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Beagles often live for 12 to 15 years, but they do have a few common health problems including ear issues, distichiasis and obesity.
Floppy earsThe Beagle's ears are long and floppy, which can trap warm moist air or prevent air from reaching the ear canals. This condition can be successfully treated with regular cleaning daily and sometimes medication for major cases. A good preventative measure is a diet consisting of lamb and rice dog food. Careless bathing can get water into their ears, potentially causing ear infections.
DistichiasisSometimes their eyelashes grow into the eye and irritate the eye, alsoknown as distichiasis; this might require surgery to remove theeyelashes.
ObesityA common health problem due to people overfeeding themin response to their playful and gentle behavior. Most will overeat ifgiven the chance. A healthy Beagle should have some definition to itswaist and have an hourglass appearance when viewed from above. Youshould be able to feel their ribs. Excessive weight can lead toproblems such as hip dysplasia and heart trouble. They need exerciseand a good diet.
Heart DiseaseSome Beagles are prone to congenital heart disease.
PolyarthritisIn some rare cases the breed may developpolyarthritis (where the immune system attacks the joints) even at ayoung age. This can be sometimes treated effectively with cortisone.
Other conditionsThey are also prone to seizures and epilepsy. This disease is treatable with medication. Some Beagles, like most dogs, are prone to various forms of cancer, such as Lymphoma. |
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