Border Terrier Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Border Terriers are prone to certain health issues that can affect their quality of life. Hip dysplasia is a common problem that can cause arthritis and mobility issues.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent hip dysplasia. This includes avoiding excessive weight gain and ensuring your Border Terrier gets enough physical activity.

Border Terriers are also susceptible to eye problems, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. These conditions can lead to blindness if left untreated.

As a border terrier owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem.

A change in appetite or water consumption can be a clear signal that your border terrier needs help. This is a crucial sign to watch out for, as it can be a characteristic symptom of many diseases.

Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth are all signs that your border terrier's oral health may be suffering. These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as gum disease or tooth decay.

Itchy skin, scratching, chewing or licking, and hair loss can all be signs that your border terrier is experiencing skin issues. These symptoms can be caused by allergies, fleas, or other skin conditions.

Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping can all be signs that your border terrier is not feeling well. These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an infection or a neurological problem.

Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes can all be signs that your border terrier is experiencing stress or anxiety. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the environment or a medical condition.

Here are some common signs of potential health issues in border terriers:

Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two, and Border Terriers are more likely to have problems with their teeth.

Tartar build-up on the teeth can progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth, which can lead to serious health issues, including kidney, liver, heart, and joint damage.

Border Terriers are also susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which can be prevented through vaccination.

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

Epilepsy is a common health issue in Border Terriers, with many dogs beginning to experience seizures between six months and three years of age.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

Von Willebrand's disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Border Terriers, which can cause severe bleeding after injury or surgery.

For more insights, see: Common Health Issues with Rottweilers

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

Your Border Terrier is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth, which can start with tartar build-up on the teeth and progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

If dental disease is left untreated, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

In fact, your Border Terrier’s life span may be cut short by one to three years if dental disease is not prevented or treated.

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

A different take: English Bulldog Teeth

Border Terriers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which are the same ones that all dogs can get.

These infections are preventable through vaccination, and we'll recommend a vaccination plan based on the diseases we see in our area, your dog's age, and other factors.

Some of these infections can be serious and even life-threatening, so it's essential to stay on top of vaccinations and preventatives.

Many of these infections can be prevented with proper vaccination, which is a crucial part of keeping your Border Terrier healthy.

Vaccinations are not a one-size-fits-all approach, and we'll work with you to create a tailored plan that meets your dog's specific needs.

Parasites are a serious concern for Border owners, as they can invade your dog's body inside and out.

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites can infest your Border's skin and ears, causing discomfort and pain.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into your dog's system through contaminated water, soil, or mosquito bites.

These parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making them a serious concern for everyone in the household.

If left untreated, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death in your canine friend.

Regular testing and preventive medication are essential to keep your Border healthy and parasite-free.

It's crucial to test for parasites on a regular basis to prevent any potential health issues in your dog.

Allergies can be a real nuisance for both humans and dogs. In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze and their eyes itch.

Border Terriers are particularly prone to a skin allergy called atopy, which makes their skin itchy. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.

Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected by atopy in dogs. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of this condition.

The good news is that there are many treatment options available for atopy in dogs.

Take a look at this: English Bulldog Skin Problems

Epilepsy is a common health issue in dogs, and it's essential to understand the different types of seizures they can experience.

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.

Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma.

Primary, or idiopathic epilepsy, is a disease that is often an inherited condition, with Border Terriers commonly afflicted.

If your dog is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age.

An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause of the seizures.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue.

Note the length of the seizure, and call a veterinarian or an emergency hospital.

There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs, ranging in severity from very mild to very severe.

Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result.

Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Border Terriers.

We’ll conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting time or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrand’s disease or other similar disorders to check for this problem before we perform surgery.

Border Terriers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis.

This condition can lead to stiffness, lameness, and difficulty getting up from lying down, especially as your dog matures.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

Young Border Terriers may be prone to a painful degenerative hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

This condition causes the femoral head to become brittle and easily fracture, leading to pain and lameness in one or both rear legs.

It usually occurs between six and nine months of age and often requires surgery.

Early detection and treatment can minimize discomfort and pain, making it essential to keep an eye on your dog's joint health.

X-rays of your dog's bones can help identify issues as early as possible, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of further complications.

