Common Beagle Health Issues

One part mischievous – one part goofy – Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. They make wonderful companions because they are very affectionate and playful. They are also quite curious and adventurous when they want to be. If you have a Beagle or are thinking about bringing one into your home, you may be wondering about Beagle health issues.

Like every dog breed, Beagles have their own health issues they are prone to. Some of this is from genetics, some from breed-specific characteristics, and some from behavior.

Be sure to read this entire article so you can become educated on what type of health issues your beagle may be at risk for developing. The more aware you are, the more able you will be able to prevent and quickly treat any illness or issue that may arise.

Common Beagle Health Issues

For as lovable and adorable as these pups are, Beagles certainly come with their own set of unique health issues. Regular checkups are a must with a Beagle to head off any potential problems at the pass. The sooner you discover an issue, the sooner you can begin treatments. This leads to better health outcomes for your fur baby.

With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common Beagle health issues:

Ear Infections

One of the cutest things about Beagles are those long, floppy ears. As cute as they are, their ears do require some special care and attention. Since the dog’s inner ear is always closed, there is reduced air flow in the ear canal. This creates a very dark and moist environment. The perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. When these bad pathogens get out of hand, your pup develops an ear infection.

If you notice your Beagle has been scratching at their ear(s) excessively, there is a good chance they have an infection. You might want to lift that floppy ear and give their inner ear a smell. Does it smell yeasty, like bread? 

To prevent ear infections in your Beagle, you’ll want to regularly clean her ears. Depending on how bad the infection is, your vet may want to prescribe a topical or oral medication to clear the infection.

Obesity

If you’re not careful, these pups can become chunky very quickly. Though they are known as a high-energy breed, Beagles are definitely prone to packing on the pounds. This is most likely due to two things: They have a very strong sense of smell and an insatiable appetite. Left to their own devices, a Beagle will sniff out any food left out and eat all of it. 

Beagle parents must be very careful about leaving human food where their pup can get it. Also, be mindful how much dog food you are feeding your pup. If you’re not sure how much they need, speak with your vet who can help you determine the right amount.

Epilepsy

Beagles are more prone to epilepsy than other breeds. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder and typically develops in dogs between the age of two and five. Seizures can be very frightening to witness. They can range from mild to severe and last between 30-60 seconds.

Mild seizures generally cause involuntary movements in your dog. So you might see her legs suddenly going rigid. Signs of a severe seizure can include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Urinating
• Defecating
• Thrashing

If you suspect your Beagle had a seizure, call your veterinarian right away.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is more commonly seen in older Beagles. It’s a disease where the thyroid gland, which is responsible for metabolism, produces less and less thyroid hormone. The result is the dog can experience metabolic changes. 

Beagles experiencing hypothyroidism will typically develop a coarse coat or even experience some hair loss. The condition can also cause weight gain, which is why these pups often suffer from obesity. Luckily, hypothyroidism can easily be controlled with daily medications.

Digestive Problems

Among Beagle health issues, this is perhaps the one that poses the most danger. And that’s because Beagles are a combination of food oriented and very inquisitive. And this means they easily and often ingest things they shouldn’t such as stuffed toys, garbage, and other foreign objects they find curious. This can potentially cause an intestinal blockage that requires an emergency life-saving (and very expensive) surgery. This is one of the reasons more and more Beagle parents are opting to enroll their pup into a pet insurance plan. 

In addition, Beagles have strong scavenger instincts that can lead to coprophagia (eating of feces). Yep, it’s gross, and it can also lead to them ingesting harmful bacteria that can cause GI upset and another trip to the vet.

Take the Very Best Care of Your Beagle with Pet Insurance

When it comes to canine companions, Beagles are about as good as it gets! If you share your life with one, you know. And that’s why it’s so important to take Beagle health issues seriously.

Enrolling your pup into a pet insurance plan means you will always be able to afford the very best care for your fur baby. Most plans are probably more affordable than you think, and many offer reimburse rates of up to 90%!

Take two minutes to get a free customized quote for your pup and give yourself peace of mind.

References:

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/beagle “Beagle Dog breed Health and Care.”
2. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/what-to-know-about-beagles “What to Know About beagles.”
3. https://petcreeks.com/beagle-health-problems/ “7 Most Common Beagle Health Problems: Causes & More”

Thinking of Getting a Beagle?

We reached out to Maja Wisniewska, Director of Hooman’s Friend and a bit of a Beagle expert to see if Beagles are easy to train. Here is Maja’s honest response:

“No, Beagles can present more training difficulties than the average dog breed.

Successful training hinges on your readiness to accommodate their distinctive traits and customise the training approach to align with their needs and temperament.

With their energy and scent-driven instincts, Beagles can quickly become distracted. It’s advisable to structure training into short yet effective sessions, incorporating them into their daily routine two to three times a day. Consistency is vital since their independent nature can render them more stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds.

It’s important to acknowledge that achieving a flawless recall with a Beagle might prove challenging. Their history as hunting dogs, coupled with a strong prey drive, means an alluring scent could tempt them to dash away. Given this, allowing Beagles off-leash is not recommended; they’re often called gifted escape artists. Opt for supervised free running in a securely fenced area to ensure their safety.

Similar to most canines, Beagles respond to training methods rooted in positive reinforcement. Utilising treats, praise, and rewards for good behaviour motivates their learning process. However, be cautious about treat quantities, as Beagles hold a particular weakness for them. Monitoring their calorie intake is crucial to not end up with an obese dog.

Early and consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement can help you successfully train your Beagle whilst building a meaningful bond with your canine friend.”

And there you have it. Beagles are beautiful, intelligent and loving dogs and they can make exceptional companions, so long as you are patient and give them the training they need!

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.