Had it been solely in our hands, we would never let anything happen to our pets. While you might not want it to happen, your Beagle might contract a few kinds of diseases and become unwell.
In this article, we will discuss such diseases that can affect the well-being of your Beagle. Along with that, we will next look at what measures you and your Beagle can take in order to avoid illnesses and remain healthy.
10 Beagle-Related Health Problems
We have discussed below a few health conditions that are found in Beagles. If you find any of these conditions or symptoms in your Beagle, you must take it to see a vet immediately.
1. Beagle Dwarfism
Also known as “funnies,” Beagle Dwarfism is a disorder where abnormal growth happens in your Beagle. It affects the leg bones and vertebrae of dogs. It is not that common a condition in Beagles. The disease can be mild as well as severe.
A Beagle with Dwarfism will have crooked front legs and a short neck. Its gait would be somewhat unusual and awkward. Beagles with this condition might have to undergo a lot of pain while growing.
2. Distichiasis
This abnormality is witnessed both in digs and humans. As per the report, this disorder is congenital or acquired. Like the other health issues we discussed, it is an issue of the eyes too. Under distichiasis, your Beagle can undergo abnormal eyelash growth. This growth usually takes place from an abnormal spot in the eyelid. The result of it will be irritation in the eye. It will further lead to redness, tears, swelling, and eye pain.
If you witness your Beagle going through this problem, take them to a vet immediately. Treatment will require cutting the abnormal eyelashes to prevent them from irritating your Beagle’s eye’s cornea.
3. Cherry Eye
There is a gland that helps with the production of tears in dogs. It is located in the inner corner of their eyes. Sometimes, the gland gets red and swollen and displaces from its original position. This condition is known as “Cherry Eye.” This can cause an infection of the tear gland.
It is not certain exactly what causes Cherry eye, but it is said it could be due to weakness of connective tissue that is responsible for keeping the gland intact with the eye structure.
The only way to treat a Cherry eye is to get it surgically repositioned. If you notice this health issue in your Beagle, take it to the vet immediately.
4. Diabetes
Dogs can also be diagnosed with diabetes. This diabetes is a result of insufficient insulin production. You will notice symptoms like lethargy, a lot of thirst, excessive urination in your Beagle.
Insulin injections can help control the diabetes of your Beagle. Apart from that, it is your responsibility to monitor the nutrition of your dog. Take care of your Beagle’s food and exercise requirements.
Turning obese might lead to diabetes in your Beagle easily. Try to keep your Beagle active to keep it healthy and happy.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma can turn out to be a severe condition for your dog. It is especially found among Beagles. Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye.
Glaucoma can lead to blindness in your Beagle. It would be best to show your Beagle to a vet for the detection of early symptoms. The symptoms can be:
- Pain in the eyes causing squinting, tearing, or rubbing.
- Red-eye/ cloudiness on the cornea
- Protruding of one eye
Glaucoma can make your dog very weak and irritable and with a poor appetite. It can be very painful for your Beagle. Showing your Beagle to a vet eye doctor would be a wise take.
6. Chinese Beagle Syndrome
Chinese Beagle Syndrome is also known as the Musladin-Lueke Syndrome. The Beagles affected by this syndrome have smaller toes, and they walk in an unusual manner using their toes in an upright motion. Their skin tends to feel tight. There is extensive fibrosis of the skin and joints in this condition. The eyes of your Beagle will look slanted, and their legs will feel stiff.
To give your Beagle with CBS a little comfort, make them walk on smooth and safe surfaces. This will reduce the physical discomfort. Also, take your Beagle for regular check-ups to a vet. Beagles with CBS are prone to injuries on their legs and toes. Although it is an incurable disease, regular check-ups will help your Beagle.
7. Ear Infections
Your Beagle can easily catch an ear infection. Blame their long, floppy ears for this. Air, along with debris or moisture, easily gets trapped in their ears, causing infection.
Try cleaning your Beagle’s ears regularly. After playing with water or taking a bath, dry your Beagle’s ears to ensure that no moisture is retained inside the ears.
In case of an infection, you will notice your Beagle shaking its head and ears constantly. You will also notice a strange discharge and a foul odor coming off from your Beagle’s ears. In such a case, you should see a vet. She/He might recommend some sort of ear drops/ ear cleaning solution for your Beagle.
8. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is marked by recurring seizures in Beagles. It is a chronic neurological disorder wherein your dog will lose consciousness for a while, along with twitching and jerking of muscles.
After consulting a vet, give proper medication to your Beagle for seizures. Remember to be regular with the treatment. During episodes of seizure, make sure to remove objects around your dog that can hurt it. Give healthy and nutritious food to your dog to reduce the side effects of drugs taken for seizures.
Caution: Your dog may lose control or drown if it gets a seizure during swimming or while in the water. Therefore, don’t let your Beagle swim unguarded.
9. Hypothyroidism
It is a common health problem found in Beagles. Hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone. The symptoms of it include infections, pain in joints, lassitude, dull coat, hair loss, and gain in weight.
It can be treated through a daily thyroid hormone supplement, but it is recommended to show your Beagle to a vet first.
10. Hip Dysplasia
Dysplasia is basically the displacement of a bone. Hip Dysplasia is quite common in dogs. This condition can cause a lot of pain and reduced mobility.
If you see symptoms of Dysplasia in your Beagle, take them to a vet and get them X-rayed. Also, note that hip dysplasia might get worse in overweight dogs more. So, make sure that your dog is leading an active lifestyle.
How To Keep Your Beagle Healthy
It is your responsibility as a dog-parent to ensure a good lifestyle for your Beagle. Give them the nutrition they require. Apart from that, regular exercise is a must for your Beagle to remain fit.
If, for some reason, your Beagle is feeling unwell or you find something unusual, take them to a vet. Regular check-ups with a vet will help you keep track of your Beagle’s health better.
Remember to keep your Beagle’s eating habits in check because they have the tendency to overeat. Lastly, do not forget to show them your affection and love. Acknowledge their efforts and praise them whenever you can.
Conclusion:
While we hope and pray that your Beagle remains free from any kind of illness and health-related issues, things do turn out a little unfortunate sometimes. If you feel your Beagle has any unusual symptoms or symptoms mentioned in the article, please get them checked by a vet.
Apart from that, give your Beagle a healthy lifestyle, take care of its food needs and exercising requirements. Taking care of these small things can improve the well-being of your little buddy.
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.