For most dogs, a regular annual check-up paired with a reasonably healthy and active lifestyle is enough to sustain them until their later years. However, certain types of dogs are genetically-disposed to require more frequent vet visits or fall ill at a younger age.
Dog Breeds with Highest Health Risks
Remember that each dog, no matter their breed, is unique. You may have a high-risk dog who still manages to live a long and healthy life, free of the illnesses common to their breed. Understanding the potential risks that your dog faces can help you take effective steps towards prevention and better monitor their health overall.
Below are some breeds of dog who visit the vet more than others:
Cocker Spaniel
Bred as a hunting dog in both the UK and US, the cocker spaniel has amazing tracking abilities. Unfortunately, this breed also has tendencies towards orthopedic issues, epilepsy, heart diseases, and liver disease.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a favorite for families and well-known for their civic roles in the police force and as seeing-eye dogs. Despite their high level of intelligence, the breed is plagued with a list of health concerns and a relatively short life expectancy. Hip and elbow dysplasia, Bloat, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Cataracts, and Degenerative Disc Disease are just a few amongst the common health concerns for German Shepherds.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers have a shorter life expectancy than most dogs. They are also likely to develop cancer at a younger age than dogs of other breeds.
Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds. Sadly, the average lifespan of a Golden Retriever has fallen to only ten years. They are also most likely to develop cancer, with a more than 60-percent cancer rate. Golden Retrievers are also prone to allergies, dysplasia of the hips and elbows, and other more common health issues.
Doberman Pinschers
These strong and fast watchdogs are known to have an elevated risk for developing copper hepatopathy, which leads to liver disease. They are also associated with a higher-than-average propensity for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and cervical vertebral instability, also known as the Wobbler Syndrome.
Bulldogs
Bulldogs are a short nose breed, which makes them vulnerable to significant breathing problems. More than two-thirds are found to have hip dysplasia. These and other health concerns make bulldogs one of the most expensive dogs to care for.
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