Bluetick Coonhound Health Issues Every Owner Should Be Aware Of

As a Bluetick Coonhound owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in the breed, which can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

Hip dysplasia can cause your Bluetick Coonhound to limp or show signs of pain when walking or running. This is because the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to a loose fit between the ball and socket.

Eye problems are another significant concern for Bluetick Coonhounds. They are prone to conditions like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia, which can cause vision loss and blindness.

These eye issues can start showing symptoms as early as six months old, so regular eye check-ups are crucial to catch any problems early.

For more insights, see: Hip Problems in Border Collies

Bluetick Coonhounds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, just like all dogs. These can be serious, but many are preventable.

Parvo, rabies, and distemper are some of the infections that Bluetick Coonhounds can get. These are all serious diseases that can have severe consequences if left untreated.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which is recommended based on the diseases we see in our area, the dog's age, and other factors.

Bluetick Coonhounds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a genetic condition that can cause arthritis and stiffness in the joints. This can lead to lameness and difficulty getting up from lying down.

As your Bluetick Coonhound matures, you may notice stiffness in the elbows or hips. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in minimizing discomfort and pain.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent or delay the onset of this condition.

Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years, and Bluetick Coonhounds are at a higher risk for certain types of cancer starting at a younger age. Early detection through regular check-ups and blood tests can be critical in treating and curing many types of cancer.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a genetic disease that affects Bluetick Coonhounds, causing their joints to develop improperly and leading to arthritis.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis.

Stiffness in your Bluetick's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down.

We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. We'll take X-rays of your dog's bones to identify issues as early as possible.

Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

Paralysis can be a frightening condition for dog owners, but in the case of Coonhound Paralysis, most Bluetick Coonhounds recover over the course of a few weeks with intensive care and rehabilitation.

This disease causes rapid loss of leg function and sometimes complete paralysis, but it gradually improves with time. It usually occurs after a dog has received a bite from a raccoon and is thought to be caused by an immune system reaction to raccoon saliva.

Coonhound Paralysis can also happen to dogs with no raccoon exposure, which makes it a bit of a mystery. However, with proper care and rehabilitation, dogs can make a full recovery.

In most cases, dogs will regain their leg function and be back to their old selves in a few weeks. With patience and the right treatment, even the most severe cases of Coonhound Paralysis can be overcome.

Blueticks are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.

Dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes can be signs of hypothyroidism.

We’ll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.

Annual blood screenings can help catch hypothyroidism early, making treatment more effective.

Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years. Your Bluetick Coonhound is a bit more prone to certain kinds of cancer starting at a younger age.

Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them. Some types are treatable with chemotherapy.

Early detection is critical! We'll do periodic blood tests and look for lumps and bumps at each exam.

Bloat is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect Bluetick Coonhounds. This breed is more at risk due to their deep, narrow chests.

Symptoms of bloat include retching or heaving, acting restless, having an enlarged abdomen, or lying in a prayer position with front feet down and rear end up. These symptoms can appear quickly and can be fatal if left untreated.

Preventive surgery can be an option to prevent the stomach from twisting and cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen. This surgery involves tacking down or suturing the stomach in place so it's unlikely to twist.

Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two.

Unfortunately, your Bluetick Coonhound is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth.

Tartar build-up on the teeth is the first sign of dental disease, which can progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

If we don’t prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

Your Bluetick Coonhound’s life span may be cut short by one to three years if dental disease is left untreated.

We’ll clean your dog’s teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean.

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Bluetick Coonhounds, causing or worsening joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

It's tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, but this can lead to obesity, which is a serious disease.

Giving your Bluetick Coonhound leftover people food and doggie treats can "love her to death" with unhealthy calories.

Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or take her for a walk. She'll feel better, and so will you!

Obesity is a serious disease that requires attention and care to prevent and manage.

Parasites can invade your Bluetick's body, inside and out, and cause pain, discomfort, and even death. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member.

For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so it's essential that we test for them on a regular basis. Regular testing can help prevent these parasites from getting a foothold in your Bluetick's system.

We'll also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy, and it's crucial to follow through on these recommendations to prevent parasite infestations. By taking proactive steps, you can help protect your Bluetick from the dangers of parasites.

Bloat is a serious condition that can affect dogs, especially those with deep, narrow chests like your Bluetick. This means your dog is more at risk than other breeds.

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, also known as GDV or Bloat, usually occurs when a dog's stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. This twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen.

