Last Updated: 4 months ago
Dogs are some of the most beloved creatures we keep as pets. As much joy as these adorable creatures bring us, solely by virtue of their existence, they need to be taken care of.
Some breeds, though, suffer from more frequent and serious issues. While we confess that all breeds have their own charms, the following breeds will need extra care to keep them healthy and happy.
Basset Hounds
One of the most adorable and endearing breeds of dogs that any dog lover would love to have is also one that tops the list of needing the most care. These adorable pups, with baggy ears, droopy eyes, and an uncanny ability to entice a sense of warmth in the coldest of hearts, bring with them a host of care issues.
The major problem they face is obesity. As a breed that doesn’t enjoy exercise much, it becomes imperative to check on your hound’s weight and keep them fit.
Associated with obesity but much more dangerous is bloating, which is essentially a gastric dilatation, and volvulus, which can lead to death. This occurs because the stomach twists and the blood supply is cut off to the area.
The baggy ears and the wrinkles on their faces imply increased surface area. If not cleaned regularly, they lead to infections from fleas, ticks, and mites, leading to pain, itchiness, and discomfort.
Hounds are also prone to a host of eye problems. Glaucoma, cataracts, cherry eye, etc. are common in hounds that aren’t taken care of and that do not go to their vet frequently.
Chow-Chows
This ancient Chinese breed has been melting human hearts for centuries. But that does not mean these goofballs aren’t a cause for concern for owners who care about their pets’ health.
Chow Chows have a rough and thick coat and are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. They need to be cleaned, washed regularly, and combed too. Diseases such as rabies are prevented by timely vaccination.
Musculoskeletal issues can plague these otherwise heavy dogs, leading to immense pain. Bone and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, osteochondritis, and eosinophilic panosteitis are all painful conditions that might affect your Chow Chow.
A lot of these are hereditary, and your pet insurance might not work.
Find out how pet insurance knows about pre-existing conditions. Regular visits to the vet might help with the early detection and prevention of complications. Further treatment may require surgery.
French Bulldogs
Small, chubby, and adorable, there’s probably not one breed more endearing than French bulldogs.
With their pointy bat ears, they’re definitely one of the most sought-after breeds. But of course, this means they carry a host of issues with them.
This breed is particularly prone to obesity. While by itself it may not seem like much of an issue, an obese animal is in a constant state of inflammation that is extremely unhealthy.
Not only is it a cause of discomfort by itself, but it can worsen joint and cardiac problems, cause hypertension, and give rise to breathing issues. This is often worsened by their short, pointy snout, which is difficult to breathe through by their very nature.
The big ears are also prone to a lot of infections. They need to be cleaned and the wax removed. Inflammatory bowel disease is an immune disorder of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is fairly common in French bulldogs.
The intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells, making digestion and absorption of food difficult and also causing pain. Signs of chronic diarrhea, vomiting, or bleeding per oral are significant, and a visit to the vet is warranted.
Great Danes
The gentle giants that only want warm hugs and lazy afternoons define the average millennial mood.
That’s possibly what makes them so relatable and beloved. However, a large size implies a host of issues you need to keep in mind if you plan on getting one someday.
The first of them isn’t a health issue, but the costs of keeping such a large pet. A Great Dane can, on average, reach almost 200 pounds and thus have a high cost of food and care. Additionally, vet charges, kennels, and beds for large dogs tend to cost more too.
The other major issue that afflicts Danes is cardiomyopathy.
This means it can have a bad heart issue even if it is otherwise healthy and gets regular exercise. Telltale signs include excessive panting, breathlessness, and swelling of the extremities. A visit to the vet is warranted.
Conclusion
We can see that, while most breeds bring with them issues of maintenance, some are more demanding than others. Worth noting is that there are other breeds, like cockapoo, that need a lot of care, so keep an eye on the internet forums to find real information from actual owners.
For all the love that we shower on our pets, extra care has to be given to a few breeds.