Border Terriers are prone to two major health issues: thyroid problems and heart disease. Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to dry skin, hair loss, and weight gain.

Border Terriers can be born with heart defects that affect the heart's structure or electrical signals. Heart valve disease is a leading cause of death in this breed, caused by a weakened valve that allows blood to leak back into the heart.

Regular check-ups and tests can help identify these issues early on. Annual blood screenings can detect hypothyroidism, and special testing may be recommended if a heart murmur is detected or unusual symptoms occur.

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

This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including dry skin and coat, hair loss, and susceptibility to other skin diseases.

Weight gain is also a common sign of hypothyroidism in Border Terriers.

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

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

Replacement hormones can help manage the symptoms of hypothyroidism and improve the overall health of your Border Terrier.

With regular blood screenings and treatment, many Border Terriers can live happy and healthy lives despite their hypothyroidism.

Border Terriers can be born with a variety of heart defects that affect the structure of the heart's dividing wall or vessels.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Border Terriers in their golden years, often caused by weakening of a valve that slowly becomes deformed and allows blood to leak back around it.

Special testing is recommended if you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting, and regular testing is needed to monitor the condition.

Pets with heart valve disease, also known as mitral valve disease, have a heart murmur, and if diagnosed early, medications can prolong their life for many years.

Veterinary dental care and fatty acid supplementation can help prevent heart disease, and weight control can help diminish symptoms.

Sometimes, the sinus node, which signals the heart to beat, doesn't work properly, leading to a very low heart rate and fainting with exercise in Border Terriers with sick sinus syndrome.

Border Terriers are prone to certain health issues, but with proper care and attention, many of these can be prevented or managed. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly, and twice a year stripping is also required for her wiry double coat.

To keep your Border Terrier's teeth healthy, brush them at least three times a week. This is crucial, as Border Terriers often have serious problems with their teeth. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy, to prevent infections.

A consistent diet is key to your Border Terrier's overall health. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and keep her diet consistent by avoiding people food. Regular exercise is also essential, but be sure not to overdo it at first, especially for young puppies.

Here are some essential home care and prevention tips for your Border Terrier:

Spaying or neutering your Border Terrier is one of the best things you can do for their health and well-being.

Spaying or neutering 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 surgery also gives your veterinarian a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop, such as hip problems or dental issues.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

If your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this is a good time to do it, as it's convenient and easy for both you and your pet.

Caring for Your Pet is a crucial aspect of responsible dog ownership. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your Border Terrier stays healthy and happy.

To keep your dog out of trouble, supervise her as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, picking up after yourself, and blocking off rooms as necessary. This will prevent her from getting into objects she shouldn't put in her mouth.

Brushing your Border Terrier's coat is a must, at least weekly, and twice a year stripping is required for her wiry double coat. This will keep her coat clean and healthy.

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Border Terriers often have serious problems with their teeth, so brushing them at least three times a week is essential. This will prevent painful dental issues and keep her breath fresh.

Cleaning your dog's ears weekly, even as a puppy, is crucial to prevent infections and keep her ears healthy. Don't worry, you'll learn how to do it with ease!

To keep your Border Terrier's mind and body active, exercise her regularly, but don't overdo it at first. This will prevent boredom and keep her engaged.

Here's a quick rundown of essential care tasks for your Border Terrier:

By following these simple care tasks, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted Border Terrier.

As a Border Terrier owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise in your furry friend. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of a serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem.

A change in appetite or water consumption can be a red flag. If your Border Terrier is eating more or less than usual, or drinking more water than usual, it's worth investigating.

Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth are all signs that your Border Terrier needs dental care. Regular brushing of her teeth and coat can help prevent these issues.

Itchy skin, scratching, chewing or licking, and hair loss can be caused by allergies or skin conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to take action.

Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping can be signs of a underlying medical issue. If your Border Terrier is acting sluggish or sleeping more than usual, it's worth a trip to the vet.

Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes can be caused by a range of factors, including medical issues or environmental changes. If you notice any changes in your Border Terrier's behavior, it's essential to investigate.

Here are some signs that require immediate veterinary attention:

If you notice any of these signs, seek medical care immediately. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your furry friend's health.