If left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave, but little or nothing comes out.

Your dog may also act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up) if they are experiencing bloat.

Your body is designed to handle a certain amount of food at a time, but when you overeat, it can put a strain on your digestive system.

The amount of food you eat is directly related to the amount of digestive enzymes your body produces. Eating large meals can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to digestive issues.

A typical meal for most people is around 500-700 calories, but some people can eat up to 1,000 calories in a single meal without issues. However, this can still put a strain on your digestive system.

Your body produces digestive enzymes in response to the type of food you eat, not just the amount. This is why eating a large meal of high-fiber foods can be easier on your digestive system than eating a large meal of low-fiber foods.

Some people's bodies are more efficient at handling large meals than others, but it's still possible for anyone to experience digestive issues from eating too much.

Expand your knowledge: Heat and Dogs Not Eating

Coonhound Paralysis is a disease that causes rapid loss of leg function and sometimes complete paralysis but gradually improves with time.

It usually occurs after a dog has received a bite from a raccoon and is thought to be caused by an immune system reaction to raccoon saliva.

With intensive care and rehabilitation, most Bluetick Coonhounds recover over the course of a few weeks.

This shows that with the right care, even severe health issues can be overcome.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for your Bluetick Coonhound's health. These check-ups will help detect any potential health issues early on, making it easier to prevent or treat them.

You should adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that your veterinarian recommends for your dog. This is when they'll give your Bluetick Coonhound the necessary "check-ups" and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Blueticks.

Pet health insurance is a vital investment for your dog's well-being. It will help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures your Bluetick Coonhound may need throughout her life.

Brushing your Bluetick Coonhound's teeth regularly is essential for her oral health. This simple habit can help prevent dental problems and keep her teeth clean.

Watching your Bluetick Coonhound's diet is also crucial for her overall health. Make sure she gets the right amount of food and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding her.

You should call your veterinarian or a pet emergency hospital if you notice anything unusual about your Bluetick Coonhound's behavior or physical condition. This will ensure she receives prompt medical attention if needed.

Spaying or neutering your Bluetick is one of the best things you can do for their health. This surgical procedure decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

In females, spaying means surgically removing the ovaries and usually the uterus, while in males, neutering means surgically removing the testicles. This can also give your veterinarian a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop.

Performing this surgery while your pet is under anesthesia can be a convenient and easy opportunity to address other health issues, such as hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extraction. This can be a good time to take care of any other health concerns your pet may have.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery can help identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Don't worry, your veterinarian will discuss the specific problems they will be looking for when the time arrives.

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Emergency Care is crucial for Bluetick Coonhounds. If you notice any of the following signs, seek medical care immediately.

Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge can indicate an ear infection. I've seen this happen to my friend's dog, and it's not a pleasant experience.

Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. This is a serious issue that requires prompt attention.

Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes can be a sign of an eye infection or other issue. Keep an eye out for these symptoms and seek help if you notice anything unusual.

Dry heaving or a large, tight, painful abdomen can be a sign of gastrointestinal issues. This could be due to eating something bad or a more serious condition.

Paralysis or loss of leg function is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If you notice your Bluetick Coonhound is having trouble walking or standing, seek medical care right away.

General reluctance to run or play can be a sign of underlying health issues. If your dog is normally energetic and playful, but suddenly seems lethargic, it's worth investigating further.

Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain can be a sign of a variety of health issues, including hypothyroidism. This is a common condition in dogs, but it's still important to get it checked out.

Lumps or bumps can be a sign of skin cancer or other issues. Keep an eye out for any unusual growths and have them checked by a veterinarian.

Worth a look: Dog Eye Health Issues

As a Bluetick Coonhound owner, you want to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy. You can start by watching her diet and making sure she gets plenty of exercise. Regular brushing of her teeth and coat is also essential.

Bluetick Coonhounds generally have low grooming needs, so a weekly brushing of her coat is sufficient. However, it's recommended to brush her teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect. Cleaning her ears weekly, even as a puppy, is crucial to prevent infections.

Supervising your pet as you would a toddler is vital to keep her out of trouble. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary to prevent her from getting into objects she shouldn't put in her mouth. Always walk your Bluetick on a leash, as she has a tendency to run off after interesting smells.

To keep your dog's diet consistent and prevent overeating, it's essential to feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Don't give her people food, as this can lead to digestive issues. Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first, as Bluetick Coonhounds are large and energetic.

Here are some key things to remember: