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5 Dog Breed Health Problems: Early Prevention Strategies

Pet Care Tips 4 min read
5 Dog Breed Health Problems: Early Prevention Strategies

Prevention— it’s the magic word to keep your dog’s health optimized. Generations of selective breeding have produced all the breeds that we have come to know and love. Unfortunately, it has also put dogs at risk for many health problems that affect both their body and their behavior. But there’s hope! By understanding our dog’s genetic breed disposition, we can take steps now to make sure their bodies and minds are equipped to help fight illness.

Today we examine five popular dog breeds in the USA, the most common illness associated with each dog breed, as well as what steps you can take now to prevent and aid common breed illnesses.

For information on other common breeds and their illnesses, please visit our “remedies by breed” page

Black Lab

1. Labrador Retrievers: Hip dysplasia and knee and joint problems

Common with all large dogs, hip dysplasia and joint problems often lead to severe discomfort for your pet. An effective preventative strategy, beginning at middle age, will help combat the severity and discomfort of this common health problem. To prevent and lessen discomfort from hip dysplasia and knee and joint issues with your labrador retriever, we suggest the following:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight with a nutritional diet and regular exercise; increased weight puts pressure on the joints.
  • When and if possible exercise your pet at a nearby park. The soft surface will help alleviate the stress on their joints from harder surfaces.
  • Begin natural supplements to help decrease inflammation, discomfort, and aid mobility in the joints. We suggest beginning our Aging and Joint Care Kit when your retriever is middle age. The Aging and Joint Care Kit contains:
    • PetOmega-3, which will aid in inflammation.
    • Multi Essentials, which will increase nutrition (nutrition, exercise, and hereditary factors greatly affect the occurrence of hip dysplasia).
    • Yucca, which will aid with discomfort.
    • And Old Timer, which will help ease inflammation and help aid arthritis.
German Shepherd aggression

2. German Shepherds: Aggression

Early socialization is key to helping your German Shepherd understand appropriate behavior.

German Shepherds are among the most loyal and trainable breeds of dogs. However, in the US, German Shepherds lead the pack for reported dog bites and a tendency for attacking smaller animals. Early socialization is key to helping your German Shepherd understand appropriate behavior. Be sure to seek the advice of a reputable trainer who uses positive reinforcements for good behavior rather than punishment for unacceptable behavior.

We strongly suggest the use of our Matricalm for German Shepherd’s exhibiting any aggressive behavior. Matricalm is safe for younger dogs. The herbs in Matricalm, such as Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Hops, and Valerian will work to reduce excitability and anxiety, allowing your German Shepherd to be more calm and responsive to training.

Bulldogs and heart conditions

3. Bulldogs: Heart Conditions

Heart Conditions, including congenital heart defects, are one of the leading causes of death in bulldogs. Prevention and knowledge are absolutely vital as a pet parent of a bulldog. Key preventative strategies for heart conditions in bulldogs are:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight – bulldogs are prone to obesity, which can be very difficult on the heart.
  • Supplements: As heart disease and defects are so common with this breed, we suggest the use of natural supplements at an early stage. Begin with the maintenance dosage of NHV Hearty Heart and NHV TurmericNHV Hearty Heart will help boost blood flow, while NHV Turmeric (a known superfood) will help improve circulatory function.
Standard Poodles: Addison's Disease

4. Standard Poodles: Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce the hormones needed for normal functioning. There is a genetic predisposition among Standard poodles for Addison’s Disease. Signs can be hard to identify while Addison’s disease is developing, however, severe consequences, such as shock and kidney failure can develop suddenly. Watch your poodle carefully for any signs of Addison’s Disease, which include increased thirst, dehydration, and increased urination. Since Standard poodles are prone to Addison’s Disease begin a natural supplement like NHV Supraglan early on. We recommend starting with maintenance dosage.

ear infections in beagles 5 Dog Breed Health Problems: Early Prevention Strategies

5. Beagles: Ear Infections

Those adorable floppy ears can mean that the inner ear does not receive sufficient airflow causing moist air to be trapped leading to ear infections. Inspect your dog’s ears regularly and note any unusual temperature changes, changes in skin color or condition, sudden increases in moisture, or other changes. Ask your veterinarian how to clean your beagle’s ears properly. You can use NHV’s Echo Gold as preventative care once a week. Be sure to warm the product by placing the bottle under hot running water for 30 seconds, place a few drops into the ear canal, and wipe the outer ear area as well.

For more information on breed-related illness and what natural supplements can be used as preventative care options, reach out to one of our pet experts.

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: August 3, 2015

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