Beagles are awesome dogs to have in the family. As with all dogs, however, they have their own specific set of health problems and needs.
By Steve Wright
A cookie cutter approach to the health of dogs is simply not appropriate, so it is best to have some knowledge in advance as to just what you will be required to do to keep your Beagle happy and healthy, expanding its lifespan in a positive way.
It is worth noting that Beagles are relatively healthy dogs all things considered and the likelihood is that your new puppy will be happy and healthy Their average lifespan of 13 years means that they can live longer, healthily with the right amount of care and attention. Here are some tips and issues for your Beagle:
Puppies
The key to successfully integrate a new Beagle puppy into the home is advanced planning. Being taken away from mom and the littermates is a stressful event for a puppy, so try to make that transition to your living space as easy as possible. This includes making note of the exact food that the puppy is eating (a change to something new should be made over time), finding a vet that you trust and that has experience, and simply making sure that children and any other animals are introduced slowly as to not scare the new addition to the family.
Preventative care
The best way to make sure that your beagle leads a healthy life is through preventative health care. Reacting to health issues is obviously important, but by being out in front of any potential problems and by treating your Beagle in the correct way you can really mitigate the amount and type of health care that is needed,
Vaccinations are important. Spending $500 a year on the right shots, basic medications, and chew toys that will help with dental care will save you a lot of money, and worry, in the long run. The next big need for your Beagle is exercise. Beagle’s are a breed of dog that does well living indoors in a family space. They are able to adapt to that environment, but they still need plenty of daily exercise to stay in shape. Walks are obviously good, but taking your Beagle to a dog park once or twice a week will give your dog both physical exercise and the social interaction he needs.
Providing your Beagle with the right food and nutrition is also important. Make sure the food you are giving your pup has the daily nutrients he needs, and make sure to portion control it. Add in healthy snacks and treats that your dog will look forward to but that won’t hurt its health. A comfortable bed to rest on is also very important for Beagles. Sleeping on a hard floor every night will impact your pet’s joints and muscles and leave it more susceptible to arthritis and other issues in later life.
There are also a number of specific conditions in which Beagles are prone to suffer. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common complaint and one that can be easily avoided with a diet that doesn’t include table scraps or rawhides. Eye problems are also important to look out for later in life, but they are less common than in some other breeds as Beagles do not have protruding eyes.
Take care of your Beagle, especially early in his life through basic preventative measures, and you will have a family friend for well over a decade.