Our dogs are our beloved companions, and we love them wholeheartedly. This is just one reason why understanding their healthcare needs is so important.
Before you adopt a dog, you should know that certain breeds are far more prone to getting sick and facing health complications than other breeds. This means that some pups will have a shorter lifespan, and you might face the challenge of watching them suffer. To make sure you know what you’re getting into, here are some of the breeds with the most health problems.
1. English Bulldogs
English Bulldogs are a firm favorite all over the world. Their stout build, soft, wrinkly skin, and floppy ears are iconic in the pet world. They’re also charming and loveable pups, truly encapsulating the prim and proper air of a British grandad.
However, because of their genetics and some physical characteristics, they’re prone to quite a number of health problems, the predominant issue being breathing difficulties. The infamous flat nose of the Bulldog is cute, but it’s also the unfortunate cause of Brachycephalic Syndrome, a respiratory condition that’s rather difficult to treat and manage.
Aside from breathing difficulties, English Bulldogs are also known to struggle with their joints, often being diagnosed with conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Some other health problems they might face include:
- Cherry eye
- Entropion
- Ear infections
- Heart disease
2. Pugs
Another highly popular breed that’s frequently unwell is the loveable Pug, who hails from China but is popular all over Europe and the rest of the world too. Their curly tails aren’t the only charming thing about them, as they’re affectionate and playful pups who get along swimmingly with children and make incredible family pets.
Much like the Bulldog, though, Pugs are also cursed with that infamous short muzzle, often coughing as they struggle to breathe. They’re prone to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, which can be lifelong and debilitating for these dogs.
Pugs are also highly prone to obesity, as these little pooches simply love to eat and aren’t as energetic as other breeds. On top of this, they often face skin issues because of all their folds and wrinkles.
Pugs can also struggle with the following:
Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Encephalitis
3. German Shepherds
A bigger breed on this list is the ever-popular German Shepherd. This is a working breed that has been used for years in the police force and military, so they’re no stranger to hard work! They’re big, muscular dogs with shaggy coats and pointed ears. They’re also highly intelligent and loyal to a fault!
However, German Shepherds are prone to a number of health problems. They’re particularly sensitive to a life-threatening condition called Gastric Torsion, more commonly known as Bloat, which is relatively common in dogs. This occurs when your pooch’s stomach fills up with gas and twists in on itself, causing serious pain for the pup. It can be managed and prevented by feeding your dog smaller meals, but surgery might be required to untwist the stomach.
The German Shepherd also often deals with:
- Allergies
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4. Cocker Spaniels
You might be surprised to see such an energetic and happy-go-lucky pup on this list, but the friendly Cocker Spaniel is another breed that struggles with their health quite a bit. They’re well-loved for their sweet personalities, soft, shiny coats, and big floppy ears, but they might have you visiting the vet more often than you’d like!
Because of those sweet, floppy ears of theirs, Cocker Spaniels are incredibly prone to getting ear infections. You’ll need to pay close attention to keeping them clean and dry and watch out for any signs of redness, bad smells, or discharge. These dogs also struggle with cataracts, glaucoma, and some other eye conditions that can eventually lead to blindness.
Aside from these, your Cocker Spaniel might struggle with:
- Hip dysplasia
- Various heart conditions
- Skin problems like dryness and allergies
5. Dachshunds
Short legs, long body – that’s what these spunky dogs are best known for. If you think about it, they really do look like multicolored sausages with legs in the way they wiggle around. As cute as they are to look at, Dachshunds are unfortunately predisposed to a number of frustrating health issues.
First off, their strange stature often leads to a common issue known as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which can cause them pain, paralysis, or other neurological issues. Essentially, the discs between their vertebrae can degenerate and become damaged, causing discomfort and further complications.
Additionally, Dachshunds are prone to weight gain and obesity. Of course, this excess weight can exacerbate their back problems as well as lead to other health issues down the line. Weight management is especially important for these pooches, who might also suffer from:
- Dental issues
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
6. Boxers
A big, tough German breed like a Boxer might not strike you as a sickly type of animal. They’re athletic, active, and full of life. However, this doesn’t make them immune to certain common health issues, and they’re still considered a high-maintenance pet when it comes to their wellness.
The first issue to be aware of is Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a debilitating condition that affects the Boxer’s nervous system and lower spinal cord. Over time, dogs affected by this will suffer full paralysis of their lower body. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease, and treatment involves medication to manage pain as well as canine wheelchairs to keep your pooch mobile.
Boxers are also prone to Cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that is more common in Boxers than any other breed. This disease causes an irregular heartbeat and even fainting spells, but can be managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
On top of these, Boxers can also struggle with:
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Seizures
