Beagle Health Issues: What Every Owner Should Know

Bubbly, adorable, and always ready to make new friends, beagles are loveable with a capital “L.” When they’re at their best, they’re the best. While they are a generally healthy and hardy breed, common beagle health issues can arise, particularly as they age. Luckily, most health concerns are quite treatable, and with the proper knowledge, you can nip plenty of them in the bud throughout a Beagle’s lifespan. Read on for general health information about your beagle puppy, a comprehensive guide to beagle health issues, and tips to keep your beagle’s future bright.

While those cute, floppy ears are one of the beagle’s biggest selling points, they also lead to an unfortunate side effect: ear infections. Dog ear canals are shaped like an “L,” with a hard corner at the bottom that can lead to fluid buildup. At the same time, a beagle’s droopy ears hang over the ear canal and keep air from entering, creating the perfect environment for bacteria, which love damp and dark environments. If you notice any of the following pet health issue signs, your beagle may be dealing with an ear infection¹:

• Scratching or pawing the affected ear
• Head shaking
• Unpleasant odor near the ear
• Redness and swelling
• Pus or other discharge

In serious cases, especially when the infection has reached the inner ear, your beagle’s balance may be impaired. If your beagle has come down with an outer ear infection, Veterycin’s Triple Action Ear Treatment may be the perfect addition to your pup’s self-care routine. That said, most beagle ear problems are easily resolved with treatment, but they won’t go away without intervention. Reach out to your vet if you spot any signs of trouble.

Several popular dog breeds are at risk of developing hip dysplasia, and beagles are one of them. A genetic disorder, hip dysplasia occurs when the hip’s ball and socket joint don’t grow at the same rate. This imbalance leads to a ball that is smaller than the socket, making it slide around instead of holding firm.² This slippage can lead to painful movement, arthritis, and, in extreme cases, lameness (this is rare, don’t worry). Since it’s genetic, hip dysplasia isn’t a dog health problem that you can predict or treat ahead of time. But various factors influence how likely it is to show up²:

• Diet – Poor diet can contribute to uneven bone growth.
• Exercise – Too much or too little physical activity can be a contributor.
• Weight – Large dogs are at higher risk, so owners should keep them at a recommended ean Beagle weight.

Fortunately, as a paw parent, these factors are within your control. Feeding them a nutritious diet, ensuring optimal exercise, and avoiding overfeeding can improve their odds tremendously. As far as treatment, if a younger dog develops hip dysplasia, surgery may be an option (younger pups tend to recover better than older ones). Otherwise, treatment will be any of the following³:

• NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories) – This is the most common way to relieve symptoms.
• Physical therapy – Certain exercises can mitigate some of the associated mobility issues.
• Cold laser treatment – A non-invasive way of stimulating cell regeneration.

Most dogs still enjoy a high quality of life while living with hip dysplasia, so don’t fret if your pup starts showing symptoms.

Another genetic issue, the exact cause of epilepsy is unknown. Epilepsy triggers seizures, which are sudden rushes of electrical activity in the brain that provoke involuntary muscle movement or loss of consciousness.⁴ They often pop up during changes in brain state, such as times of extreme excitement or when a dog starts to fall asleep. The following symptoms can be signs of a seizure in dogs⁵:

• Trouble balancing
• Loss of consciousness
• Chomping or biting at the air
• Foaming at the mouth
• Twitching and jerking
• Collapsing or stiffening
• Urinating or defecating involuntarily

If your beagle does have a seizure, you should:

• Stay calm
• Clear the area of any objects that might pose a danger
• Keep your hands clear of their mouth, as they may bite involuntarily
• Track the episode length
• Call the vet once your dog has recovered

This may sound scary, and a seizure can definitely look frightening, but your beagle isn’t likely to experience any pain, and epilepsy is treatable in most cases. Dogs with epilepsy can live long and joyful lives, and in some cases, they may not even require treatment. If a vet decides it’s necessary, they will prescribe anti-seizure medication, which will help prevent seizures or reduce the severity of seizures, if they do occur.

