BEAGLE HEALTH AND CARE

A fenced backyard is essential for a scenthound like the Beagle. When outdoors, keeping your Beagle on a leash in open areas or securely confined and supervised is important. Beagles have a natural tendency to wander, so it’s common for them to try to escape. To ensure a swift return if they do get out, ensure your Beagle is microchipped and wears identification tags on their collar. Some people opt for underground electronic fences, but these may not deter other animals from entering your yard, and a tempting scent can lead your Beagle to disregard the momentary shock.

Obedience training is beneficial for all dogs, but Beagles respond best to positive reinforcement techniques. When treated harshly, they may switch off and become unresponsive. Most Beagles are highly motivated by treats, making them eager to learn and obey commands.

Adolescent Beagles are full of energy and require ample opportunities to release it. They enjoy walking with their family or running across a field to satisfy their hunting instincts (though proper recall training is crucial before off-leash activities). You can also take them jogging, but it’s best to wait until they are 18 months old for repetitive exercises like this.

As Beagles mature, they might become more sedentary and content to lounge around the house all day. However, it’s crucial to prevent them from becoming lazy and overweight, as they are prone to obesity. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential to keep your Beagle healthy and happy.

Not all Beagles will develop every listed disease, but it’s essential to be aware of these conditions if you consider this breed.

  • Hip Dysplasia: An inherited condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to pain and lameness. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred.
  • Cherry Eye: A condition where the gland under the third eyelid protrudes and needs removal.
  • Glaucoma: An eye disease that causes abnormally high eye pressure, leading to vision loss and blindness. It can be hereditary or secondary to other factors.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disorder causing blindness due to the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye.
  • Distichiasis: Extra eyelashes grow on the oil gland in the eye, causing irritation and squinting. Surgical removal is required.
  • Epilepsy: A neurological condition leading to seizures, which can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment.
  • Hypothyroidism: A disorder of the thyroid gland treatable with medication and diet.
  • Patellar Luxation: The patella is misaligned, causing lameness and potential arthritis. Severity can vary, and surgery may be needed for severe cases.
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a degenerative condition affecting the intervertebral discs, the cushions between the vertebrae in the spine, which can cause pain, weakness, and paralysis in dogs.
  • Abscesses in dogs: An abscess in dogs is a localized pocket of pus that forms due to infection, typically caused by bacteria. It occurs when the body responds to infection by isolating the bacteria and surrounding tissues, creating a collection of pus. Abscesses are often painful, swollen, and warm to the touch.

When purchasing a Beagle puppy, ensure the breeder provides health clearances for both parents, including tests for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, thrombopathia, and normal eyes certified by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). Preparing for potential veterinary needs throughout your dog’s life is wise, and a pet insurance plan can help you stay ready.