Dog Breeds and Health Conditions

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     People that have dogs know how quickly they become part of the family, and how much you want to keep them healthy as you do with any other family member. One of the issues is that different dog breeds have genetic dispositions to certain diseases just as some people have conditions that run in their families. For instance, German Shepherds can develop hip dysplasia, which is why exercise and weight are very important because it keeps the excess pressure off the hips. However, many large dogs have the potential to develop hip dysplasia particularly if it is something that is genetic.

Blood hounds have a greater risk of developing eye problems because of their drooping eyes, which when they get older become more droopy. Bloat is a serious condition in which the stomach and intestines turn in on themselves, which can then cause a swift death. Large and giant breed dogs are more prone to bloat then smaller dogs. It is best to not allow your large dog rough house and play directly after they have eaten; this is a very painful condition and an emergency because if not treated quickly, death will follow.

Dachshund because they are low to the ground and long, has a problem with spinal disc disease as well as heart problems. If you have a dachshund, make sure they are not overweight, because this is the one area that will cause excess pressure on the dog's spine that can lead to ruptured discs and lameness in their hind legs. If you dog begin to drag their bag legs, you need to get them to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

If you have one of the popular spaniels, such as the Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, English Spaniel, these dogs are prone to ear infections because they have such heavy ears that do not get a lot of air, therefore, they remain moist and warm and bacteria can quickly multiply. It is vital to begin regular cleaning of your Spaniel's ears when they are young and make sure to clean them every week with a gentle solution and cotton pads. This will help keep them drier and cleaner and lessen the likelihood of infections.

Eyeball prolapse, where the third eyelid protrudes and commonly called a "cherry eye" is common in big-eyed dogs such as Pugs and Pekingese. There are surgeries that can be done to fix the problem, but in persistent cases, it comes back. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on any protruding redness you see coming from the corner of your dog's eye.

Regardless of the breed of dog you have, there are ways to lessen the overall health conditions that they may be more prone to develop such as making sure they are getting a good diet, exercise, and regular veterinarian checkups. You cannot stop a disease that your dog may develop, but you can lessen the possibility or the degree of the disease by taking care of them when they are young.