signs are:
Teary eyes;
Blink/squint;
Red eyes;
Cornea becomes milky-cloudy;
Rubbing the eye on the ground or with the paw.
Since the Beagle can lose his vision and it is also very painful, glaucoma should always be treated very promptly. The intraocular pressure is lowered with medication. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories are also used. Sometimes an operation is necessary.
Corneal dystrophy is the result of a metabolic disorder that leads to deposits or cloudiness in the eye. This can lead to mild to severe visual impairment. Usually, the hereditary disease does not need to be treated. Pain or inflammation are very rare with this clinical picture.
In hip dysplasia, the hip socket or femoral neck deforms. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary malformation of the hip joint. Physical overstrain and the wrong food can promote the development or progression of this disease!
#1 When is a vet visit necessary?
Anyone who observes their dog will notice small irregularities that could already be a sign of illness.
A visit to the vet is certainly not always necessary, but if you are unsure, it is better to visit the vet once too often than once too little.
#2 Do I need to take my Beagle to the vet?
The special abnormalities that could indicate a disease include, for example:
exhaustion;
increased desire to drink;
loss of appetite;
vomit;
diarrhea;
increased urination possibly also with blood;
nasal discharge or watery eyes;
frequent ear scratching, head shaking, head tilt, and/or ear discharge;
change in fur;
skin swelling or itching of the skin;
pain sensitivity;
blunt injuries as well as open wounds;
lameness.
#3 Keeping the Beagle healthy
The Beagle needs a lot of exercise and exercise. Because they tend to overeat, exercise keeps the beagle from becoming overweight, which often leads to illness like humans.
A healthy diet is also of great importance in the Beagle. Sufficient vitamins and nutrients are already contained in most ready-made feeds.
Special diet foods help with certain diseases, food intolerances, and obesity.
Routine vet check-ups are necessary to maintain health. This includes vaccinations. Vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, rabies, leptospirosis, and parvovirus.
Every vet will tell you the exact vaccination dates for the first and repeat vaccinations.
A check-up can be carried out directly with the vaccinations. In this way, some diseases can be recognized and treated at an early stage.