A strange fact you may not know: dogs actually have three eyelids.⁶ Weird, right? The third eyelid, whose job is to produce tears, can sometimes slip out of place and become prolapsed, leading to a condition called cherry eye. Cherry eye can look pretty alarming: a bright red bulge in your pet’s eye. Luckily, it doesn’t hurt and your beagle probably won’t even notice anything’s going on. Because the third eyelid is responsible for tears, however, their eyes can become dry over time. If you notice a cherry eye appear, schedule an appointment with your vet. In most cases, using artificial tears throughout the day can help to return their eye back to normal. Sometimes, however, minor corrective surgery may be necessary.

Common in many large and medium-size breeds, hypothyroidism occurs when a dog has chronically low levels of the thyroid hormone.⁷ Rather than appearing as a sudden onset of problems, hypothyroidism usually creeps up over time. Some common symptoms are⁸:

• Fatigue – Your beagle may appear lethargic and uninterested in life
• Weight gain – If your beagle’s weight suddenly balloons, it could be hypothyroidism
• Hair loss – Losing fur without explanation is cause for concern
• Skin troubles – Hypothyroidism may cause a dull coat and flaky skin
• Shivering – Dogs with thyroid issues may become highly sensitive to the cold

If you notice these symptoms, a visit to the vet is in order. Your vet will order lab work to confirm the presence of hypothyroidism. If that is the issue, they may prescribe a hormone-balancing medication, which your dog will need to take twice a day. If you administer the medication as directed, symptoms should resolve and your beagle can play on with no trouble.

While it’s never fun to think about the potential health problems facing your furry friend, you should take heart: beagles are renowned for their vitality and good genes. Their care also plays a big role, and that’s where you, a loving paw parent, can really step up to the plate. Let’s go over a few simple ways you can support your pup’s health and keep them thriving.

Just like with humans, a dialed-in diet crafted with balanced dog nutrition in mind can work wonders. Ensure you serve high-quality pet food that meets all nutritional requirements. It’s also an excellent idea to add supplements, as even the finest food can’t deliver everything a dog needs. Options like the ALL-IN-1 from Vetericyn, can fill nutritional gaps and promote vibrant overall health.

Anytime unusual symptoms pop up, you should call your vet. Even pups that appear fit as fiddles should get in the habit of going in for a checkup at least once a year. Regular checkups boost your pet’s health by helping to⁹:

• Spot warning signs – Many serious problems start with minor symptoms. Early detection renders many potential health problems a non-issue.
• Set a baseline – Routine checkups, ideally starting in puppyhood, establish what “normal health” means for your pup. This makes it easier to tell when something’s off.
• Highlight changing needs – A pair of expert eyes can recommend lifestyle adjustments or treatments to help support your beagle as they age.

If you already have a beagle in your life, you know they can sometimes pass for the energizer bunny—they just keep on going. Make sure to give them opportunities to work their bodies and channel that wellspring of energy. Fetch, walks, and playdates with other pups are all ideal ways to get their hearts pumping and muscles moving. An active dog is a healthy dog, with a lower risk of heart disease.

Finally, you’ll want to take good care of their skin and fur. A dirty, matted, or constantly damp coat leads to skin infections and hot spots. Be sure to give them a full bath at least once a month, and use a top-of-the-line pet shampoo, like Vetericyn Foamcare Medicated Pet Shampoo—it sprays on for easy application and effortless soothing.

Nothing brightens your life quite like a beagle’s sweet exuberance. It’s only natural to want to do everything you can to enhance their health and help them steer clear of health troubles. At Vetericyn, that’s our mission, too. Our line of expertly crafted, veterinarian-approved animal wellness products provides a full spectrum of support for puppies and gray whiskers alike. Join the Vetericyn family today and discover how we can help your pet flourish!